The first quarter of 2025 presents a key opportunity for K-12 schools to focus on grant writing and secure essential funding for the upcoming year. This early planning phase aligns with key funding cycles, academic timelines, and budgetary planning, making it an ideal time to act.
Here’s why grant writing should be a priority in the first quarter:
Key Grant Cycles Open in the Spring
Many grant opportunities are announced or reach deadlines in the spring, making the first quarter a crucial time to prepare. Starting early allows schools to dedicate the necessary time to develop strong proposals, gather required documentation, and align applications with grant requirements. This proactive approach positions schools to take advantage of federal, state, and private funding as it becomes available.
Aligning with Academic Planning
The first quarter is when schools begin planning for the next academic year. Focusing on grant writing during this period ensures that funding can support strategic initiatives such as technology upgrades, teacher training programs, or extracurricular activities. Securing grants early allows schools to integrate new resources effectively into their broader academic plans.
Preparing for Spring and Summer Projects
Many grants are designed to fund initiatives like summer enrichment programs, professional development, or facility upgrades. Writing grants in the first quarter ensures that resources are secured well in advance, allowing schools to plan and implement these projects in the next school year.
By acting early, schools can align their efforts with funding cycles, address budgetary needs, and set the stage for a successful academic year. Schools can also explore Part 1: Securing the Future—Grants and Funding for K-12 School Safety and Part 2: Why January is the Perfect Time to Focus on K-12 Grants for additional insights.
For guidance on identifying suitable grants and preparatory steps, schools can connect with Convergint’s Grants & Funding Team. Convergint’s experts provide tailored support to help schools navigate grant opportunities and secure funding aligned with their goals.
Bio
Joy Dike
Lead Grants Researcher and Writer
Joy is recognized as a trusted subject matter expert in federal grants for physical security, particularly within the K-12 sector. With over a decade in the security industry and 15 years of experience in grant writing, Joy brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise. Her extensive background in writing and editing across various disciplines enhances her ability to craft compelling grant proposals. Joy’s experience as a middle and high school science teacher informs her deep understanding of the K-12 security landscape. She also holds a PhD in Science Education. Although the school year has just begun, it’s never too early to start thinking about the upcoming grant cycle for school security, which will open next spring.
Effective security and safety is a multi-layered approach involving people, processes, and technologies. Convergint-provided products and services are only one part of this multi-layered approach, will not detect or prevent all threats or solve every risk, and should not be your sole method of security or safety. Please see the “IMPORTANT PRODUCT SAFETY AND SERVICE INFORMATION” documentation, available at convergint.com/terms, prior to using a Convergint-installed system.
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