Prep Now for 2026: Your Future Self Will Thank You

As this year draws to a close, I am thinking about what’s to come in 2026. I have always loved the slower pace between Christmas and New Years. (Although will things be slower this year?) It gives me an opportunity to plan and organize.

Here’s what’s on my agenda this year.

ASSIGN PROJECT MANAGEMENT TASKS

There are many weekly or monthly tasks HayDay Services tackles. There is no better feeling than scheduling and assigning these tasks, along with setting deadlines, in our project management system. We use Asana, and I love the ability to set up recurring tasks.

It’s nice to know that an entire year’s worth of Hot Takes Newsletters, Fundraising HayDay podcast episodes, patreon content, social media posts, and other activities won’t be overlooked. Planning your whole year at one time means you don’t have to start every Monday wondering what you need to schedule and accomplish that week.

COMPLETE MY GPC RENEWAL

I took the Grant Professional Certified (GPC) Exam in 2007 and received my credentials in early 2008. Since then, I’ve renewed my GPC every three years, and my next one is due February 2026.

I have collected all my necessary points, but I need to fill out all the paperwork and make sure I have all the backup documentation to prove each activity I participated in. I like finishing all my forms a month or two early. That way, if I find I need a few more educational activities I can listen to a webinar or attend a live training to fill any gaps in my knowledge base.

SCHEDULE PROFESSIONAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

This summer will mark my 25th anniversary since becoming a grant professional. And while I spend a big portion of my time training and educating other grant professionals, I’m a big believer in lifetime learning. The end of the year is a great time to think about what conferences, training courses, learning cohorts, and webinars I want to participate in.

I’ll spend some time looking over my options, carving out needed time on my calendar for desired training. Of course, I always leave availability for new options that I learn about throughout the year but knowing what major events I want to attend helps.

WHAT ABOUT YOU?

What are you tackling to make the next year easier for you?

If you’re interested in training options, I must plug HayDay Services. If you’re looking for live, engaging grant writing training for your grants team, then the Grants Lab is just for you. We have three cohorts in 2026. Learn more HERE.

We also offer a series of on-demand content, and if you purchase any modules or full courses by December 31, 2025, you’ll receive 25% off with the coupon HAYDAY2025. You can find the Grants Lab video courses (60-75 minute modules), to watch at your leisure HERE. Or if audio learning in smaller bites (20-30 minute modules) is your preference, check out the Grant Writing Series HERE or the Grant Management Series HERE.

However you plan to expand your learning in 2026, we love that you’re a part of the HayDay community in some way, shape, or form.