Grant Writing Made Clear

In this heartfelt episode of Grant Writing Made Clear, Dr. Trenette opens up about why she’s stepping away from the podcast for a summer sabbatical, and what it really means to pause on purpose. After an intense season of writing grant applications and building community, she's choosing self-care and inviting you to consider what that might look like in your own life.

You’ll hear:

• What led Dr. Trenette to make this decision
• What she plans to do this summer instead 
• How you can also find small ways to realign with what matters most

Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, researcher, or changemaker, this episode is a powerful reminder that rest is not a reward but a responsibility.

Resources Mentioned:

• Join the Facebook Community for support during the break
• Stay tuned for 4 final episodes in June before the podcast pauses

Grab my FREE Think Like A Grant Winner: Unlock Your Path to Fundable Ideas in 1 Day cheat sheet at https://trenette-goings.mykajabi.com/thinklikeawinner

If you’re thinking “I love Dr. Trenette and Grant Writing Made Clear” please rate, review, and subscribe!

Grant Writing Made Clear

Winning a grant is just the beginning. The next challenge? Leading with impact. In this episode of Grant Writing Made Clear, I’m joined by leadership expert Jennifer Manghisi, a corporate real estate professional who previously worked in higher education and has deep experience in operations, process improvement, and team development.

We explore how leadership shapes the success of grant-funded projects, from setting a clear vision to managing priorities under pressure. Jennifer shares practical strategies for avoiding common leadership pitfalls and fostering a strong, aligned team. Whether you’re leading a research study, a nonprofit initiative, or a community effort, this conversation is full of insights you can apply immediately.

What You’ll Learn:

• The difference between being a leader and a manager
• Habits that make leaders more confident and effective
• How to develop and communicate a compelling vision
• Smart hiring tips and red flags to watch for
• Strategies to stay productive and focused under pressure

About Our Guest:
Jennifer Manghisi is a corporate real estate professional based in NYC with a background in operations management and a focus on process improvement and workflow automation. She holds degrees from Bentley University and Columbia University, including an MBA from Columbia Business School.

Resources & Links:
→ Join our Facebook group: Grant Writing Made Clear Facebook Group
→ Subscribe to the podcast
→ Want to strengthen your leadership skills after winning the grant? Be sure to follow Jennifer at careermyths.com or connect on IG @career_myths_podcast 

Grab my FREE Think Like A Grant Winner: Unlock Your Path to Fundable Ideas in 1 Day cheat sheet at https://trenette-goings.mykajabi.com/thinklikeawinner

If you’re thinking “I love Dr. Trenette and Grant Writing Made Clear” please rate, review, and subscribe!

Grant Writing Made Clear

We’re back for Part 2 of my conversation with Dean Gary Cuddeback, and this episode is packed with actionable insights for anyone looking to strengthen their grant writing skills. Dean Cuddeback shares how he learned to write successful NIH grant applications, the importance of mentorship, and his advice for researchers who want to grow in both clarity and confidence. Don’t miss this episode if you’re navigating the world of academic funding or preparing your next application.

What We Cover in Part 2:

• Dean Cuddeback’s personal approach to writing NIH grants
• How he developed clarity and confidence over time
• The role of mentorship and community in academic growth
• Encouragement for those just getting started

Links & Resources:

• Join the Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2385712291797538/?ref=share&mibextid=NSMWBT
• Listen and subscribe on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube

Grab my FREE Think Like A Grant Winner: Unlock Your Path to Fundable Ideas in 1 Day cheat sheet at https://trenette-goings.mykajabi.com/thinklikeawinner

If you’re thinking “I love Dr. Trenette and Grant Writing Made Clear” please rate, review, and subscribe!

Grant Writing Made Clear

In this powerful first half of our two-part conversation, I sit down with Dean Gary Cuddeback, an NIH-funded researcher and academic leader, to talk about his inspiring journey from research associate to dean. We cover the early stages of his research career, the lessons he learned along the way, and how he developed the resilience and clarity needed to move forward. Whether you're just beginning your grant writing journey or need a reminder o keep going, this episode will leave you inspired.

What We Cover in Part 1:

• How Gary transitioned from research associate to dean
• His first experiences with grant writing and early challenges
• Why persistence matters in the grant world
• Lessons that shaped his approach to success

Links & Resources:

• Join the Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2385712291797538/?ref=share&mibextid=NSMWBT
• Subscribe to Grant Writing Made Clear on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube

Grab my FREE Think Like A Grant Winner: Unlock Your Path to Fundable Ideas in 1 Day cheat sheet at https://trenette-goings.mykajabi.com/thinklikeawinner

If you’re thinking “I love Dr. Trenette and Grant Writing Made Clear” please rate, review, and subscribe!

Grant Writing Made Clear.

We’re back with Part 2 of my inspiring conversation with NIH-funded researcher, Dr. Rain Masa. In this episode, we go even deeper, unpacking what it means to write grants with a good strategy, especially when the stakes are high and the work spans the globe.

Rain shares his hard-earned wisdom on writing successful grant proposals and navigating rejections. If you’ve ever felt unsure, overwhelmed, or disconnected from the “why” behind your work, this episode is for you.

In Part 2, you’ll learn:

• How to bounce back from grant rejections with clarity and confidence
• Why building community in academia can fuel both impact and joy

Whether you dream of leading NIH-funded studies or just want to feel less alone in your grant writing journey, this episode offers both practical advice and soulful encouragement.

🎧 Catch up on Part 1 (Episode 20) if you missed it!

Don't forget to join our Grant Writing Made Clear Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2385712291797538/?ref=share&mibextid=NSMWBT

Grab my FREE Think Like A Grant Winner: Unlock Your Path to Fundable Ideas in 1 Day cheat sheet at https://trenette-goings.mykajabi.com/thinklikeawinner

If you’re thinking “I love Dr. Trenette and Grant Writing Made Clear” please rate, review, and subscribe!

Grant Writing Made Clear

In this exciting first part of a two-part series, I sit down with my colleague, Dr. Rain Masa, an NIH-funded global researcher whose work focuses on HIV prevention around the world. This episode offers a rare and personal peek into the journey of an academic who bridges continents, communities, and causes.

Dr. Rain and I talk about his path into global research, how he navigated funding opportunities early in his career, and the moments that shaped his passion for impact. It’s an inspiring, informative, and fun conversation that you're sure to enjoy.

In Part 1, you’ll learn:

• How Dr. Rain learned how to write strong grant applications
• Tips for early-career researchers 
• What it’s really like to lead NIH-funded studies across borders

🎧 Don’t miss Part 2 (Episode 21) next week where we dive deeper into grant strategies, lessons learned from rejections, and Dr. Rain’s advice for staying grounded and purpose-driven in this work.

Don't forget to join our new Grant Writing Made Clear private Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2385712291797538/?ref=share&mibextid=NSMWBT

Grab my FREE Think Like A Grant Winner: Unlock Your Path to Fundable Ideas in 1 Day cheat sheet at https://trenette-goings.mykajabi.com/thinklikeawinner

If you’re thinking “I love Dr. Trenette and Grant Writing Made Clear” please rate, review, and subscribe!

Grant Writing Made Clear

In Episode 19 of Grant Writing Made Clear, Dr. Trenette explores what it means to maintain momentum when resources are limited. Lean seasons are common but they don't have to derail your work. Dr. Trenette shares seven actionable strategies to help you protect your progress and move forward with intention. This episode is packed with both inspiration and implementation tips, and there’s a free companion resource to help you apply what you learn.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to reframe lean seasons as strategic transitions
• Seven proven strategies to keep your research moving
• Tools for maximizing student collaborations
• Ways to use existing data and pursue quick-win collaborations
• The role of wellness and community in staying grounded

Download the Freebie: https://trenette-goings.mykajabi.com/maintainingmomentum, which includes worksheets, templates, prompts, and more.

Join the Conversation:
We’d love to connect. Join our community at the Grant Writing Made Clear Facebook Group to connect, share, and support each other through every season of the grant writing journey. 

Grab my FREE Think Like A Grant Winner: Unlock Your Path to Fundable Ideas in 1 Day cheat sheet at https://trenette-goings.mykajabi.com/thinklikeawinner

If you’re thinking “I love Dr. Trenette and Grant Writing Made Clear” please rate, review, and subscribe!

Grant Writing Made Clear

In today’s episode of Grant Writing Made Clear, Dr. Trenette dives into something many of us need now more than ever—community. When funding dries up and institutional support feels shaky, where do we turn? Dr. Trenette explores how creating or joining a research or grant writing collective can offer a powerful sense of grounding, support, and strategy during uncertain times. Dr. Trenette strongly believes we are stronger together.

She outlines three core models of research collectives: The Skills Exchange, The Community Bridge, and The Multi-Institutional Partnership, and walks you through four clear, practical steps to help you build your own collective. Whether you’re a seasoned researcher, a nonprofit leader, or somewhere in between, this episode offers both emotional encouragement and strategic insight to help you keep going.

Because yes, the work is hard, but you don’t have to do it alone.

🔥 In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What a research collective is and why it matters now
• How to build one that reflects your values and goals
• The power of collaboration, connection, and shared mission
• Practical strategies to strengthen your network and reduce burnout
• How to pivot your strategy—not your mission

📢 Join our Facebook group!
Continue the conversation, find your people, and build your collective with us in our new Facebook group:
👉 Join the Group

Grab my FREE Think Like A Grant Winner: Unlock Your Path to Fundable Ideas in 1 Day cheat sheet at https://trenette-goings.mykajabi.com/thinklikeawinner

If you’re thinking “I love Dr. Trenette and Grant Writing Made Clear” please rate, review, and subscribe!

Grant Writing Made Clear

Ever stared at a blank screen with a blinking cursor judging your life choices? Yep—same. In this episode, we're diving into something that could totally transform your writing process: writing retreats.

Whether you're buried under grant deadlines or trying to finally finish that manuscript, a writing retreat might be exactly what you need. Dr. Trenette shares her experiences—from organizing her first group writing retreat as a doctoral student to planning a focused, two-person writing getaway more recently. She outlines the major benefits (hint: productivity, clarity, and community) and offers practical tips to make your own writing retreat a success—whether solo, virtual, or ocean-view style.

Key Takeaways

• Why writing retreats work (and how to make them work for you)
• How dedicated time and space can dramatically increase your productivity
• The power of writing in community—even if it’s just one colleague
• Ways to structure your time to avoid burnout and stay motivated
• Tips for creating your own retreat (location, goals, and flexibility included)

 Resources Mentioned

• Share your thoughts: Tag @GrantWritingMadeClear on social media
• Freebie: How to Turn an Idea Into a Fundable Proposal

Listen on Your Favorite Platform:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• YouTube

Grab my FREE Think Like A Grant Winner: Unlock Your Path to Fundable Ideas in 1 Day cheat sheet at https://trenette-goings.mykajabi.com/thinklikeawinner

If you’re thinking “I love Dr. Trenette and Grant Writing Made Clear” please rate, review, and subscribe!

Grant Writing Made Clear

Welcome back to Grant Writing Made Clear! In Episode 16, we're talking about something foundational to your success—strategic planning. Whether you're in academia or the nonprofit world, having a clear plan can be the difference between burnout and breakthrough.

In this episode, Dr. Trenette shares her personal approach to 5-year and 1-year strategic planning, and how this practice has helped her stay focused, adapt to unexpected challenges, and grow both professionally and personally. You’ll walk away with actionable tips to create your own strategic plan that’s flexible, realistic, and aligned with your long-term goals.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Why strategic planning is essential (and not just another boring task!)
• How to align your daily activities with your long-term goals
• The importance of flexibility in your planning process
• Practical steps to develop a plan that works: SWOT analysis, KPIs, action steps, and mentorship
• Real-life examples from Dr. Trenette’s experience in academia and research

✨ Strategic planning is your GPS for success. Start building yours today.

📥 Resources Mentioned:

• Strategic Planning Template (coming soon!)
• Subscribe for more tips: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2425705

✅ Don’t Forget:

• Subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode!
• Share this episode with a friend or colleague who needs a planning boost.
• Leave a review if you’ve found this podcast helpful—it truly makes a difference!

Grab my FREE Think Like A Grant Winner: Unlock Your Path to Fundable Ideas in 1 Day cheat sheet at https://trenette-goings.mykajabi.com/thinklikeawinner

If you’re thinking “I love Dr. Trenette and Grant Writing Made Clear” please rate, review, and subscribe!