At FoundationSearch, we are frequently asked whether there is a seasonality to foundation giving, as there is in individual giving and Grant Seeker Opportunity.

Even if foundations have met their minimum giving thresholds, “left over” funds at year-end can leave the impression that those in charge of the grant making process have been unsuccessful in their efforts to locate a worthy recipient. This also presents an opportunity for the grant seeker.

The “new year” for every foundation giving starts the day after “year-end”, with renewed purpose – and funding. All donation budgets and plans are refreshed and await a new cycle of funding requests, decisions and grant awards. The sooner the grant seeker approaches the foundation after the start of their new year, the better the chances are that funding will be available.

So why did I title this blog “the January Effect”? Because December and January see more foundations ending their fiscal years and starting their new ones than any other months in the year. Of the 122,345 foundations contained in FoundationSearch, 87,424 have their year-end during this period.

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