Important Update on Grant Application Process and Review Deadlines

Applying for grants can be a complex and time-sensitive process. We understand how important clear deadlines and timely reviews are for applicants planning their projects and funding requests. To improve the efficiency of our grant review process and better serve applicants, we have made a key change to our application timeline that we want to share with you.

Starting with the September 2025 grant deadline, we have removed the September 15 grant review deadline. This decision comes after observing consistently low submission volumes for that review period, which affected the overall review workflow and timing.

Why We Removed the September 15 Review Deadline

Over the past few years, we noticed that the number of applications submitted for review by September 15 was significantly lower compared to other periods. This low volume led to inefficiencies in the review process, including:

• Underutilized reviewer resources during the September review cycle

• Delays in consolidating feedback and awarding grants

• Increased administrative overhead to manage multiple review deadlines with uneven application flow

  
  

By removing the September 15 review deadline, we aim to streamline the review process and focus resources on periods with higher application volumes. This change will help us provide more consistent and timely feedback to applicants.

What This Means for Applicants

If you plan to submit a grant application by the September 2025 deadline, your application will no longer be reviewed on September 15. Instead, all applications received by that deadline will be reviewed together at the December 1 review deadline.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Single review period for September applications: All applications submitted by the September deadline will be reviewed at once in December.

• Notification of awards shortly after December 1: Awardees will receive notice of grant awards soon after the December review.

• More focused review process: Reviewers will have a larger pool of applications to evaluate at one time, improving consistency and fairness.

  
  

This adjustment means a slightly longer wait time between the September application deadline and award notifications, but it will improve the overall quality and efficiency of the review process and conserve reviewing capacity and resources.

Thank You for Your Patience and Continued Interest

We appreciate your understanding as we implement this change. Our goal is to make the grant application and review process as clear and efficient as possible. Your continued participation and feedback help us improve the program.

If you have questions about the new timeline or need assistance with your application, please reach out to Kat Weismiller (kathryn.weismiller@gmail.com). We are here to help you navigate the process successfully.