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!

Grant Writing Made Clear

Welcome back to Grant Writing Made Clear! I'm your host, Dr. Trenette, and today we’re diving into a topic that affects us all—stress management. Whether you're a nonprofit leader, professor, doc student, entrepreneur, or simply juggling life's many responsibilities, these strategies will help you find calm in the chaos.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ 10 powerful strategies for managing stress effectively
 ✅ How exercise and movement act as a natural stress reliever
 ✅ The benefits of mindfulness, yoga, and deep breathing
 ✅ Why spiritual practices, prayer, and reflection can help you reset
 ✅ The importance of social connection and professional mental health support
 ✅ How creativity, journaling, and relaxation techniques can transform your well-being

Key Takeaways:

✨ Exercise boosts mood and reduces anxiety—start with just 20 minutes a day!
✨ Breath work and meditation can be done anywhere and anytime and may bring instant calm.
✨ Journaling is a safe space to process emotions and reduce stress.
✨ Social support—whether in-person or virtual—reminds you that you’re not alone.
✨ Self-care isn't selfish! Going for a walk, comfort media, and changing your scenery can work wonders.

Your mental well-being is essential. Managing stress isn’t just about reacting to challenges—it’s about cultivating habits that support your peace of mind every day.

Resources Mentioned:
📌 Are you looking for a winning grant idea? If so, click here: https://trenette-goings.mykajabi.com/thinklikeawinner
📌 Explore breathing techniques and guided meditations on YouTube
📌 Consider therapy or counseling—check school, community, or online options

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend! Your support helps others find this show and learn the grant writing and success strategies they need.

🎧 Listen now and start your journey to stress-free success! 

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 episode of Grant Writing Made Clear, Dr. Trenette shares actionable strategies to elevate your writing and increase your chances of securing funding. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned grant writer, these practical tips will help you write with clarity, impact, and professionalism. You’ll learn how to make your proposals more compelling, concise, and reviewer-friendly.

Key Takeaways:

• Make it Crystal Clear: Avoid jargon and write in a way that anyone can understand.
• Less is More: Be concise—every word should serve a purpose.
• The Story Framework: Structure your proposal like a funnel, starting broad and narrowing in.
• Use Active Voice: Make your writing clear and direct.
• The Revision Ritual: Revise strategically—write freely, take a break, trim excess words, read aloud, and seek feedback.
• Is it Essential? Ensure every sentence and paragraph have a clear purpose.
• Literature Synthesis: Integrate research findings to tell a cohesive story.
• The Backward Read: Spot errors by reading your work in reverse.
• Intelligence Isn’t Complexity: Simplify complex ideas for better understanding.
• Data Tells, Stories Sell: Use a blend of statistics and storytelling to create impact.
• Written and Unwritten Rules for Professional Writing: Formatting, grammar, punctuation, and strategic considerations for polished, professional proposals.

Resources Mentioned:

• Grab my free guide: Think Like a Winner: Unlock Your Path to Fundable Ideas in 1 Day. Think Like a Winner: Unlock Your Path to Fundable Ideas in 1 Day

Connect with Me:

• Subscribe to Grant Writing Made Clear on your favorite podcast platform.
• Leave a review and share the podcast with a friend!
• Follow me on Instagram @drtrenette and @grantwritingmadeclear

·        Let’s connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grant-writing-pros

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

Technical skills are crucial in grant writing, but what truly separates those with great success may be soft skills! In today’s episode, I break down the essential soft skills that can make or break your grant success. From networking and organization to emotional resilience and time management, these professional superpowers will help you craft stronger proposals and increase your chances of winning funding.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ Why networking and mentorship are key to grant success
✅ How being coachable accelerates your growth as a grant writer
✅ The importance of storytelling and writing prowess in grant proposals
✅ Why attention to detail can be the difference between success and rejection
✅ How time management and organization impact your ability to meet deadlines
✅ The mindset shifts needed to handle rejection and keep moving forward

Resources Mentioned:
📌 FREE Guide: Think Like a Winner: Unlock Your Path to Fundable Ideas in 1 Day
📌 Follow me on Instagram: @drtrenette | @grantwritingmadeclear
📌 Let’s connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grant-writing-pros

👉 Loved this episode? Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who needs grant writing guidance! 

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

Rejection—it’s the part of grant writing that no one wants to talk about, but nearly every grant writer will face. That dreaded "we regret to inform you" email can feel like a punch to the gut. But here’s the truth: rejection is not the end. In this episode of Grant Writing Made Clear, we’re flipping rejection on its head and turning it into a strategic advantage.

I’ll walk you through seven powerful steps to process rejection, extract valuable feedback, and come back stronger than ever. You’ll discover how to:

 ✔️ Reframe rejection as a "Next Opportunity" 

✔️ Process your emotions without getting stuck 

✔️ Use funder feedback to refine and improve your proposal 

✔️ Build resilience and keep pushing forward 

✔️ Explore new strategies, funders, and project pivots 

✔️ Incorporate AI to help with brainstorming

Plus, I’m sharing personal experiences, real-world examples, and my favorite self-care strategies to keep you motivated along the way.

Resources & Links:
🎁 Free Guide: Think Like a Winner: Unlock Your Path to Fundable Ideas in 1 Day → https://trenette-goings.mykajabi.com/thinklikeawinner

 💬 Let’s connect! Follow me on Facebook and Instagram: @grantwritingpros

If today’s episode encouraged you, please share it with a friend (even if you think they may not be interested) and leave a review! Your support helps more people find the show. Keep writing, keep dreaming, and keep going!

ALL the best,

Dr. Trenette

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! I’m Dr. Trenette, and today, we’re tackling one of the biggest challenges in grant writing—coming up with a fundable idea that funders can’t resist.

If you’ve ever felt stuck trying to figure out where to begin, you’re not alone. In this episode, I’ll walk you through five key steps to generate ideas that align with your mission, meet real community needs, and catch the attention of funders. Plus, I’ll share some of the hottest grant-writing trends for 2025.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ How to identify your unique strengths and use them to develop fundable ideas
✅ Why understanding your community’s needs is your competitive advantage
✅ How to research funder priorities and align your proposal accordingly
✅ The power of collaborative brainstorming to generate winning ideas
✅ How to evaluate and refine your best idea for maximum impact

🚀 FREE RESOURCE: I’ve created a special cheat sheet that aligns perfectly with this episode and will help you craft fundable ideas: Think Like a Winner: Unlock Your Path to Fundable Ideas in 1 Day. Grab it now right here: https://trenette-goings.mykajabi.com/opt-in-1

👉 Tune in now and start crafting grant ideas that get funded!

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 the second installment of our special two-part series with Dr. Rachel Goode! After covering the fundamentals in Episode 9, we now delve deeper into grant writing strategies and essential self-care practices.

In Part 2 (Episode 10), Dr. Rachel shares her expert insights on avoiding common pitfalls and maintaining wellbeing during intense grant writing periods. She offers practical wisdom gained from years of successful grant writing experience, helping you navigate the challenges of proposal development while staying balanced and focused.

What you'll learn in Part 2:

*Strategies for strengthening your grant narrative

*Common grant writing mistakes and how to avoid them

*Practical self-care strategies during grant writing deadlines

This is episode is great for both new and experienced grant writers looking to enhance their skills while maintaining work-life balance during intense writing periods.

Be sure to listen to Part 1 (Episode 9) for foundational grant writing strategies if you haven't already!

Dr. Rachel's free resource: https://rachelwgoode.com/free-guide-to-jumpstart-your-journey-to-weight-freedom/

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 with Dr. Trenette

Are you ready to take your grant writing skills to the next level? In this first episode of our special two-part series, I’m joined by Dr. Rachel Goode, a grant writing pro and one of my dearest colleagues. Together, we begin our deep dive into essential strategies for crafting winning proposals and navigating the often-overwhelming grant writing process.

In Part 1 (Episode 9), we explore the foundational elements of successful grant writing. . Dr. Rachel shares insights on finding mentors, participating in trainings, and studying successful grant applications, while breaking down the key components of writing clear, compelling narratives.

What you’ll learn in Part 1:

• Tips for writing a strong grant proposal.
• The value of finding examples of successful grants and how to leverage mentors.
• How to leverage mentors effectively

Don't miss Part 2 (Episode 10), where we'll continue our conversation with advanced strategies, common mistakes to avoid, and how to take care of yourself when writing grant proposals.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your grant writing approach, this two-part series is a must-listen!

 Dr. Rachel's free resource: https://rachelwgoode.com/free-guide-to-jumpstart-your-journey-to-weight-freedom/

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

The grant funding landscape is shifting—and staying ahead means adapting to change. In this episode of Grant Writing Made Clear, Dr. Trenette shares her Top 5 Grant Funding Trends for 2025 that every nonprofit leader and grant writer needs to know. From changes in federal funding priorities to leveraging AI as your new assistant, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you secure funding and make an impact in the coming year.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. How federal funding priorities are evolving and how to align your mission accordingly.
2. Why some foundations may step up and how to better align your proposals with their priorities.
3. The do’s and don’ts of using AI in your grant writing process.
4. How to integrate AI-driven innovation into your grant projects to stand out.
5. Why demonstrating impact is no longer optional—and how to do it effectively.

Resources Mentioned:

• Free guide: Think Like a Winner: Unlock Your Path to Fundable Ideas in 1 Day
• Foundations mentioned: Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, William T. Grant Foundation, Kellogg Foundation
• AI tools mentioned: ChatGPT, Perplexity

Next Episode Teaser:
Join us next week as we dive deeper into applying these trends to your grant proposals with special guest Dr. Rachel Goode.

Subscribe & Connect:
If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your network. Together, we can make grant writing clearer and more impactful!

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
Grant writing can be a whirlwind, especially during high-pressure deadlines. But what if you could prioritize self-care and still meet your goals? In this episode, I sit down with Kerri Patt, a coach who specializes in helping people balance work and personal life. Together, we explore practical strategies to help you stay grounded during the busiest grant writing seasons.

From setting boundaries to making self-care non-negotiable, Kerri shares actionable advice to help you avoid burnout while producing your best work. Whether you're a grant writer or just someone navigating a busy season of life, this episode is packed with lessons you won’t want to miss.

What you’ll learn:

• How to build simple, sustainable self-care routines.
• Tips for managing stress during tight deadlines.
• The importance of reframing how we view balance and productivity.

Take a deep breath, and let’s dive into this transformational conversation!

Kerri Patt's free resource: https://kerri-patt.kit.com/0b3a0d98c2

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!