Artificial Intelligence (AI) seems to be taking over the world, especially when the written word is involved. But is it the end-all, be-all answer to your grant writing woes? Can you trust it? Should you use it? Truthfully, there’s a lot to weigh, and there is no clear-cut answer.

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Encore Institute for Social Impact

They partner with nonprofit organizations to secure funding, develop actionable strategies, strengthen capacity, and demonstrate results. From health care and human services, to education, youth development, and more, they’re experts in helping organizations maximize their missions!

SHOW NOTES:

Corporate Gossip Podcast Episodes about Open AI and Sam Altman

Article “Demystifying the New Dilemma of Brain Rot in the Digital Ear: A Review”

Demystifying the New Dilemma of Brain Rot in the Digital Era: A Review

Article “Energy, water use and pollution of AI and data centers rival most countries”

Energy, water use and pollution of AI and data centers rival most countries | PBS News

When money is involved, fraud is a possibility. It’s one of the reasons we have so many rules, regulations, and reporting requirements surrounding grant awards: to ensure the funding is spent as intended. And it should be spent as approved in your grant budget. But lately, it seems like this administration is weaponizing grant fraud, and in some cases, simply using it as an excuse to terminate grant programs. We’re sharing recent examples – ripped straight from the headlines.

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Encore Institute for Social Impact

They partner with nonprofit organizations to secure funding, develop actionable strategies, strengthen capacity, and demonstrate results. From health care and human services, to education, youth development, and more, they’re experts in helping organizations maximize their missions!

SHOW NOTES:

S8, E22 Podcast Episode

Ripped from the Headlines: Federal Funding Scandals Across the Country - HayDay Services

Minnesota “Feeding Our Future” Grant Fraud Backlash

How a $250M Minnesota fraud case became Trump’s latest fight over Somali migrants | Fox News

USDA Farm Grants Cancelled for “Fraud” Then Restored

The USDA canceled $300M in farm grants, citing fraud. Did it make up the evidence? | Grist

Judge Orders USDA to Restore Half of Cancelled Grants for Young Farmers | Civil Eats

Many nonprofits don’t participate in advocacy for fear it will jeopardize their nonprofit states. The truth is, there is a big difference between lobbying and advocacy – and advocacy is allowed. For grant and fundraising professionals, advocating for your organization, your role at work, and yourself is important work.

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CHECK OUT TODAY’S SPONSOR:

Encore Institute for Social Impact

They partner with nonprofit organizations to secure funding, develop actionable strategies, strengthen capacity, and demonstrate results. From health care and human services, to education, youth development, and more, they’re experts in helping organizations maximize their missions!

SHOW NOTES:

Grant Advisor

GrantAdvisor: Write Reviews, Transform Philanthropy

More than Grant Writers

More Than Grant Writers

Community Centric Fundraising

Home

Crappy Funding Practices

Crappy Funding Practices: Posts | LinkedIn

2026 Grant Professionals as Leaders Survey, conducted by Debbie DiVirgilio and Stacy Fitzsimmons – expected to close end of July 2026

Grant Professionals as Leaders: Perceptions, Identity, and Practice

The Office of Management and Budget proposed many changes to 2 CFR Part 200 (also known as Uniform Guidance) in early June. If approved, changes will significantly impact agencies’ ability to receive and manage federal funding. The comment period closes July 13, 2026.

JOIN THE FUNDRAISING HAYDAY COMMUNITY:

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CHECK OUT TODAY’S SPONSOR:

Encore Institute for Social Impact

They partner with nonprofit organizations to secure funding, develop actionable strategies, strengthen capacity, and demonstrate results. From health care and human services, to education, youth development, and more, they’re experts in helping organizations maximize their missions!

SHOW NOTES:

Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance (Proposed Changes) https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/05/29/2026-10817/regulation-for-federal-financial-assistance

Submit your public comment (docket OMB-2026-0034) by July 13, 2026, 11:59pm EASTERN https://www.regulations.gov/document/OMB-2026-0034-0001

Review from the National League of Cities

https://www.nlc.org/article/2026/06/17/new-omb-rules-for-grantees-could-override-local-authority/

Review from the National Council of Nonprofits  https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/files/media/documents/2026/2026-chart-omb-uniform-proposed-changes.pdf

Redline comparison from Law Firm Ropes & Gray

https://www.ropesgray.com/en/-/media/files/alerts/2026/06/20260602_hc_omb_alert_redline.pdf

Grant professionals require access to subject matter experts and information to develop successful grant proposals. We often lament about the hardest aspect of this work: getting the information we need in a timely manner. Fortunately, tools exist to aid our quest.

JOIN THE FUNDRAISING HAYDAY COMMUNITY:

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CHECK OUT TODAY’S SPONSOR:

Encore Institute for Social Impact

They partner with nonprofit organizations to secure funding, develop actionable strategies, strengthen capacity, and demonstrate results. From health care and human services, to education, youth development, and more, they’re experts in helping organizations maximize their missions!

SHOW NOTES:

S9, E9 Podcast Episode:

Getting the Information You Need: How to Gather Grant Content from Co-Workers, Clients, and Partners - HayDay Services

If your agency receives grant funding, chances are you’ve been asked to share said organization’s most recent annual audit. And if enough federal funds are involved, a single audit may be necessary.  Let’s dive into the reason for each to ensure you’re meeting funder (and other) requirements.

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GrantGuru

Use discount code HAYDAY963 for 20% off your subscription

SHOW NOTES:

S2, E10 Podcast Episode:

I Survived an OIG Audit & Lived to Tell the Tale - HayDay Services

Uniform Guidance Audit Section

eCFR :: 2 CFR Part 200 Subpart F -- Audit Requirements

If you’ve worked at a nonprofit long enough, you’ve been involved with a capital campaign. Whether you’re raising capital for a new building, large piece of equipment, or infrastructure galore, these projects are often in addition to your typical duties. Steven Shattuck of Capital Campaign Pro joins us to share insights and advice on running a successful capital campaign, all while maintaining your other roles and responsibilities.

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GrantGuru

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SHOW NOTES:

The State of Capital Campaigns 2026 Benchmark Report

Capital Campaign Pro | Campaign Support System for Nonprofits

WHERE TO FIND OUR GUEST:

Steven Shattuck

Director of Engagement and Technology, Capital Campaign Pro

Steven Shattuck | LinkedIn

It’s rare to find a funder fully invested in nonprofits - not just funding their work, but also investing in their growth and development. The Tracy Family Foundation is “growing a legacy of generosity to help communities thrive and families flourish.” They not only fund traditional capacity building training, but offer specific trainings and workshops for their grantees related to helping organizations grow their leadership, management, programs/strategies, financial health, and external evaluation abilities.

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Tracy Family Foundation (TFF)

TFF’s Capacity Building Programming

WHERE TO FIND OUR GUEST:

Callie Niederhauser

Program Manager, Youth & Communications

Callie Niederhauser | LinkedIn

Sara Reuschel

Program Manager, Capacity Building

Sara Reuschel | LinkedIn

If you’re a grant professional, you need information from other people. Grant proposals require data, stories, documents, and so much more. It’s never a solo sport. But getting the information you need to put together a quality proposal is sometimes the hardest part of the job.

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GrantGuru

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Fundraising HayDay Podcast Episode referenced:

S7, E19 – How To: Letters of Support

When we talk about nonprofits, most of us assume we mean the 501(c)3 varieties. But that’s not the only mechanism available to organizations looking to build a better world. Let’s dive into the many organizations and groups doing community-centered work, often right alongside nonprofits.

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GrantGuru

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