Grant Writing Simplified

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

Join the Roundtable With Four Experts As We Discuss the Nonprofit Overhead Myth

A few weeks ago, someone shared an article on LinkedIn about the long-debated Overhead Myth. Is nonprofit overhead bad? Is there a magic percentage for overhead? How can we educate people about the importance of funding operational costs?

That's why I rounded up five nonprofit thought leaders to discuss this. We're passionate about busting this myth and look forward to sharing some nuggets of wisdom with you!

Our goal for this conversation was to be clear and to provide practical takeaways and verbiage you can use throughout your nonprofit journey. And we accomplished just that!

One of the best ways to bust myths in the lives of those around you and your donors is to learn how to shift the conversations to help people better understand your nonprofit's situation. Join us as we pick the brains of these experts in the field surrounding this topic.

I'm currently planning more ways to support you as my listeners and would love some feedback! What would you like to see more of? Share your ideas for podcast topics, resources, course ideas, or other ways I can support you in the new year!

SPEAKERS Teresa Huff, Sherry Quam Taylor, Sean Hale, Michael Thatcher, Kiersten Hill

Read the full transcript: www.teresahuff.com/116

Free Audit: How Grant-Ready Is Your Nonprofit?

If you need support in your journey to excellence as a grant writer, I'd like to invite you to join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer. Go to teresahuff.com/vip and start learning today.

Do You Have What It Takes to Be a Grant Writer? Take the Quiz:

If you're ready to explore a career in grant writing, take my free quiz, "Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer?" People are always surprised at how many skills they already have. The distance isn't as far as they thought. Let's figure out how you can use your skills to help change your world.

If you're ready to step up your nonprofit game, join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer. The world needs you.

Connect with Teresa Huff:

• LinkedIn Community
• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Pinterest
• YouTube

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

We each have a unique combination of things that light us up. From art to spreadsheets, engines to baking cookies (guilty!), we all have our things we enjoy.

Those things we're passionate about typically spread across a wide range of interests. Along with that, we also have a lot of things we wish we could change in the world. This combination of many passions and wanting to make an impact within these areas is what led Michael Thatcher to where he is today as CEO of Charity Navigator.

Charity Navigator is a nonprofit that serves other nonprofits. Their system helps donors identify nonprofits that have a mission that they want to support, as well as provides an opportunity to give to a wide range of causes when they don't want to pick just one. It also helps nonprofits gain credibility and discoverability, making it an incredible resource for both donors and nonprofits.

In this episode Michael and I talk about how Charity Navigator is a tool that amplifies impactful giving as well as other benefits of establishing a nonprofit presence on their platform.

All nonprofits have a mission to make something better, and funds are a vital part of taking steps in the right direction. So how can we make impactful giving easier for everyone? Through the use of Charity Navigator.

Oftentimes people use overhead, information about where money is being spent, as a way to determine a nonprofit's impact, but this doesn't provide the whole picture. Charity Navigator takes the nonprofit's data, looks at what the money is achieving, and shows its true influence.

Nonprofits are encouraged to get their data out there, not only on their own website, but also on others. This allows your mission to be discoverable by more like minded people who may be looking for a charity just like yours to donate to.

Due to Charity Navigator's positive reputation, ease of use, and up to date information, nonprofits can keep putting their best foot forward

Charity Navigator relaunched a new website in 2022 with added features and improvements. They're working hard to continuously iterate and provide better, more accurate data to drive impactful giving. This offers many benefits to both nonprofits and donors:

• Third party credibility
• They'll run algorithms on your data and give you feedback
• Branding Kit
• It increases your discoverability by being on another platform
• It's 100% free

What day this week can you prioritize getting involved with Charity Navigator?

Michael leads Charity Navigator in its efforts to make impactful philanthropy easier for all by increasing the breadth and depth of evaluation methodologies to facilitate ratings coverage of substantially larger numbers of charities, and expand how the information engages new and existing audiences.

Prior to joining Charity Navigator, Michael spent more than fifteen years with Microsoft, the last ten of which, as their Public Sector Chief Technology Officer responsible for technology policy initiatives and engagements with government and academic leaders in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.

Michael's eclectic background includes years at sea conducting oceanographic research with Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, composing music and dancing internationally as the co-founder and co-director of Dance Music Light. He has held various board positions within the nonprofit and tech sectors, holds several patents in enterprise systems management, and has a degree in Music from Columbia University in New York. His guiding mantra: Follow your heart - Use your head - Make a difference.

• Charity Navigator Website
• Charity Navigator Portal
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter
• LinkedIn

If you need support in your journey to excellence as a grant writer, I'd like to invite you to join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer. Go to teresahuff.com/vip and start learning today.

If you're ready to explore a career in grant writing, take my free quiz, "Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer?" People are always surprised at how many skills they already have. The distance isn't as far as they thought. Let's figure out how you can use your skills to help change your world.

If you're ready to step up your nonprofit game, join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer. The world needs you.

Connect with Teresa Huff:

Website: www.teresahuff.com

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

Social:

• LinkedIn Community
• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Pinterest

Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer:

www.teresahuff.com/vip

Join the Nonprofit Mythbusters: www.nonprofitmythbusters.com

Getting Over the Nonprofit Overhead Myth

In 2013 Dan Pallotta released his TED Talk that called out what is now known as The Overhead Myth. The nonprofit sector was hopeful that things might turn around.

Now, almost a decade later, has anything changed? Have we stopped judging organizational effectiveness based solely on how much (or how little) a nonprofit organization spends on operational costs?

I've rounded up some nonprofit colleagues and thought leaders to join me in a roundtable conversation about this important topic, and you are invited to listen.

It's not enough to say something's wrong with the way things are done. We need to educate and provide better tools to truly shift the status quo.

While interviewing Michael Thatcher, CEO of Charity Navigator, the topic of overhead came up. Today I'm sharing a transcript of the conversation with you:

Michael Thatcher: So one of the things I think that's important with the new platform is, and what we're trying to do with the ratings, is to re-articulate the nonprofit narrative. So that there's not this tremendous focus on overhead, and how much gets spent on programs, but actually shift donor perceptions away from that towards what's the impact? And what are the results that the organization is making? What are the other attributes that actually make me want to invest in this organization?

Ultimately, when we're looking at overhead, we're looking at where money's being spent. We're not looking at what money's actually achieving. The only way we can tell that story is this kind of brings it back to the individual nonprofits. Give us that data. Give us your performance data so we can actually tell a better story. Because overhead's easy; we pull that from the from the IRS tax forms, and that is what donors are using as a proxy for impact. It doesn't tell you a thing about impact. And it's actually can be really harmful.

If you under-spend on actually taking care of your people, you will actually damage your organization. You'll have staff, you'll have attrition rates, that you can't manage because at a certain point people have families; they've got to support their families, and if you're under paying your staff, then they're not going to stay with you because they actually have to make a living. So we should be paying. We should be paying appropriate rent wages for non-profit staff. We should be telling the story of the impact we're making in the world.

Charity Navigator is really trying to make that front and center. If you look back historically, we were part of, you know, we've been part of different letters that had been sent to donors, to the nonprofits, on the overhead myth. But this is such an important moment right now, where we have so many issues in our world that need to be addressed. And they talk about the difference we're making in the world. So that's one thing is like, tell the story of the impact you're making. Use platforms like Charity Navigator to actually amplify that message. And stop talking about overhead.

Teresa Huff: I just want to hug you right now! I am cheering and clapping on the inside. Because I see that so much. And it's such a struggle, and a frustration, especially for small nonprofits. And I hear it I see the churn that you're talking about the burnout, the overhead and the the turnover. In people. It's like a puzzle shifting around, somebody moves and the dominoes fall, and it's like, okay, they're gonna shift around in the community somewhere else. And it happens so much. And that inconsistency hurts the organization too. Because then their programs, people build up rapport, and then somebody's gone the next week. It's tough all around, and nonprofit leaders are wearing so many hats, and they're often exhausted and don't know where to focus. I think these conversations and these supports need to shift and what you're saying, we need to shift the the way we are approaching it and the perception around overhead. Spot on; I'm right there with you.

Michael Thatcher: So one thing I was saying, you said, nonprofit leaders wear many hats. We do. And the smaller the nonprofit, the more hats you have to wear. Yeah, that means you are not overhead. Right? You are probably doing a lot of program work. And so one of the errors that I see a lot, particularly from smaller nonprofits is that they'll put the executive in as a management or administrative expense entirely. That's rarely the case. You know what, you know how much program work you're doing, you know how much administrative work you're doing and how much fundraising you're doing. Do those allocations appropriately. It's not a one size fits all approach. And so be careful how you actually report. You do have to report on this, right? In other words, the IRS rules are the IRS rules. And also state rules are state rules. You've got to follow those. But know how you're spending, track your time, and then figure it out. And then just put that in your annual reporting.

Teresa Huff: Yes, thank you for saying that. And for clarifying that, because I've tried explaining that. And sometimes people get it, and sometimes they don't. And it can be a tricky struggle to try and convey. And I think the more we educate the public, and our potential donors and supporters, sometimes they just don't know. And we need to take responsibility for educating them in doing a better job of helping them understand what it really takes to run the nonprofit and then paying people to do their job is not a bad thing. It's an investment in the program and in the community and in the impact.

Michael Thatcher: 100%.

Connect with Teresa Huff:

Website: www.teresahuff.com

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

Social:

• LinkedIn Community
• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Pinterest

Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer:

www.teresahuff.com/vip

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

Homelessness is one of the big issues in society today and it knows no geographical boundaries.

And get this - they do it by printing 3D homes.

As you can imagine, there are a lot of hindrances while tackling such a large issue.

I'm talking with Kristen Harrington, Senior Manager of Partnerships for New Story. We discuss two things about how to tackle large problems that we face while working in a nonprofit:

1. How we navigate our goals and outcomes is important
2. The importance of mentorship

• Think bold/think bigger
• Take obstacles and find the positive in it
• Have a creative and hardworking team
• Be transparent in the ups and the downs

Why is having a mentor a good idea within a nonprofit?

• Someone to bounce ideas off of
• Someone to ask questions to
• They are an ally in the nonprofit world
• You can share partnership prospects
• They can provide helpful feedback

Who can be a mentor to come alongside you while you're attempting to tackle a large problem?

Kristen Harrington is passionate about people and purpose. As the Senior Manager of Partnerships at New Story, she leads a team to maximize global impact by cultivating new relationships with the world's most generous companies. Prior to joining New Story, Kristen helped lead the fundraising efforts of multi-million dollar campaigns for national organizations and even spent some time outside of the nonprofit sector at ESPN. She spends her free time with her husband, daughter, and two chocolate labs, looking for Atlanta's best tacos and the next great adventure.

LinkedIn [email protected] New Story's Website

• The Value of Unexpected Mentors and 5 Ways to Find Them [Episode 26]
• Keys to Success as a Nonprofit Leader: Interview with Dr. Johnathan Kraus, Love Never Fails International [Episode 027]
• 6 Ways to Learn Grant Writing Skills When You're a Nonprofit Volunteer [Episode 28]
• How to Start as a Grant Writer: Mindset and Strategy of Nonprofit Grant Writing [Episode 029]
• Why I Became a Nonprofit Grant Writer: Creating a Ripple Effect [Episode 030]
• Tips for Stepping Up Your Freelancing Success with Katherine Bright [Episode 031]

If you need support in your journey to excellence as a grant writer, I'd like to invite you to join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer. Go to teresahuff.com/vip and start learning today.

If you're ready to explore a career in grant writing, take my free quiz, "Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer?" People are always surprised at how many skills they already have. The distance isn't as far as they thought. Let's figure out how you can use your skills to help change your world. If you're ready to step up your nonprofit game, join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer. The world needs you.

Connect with Teresa Huff:

Website: www.teresahuff.com

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

Social:

• LinkedIn Community
• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Pinterest

Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer:

www.teresahuff.com/vip

Join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer today: www.teresahuff.com/vip

Last winter I presented a grant writing workshop at a conference in Milwaukee. One of the hosts was The Nonprofit Alliance. You may recognize that name from my past guest Shannon McCracken in Episode 70.

I didn't know another soul going into the conference. However, you'd be proud of this introvert. I had a great time and talked to a lot of new people!

One of those happened to sit down next to me at lunch. After hearing his story, his passion for building strong teams, and his unique take on leadership, I knew my new friend was a great person for you to meet too.

In this episode I'm talking with Tim Ditloff, an avid sailor, about what leadership looks like. With a lot of in depth and fun analogies, he relates sailing to strong leadership. I recommend following Tim on LinkedIn for a lot of thoughtful, inspirational posts on life, leadership, and sailing!

Tim has a lot of thoughtful wisdom to share with us:

• Your path might not always be straight. Adjust to the zigs and zags.
• Celebrate small victories. Rome wasn't built in a day.
• Each person's seemingly small task is very important in the ultimate journey.

Tim has worked with his share of nonprofits over the years. He recommends that we focus on these things:

1. Remember why you exist
2. Remember what you are good at/your strengths
3. Reflect on your progress
4. Map out your course, set up milestones, and celebrate along the way
5. Make sure your team is on the same page

Tim relates each of the following leadership characteristics to sailing and teaches us how to think about them from a new perspective. Listen in to get all of the thoughtful analogies he gives us on these powerful points:

• Steward leadership: Take care of each other. You're not on the boat alone.
• You can't take care of others without taking care of yourself too.
• Take the time to step back and observe how things are going among your team to make the most impact.
• Clear communication. Communication is vital for life or death on the sea; communication can be the line between success and failure in a nonprofit.

What sailing lesson from this episode can you compare to your nonprofit journey? I'd love to hear your thoughts! Connect with me on LinkedIn or send me a message.

Tim has received world-class training in business, speaking, and sailing – and he puts all of his knowledge to good use, helping companies like yours with leadership development.

Time provides coaching and seminars to company leaders and their teams so they can transform both personally and professionally. His credentials include a Master of Science in Education. He is also a Certified Franklin Covey Trainer, Licensed U.S. Coast Guard Captain, Certified John Maxwell Facilitator, and Certified ASA Sailing Instructor.

• www.fullsailleadership.com
• www.catalystbuilds.com
• Tim's LinkedIn profile

• Everybody Matters: The Extraordinary Power of Caring for Your People Like Family - Bob Chapman, Steven Menasche, et al
• Lead Yourself First: Inspiring Leadership Through Solitude - Raymond M Kethledge and Michael S Erwin
• Episode 70: Nonprofit Giving Trends From the Last Two Years and 2022 Forecasting - Interview with Shannon McCracken, The Nonprofit Alliance

If you need support in your journey to excellence as a grant writer, I'd like to invite you to join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer. Go to teresahuff.com/vip and start learning today.

If you're ready to explore a career in grant writing, take my free quiz, "Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer?" People are always surprised at how many skills they already have. The distance isn't as far as they thought. Let's figure out how you can use your skills to help change your world.

If you're ready to step up your nonprofit game, join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer. The world needs you.

Connect with Teresa Huff:

Website: www.teresahuff.com

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

Social:

• LinkedIn Community
• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Pinterest

Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer:

www.teresahuff.com/vip

My TEDx Talk is live!! You can watch and share here:

The Real ROI of Grant Writing

I've been a longtime fan of learning from TEDx speakers, and am thrilled to have the opportunity to give a talk of my own! I share about nonprofits and how having the right ROI framework in place can open new doors.

When most people hear ROI, they think 'Return on Investment,' but when it comes to grant writing the ROI framework is different. We're looking for a Return on Impact. Nonprofits have to work on being relevant, optimizing your operations, and interacting authentically and meaningfully with others.

• Relevant
• Optimize Operations
• Interact authentically and meaningfully

When a skilled chef is cooking, their secret ingredient can make the meal ten times better.

For grant writing, the secret sauce to a higher return on impact doesn't have to be a secret. It's not hidden or profound: It's to build true relationships with people. And it is important to build those relationships through each part of the ROI framework - your relevance, optimization, and interactions.

How have I helped dozens of nonprofits over the last two decades? By building relationships, and advising others to do the same.

It didn't start out easy or winning every time. I made a LOT of mistakes, especially at first. I didn't know any better. But that was part of the process. We HAVE to fail to get to success.

That's the part people try to skip. They skip the small failures because they're afraid. And in doing so, they set themselves up for bigger failure.

"Don't be intimidated by what you don't know. That can be your greatest strength and ensure that you do things differently from everyone else." - Sara Blakely.

What part of the ROI framework do you need to focus on?

• TEDx Talk: The Real ROI of Grant Writing by Teresa Huff

• Episode 14: Grant Writer Success Rates: Am I a Bad Grant Writer If I Don't Win the Grant?

If you need support in your journey to excellence as a grant writer, I'd like to invite you to join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer. Go to teresahuff.com/vip and start learning today.

If you're ready to explore a career in grant writing, take my free quiz, "Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer?" People are always surprised at how many skills they already have. The distance isn't as far as they thought. Let's figure out how you can use your skills to help change your world.

If you're ready to step up your nonprofit game, join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer. The world needs you.

Connect with Teresa Huff:

Website: www.teresahuff.com

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

Social:

• LinkedIn Community
• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Pinterest

Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer:

www.teresahuff.com/vip

As a little girl, I remember when I first heard of the Harlem Globetrotters. I got to see them in person a time or two and thought they were THE coolest thing ever. Still do.

Even though I'm not much of a coordinated basketball player myself, I can appreciate the skill and conditioning it takes to play the sport. Throw in some fancy moves, entertainment, and personality like the Harlem Globetrotters, and you've got yourself a court full of magic.

That's why I was super excited to meet a new friend who is a former Globetrotter. Not only that, but he's made it his life's work to spread a message we all need to hear - Kindness Is Free!

I'd like to introduce you to Herbert "Flight Time" Lang. Herb is the founder of a nonprofit called the Kindness is Free Foundation. He spreads joy and kindness wherever he goes.

Herb and I chat about the importance of mentorship, community, and choosing kindness first. As a newer nonprofit, Herb addresses the importance of identifying practical steps to meet your overall big goals, and as a former athlete, Herb advises us to apply the discipline of being consistent to whatever we do.

Mentorship and community is important in our lives. Herb has a mentor to this day who started as his basketball coach when he was 12 years old. The impact his coach had on him has been incredible; you never know who you are impacting around you.

Sometimes it takes time to see the fruit of your impact in others lives, but start planting seeds in the people around you and one day you will see the harvest. Remind people that they have value and prioritize your community.

Choose to be kind in all you do and use kindness as your default, not as an exception nor as a tactic to get what you want. In this episode we learn how kindness has radically impacted Herb's life and how that has provided him with incredible experiences and the ability to make large contributions to better his communities.

This conversation is a great reminder for all of us to:

• Care about all people that you encounter, independent of what they can do for you.
• Do the right thing, because it's the right thing.
• Choose to focus on the good things in life.
• Pick your perspective. Surround yourself with these types of people because you become like those around you.

This week's challenge question is simple: How can you choose kindness today?

Herbert "Flight Time" Lang was a member of the Harlem Globetrotters for 18 wonderful years and traveled to almost 100 different countries. After leaving, he created a Facebook group for past members of the Harlem Globetrotters to maintain community and support one another as they transitioned into new parts of their lives. Herb has been on The Amazing Race and Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader?

Currently Herb is a motivational speaker and runs the Kindness is Free Foundation. Herb is also a TEDx speaker and works with a Hollywood production company to build television show concepts. Husband to Elena and father of three (Antonio, Nicholas, and Reya), Herb lives his life based on the mantra of treating people with kindness. He regularly uses the hashtag #kindnessisfree in online correspondence, and emphasizes that one's success is determined by how many people we impact, and not how much money we make.

• Herb's Website
• Kindness is Free Podcast
• LinkedIn
• Twitter
• Instagram
• TEDx Talk

• Projects Popes and Presidents: An Inspirational Journey That Shows How You Can Overcome Life's Obstacles and Achieve Your Dreams - Herbert Lang
• Cracking the Rich Code, Volume 4 - Jim Britt and Kevin Harrington

If you need support in your journey to excellence as a grant writer, I'd like to invite you to join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer. Go to teresahuff.com/vip and start learning today.

If you're ready to explore a career in grant writing, take my free quiz, "Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer?" People are always surprised at how many skills they already have. The distance isn't as far as they thought. Let's figure out how you can use your skills to help change your world.

If you're ready to step up your nonprofit game, join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer. The world needs you.

Connect with Teresa Huff:

Website: www.teresahuff.com

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

Social:

• LinkedIn Community
• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Pinterest

Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer:

www.teresahuff.com/vip

Join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer and kickstart your grant writing career today: www.teresahuff.com/vip

A couple of years ago I needed a new water bottle. But not just any water bottle.

You see, even though it's a small thing, it's also a big thing. I drink a lot of water all day, every day. I feel all weird and shrively if I don't.

Because it's such an everyday thing for me, a water bottle is an important decision.

It had to be just right. We're talking…Color. Size. Shape. Lid. Spout. Straw. Handle. Price. Lightweight. Fits in my hand. Fits in my car cup holder. Keeps it cold in a hot car for days. The brand didn't matter as long as it fit ALL the other requirements.

Not asking for much, right?

I finally stumbled across what looked like the perfect water bottle combination, so I added it to my Christmas list. I'd never heard of the brand before, but decided to give it a chance. My husband was happy to have the recommendation and checked it off his list.

Best water bottle decision ever.

Simple Modern is now my go-to water bottle brand. Lest you think this is a commercial, though, turns out there's a whole lot more to the story than just a good water bottle.

After reading more about Simple Modern, I connected with the CEO. Pretty soon it was obvious that you needed to talk with him too, so - here we are.

Today I'm chatting with Mike Beckham, the CEO of Simple Modern. He's full of wisdom on leadership, nonprofits, and entrepreneurship. Mike gives us guidance on how skills in both the for-profit world and the nonprofit world translate to support one another, how we can develop a quality of life and corporate culture, and what factors help create a successful organization.

Listen in for some tips of gold!

How can you best steward your resources right now by transferring skills you already have into the nonprofit world?

Mike's career began by working for the nonprofit Christian ministry, Campus Crusade for Christ, also known as CRU. He then transitioned into founding many e-commerce businesses, and is most recently the CEO of Simple Modern. Simple Modern's mission statement is, "We exist to give generously," and Mike is passionate about sharing his experiences with others. Mike is also the entrepreneur-in-residence for the Tom Love Entrepreneurship Program at the University of Oklahoma.

• Simple Modern
• Simple Modern Amazon Store
• LinkedIn
• Twitter
• Blog

If you need support in your journey to excellence as a grant writer, I'd like to invite you to join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer. Go to teresahuff.com/vip and start learning today.

If you're ready to explore a career in grant writing, take my free quiz, "Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer?" People are always surprised at how many skills they already have. The distance isn't as far as they thought. Let's figure out how you can use your skills to help change your world.

If you're ready to step up your nonprofit game, join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer. The world needs you.

Connect with Teresa Huff:

Website: www.teresahuff.com

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

Social:

• LinkedIn Community
• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Pinterest

Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer:

www.teresahuff.com/vip

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

Lately we've been covering some awesome fundraising and leadership topics - major gifts, corporate sponsors, lean startups, and more. Even though the last few episodes aren't directly about grant writing, they'll sure help you with grants in the long run!

A well-rounded approach to your nonprofit's fundraising plan is a big key to success. Grants are only one piece of the pie; it's important to have other pieces in place too.

In this episode I'm talking with the executive director of Nonprofit Hub, Katie Appold. We discuss making sure we are prepared for meetings with donors, myths that surround the nonprofit world, and the importance of sharing your financial information publicly.

In what way can you make your administrative, fundraising, and overhead costs available to your donors?

Katie Appold is executive director of Nonprofit Hub, the nonprofit behind the nationally recognized programs Cause Network and Cause Camp. She has spent over twenty years in the nonprofit sector serving in leadership roles at foundations, publishers, and community-based causes. Katie is also the host of the Good to Growth Podcast, a member of several nonprofit professional organizations, and an active volunteer.

• Nonprofit Hub's Website
• Katie Appold's LinkedIn
• Good to Growth Podcast

• Cause Camp
• Board Source

If you need support in your journey to excellence as a grant writer, I'd like to invite you to join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer. Go to teresahuff.com/vip and start learning today.

If you're ready to explore a career in grant writing, take my free quiz, "Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer?" People are always surprised at how many skills they already have. The distance isn't as far as they thought. Let's figure out how you can use your skills to help change your world. If you're ready to step up your nonprofit game, join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer. The world needs you.

Connect with Teresa Huff:

Website: www.teresahuff.com

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

Social:

• LinkedIn Community
• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Pinterest

Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer:

www.teresahuff.com/vip

This month I'm celebrating TWO YEARS of the Grant Writing Simplified Podcast! How crazy is that!!

I was scared to death to start the podcast two years ago, but here we are over 100 episodes later and it's been a blast.

I've met some of the most incredible people all over the world because of it, and some amazing grant writers have gone through the Fast Track to Grant Writer VIP Program.

It's been quite a ride. Whether you're new or you've been around a while, THANK YOU for being a part of the journey!!!

Grant writing - and all of nonprofit work, really, is full of highs and lows.

The highs are awesome, like winning your first grant. Or the hundredth!

The lows can be pretty discouraging and isolating sometimes.

But the thing is, we can't base our value or success on those extremes. See, there's not really a finish line. At every level we're going to have challenges that will stretch and push us.

We all started with that first grant. I kept going, kept practicing, and kept improving. Then different projects came along and those presented new challenges.

Then last week I stepped into an ENTIRELY new challenge and gave a TEDx Talk! That was a completely foreign experience for me, but I had a blast and am so grateful for the opportunity. (And I can't wait to share the video with you when it's live!)

All these accomplishments are cause for celebration, and the lows are a great education. Strangely enough, though, we may not ever feel like we've "arrived." Once we reach one level, we're working toward the next. And I've realized that's an important part of the journey.

What is your next step? It can be big or small, but take the step! Send me a message and let me know. I'd love to cheer you on!

If you need help, book a 1:1 strategy session with me at teresahuff.com/mentor. The world needs you out there making a difference!

Connect with me over on LinkedIn or send me a message. And if you need more support, join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer already and let's get you moving!

Are you feeling overwhelmed with trying to help your nonprofit apply for grants? Go through the free audit and I'll help you sort out the next steps for your organization.

Do You Have What It Takes to Be a Grant Writer? Take the Quiz:

If you're ready to explore a career in grant writing, take my free quiz, "Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer?" People are always surprised at how many skills they already have. The distance isn't as far as they thought. Let's figure out how you can use your skills to help change your world.

• TEDx Talk - Coming soon!

Connect with Teresa Huff:

Website: www.teresahuff.com

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

Social:

• LinkedIn Community
• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Pinterest

Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer:

www.teresahuff.com/vip