This early communication with the funder may dramatically increase your chances of success. A simple query letter will initiate a positive response from an interested funder. Many foundations only fund grants at certain times of the calendar or fiscal year. Become familiar with the funding schedules for the foundations in which you are interested, and coordinate your submissions with their timetables. Make sure you complete your application in time to meet the funder's deadlines.
Nothing is worse than preparing a submission and missing the deadline by a week.
Unless you have time properly prepare, do not compete for the grant at all. Read the Instructions When dealing with any funder, remember to read the instructions carefully before applying. Simple as it may sound, this advice is very important. Because grantmakers receive so many applications, they are often quick to discard those that do not comply with the instructions. Although the remaining applications may not be the best of those submitted, they have made it over that all-important first hurdle.