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This website shares strategies that will make grant proposal writing less intimidating. 

Hummingbirds are my inspiration for the craft of grant development because they do their work

so diligently, with focused precision

and because they help us to

remember what is beautiful. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Welcome!

How to write a theory of change

Here’s a quick quiz for you. Theory of change is: a) foundation-wonk terminology that doesn’t mean much b) a great name for a band c) just another way of saying how social value is created (The correct answer is c. It’s possibly also but probably not b, but definitely not a.) Chances are, if you’ve [...]

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An easier way to write goals and objectives

[caption id="attachment_612" align="aligncenter" width="490" caption="Goals and objectives are part of the beautiful mosaic of a good grant proposal! Photo by ...

Getting to maybe

[caption id="attachment_600" align="aligncenter" width="490" caption="Photo by Mike Baird, http://www.flickr.com/people/mikebaird/. Creative Commons License."][/caption] It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a charitable ...

How do you succeed in bringing in grants from foundations?

My ten-year (so far!) career in nonprofits has focused on systematically securing grants  from private foundations and government agencies.

I think it’s key to treat funders with respect and to deliver the information they need for effective grantmaking.

My work to build relationships with funders includes:

  • researching the funders’ giving patterns and priorities;
  • securing and staffing site visits and meetings;
  • soliciting invitations to submit proposals;
  • writing and editing proposals and related documents; and
  • following up after grants are awarded with thank-you letters, informal progress updates and interim and final reports (all of which can pave the way for renewed funding).

What was the “turning point” that revealed your professional mission?

I cut my fundraising teeth on Free Stuff for Kids! In all seriousness, getting involved with the Association of Grant Professionals has connected me to my tribe — people who are passionate about the narrative arc of grant proposals, along with the details of grammar and phrasing. The Association of Grant Professionals builds professional excellence and ethics for the profession, and it is invaluable.