Plan a year of grant deadlines without the last-minute rush
A simple system to track intakes, work backwards from deadlines and decide which applications are worth your time.
Most missed grants are not lost on quality. They are lost because someone found the program two weeks before the deadline. A simple calendar fixes most of that.
1. Build a shortlist, not a wishlist
Keep programs you are clearly eligible for and that fit work you already plan to do. Use the eligibility checklist to cut the rest.
2. Record four dates per program
- When the intake opens (or is expected to).
- Any letter of intent or pre-registration deadline.
- The submission deadline, with time and time zone.
- When decisions are expected, so you can plan cash flow.
3. Work backwards
For a substantial application, a common plan is: decide to apply, gather documents and partner letters, draft, review, final checks, submit a few days early. Portals slow down near deadlines, and registrations (for US federal grants, SAM.gov and Grants.gov) can take weeks.
4. Watch recurring programs
Many programs run every year at roughly the same time. When one closes, note it for next year. On GrantSift, recurring programs are marked "Recurring, next intake TBA".
5. Review monthly
Once a month, check what opens next, what needs work this month and whether anything should come off the list.
Our free deadline calendar lists upcoming dated deadlines from official listings by month, lets you track programs in your browser and download calendar files. You can also browse grants by deadline month.