I don’t know how you handle conflict, be it personal or professional, but my go-to modus operandi is avoidance. I’ve always been a peacemaker, and when things get uncomfortable for myself or anyone else, I will happily change the subject, crack a joke, or simply sweep things under the rug so no one’s feathers are ruffled. For the longest time I thought I was doing everyone in the room a big favor. Turns out, I was part of the problem. Because when you don’t talk about the problem, it doesn’t go away. Sure, it may seem like you’ve moved passed it, but chances are, it’s still festering. And most ..read more

As grant professionals, we often see ourselves as mere intermediaries – facilitating the flow of funds from grant makers to nonprofits by carefully completing proposals, securing required documents, and reporting on outcomes. As grant professionals, we’ve all grappled with the complexities of our roles. From deciphering unclear applications to navigating dysfunctional portals, the challenges can be overwhelming. The demand for clarity and parity in the grantmaking process can often feel like a daunting task. But a new movement is gathering powerful momentum for change—More Than Grant Writers ..read more

I was badly stuck on what kind of consulting business I wanted to build, and a deep fear of making the wrong decision had really shut me down. A trusted mentor recommended I work with The Enneagram of Personality to gain some much-needed insight. The Enneagram helps you understand how you are wired to act and react and what you value as a measure of success. There are no timers, no scorecards, and no good or bad numbers to be found among the nine principal Enneagram types. So, I read some books and articles and worked with an assessment tool she provided. The whole point was for me to reflect ..read more

Last week Kimberly and I led a workshop for area police chiefs and other command staff. We spent time talking about what grants can and cannot do and how to build a grants team without a grant professional on staff. We spent a lot of time explaining that competitive grant applications do not happen overnight. The most pressing question we received after the presentation was: what should I do when my program isn’t progressing as planned and I still have grant money to spend? To me, the answer is simple, but I realize if you are new to the profession, that is a worrisome issue. We often assume i ..read more

While extroverts (like my podcast co-host and training partner Amanda Day) might thrive on large networking events and cocktail receptions, introverted grant writers (yours truly) can excel at building networks too. Our approach may be quieter, but it can be just as effective. Here are three ways that introverts can excel in creating lasting work connections. Mentorship and Volunteering: A Perfect Fit As introverts, we often shine in one-on-one conversations or smaller settings. Consider seeking out a mentor in the grant writing field or becoming a mentor. This allows you to learn from someone ..read more

How many of us dreamed of being a grant writer at age 12? Yeah, me neither. I also never dreamed of being a baker. Yet here I am with 25+ years of grant writing and fundraising experience and an addiction to the lovely amateur contestants on the Great British Bake Off. (Yes, I rewatch my favorite seasons even when I know who will win.) Just like it takes more than a sweet tooth and a spatula to win GBBO, grant writing is more than staring at a screen and forcing words onto a page. If you’re feeling stuck in your current role and yearning for more leadership opportunities, or if you’re consider ..read more

The grant world is split into two very distinctive halves: pre-award and post-award. Many organizations put pressure on their grant professionals to get the grant, causing the focus of our time to live on the pre-award side – conducting prospect research to find the right grant, then developing each proposal to submit by the deadline. But then the award letters start arriving, and you may find yourself thinking, “NOW WHAT?” Grant management is a skill, just like grant writing. It takes time, effort, and a bit of professional development to flex those skills. But if you don’t plan for it, that ..read more

Kimberly and I are currently going through the Dare to Lead training created by Brenè Brown. Our facilitator is Julie Boll, a fellow grant professional, whom we had the pleasure of interviewing on the Fundraising HayDay Podcast last year. If you want to learn more about Julie and her work, you can take a listen HERE. The hallmark of Dare to Lead is finding your courage through vulnerability, while learning to appropriately address the shame that creeps in. For me, shame often comes in the form of the voice in my head that tells me I’m not good enough to do the work I’m currently embarking ..read more

Silos are great for storing fermented hay or corn to feed cattle but make a terrible model for grants and fundraising success. So why do so many nonprofit professionals insist on separating two key revenue-generating functions—rarely working together or even taking sides in some imaginary rivalry? Habit? Obsession with timeless agricultural techniques? Who knows? In the latest episode of the Fundraising HayDay podcast Chief Development Officer Kara Mostowy shares real world advice and experience in breaking down those unnecessary and unhelpful silos that so often separate grant writers and fun ..read more

When I first started working in the grant profession, there was no such thing as grant management software. The phrase “there’s an app for that” didn’t exist, and no one was talking about tools or hacks to keep up with grant deadlines. (I suddenly feel like my father and his tales of walking to school, uphill both ways, in the snow.) While there are so many useful methods for grant tracking these days, not every nonprofit, municipality, or school system can afford a platform with annual fees, costly apps, or other electronic tools. So, what is a grant professional to do? When high tech isn’t i ..read more