Grant Writing Simplified

Welcome to Part 4 in our nonprofit fundraising series!

Back in Episode 34, I gave you over 60 fundraising ideas and 9 questions you should be asking. Those were some great ideas. But if it left you scratching your head and wondering, "Where do we start?" then this list will help you take it a few steps further.

You can't possibly do ALL the fundraisers at once, nor should you try. That's why it's so important to first look at the bigger picture and then determine how you should move forward.

Listen in for 10 steps you need to develop to have a stronger nonprofit fundraising plan. This is important knowledge for both nonprofits and aspiring grant writers to have in your toolbelt!

Other Episodes Mentioned:

• Episode 6: Grant Readiness - How to Build the Foundation for Successful Grant Writing
• Episode 33: How to Find First-Time Donors for Your Nonprofit
• Episode 34: 60+ Nonprofit Fundraising Ideas and 9 Questions to Help You Choose

Connect with Teresa Huff:

Website: www.teresahuff.com

Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer?

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Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip

Good news: Grant writers and nonprofits CAN thrive in a pandemic economy! In Part 3 of this Nonprofit Fundraising Series, grant expert Margit Brazda Poirier and I chat about:

• Reflecting on the challenges of 2020,
• How grant trends have shifted throughout the pandemic,
• Creative ways nonprofits have adapted, and
• Best practices for how nonprofits can not only survive, but thrive in the changing economy.

1. Contact
2. Consistency
3. Congruency

Listen in as we share ways you can help nonprofits through the ups and downs of the post-2020 economy.

In this episode, Margit and I talk about how we became grant writers (and how you can too!), the nonprofit trends we've seen since 2020, and several best practices for nonprofits. She has several tips for new grant writers looking to get started.

Margit Brazda Poirier, GPC, M.S., Owner and Founder of Grants4Good LLC® (grants4good.com), created the company in 2009 to help nonprofit organizations and businesses find and get grant funding. She is one of only 350 nationally-certified Grant Professionals and 1 of only 20 Approved Trainers in the U.S. on this topic.

Margit and her team have written and received millions in grants for nonprofits and businesses – and she has the unique perspective of understanding both grant seeking and grant making, given her experience leading a prominent New York foundation.

Her passion is being outdoors as much as possible and teaching others to secure grant funding through her online course, allaboutgrantwriting.com.

• FREE Guide, 7 Steps to Grant Success
• All About Grant Writing self-paced online course
• Blog: The 3 C's to Thriving in a Pandemic Economy

• Episode 20: How to Increase your Chances of Winning a Grant

• Episode 19: Effective Strategies for Virtual Training: Interview with Heather Burright

• Episode 33:How to Find First-Time Donors for Your Nonprofit: Interview with Jason Adkins, GPC

• Episode 34:50+ Nonprofit Fundraising Ideas and 9 Questions to Help You Start

Connect with Teresa Huff:

Website: www.teresahuff.com

Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer?

Social:

LinkedIn

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Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip

I hear so many nonprofits, especially new ones, trying to figure out how to raise funds. They think they can get grants, but then realize that won't work for them until they're a little more established.

So what's a nonprofit to do? I've got you covered with this list of over 50 fundraising ideas. Hang on a minute though - before you jump in, there are 9 questions to consider first.

Download the full list at www.teresahuff.com/34.

If you aren't sure where to start, or you need help sorting out how to move forward, book a strategy call today at www.teresahuff.com/strategy.

Other Episodes Mentioned:

• Episode 6: Grant Readiness - How to Build the Foundation for Successful Grant Writing

• Episode 25: Nonprofit Donor Relations & Marketing Tips: Interview with Jenni Hargrove

• Episode 33: How to Find First-Time Donors for Your Nonprofit

Connect with Teresa Huff:

Website: www.teresahuff.com

Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer?

Social:

LinkedIn

Instagram

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Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip

Getting first-time donor support is critical for new and small nonprofits. A lot of fundraising webinars and articles talk about donor retention, but how do you find donors in the first place?

Today Jason Adkins, GPC shares advice on finding first-time donors on a tight budget. We cover some great tips such as:

• Why you should become a nonprofit mystery shopper

• How to analyze nonprofit giving and build a prospective donor list

• Look for donor connections under your nose

• Use some detective work to find donors

• Tips for approaching the donors

• Advice for direct mail campaigns

and much more! You'll want to take notes on all the great tips in this episode.

Resources Mentioned:

• Get Jason's First-Time Donors Checklist: https://funding-finders.com/

• Book: Asking about Asking by Kent Stroman

• Episode 25:Nonprofit Donor Relations and Marketing Tips: Interview with Jenni Hargrove

About Jason Adkins, GPC:

Since 2008, Jason Adkins has raised over $120 million in grants and donations. His work has benefited nonprofits in the arts, education, and human services sectors. He earned the Grant Professional Certified (GPC) credential in 2017 and is a frequent trainer of grant writers and fundraisers. Jason created Funding Finders, a website of resources for nonprofit pros on a quest to raise money.

Connect with Jason:

LinkedIn

Twitter

Connect with Teresa Huff:

Website:www.teresahuff.com

Take the Quiz:Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer?

Social:

LinkedIn

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Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer:www.teresahuff.com/vip

This week I'm celebrating 6 months of podcasting and 6,000 downloads in over 40 countries! Thank you all for your encouragement along this journey. I've met some incredible people from all over the world and I'm so thankful for you!

You often hear me challenge you to change the world, but what does that mean really? Today I'm going through several ways we can change the world - and it starts right where we are.

I'm also doing a 6 month book roundup of books mentioned so far on the show:

• Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman
• Seeing Through a Donor's Eyes: How to Make a Persuasive Case for Everything from Your Annual Drive to Your Planned Giving Program to Your Capital Campaign by Tom Ahern
• Operation World
• How to Become a Virtual Assistant: Start Your Own Business from Home by Laura Briggs
• The Six-Figure Freelancer: Your Roadmap to Success in the Gig Economy by Laura Briggs
• Asking about Asking: Mastering the Art of Conversational Fundraising by Kent Stroman
• Deep Work (Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World) by Cal Newport
• The Next Right Thing by Emily P. Freeman

Other Episodes Mentioned:

• 007: Google Ad Grant: The Nonprofit World's Best-Kept Secret [Interview with Grant Hensel, CEO of Nonprofit Megaphone and Google Ad Grant Expert]
• 015: Grant Writing for International Nonprofits + Building a Case for Support: Interview with Grant Writer Kathy Hoeck, KLH Grant Services
• 024: How to Offset Decision Fatigue in Nonprofit Leaders: 5 Ways to Serve Well
• 031: Tips for Stepping Up Your Freelancing Success: Interview with Katherine Bright, Resume Writer and Career Coach [Mentoring Series #6]

Connect with Teresa Huff:

Website: www.teresahuff.com

Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer?

Social:

• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Pinterest

Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip

Learn tips for freelancing success as I interview resume writer and career coach Katherine Bright. We talk about both the professional and personal side of freelancing:

• Being good stewards of our homes
• How to stand out on competitive platforms like Upwork
• Trying different approaches to use our skills in new ways
• Learning from our mistakes
• Challenges of a consultant
• Turning work down for a client's own good
• The elusive work-life "balance"

This fun episode has all kinds of great tips for building your freelancing career!

If you're ready to step up your grant writing career and fast, then check out Fast Track to Grant Writer.

• Should you become a freelance grant writer? Interview with Teresa Huff and Laura Briggs
• How to Become a Virtual Assistant: Start Your Own Business from Home by Laura Briggs
• The Six-Figure Freelancer: Your Roadmap to Success in the Gig Economy by Laura Briggs

Connect with Teresa Huff:

Website: www.teresahuff.com

Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer?

Social:

LinkedIn

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Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip

I've had the honor of coaching several amazing nonprofit professionals in the Fast Track to Grant Writer VIP Program. It's been SO much fun helping them:

• figure out their career goals,
• realize the skills they've got hiding right under their noses,
• and develop a solid toolbox of grant writing techniques to seriously up their game.

This 8 weeks can change the trajectory of your career. If you want to jump in, the Spring cohort closes THIS WEEK on March 25. Go to teresahuff.com/vip to sign up TODAY. If you're listening to this after that, you can get on the waitlist for the next round.

In this episode I'm sharing 3 reasons I became a grant writer in the first place:

1. Practical
2. Purpose
3. Personal

Those reasons have evolved and grown over time as I've learned and gained more experience. I'll share more about those and how I've been able to have an amazing career working from home. It suits my personality and has allowed me to be at home with my kids while making an impact for good through nonprofit consulting.

Today I'd also like you to meet another Fast Track to Grant Writer Alumni. Diego was already working part time as a grant writer for a small nonprofit. He's also a graduate student and has been instrumental in helping his nonprofit set up an internship program. He's getting some great experience, but he just wasn't feeling very confident with his grant writing. We worked on that in the Fast Track program and talked about some really cool services he could offer to nonprofits based on his skill set and experience. It's been so much fun having him in the Fast Track program.

Everyone has brought such a unique perspective to the group, and it's been great watching them interact and support each other. Listen in as Diego and I chat about how far he's come over the past few weeks.

Connect with Teresa Huff:

Website: www.teresahuff.com

Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer?

Social:

LinkedIn

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Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip

This is the 4th episode in our Grant Writer Mentoring Series. We've shared so many good resources! Today we're talking about:

• How to get started as a grant writer
• Mapping out a plan to move your career forward
• How to get past the mindset of, "What if I don't win the grant?"
• Interviews with two VIP students and takeaways from their experience in the Fast Track to Grant Writer program.

Other Episodes Mentioned:

• Episode 5: Grant Writer Strategy Session: Is Grant Writing for Me?
• Episode 14: Grant Writer Success Rates: Am I a Bad Grant Writer If I Don't Win the Grant?

Connect with Teresa Huff:

Website: www.teresahuff.com

Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer?

Social:

LinkedIn

Instagram

Pinterest

Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip

Someone the other day asked how to get started with his grant writing career. He's volunteering at a nonprofit already and wants to step up into paid consulting work.

I share 6 ways he can learn valuable grant writing skills in his nonprofit volunteer role. This topic is a sneak peek into my mentoring program Fast Track to Grant Writer.

We learn plenty of the pro grant writing tips. As one VIP Fast Track student said, "Understanding the writing PRO tips was so good. Grant writing is nuanced and it helps to get some insider tips to help craft our writing."

We also go over exactly how to use those tips. Another Fast Track student said, "I appreciate all the ways you are showing us how we can help non-profits. There are many nuggets we can incorporate into consulting that I hadn't previously considered.

Even if they've read the books and taken the courses, new grant writers STILL ask me questions like:

• How do I find clients and market myself?
• How much do I charge? Should I work for free?
• How do I find a job working for a nonprofit without any experience?

We cover ALL this and so much more in Fast Track to Grant Writer. Here's the thing, friends - I'm not going to dump a bunch of cookie cutter grant writing lessons on you and say, "Now go write your grant!" Grants aren't that way, and I don't believe mentoring should be either.

Sign up for the Fast Track to Grant Writer VIP Program at teresahuff.com/vip. We are having SO much fun! The doors are open until March 25 for the Spring 2021 cohort! Spots are limited though, so the sooner you sign up, the better.

My friend, the world needs you out there making a difference. It's time to get you on the Fast Track.

Other Episodes Mentioned:

• Episode 21: Tips for Federal Grant Writing and Project Management - Interview with Brandi VanAntwerp, CoxHealth Foundation
• Episode 26: The Value of Unexpected Mentors and 5 Ways to Find them
• Episode 27: Keys to Success as a Nonprofit Leader: Interview with Dr. Johnathan Kraus, Love Never Fails International

Connect with Teresa Huff:

Website: www.teresahuff.com

Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer?

Social:

LinkedIn

Instagram

Pinterest

Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip

The next couple of episodes are on the importance of mentoring. I can't tell you how many emails and messages I get from people wanting to learn grant writing - some who have even read the books and maybe even taken a course or two - and they're still saying, "But where do I start?"

I'm really excited to announce that the doors are officially open for the spring cohort of my VIP program, Fast Track to Grant Writer. This teaches you EXACTLY where to start and helps you polish up your online presence so you're ready to roll. It's challenging, it's fast, and it's fun.

I keep these groups small so you can get lots of feedback from me throughout the program. Snag your spot for the spring cohort at teresahuff.com/vip.

Speaking of mentors, I've also had some who helped me along the way of this podcasting journey. To quote one of those, who happens to be longtime pro podcaster Denise Griffitts, she says, "My podcast guests are my mentors." I've found this to be true too, and especially with today's guest just in our short interview together.

About Dr. Johnathan Kraus, Love Never Fails International

Johnathan is no stranger to challenges and did not get off to the best start in life. God was preparing him to live and work in the slums of India long before he had a clue. He began using drugs as a teenager which led him to drop out of school at 14, incarcerated at 15, and shot at 3 times by 16. At age 19 God radically saved him and by age 20 he was involved in children's ministry at his Church.

Founder and President Dr. Johnathan Kraus is a Rutgers University graduate. He went on to earn his Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry at Trinity Seminary. He also earned his Ph.D in Counseling from Northwestern Seminary.

ANSWERING THE CALL TO INDIA

A former college professor and grade school teacher in the USA, Johnathan left the comfort of his life to answer the call of God in 2010. Through much prayer and wise counsel, God challenged Johnathan to start this organization, Love Never Fails International.

When God called Johnathan to work with the children of the slums and streets of Mumbai, he knew this was God's purpose in his life. He counted the cost and stepped out in faith not doubting God would provide.

By our founder's little step of obedience trusting in God, LNFI is serving children from coast to coast today in India meeting children's needs physically, emotionally, and spiritually. The vision of this non profit is to empower children in India to overcome poverty.

Learn More About Sponsoring a Child:

https://loveneverfailsindia.com/

Connect with Dr. Johnathan Kraus:

Facebook

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Connect with Teresa Huff:

Website: www.teresahuff.com

Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer?

Social:

LinkedIn

Instagram

Pinterest

Other Episodes Mentioned:

Episode 24 - How to Prevent Nonprofit Decision Fatigue

Episode 26 - The Value of Unexpected Mentors

Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip