Grant Writing Simplified

One Practical Step to Improve Your Writing

Hey friends! I've heard from a lot of you lately at different stages of your grant writing journey. The one thing I keep hearing over and over is, "Where do I start?" There are lots of places you COULD start, and that's where we often get paralyzed.

This podcast is called Grant Writing Simplified for a reason. We're looking at various aspects of grant writing and breaking it down into doable baby steps.

Today I'm going to give you one simple way to improve your writing, whether it's grant writing, reports, emails, or whatever. We all have to write something in life, so might as well make it as good as possible. This will also give you a taste of what's in my VIP Program, Fast Track to Grant Writer. If you're ready to move through a lot of baby steps like this one in a short time, then the Fast Track is for you.

In this super practical episode, the skill I'm talking about today is learning to write tight.

To read the full examples given in the episode, head to www.teresahuff.com/write-tight.

Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer

If you are ready to invest in your future - and ultimately, in the community around you, then sign up for Fast Track to Grant Writer. The sooner you get started, the sooner you'll be on your way to grant writing success. This is a pilot program so it's your ONLY chance to grab it for this price. Sign up at teresahuff.com/vip.

December 15, 2020, is the LAST day to get the bonus 1:1 strategy session. Someone told me just yesterday on a strategy call, "WOW, this was so helpful! I never would've even thought of doing that. Now I know exactly where to focus next."

Enrollment for the pilot program closes December 31, 2020 - that's New Year's Eve at midnight central time. And yes, that signup deadline is intentional. Let's kick 2020 out the door so we can start 2021 on the fast track.

Connect with Teresa

Website: www.teresahuff.com

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

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Today I'm interviewing my friend and fellow grant writer Kathy Hoeck who has written grants for over a decade. I invited Kathy on the show because she works with several international nonprofits, but as you'll see, we also get into a LOT of great strategy and tips as we talk shop today. Grab a pen and notebook because there are so many good takeaways in today's episode!

Kathy owns KLH Grant Services and is a consultant with National Christian Foundation Heartland. She works with faith-based nonprofit foundation research and grant writing. You can read her full (and impressive) bio below. As you listen, I think you'll appreciate her drive and ambition, as well as her heart to serve communities locally and around the world.

Resources Mentioned:

Book: 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

Book: Operation World

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

Episode 9: What a Grant Funder Really Wants

Fast Track to Grant Writer

Hey my friend! Are you ready to learn grant writing, but you have no idea where to start? …and you're frustrated because you don't have anyone to ask?

You're wondering...

• How do I find clients and how much do I charge? Should I work for free?
• How do I market myself as a new grant writer?
• How do I make my grant applications stand out to funders?

You feel like everyone else just "knows" this stuff, so why can't you seem to figure it out?

What if you could start your career as a confident, knowledgeable grant writer? Imagine sounding professional when approaching a client or grant funder. Imagine having a big impact on the world around you.

Fast Track to Grant Writer is an 8-week LIVE small group coaching and mentoring experience. This is everything the books won't tell you. You'll get hands-on guidance, feedback, and accountability that will literally fast track your grant writing career.

This program can open doors for you like never before so you can make an impact like you never imagined.

Sign up by December 15th to get a bonus 1:1 strategy session with me. Go to teresahuff.com/vip and enroll. Let's get your career on the fast track.

About Kathy Hoeck, KLH Grant Services:

Kathy launched KLH Grant Services, LLC in 2015 and serves as a consultant with National Christian Foundation Heartland assisting in areas of faith-based nonprofit foundation research and grant writing.

Kathy's first experience in grant writing began in 2009 while working with a faith-based health care clinic where her passion for research and writing assisted the clinic in the development of a successful grant-seeking plan. Along with foundation research and proposal writing, Kathy works with clients defining their mission and finalizing their Case Statement leveraging her clients for a successful grants program.

Kathy is the past secretary and a current member of the Southwest Missouri Grant Writers Association and a member of the American Grant Writers Association.

KLH focuses on Christian nonprofit ministries assisting in the development of award-winning proposals that address the educational, medical, spiritual, and financial disparities plaguing local communities and communities around the world.

Kathy is passionate about her family, adoption, bringing hope to the hurting, being outside, and the written word. She and her husband are proud parents of four grown children and grandparents to seven amazing little people.

Connect with Teresa Huff:

Website: www.teresahuff.com

Social: LinkedIn

The #1 question I hear from new grant writers is, "But how do I start?" Funny thing is, they're still asking this even after they've learned some of the basics of grant writing.

They aren't sure if they have what it takes. They don't know how to approach prospective clients. They don't know what services to offer.

I've even had grant writers say to me, "Nonprofits want a grant writer with experience, but how are you supposed to get experience when you're new?" It's kind of a catch-22.

It always comes back down to, "How do I start?"

My friends, I've got the answer to that question. It's called Fast Track to Grant Writer. This is a live small group VIP Program. It starts January 2021 and it's full of stuff the books won't tell you. You'll get all kinds of pro grant writing advice, 1:1 attention, and feedback to be sure you know exactly how to start your grant writing career by the end of the 8 weeks.

We'll cover the mindset and strategy behind successful grant writing, advanced grant writing skills, and how to set up your consulting business or job search. It's going to be an intense 8 weeks that will transform your career.

I'm looking for grant writers who are ready to go all in and invest in themselves and their future...those of you who are ready to be a part of a ripple effect to change the world through grant writing.

Spots are limited and this is a rare chance to get hands-on feedback from me. If you enroll by December 15th, you get a bonus 1:1 strategy session with me. Learn more and save your spot today at teresahuff.com/vip.

Other Episode Mentioned:

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

Connect with Teresa:

Website: www.teresahuff.com

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

Social: LinkedIn

Wow, you guys, today's episode is a nonprofit spotlight and their work is SO impactful. Not only that, but you'll hear some innovative ways they're funding the nonprofit by creating fair trade, living wage jobs.

Join the VIP Pilot Program: Fast Track to Grant Writer

Before we dive in, I want to let you know about a new opportunity for those of you ready to get serious about your grant writing career in 2021. I'm opening up a limited number of spots for a VIP Program called Fast Track to Grant Writer. This is an 8-week LIVE small group coaching experience where you'll learn how to be the go-to grant writer in your community.

Fast Track to Grant Writer VIP Program is full of stuff the books won't tell you. It's like Miracle Gro for grant writers. If you're ready to invest in your future - and your community - then sign up today. Enrollment for this round closes December 31, 2020, and it will not be offered again at this price. Plus, if you join by December 15th, you get a bonus 1:1 coaching call with me. Get the details and sign up at teresahuff.com/vip.

Nonprofit Spotlight: The Global Orphan Project - Trace Thurlby

Today I'm talking with Trace Thurlby of The Global Orphan Project. I saw an article featuring this nonprofit in the newspaper and knew I had to learn more. Trace is the President of The Global Orphan Project.

For more than 25 years, Trace Thurlby has served in the military, the business world, and in ministry. Despite the different challenges, missions, structures, and stakeholders, Trace's focus has remained the same – helping organizations and individuals succeed.

He currently serves on the leadership team at The Global Orphan Project, where he has the privilege of living out his passion to serve at-risk children and families. Learn more about God's heart for his children at www.goproject.org. Trace and his bride Kristin have been married 26 years and live in the Kansas City area with their four children.

Be sure to check out the links below to learn how you can be a part of this amazing work. I hope you are as blessed by this interview as I was.

Learn More and Support The Global Orphan Project:

www.goproject.org

www.careportal.org

*Shop at www.goex.org and get 10% off your first order.*

Connect with Teresa:

Website: www.teresahuff.com

Join the Fast Track to Grant Writer VIP Program: www.teresahuff.com/vip

Social: LinkedIn

I hope you came ready to learn today because we have another grant writer strategy session, and this is packed full of good stuff. If you are thinking about grant writing, or if you are a grant writer and you just don't know how to move forward, this is the episode for you. Pay attention and be ready to take notes because we cover so much in this - everything from imposter syndrome to how to find resources for board members and where to connect with networking groups and other grant writers.

Resources Mentioned:

• Free Downloads: Go to teresahuff.com/learn and look for the Freebie Vault
• Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer?
• Episode 005: Grant Writer Strategy Session: Is Grant Writing for Me?
• Episode 006: Grant Readiness: How to Build the Fundation for Successful Grant Writing
• Step by Step Guide to Calling Grant Funders - Script and Template

About Alexandra Enns:

Alexandra Enns holds a Master of Public Administration degree and completed her Bachelor of Arts in Rhetoric, Writing and Communications in 2015. She currently works as a Policy Analyst in the Economic Development sector, and is a volunteer grants, policies and procedures officer for an upcoming nonprofit that will provide addictions recovery services. Alexandra finds joy in motivating others to embrace their unique stories, and crafting effective messages to help non-profits achieve their missions. Since 2014, she's been involved in mental health advocacy, including the creation of mental health promotion campaigns for universities, and facilitating engaging mental health education workshops for hundreds of youth. In her spare time, she loves writing poetry, watching films, taking her dog April for walks, and tutoring students at Wayfinders, an after-school program for youth.

Alex provides editing and copywriting services for non-profits and individuals at a sliding scale that works for each person's income. She is a strong, dynamic writer who has written and edited social media copy, academic papers, briefing notes, blog posts, book reviews, summaries, speaking notes, operational manuals, annual reports, communication plans, press releases, correspondence, policy, research and program evaluation papers, and has developed and facilitated workshop presentations.

Connect with Alex Enns:

LinkedIn

Instagram: @alexandraloreleii

Connect with Teresa:

Website: www.teresahuff.com

Grant Writing Courses: www.teresahuff.com/learn

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

Social: LinkedIn

People often ask me about grant writing, but they aren't sure if they would be any good at it. You can take the quiz to help you figure out, but today I want to talk through some of the important characteristics that are ideal for a grant writer.

These grant writing skills fall into three main categories:

1. Hard skills - like research and writing
2. Interpersonal skills - like communication and playing nice with others
3. Internal qualities - such as your love for a good cause, being organized, and able to follow complex directions.

Each of those aspects of grant writing can be learned and developed. It takes lots of practice. The sooner you start, the sooner you'll improve!

Resources Mentioned:

Episode 9: What a Grant Funder REALLY Wants: Interview with Mindy Honey, Skaggs Foundation

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

Connect with Teresa:

Website: www.teresahuff.com

Social: LinkedIn

Now and then I like to do a quick Q&A episode with questions I often hear about grant writing. Today's question: How long does it take to actually get the grant funding after you submit the application?

The short answer is that it'll probably take much longer than you'd like. Truth: Sometimes waiting is the hardest part!

Listen in as I explain funder timelines, the range of time you can expect, and other aspects you probably hadn't thought of.

Other episodes mentioned:

Episode 3: Grant Writing Q&A - How much time does it take to write a grant?

Episode 9: What a Grant Funder REALLY Wants: Interview with Mindy Honey, Skaggs Foundation

Connect with Teresa:

Website: www.teresahuff.com

Email: [email protected]

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

Social: LinkedIn

You know how I'm always throwing out grant writing advice like, "Follow the guidelines!" or "Don't miss a deadline!" Well, today you don't just have to take my word for it. I'm interviewing a grant maker so you can hear from someone on the other side of the desk what grant funders really want.

I'm talking with Mindy Honey from the Skaggs Foundation in Branson, MO. As Director of Community Relations for the Foundation, Mindy's duties include grant administration for Skaggs Legacy Endowment as well as grant writing for Skaggs Foundation. Skaggs Legacy Endowment was established in 2013 and since that time, more than $5.9 million has been awarded to organizations improving health and wellness in Stone and Taney counties in Missouri.

There are lots of great takeaways in this episode! So many, in fact, that I decided to throw them all in a downloadable list that you can grab at www.teresahuff.com/funder.

Listen in to the interview and learn from a grantmaker herself!

Connect with Mindy:

Website: www.skaggsfoundation.org

Facebook: Skaggs Foundation

Email: [email protected]

Connect with Teresa:

Website: www.teresahuff.com

Download the list of today's tips: www.teresahuff.com/funder

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

Social: LinkedIn

Today I'm doing a quick Q&A episode for you on grant application guidelines. Next week's episode is such a good interview with a grant funder, so be sure to come back for Episode 9 to catch that. In preparation for that episode, I want to address a question I often hear:

Why do grant funder guidelines vary so much from one foundation to the next?

Short answer: Because it's their money so they get to make the rules, that's why.

I preach over and over how important it is to follow the guidelines when you're applying for a grant. First, what do I mean by that?

Grant guidelines are:

• The list of application instructions a grantmaker provides
• Includes things like the deadline, format, how to send it, questions they want you to answer, proposed budget, etc.

Why are they so different?

Each funder's purpose and platform for offering grant funds is different. Their work in the community and their goals differ from one foundation to the next. They're looking for an ROI (Return on Investment, or Impact), and what is going to give the greatest return. They develop their grant guidelines accordingly.

Some applications require all kinds of extra documentation - letters of support, signatures, forms, maps, price quotes, etc. Others want heavy research and statistics. Then there's the whole range from a general request to the most detailed project design, complete with logic models and tables. Once in awhile, you'll come across one that really doesn't give you much guidance at all. You're left shooting in the dark and hoping to hit the mark. That's where a phone call or email comes in handy when possible.

Now before you go all deer in the headlights on me at the thought of talking to a grantmaker, I've got you covered here. You can grab my Grant Funder Call Script where I map out how to prepare for the call, a step by step script so you'll know what kinds of questions to ask, and a template that you can customize for each funder. Go to teresahuff.com/script and start calling with confidence.

Our job is to present each individualized request in a way that clearly paints a picture for that funder of your organization's need. You've got this!

Connect with Teresa:

Website: www.teresahuff.com

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

Social: LinkedIn

If you work in the nonprofit world in any capacity, you need to know about this resource. This could benefit so many nonprofits, but most don't even know it exists. I'm talking about the Google Ad Grant. This gives registered nonprofits a $10,000/month advertising credit to use for Google ads.

I've brought in an expert today to share the ins and outs of this resource. Grant Hensel is the CEO of Nonprofit Megaphone, an agency focused 100% on Google Grant Management for nonprofits. Nonprofit Megaphone is honored to manage the Google Grant for 370+ leading nonprofits worldwide and to be an inaugural member of the Google Ad Grant Certified Professionals community.

Grant explains what the Google Ad Grant is designed for, shares some great tips, and tells us how you can position your nonprofit to make the most out of this free advertising.

Resources we mention in this episode:

• Nonprofit Megaphone's Google Grant Website Rubric
• Apply for the Google Ad Grant
• Traction by Gino Wickman
• Nonprofit Megaphone's Overview of the Google Ad Grant
• The Google Grant Visualized: What $10k in $1 Bills Really Looks Like

Connect with Grant Hensel, Nonprofit Megaphone:

Website: nonprofitmegaphone.com

Facebook

Connect with Teresa:

Website: www.teresahuff.com

Grant Writing Courses: www.teresahuff.com/learn

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

Social: LinkedIn

Are you a nonprofit or freelance grant writer and need support figuring out your next steps? Book a strategy starter call at www.teresahuff.com/strategy and let's get you moving forward.