By Janine Owen, Founder and CEO of Grant’d
The start of the financial year can feel like a deep breath after the sprint to June 30. But it’s not just a moment to pause, it’s a chance to reset. If you lead a, July is one of the most strategic times to get your house in order, especially if grants are part of your funding mix this year.
July is more than just a new ledger
While you’re refreshing your financials, budget, or operations plan, many funders are doing the same. Government departments have confirmed allocations and corporate programs are finalising the grants they’ll offer in the coming months.
If you wait until grants open to start preparing, you’re already behind. Now is the time to be proactive.
Your grant readiness mid-year reset
Here are five ways to use the new financial year to set your business up for success:
1. Revisit your priorities:
What are you aiming to grow, test or expand this year? What matters most to your organisation right now? Funders respond best to clearly articulated goals.
2. Identify your financial gaps:
Grants should fill specific funding needs, not general shortfalls. Clarify which projects need support and how much you’ll need. If budgeting isn’t your strong suit, now’s a good time to seek advice.
Need help identifying grants or shaping your funding budget? We’ve got you covered.
3. Scan the funding landscape:
Look ahead 3–6 months. What’s likely to open based on recent budgets or government announcements? Which funders back your kind of work? Keep an eye on programs that require longer preparation or partner engagement.
4. Get the team involved:
Whether it’s your staff, board, or co-founders, set time aside to review priorities and assign owners for grant opportunities. If you’re a solo operator, connect with other founders and support each other.
5. Organise your grant toolkit:
Refresh or pull together the basics: a clear business plan, project budgets, your ABN and compliance docs, previous success stories, and any evaluation data you have. Having this on hand saves time when grants land.

Be proactive, not predictive
One of the biggest myths in grant-seeking is that you can wait for the “ideal” window. In reality, every funder works on their own timeline.
Government grants often align with federal and state budgets, but rollout dates vary while larger infrastructure or multi-year grants can take months to prepare.
Emergency or rapid-response funding appears without warning, but if you’re organised, you’ll be ready to apply quickly.
A clear takeaway? Don’t wait to act. Instead, build habits that keep you ready year-round.

Why you need a grants calendar
A 12-month grants calendar isn’t just a list of deadlines – it’s a practical tool that:
- Keeps your team aligned
- Flags key dates well in advance
- Helps you balance internal project timing with external opportunities
- Reduces stress and improves quality through better planning
You can use a basic spreadsheet, a whiteboard, or a digital tool. Grant’d offers an integrated calendar that updates as new grants are added. Whatever you choose, consistency is key.
Final thought
A new financial year doesn’t have to mean more hustle. It can be a chance to lead with intention.
Reassess. Reset. Get ahead of the curve. When you build the systems early, applying for grants becomes easier, faster, and far more strategic.
Want to start the new financial year right? The Grant’d grants calendar is a free way to plan smarter this year.
About the author
Janine Owen is the Founder of Grant’d – Australia’s first AI-powered grants platform, built to help businesses, charities and community organisations find and win funding faster. With over 20 years’ experience in fundraising and more than $100 million raised for some of Australia’s most impactful organisations, Janine now leads Grant’d with a mission to make grants more accessible, strategic, and human.
Learn more at grantd.com.au
Ready to put your grants calendar into action?
At FundFindrs, we’re here to turn your mid-year planning into funding success.
Whether you’re identifying the right grants, preparing your documentation, or navigating the R&D Tax Incentive eligibility requirements, our experienced consultants are by your side. We simplify the application process, reduce stress, and boost your chances of success by applying for grants and tax incentives.
Book your FREE consultation with the FundFindrs team today and take the next step toward funding your future.