Planning for 2026 Grant Success

Grant success doesn’t start with the proposal. It starts with planning. For nonprofits seeking sustainable funding in 2026, the time to prepare is now. Funders notice organizations that are clear on their goals, ready with data, and equipped to deliver. With thoughtful planning, your team can avoid the last-minute scramble and submit stronger, more competitive applications.

Planning

Many funders release their RFPs early in the year. If your team is still catching up in January, key opportunities may slip by. Starting now gives you time to align your programs, sharpen your messaging, and strengthen your internal systems.

Start with a review of this year’s performance. What worked? What didn’t? Take stock of your submitted proposals—wins, losses, and funder feedback. Use this audit to identify areas for improvement, from budget narratives to data quality. Make sure your strategic goals for 2026 are clearly defined, and that your grant strategy aligns with those priorities.

Next, review your data systems. Can you easily report outcomes, not just outputs? Funders want evidence of impact. Confirm that your team can access baseline data, track progress, and report measurable results. If needed, clean your existing data or set up systems to better capture future results.

Review Internal Capacity

Now is also the time to evaluate your internal capacity. Do you have the staff, tools, and time to manage your grant pipeline? Consider whether your team needs training, process improvements, or support from a grant consultant. Build or update your library of standard attachments—board lists, financial statements, IRS letters—and narrative templates that can be customized later.

Research New Prospects

With internal readiness in place, turn to research. Identify funders whose priorities match your mission and programs. Use tools like Candid to build a list of likely prospects. Look for patterns—funders who’ve supported similar organizations, or who are investing in your geographic area or issue. Add submission deadlines to a central calendar so nothing sneaks up on you.

Begin building or deepening relationships with funders now. Reach out with a program update or annual report—not an ask. Invite them to an event or offer a tour. Funders appreciate authenticity and early engagement. These connections build trust and can lead to more receptive proposal reviews down the line.

Don’t forget to test your internal review process. Before the first 2026 grant is due, set up a peer or leadership review step. This extra layer often catches narrative gaps, budget issues, or formatting problems before submission.

Avoid common pitfalls like overcommitting to too many applications, underestimating the time needed, or waiting until a funder announcement to begin writing. Success often comes from steady, proactive work—not a flurry of last-minute effort.

A focused, early approach to grant preparation leads to better proposals and stronger results. Planning ahead shows funders that your organization is thoughtful, capable, and committed to impact.

Cheers,

Michelle Crim, CFRE

Dynamic Development Strategies can help. We offer coaching, grant writing, and fundraising services for our nonprofit clients. We specialize in small to mid-size organizations because we understand your challenges. Please contact us for more information.

https://www.dynamicdevelopmentstrategies.com/