The credentials behind my name state that I am a certified grant writer with the technical knowledge needed to write a strong grant proposal. I love logic models, evidence-based strategies, and rigorous data collection methods. Those things make my job easier. Yet the clients I...
We’ve all been there. The grant calendar was solidified months ago. Prospective proposals have been spread out across the year so they can each get the attention they’re due and then bam! A last-minute funding opportunity arises, and you just can’t bear to let it...
Recently, I taught a class on prospect research. It sold out in two days. Grant professionals, development directors, and non-profit leaders all wanted to know the best way to do prospect research and how to find time to do it well. As a great consultant, we...
There are 3 reasons why grant writers should be paid regardless of whether a grant is awarded or not. Grant success depends on many things. The quality of the grant writing is only one component. Additional key components include: Whether the grant opportunity is a good match, ...
Many people have asked me over the years how I went from being a music teacher to a grant writer. I think there are two key components which made this a very natural transition for me. My liberal arts music education degree emphasized quality no...
“We can find a way to fix that, can't we?” When I started teaching English Language Learners in 2008, I had no idea the number of times I would say that phrase. I have found myself in over my head numerous times with that statement, but...
My early days in the nonprofit development world consisted of tracking donations in Raisers Edge, writing thank you letters, drafting E-newsletters, answering phones, and supporting the department through various administrative tasks. Oh, and recruiting my hubby to lift heavy objects at special events while I...
Simply put, there are three main challenges that nonprofit leaders face when trying to write grants: time, time and time. If you’re in a leadership role, you know that I’m only partially kidding! Grant writing – when done right – takes time, and I’ve never met...
It is getting to be that time of year again. Many agencies and funders are finishing up their fiscal year and planning for the next one. Funders are requesting final reports and agencies are deciding what to include in next year’s budget. This is a wonderful...
I have worked with a wide variety of organizations in the last ten years, but I have found no direct program staff more reticent to write grants than classroom teachers. They, like most program staff are "too busy", "don't know how" or "not sure even...