Grant Writing Simplified

Grant Writing Simplified

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Grant Writing Simplified episodes

  • 86: A Step by Step Exercise to Address Overwhelm at Work
    How Do You Address Overwhelm at Work? I talk to so many nonprofit leaders who are overwhelmed and feel like they're wearing ALL The hats. I also talk to grant writers who are overwhelmed because they're juggling so many plates with all the different projects going on. The question that relates to both is: How do you move forward? We need to start by identifying and addressing the overwhelm. Last week we talked about naming the thing - the decision, the project, the reason, the problem. Then you know what you're working with. Now we need to clarify your priorities. Today we're going to walk through a practical exercise to help you with this. A Step by Step Exercise to Reduce Overwhelm
    1. Start with big paper, pen, and highlighters or markers. Find a distraction-free space where you can be alone and spread out.
    2. Brain dump ALL your work responsibilities on the paper. Seriously, everything you can think of.
    3. Now step back and answer this question: If you only had two hours a day to work, what would you focus on?
    4. Highlight or circle the items you identified in Step 3.
    5. Which things came to the top? Look for patterns or surprises.
    Here's the thing. We have to account for the mental weight we carry about our work, even when we're not working. How can you shed some of that weight? In other words, what can you:
    1. Eliminate
    2. Simplify
    3. Postpone
    4. Delegate
    The goal is to make the most impact on your mission - without burning out your people. To do that, you need to be intentional. This is part of what I work with grant writers and nonprofits on, helping them gain clarity, prioritize, and focus.

    Listen to the full episode for examples and deeper discussion of each.

    Challenge Question:

    If you only had 2 hours a day to work, what would you focus on? Give it some thought, and then use what you find to go change your world! Connect with me over on LinkedIn or send me a message and I'll share more resources with you.

    Free Audit: How Grant-Ready Is Your Nonprofit?

    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.

    If you're ready to step up your nonprofit game in 2022, join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer. The world needs you. Other Resources Mentioned:
    • Episode 63: Systems for Hire: Ways to Help Your Nonprofit Thrive
    • Episode 76: Using Constraints as Containers for Creative Progress Instead of Roadblocks
    • Episode 84: Encouragement for the Overwhelmed Nonprofit Leader: 9 Ways to Recharge
    • Episode 85: How to Start As a Grant Writer When You're Overwhelmed
    • Wondering how to find grants and keep up with all the applications? Check out Instrumentl! It's a robust grant search, tracking, and project management tool. Go to teresahuff.com/instrumentl and use the code GWSPOD for a free two-week trial AND $50 off your first month.

    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

    15 min
  • 85: How to Start As a Grant Writer When You're Overwhelmed
    What Questions Do You Have About Grant Writing?

    Lately we've been going back to the basics of grant writing! I'm answering some of the most common questions I hear about grants.

    We learn how to level up your skills in the Fast Track to Grant Writer so you can approach your grant writing career with a more successful strategy. The end goal is to help you increase your income and your impact through grant writing.

    How Do I Start as a Grant Writer? That's the most common question I hear..."Where do I start as a grant writer?" Here's the thing. We tend to build things up in our heads and make them way harder than they need to be. The problem is, when there are a lot of unknowns, that also spills over into our decisionmaking and clouds our judgment. Emily P. Freeman says in her book, "Without a name, we can't be specific…There is power in naming the unnamed things." If you're dealing with a general feeling of overwhelm and can't seem to move forward with making decisions, start with naming. Then you know what you have to work with. That can go a long way in helping you determine your next right step. Finding a Balance with Long-Term Perspective

    We need to find a balance between addressing the immediate, urgent demands while keeping a long-term, visionary perspective in sight. This starts with a few simple steps:

    Keep things running, but think in the context of a visionary perspective

    1. Dig into the overwhelming thing and name it.
    2. Find your core clarity:
      • Personal why
      • Vision, mission, and core values

    Those become a filter for decisionmaking. We've named and defined what we have to work with, so then it's not an ambiguous, overwhelming problem. We have a core framework for moving forward.

    Listen to the full episode for examples and deeper discussion of each.

    Challenge Question:

    What is one area that has you feeling stumped right now, and how can you name it to help you move forward? Connect with me over on LinkedIn or send me a message and I'll share more resources with you.

    Keep at it, my friend! Have a great week, and keep changing your world!

    Free Audit: How Grant-Ready Is Your Nonprofit?

    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.

    If you're ready to step up your nonprofit game in 2022, join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer. The world needs you. Other Resources Mentioned:
    • Episode 24: How to Prevent Nonprofit Decision Fatigue
    • FAST Focus Power Series: Episodes 43-46
    • Episode 62: Pro Tips to Step Up Your Nonprofit Grant Strategy with Systems
    • Episode 63: Systems for Hire: Ways to Help Your Nonprofit Thrive
    • Wondering how to find grants and keep up with all the applications? Check out Instrumentl! It's a robust grant search, tracking, and project management tool. Go to teresahuff.com/instrumentl and use the code GWSPOD for a free two-week trial AND $50 off your first month.

    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

    16 min
  • 84: Encouragement for the Overwhelmed Nonprofit Leader: 9 Ways to Recharge

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

    When You're Wearing All The Nonprofit Hats Already in the first quarter of 2022 I've had the privilege of attending several conferences and workshops, both in-person and virtual. I've met some incredible people who are working hard on the front lines to carry out their missions. Because of that, I've been able to keep an ear to the ground about what's going on in the space. People are so passionate about their mission and you can tell they care deeply about the cause they're working for. It's inspiring hanging around these types of leaders. However, there's also a clear, common theme among these executive directors and other leaders: they're overwhelmed and worn out. They feel like they're wearing all the hats. I don't say that to be discouraging, but to let you know that you are not alone! Yet the mission is so important and the work has to get done. They keep going back day after day because these are caring, compassionate people. What's an overwhelmed nonprofit leader to do? We're caring by nature, but running around trying to wear all the hats can wear us out if we're not careful. 9 Ways Overwhelmed Nonprofit Leaders Can Recharge:
    1. Take care of you.
    2. Recognize what things YOU need to recharge.
    3. Minimize distractions.
    4. Measure backwards.
    5. Aim forward.
    6. Step away for creative think time.
    7. Reach out for support.
    8. Keep learning, exploring, and experimenting.
    9. Start rethinking your obstacles as creative challenges.

    Listen to the full episode for examples and deeper discussion of each.

    Challenge Questions:

    On a scale of 1-10, how overwhelmed are you feeling right now? Which of these 9 tips are you going to implement first? Connect with me over on LinkedIn or send me a message and I'll share more resources with you.

    Keep at it, my friend! The world needs you - but since you're here right now, I think you already know that. Have a great week, and keep changing your world!

    Free Audit: How Grant-Ready Is Your Nonprofit?

    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.

    If you're ready to step up your nonprofit game in 2022, join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer. The world needs you. Other Resources Mentioned:
    • Episode 76: Using Constraints as Containers for Creative Progress Instead of Roadblocks
    • Wondering how to find grants and keep up with all the applications? Check out Instrumentl! It's a robust grant search, tracking, and project management tool. Go to teresahuff.com/instrumentl and use the code GWSPOD for a free two-week trial AND $50 off your first month.

    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

    15 min
  • 83: Breaking Free from the Nonprofit Comparison Trap: More Than a Numbers Game
    What Questions Do You Have About Grant Writing?

    Lately we've been going back to the basics of grant writing! I'm answering some of the most common questions I hear about grants.

    We learn how to level up your skills in the Fast Track to Grant Writer so you can approach your grant writing career with a more successful strategy. The end goal is to help you increase your income and your impact through grant writing.

    Are You Stuck in the Numbers Game?

    Numbers can be intimidating, especially if it seems like our work doesn't measure up to others around us. However, numbers aren't everything. We need to also take the quality and impact into account.

    Listen to the full episode for encouragement and challenge questions to think through with your team.

    Challenge:

    How can your nonprofit look at your numbers differently? Connect with me over on LinkedIn and let's continue the conversation.

    Keep up the good work, my friends! You're making a bigger difference than you'll ever know.

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

    If you're ready to explore this further, 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 in 2022, join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer. The world needs you. Other Episodes Mentioned:
    • Episode 14: Grant Writer Success Rates: Am I a bad grant writer if I don't win the grant?
    • Episode 76: Using Constraints as Containers for Creative Progress Instead of Roadblocks

    Wondering how to find grants and keep up with all the applications? Check out Instrumentl! It's a robust grant search, tracking, and project management tool.

    Go to teresahuff.com/instrumentl and use the code GWSPOD for a free two-week trial AND $50 off your first month.

    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

    11 min
  • 82: Are You Getting More Rejections Than Wins? How to Improve Your Grant Proposals

    learn how to level up your skills in the Fast Track to Grant Writer so you can approach your grant writing career with a more successful strategy. The end goal is to help you increase your income and your impact through grant writing.

    Are You Struggling to Win Grants?

    Grants are a long game, and they're not easy money. If you've been struggling with grant proposal rejections, today I want to offer you encouragement. You're not alone, it's normal, and you can improve!

    Ways to Improve Your Grant Proposals

    If you aren't winning very many grants, know that:

    • You're not the only one!
    • What external factors are coming into play?
    • Look at your writing, or better yet, have someone else look at it.
    • Are you clearly conveying the need, the project, and how you'll measure the impact?
    • Gauge the level of risk you're taking with each application. Look at the different elements so you can make an educated, calculated decision instead of blind risk.
    • Make sure you're ready for grants first. Play the long game and do the hard work of preparing. If you're a nonprofit, check out my free nonprofit audit.
    • Build a relationship with the grantmaker. Ask for their input and feedback.
    Challenge:

    How can your nonprofit improve your grant proposals? Connect with me over on LinkedIn and let's continue the conversation.

    Keep up the good work, my friends! You're making a bigger difference than you'll ever know.

    How grant-ready is your nonprofit? Take the free audit: teresahuff.com/grantready

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

    If you're ready to explore this further, 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 in 2022, join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer. The world needs you. Other Episodes Mentioned:
    • Episode 9: What a Grant Funder REALLY Wants: Interview with Mindy Honey, Skaggs Foundation
    • Episode 14: Grant Writer Success Rates: Am I a bad grant writer if I don't win the grant?
    • Episode 16: Pro Grant Writing Tip: How to Write Tight
    • Episode 20: How to Increase Your Chances of Winning a Grant: Tips to Improve Your Grant Writing Success
    • Episode 51: 6 Meaningful Ways Your Nonprofit Can Build Relationships with Grant Funders
    Join Me in the Free Webinar: Go from Rejected to Accepted - 9 Reasons Grants Get Rejected (and How to Fix Them)

    Wondering how to find grants and keep up with all the applications? Check out Instrumentl! It's a robust grant search, tracking, and project management tool.

    Go to teresahuff.com/instrumentl and use the code GWSPOD for a free two-week trial AND $50 off your first month.

    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

    12 min
  • 81: Should You Hire a Professional Grant Writer or Do It Yourself? Questions to Ask Before You Decide
    Take the Nonprofit Grant-Ready Audit: www.teresahuff.com/grantready

    Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer? Take the quiz: www.teresahuff.com/quiz

    What Questions Do You Have About Grant Writing?

    This month we're going back to the basics of grant writing! I'm answering some of the most common questions I hear about grants.

    We learn how to level up your skills in the Fast Track to Grant Writer so you can approach your grant writing career with a more successful strategy. The end goal is to help you increase your income and your impact through grant writing.

    To Hire a Professional or DIY?

    When you're considering a home improvement project, sometimes you can handle it yourself just fine. Other times, though, you're better off bringing in an expert. The decision depends on several factors - for starters, your level of skill, budget, scope of the project.

    Grant writing is the same way. While there's no standard right or wrong answer, you need to consider a few aspects of the situation before making your decision. Today I'll walk you through 5 areas to think through with your team before making the call. We'll also look at a hybrid alternative that might work well for some of your projects.

    Challenge:

    What's the status of your nonprofit with regards to hiring a grant writer? Go through the audit, and then connect with me over on LinkedIn and let's continue the conversation.

    Keep up the good work, my friends! You're making a bigger difference than you'll ever know.

    Connect with me over on LinkedIn and let's continue the conversation.

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

    If you're ready to explore this further, 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 in 2022, join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer. The world needs you. Other Episodes Mentioned:
    • Episode 37: How Do We Show Nonprofit Sustainability? On-Air Strategy Call
    • Episode 77: Conquer the Blank Screen of Death: How to Start Writing a Grant
    • Episode 78: Grant Writing Basics: What Does a Grant Look Like?
    • Episode 79: Grant Writing Basics: Where Do You Find Grants?
    Try Out Instrumentl Grant Search Software

    Wondering how to find grants and keep up with all the applications? Check out Instrumentl! It's a robust grant search, tracking, and project management tool.

    Go to teresahuff.com/instrumentl and use the code GWSPOD for a free two-week trial AND $50 off your first month

    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

    16 min
  • 80: 7 Things Grants Are NOT: What You Need to Know About Grant Funding [Grant Writing Basics Series]
    Join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip What Questions Do You Have About Grant Writing?

    This month we're going back to the basics of grant writing! I'm answering some of the most common questions I hear about grants.

    Lose the Misconceptions

    So many misconceptions are floating around about grants and how they work. Today we're going to address what grants are NOT so you can focus your efforts on what they ARE. This will help you be more successful in the long run!

    We learn how to avoid these in the Fast Track to Grant Writer so you can approach your grant writing career with a more successful strategy. The end goal is to help you increase your income and your impact through grant writing, but we have to dispel some of these common misconceptions first.

    Even if you as the grant writer know these points, you may have a board member now and then who might not understand. This will give them an outside perspective to help educate them.

    7 Things Grants Are NOT

    Let's be sure we're on the same page before you start applying for grant funding. Grants are NOT:

    1. Quick fix
    2. Easy money
    3. Bailout
    4. Starter plan
    5. Solo funding plan
    6. Free for all
    7. Magic cure
    Listen to the episode for an explanation of each, and what you can do instead.

    Challenge:

    Today we've talked about 7 things grants are NOT. Did any of these surprise you? Connect with me over on LinkedIn and let's continue the conversation.

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

    If you're ready to explore this further, 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 in 2022, join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer. The world needs you. Other Episodes Mentioned:
    • Episode 67: 9 Steps for Getting a New Nonprofit off the Ground: Interview with Alesha Mathis, Nonprofit Founder's Club
    • Episode 77: Conquer the Blank Screen of Death: How to Start Writing a Grant
    • Episode 78: Grant Writing Basics: What Does a Grant Look Like?
    • Episode 79: Grant Writing Basics: Where Do You Find Grants?
    Try Out Instrumentl Grant Search Software

    Wondering how to find grants and keep up with all the applications? Check out Instrumentl! It's a robust grant search, tracking, and project management tool.

    Go to teresahuff.com/instrumentl and use the code GWSPOD for a free two-week trial AND $50 off your first month.

    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

    13 min
  • 79: Grant Writing Basics: Where Do You Find Grants?
    Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip What Questions Do You Have About Grant Writing?

    This month we're going back to the basics of grant writing! I'm answering some of the most common questions I hear about grants.

    Where Do I Find Grants?

    Just like anything in life, you can always do a Google search. However, that might send you down a never-ending rabbit trail with nothing to show for it!

    Several grant search tools are available for nonprofits, such as:

    • Instrumentl
    • Grant Station
    • GrantScape
    • Foundation Directory Online
    • Grant Forward
    • Grant Select
    • Grant Watch
    • Grant Gopher

    In addition, I recommend starting local. See what's in your own community and build relationships with those foundations. Check with your local library, the Chamber of Commerce, and local businesses.

    6 Tips Before You Start Your Grant Search:
    1. Be sure your nonprofit is ready for grants!
    2. Be sure your mission and priorities are clear and externally focused
    3. Know your program priorities so you can find a good match with grant funders
    4. Weed out quickly. Look for geographical and program fit first.
    5. Start local, especially if you're newer to grants
    6. Organize your search
    Challenge:

    Listen in today as we go back to the basics of grant writing. If you have a similar question, send me a message. Chances are others are wondering too! Maybe I'll even answer it on a future podcast episode!

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

    If you're ready to explore this further, 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 in 2022, join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer. The world needs you. Other Episodes Mentioned:
    • Episode 2: What Is a Grant? (and What It's Not)
    • Episodes 6: Grant Readiness: How to Build the Foundation for Successful Grant Writing
    • Episode 33: How to Find First-Time Donors for Your Nonprofit
    • Episode 77: Conquer the Blank Screen of Death: How to Start Writing a Grant
    • Episode 78: Grant Writing Basics: What Does a Grant Look Like?
    Try Out Instrumentl Grant Search Software

    Wondering how to find grants and keep up with all the applications? Check out Instrumentl! It's a robust grant search, tracking, and project management tool.

    Go to teresahuff.com/instrumentl and use the code GWSPOD for a free two-week trial AND $50 off your first month!

    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

    14 min
  • 78: Grant Writing Basics: What Does a Grant Look Like?
    What Questions Do You Have About Grant Writing?

    When I first started grant writing and working with my mentor, I asked a lot of questions.

    Let me rephrase that.

    I asked a BOATLOAD of questions.

    I bombarded her with so many queries that I apologized for the onslaught. I'll never forget her gracious response, "I'd rather you ask than wonder."

    Now that I'm mentoring grant writers myself, I feel the same way. No question is too big or too small!

    What Does a Grant Even Look Like?

    I was recently a guest presenter about grant readiness in a college class. After the class, a student came up to me and said, "I feel silly asking this, but...what does a grant look like? I've tried googling it, but the answers are so confusing!"

    I am SO glad she asked!

    Funny thing is, I wondered the EXACT same thing before I met my mentor and started grant writing. Except...Google wasn't a thing yet, so I didn't have anyone to ask!

    Today I'm going to explain what a grant application might look like depending on the type of grant you're writing, what things are usually included in a grant proposal, and the different ways of submitting a grant. And, most importantly, I explain how you can know exactly how to fill out a grant application!

    Challenge:

    Listen in today as we go back to the basics of grant writing. If you have a similar question, send me a message. Chances are others are wondering too! Maybe I'll even answer it on a future podcast episode!

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

    If you're ready to explore this further, 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 in 2022, join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer. The world needs you. Other Episodes Mentioned:
    • Episode 2: What Is a Grant? (and What It's Not)
    • Episodes 6: Grant Readiness: How to Build the Foundation for Successful Grant Writing
    • Episode 77: Conquer the Blank Screen of Death: How to Start Writing a Grant
    Try Out Instrumentl Grant Search Software

    Wondering how to find grants and keep up with all the applications? Check out Instrumentl! It's a robust grant search, tracking, and project management tool.

    Go to teresahuff.com/instrumentl and use the code GWSPOD for a free two-week trial AND $50 off your first month!

    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

    17 min
  • 77: Conquer the Blank Screen of Death: How to Start Writing a Grant
    Join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip How Do You Start Writing a Grant?

    You've found a grant that sounds like a great match. You've collected the ideas and are ready to begin. You open up a fresh Word document and sit down to write.

    You stare at the page and your mind feels equally blank. Shudder.

    Now what?

    I've got good news for you: I never start writing a grant with a blank page, and you don't have to either.

    Getting Past the Blank Screen to Start Writing a Grant

    Ever feel like you just hit a brick wall? Starting with a blank page when you know you must wax poetic for 50 more pages can be pretty intimidating. Especially when funding rides on it.

    Writing a grant doesn't have to be the equivalent of mountain climbing, though. These tricks help me get past the blank page hurdle.

    Episode 77 Recap - Starting a Grant Application Step by Step:
    1. First, I look at the elements required in the RFP (Request for Proposal).
    2. Next I put them into a Word or Google document, numbered, along with the point value of each section.
    3. Then I read through each question and type quick notes of things I want to remember to add later – important research points, a good quote from a client, a website link I want to use as a reference.
    4. Now I have a framework instead of a blank page. I can go through and plug in project information from my notes with the client. Goals and objectives take shape. I can make a list of items I need to ask the client.

    I am no longer wrestling with a blank page. See how easy that was?

    Challenge Question:

    What's the hardest part for you about getting started with grant writing? Send me a message and let's chat!

    If you're ready to explore this further, 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 help you figure out how you can use your constraints to your advantage so you can help change your world.

    If you're ready to step up your nonprofit game in 2022, join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer. The world needs you. Related Episodes:
    • Episode 16: Pro Grant Writing Tip - How to Write Tight
    • Episodes 43-46: FAST Focus Power Series - How to become a freelance grant writer

    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

    10 min

About Grant Writing Simplified

From the publisher's feed

The world needs you to step forward as a grant writer and lead with confidence. I'll teach you how. Welcome to the Grant Writing Simplified podcast where you'll learn how to scale your income AND impact through grant writing and nonprofit consulting.