Summer days matter in grant work

The "Dog Days of Summer" have a reputation for slowing everything down. Grant deadlines are lighter, calendars are a little less hectic, and many organizations take a well-earned breath before the busy fall season.

But for me, this is one of the most valuable times of the year.

Summer creates space to learn. I recently joined an Instrumentl webinar featuring Greg Price, president of The Gamble Foundation, and Melissa Morazan, vice president of Client Services and Operations at Foundation Source. Greg and Melissa spoke to an audience via webinar sponsored by Instrumentl to provide “A Funder’s Perspective on What Makes Grantees Stand Out.” A key takeaway was how to use AI to work smarter, not to replace your voice – but that’s a topic for another blog!

It's also a season to strengthen client partnerships. At IMPACT Grant Writing, we don't wait until the next grant deadline to reconnect. We check in, share funding opportunities, make introductions, and simply ask, "How can I help?" Those conversations often uncover opportunities that no grant database ever could.

The quieter pace also allows me to stay connected to the causes that matter personally. Whether volunteering at a regional food bank, networking with community leaders through my local Chamber of Commerce, or participating in initiatives that support healthy aging, these opportunities keep me grounded in the work our clients do every day.

Summer reminds me that progress isn't measured only by proposals submitted or dollars awarded. Sometimes the most meaningful work happens between deadlines — in the relationships we build, the knowledge we gain, and the communities we serve.

As summer continues, I hope you're finding time to invest in those things, too. They'll strengthen your organization long after the season changes.

If you'd like to talk about your organization's grant strategy before the busy fall funding season begins, I'd love to connect.