I was chatting with some folks back in January about the potential for this year’s grant writing season and, at that time, none of us really knew what was going to happen. Would the poor economy cause the grant business to dry up? Would there be more grants than usual because of the availability of federal stimulus money?

I was pleasantly surprised early in the season when so many grants appeared so early. We were submitting federal education and DOJ grants in January, which is a little early, compared to most years. A little bit of stimulus money appeared in the form of discretionary grants, but not much. The season slowed a little in April (I even released the temporary help that I hired for the season) and we thought it was over.

Then came the second wave of releases, and now we’re working on projects that are due in June. A lot of them.

By June I’m usually cleaning off my desk and planning some vacation time (when I’m not at a Giants game, anyway).

This year is a little different. The season keeps going, and going, and going…….which is, of course, really good news. It’s great news for me and my staff. It’s also really good news for any of you who were a little busy worried about things in your organization to get a jump on the grant season this year.

There are still some really good opportunities out there.

Get busy!