Grant Writing Simplified

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Rating
4.8
from
21 reviews
This podcast has
142 episodes
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Explicit
No
Date created
2020/10/03
Average duration
23 min.
Release period
18 days

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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. I’m Teresa Huff, former special ed teacher turned grant writer and nonprofit strategist. I’m here to mentor freelancers and nonprofit leaders like you who are ready for a fulfilling, flexible career while leveraging your skills, growing your earning potential, AND making a big impact on the world around you. I’ll teach you the strategies I’ve used to help nonprofits triple their funding. Let’s work together to change your world!

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The Power of Pause: 5 Reasons to Call Timeout in Your Nonprofit - by Teresa Huff
2023/12/19
Join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip   As we dive into the hustle of year-end activities, the race to finish strong is on for nonprofit leaders, grant writers, and consultants. In this busy season, we need to recognize that finishing well may mean finishing with rest and recovery.  Let's take a cue from coaches and explore the strategic use of timeouts to navigate the challenges and finish the year on a high note. Acknowledge the Chaos: Embrace the Timeout The year-end rush can often feel like a relentless marathon. Acknowledge the chaos, and don't be afraid to embrace a timeout. Recognizing the need for a breather is not a sign of weakness, but rather a strategic move to ensure your team sustains momentum. This is even true if you’re a team of one. Team Focus: Pay Attention to Needs Whether you're leading a team or flying solo, pay close attention to the needs of those around you. A timeout isn't just for your benefit; it's an opportunity to assess the collective energy and well-being of your team. Understanding their needs ensures you're all on the same page and ready to tackle the challenges ahead. Timeout Lessons from Coaches To top off the busy holiday season, many people are involved in sports as well. We can borrow a lesson from coaches and the 5 common reasons they call a timeout during the game: Break the Momentum Change Your Strategy Correct Mistakes Rest Motivate Your Players Sometimes, a timeout is more than just a break. It's a chance to regroup, refocus, and deliver a pep talk that motivates your team for the challenges that lie ahead. Timeout Wisdom: Not Giving Up, but Leveling Up Calling a timeout isn't the equivalent of throwing in the towel. On the contrary, it's a smart and strategic move.  As the year draws to a close, remember that effective leadership involves knowing when to push forward and when to pause. So, take that timeout, recharge, and set the stage for a successful finish to the year. To read today's full episode:  The Power of Pause: 5 Reasons to Call Timeout in Your Nonprofit To watch and share my TEDx Talk, The Real ROI of Grant Writing.   Challenge Question: Do you need to call a timeout?   Connect with Teresa Huff: Website: www.teresahuff.com Watch the TEDx: The Real ROI of Grant Writing Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer? Social: LinkedIn Community LinkedIn Instagram Pinterest YouTube Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip
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Celebrating Three Years of Grant Writing Simplified - by Teresa Huff
2023/12/12
Join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip Celebrating Three Years of Grant Writing Simplified It’s been three years since I launched the Grant Writing Simplified Podcast, and it’s been an amazing journey. The show has over 100,000 downloads from over 140 countries across six continents. I’ve made friends all over the world and we’ve come together as a community. I’m incredibly grateful for my team’s hard work and dedication in making the show possible. Shifting the Conversations Around Nonprofit Work In the world of grants, we need to think beyond just the money. If you've listened to my TEDx talk, we need to focus on the Return on Impact (ROI). Funders need to know they will get a return for investing in your nonprofit.  To build a successful ROI, nonprofits need to be Relevant, Optimized, and Interact authentically. Once we lock all three of those in, that's when we can really make progress and we can get results around our impact. It's important that we are helping people understand that. Nonprofits play an important role in educating the world about their mission. Grants aren’t a quick fix; nonprofit work is a long game. There's an urgency now more than ever to support nonprofits, to shift some things in the sector, to change the conversations around nonprofit work. I can't do it myself. But I can help give you the tools, the ideas, the verbiage and help you become more comfortable with the conversations. I talked to a lot of nonprofit leaders, grant writers, and consultants. There's a need to shift the conversation about how we support nonprofits, how we support funding, how we show up.  I get a lot of questions about grants from nonprofits who have heard, “Oh, you should get grant funding. There are grants out there that'll fix everything.” Ouch! There seems to be this mindset that grants are the easy answer, when in reality that's getting a little bit ahead of themselves if they don't have the other pieces in place. Many nonprofits still have some work to do in this area. I know that's hard to hear a little bit of tough love, but some time invested in the right things can really pay off down the road.  Grants aren't a quick fix; they're not quick money. They're not an overnight way to fund your nonprofit. They're a really small part of a much bigger fundraising plan, and you need those pieces in place. Grants are more of a long-term seed planting and cultivating to build those relationships over time to build out your strategy effectively.  An old proverb says, “Be not afraid of growing slowly; be only afraid of standing still. Growing slowly produces deep roots.” That's true in this context as well. With nonprofit work and with grants, it does take time just like planting seeds. You can't be digging them up and checking them every day to see if the seeds are growing. You have to tend and cultivate and water and let the seeds do their work. Same with grants and nonprofits, We have to cultivate and care for them and provide the right environment and the right conditions.  Booking a Mentor-On-Call Strategy Call If you’re feeling overwhelmed with trying to help your nonprofit apply for grants, then a Mentor On Call Strategy Call may be a helpful next step. You can book a one on one Zoom call with me to get feedback on any questions you may have and access to an expert. You’ll get clear action steps to keep moving forward and new strategies to level up. Holiday Zoom Party To celebrate the holidays, I’m hosting a Holiday Zoom Party! This is a chance to hang out on Zoom, ask mentor questions, share stories about grants, and celebrate the holidays together. Be sure to sign up for my email list or message me on LinkedIn to get an invitation to the Zoom Party. To read today's full episode:  Celebrating Three Years of Grant Writing Simplified To watch and share my TEDx Talk, The Real ROI of Grant Writing.   Challenge Question:  What do you need to
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From Ideas to Impact: Unveiling the Key to Successful Grant Funding - by Teresa Huff
2023/08/22
Interested in hopping on a small group call with me? Sign up at www.teresahuff.com/help and I’ll keep you in the loop! Unlocking Grant Funding: Moving Beyond Ideas and Building Impactful Programs As summer winds down, I’m seeing renewed energy in the world of fundraising and grants. With this transition, a common question is echoing through conversations—both in my inbox and across online forums. It goes something like this, "I've got an amazing idea. Can I get a grant to fund it?” Or others ask, “Why aren't funders supporting my groundbreaking idea?"  Let’s dig into this topic and shed light on why grantmakers seek more than just brilliant ideas. We’ll explore the art of turning ideas into impactful programs, a journey that requires Relevance, Optimization, and Interaction. The Power of Moving Beyond Ideas Remembering my TEDx talk and our recent episodes, you might remember the three pillars of building your ROI: Relevant, Optimize, and Interact. These pillars pave the way for a tangible Return on Impact. Ideas, while important sparks, are only the beginning. The question is: Is your idea Relevant, is it Optimized for action, and are you actively Interacting with others in authentic ways to gather their input? Ideas: The Starting Point Ideas are like stars in the sky—plentiful and enchanting. We all have them, and they're often fleeting. Just as you might contemplate getting ice cream after dinner, ideas come and go. But securing grant funding requires more than fleeting notions. It necessitates a solid, active program in motion. From Ideas to Relevance: The Story of Dooshima Let's rewind a bit to a strategy call I had with Dooshima. She had an incredible idea—a passion born from personal experience, a desire to transform maternal healthcare in rural communities. However, she faced the challenge of translating that passion into a program that grantmakers could champion. The story resonates because countless people are brimming with such stories of need and possibility. Listen to the episode to hear Dooshima's question and my advice to her. Elevating Your Impact with Strategy Calls Don't stress if you're at the idea stage—that’s an exciting beginning. All good programs start with ideas. If you're seeking direction, strategy calls can be your guiding light. In these sessions we’ll map out a clear roadmap, transforming your ideas into actionable steps. Whether you're starting from scratch or amplifying an existing program, strategy calls provide the momentum you need to make a real difference. Embrace Change and Spark Transformation As you navigate the world of grants and funding, remember that your idea is just the start. Embrace the journey of turning that idea into a program that's rooted in Relevance, Optimized for success, and backed by meaningful Interactions. Grant funding isn't just about receiving financial support—it's about igniting change, improving lives, and leaving a lasting impact. So, let's roll up our sleeves, build those impactful programs, and together, let's change the world for the better. To read today's full episode: From Ideas to Impact: Unveiling the Key to Successful Grant Funding To watch and share my TEDx Talk, The Real ROI of Grant Writing.   Challenge Question:  What’s one idea where you need to take action? Let me know and we’ll brainstorm together! And if you need extra support, book a call at www.teresahuff.com/mentor. Resources: Episode 96 - Nonprofit Strategy Call: Gaining Clarity for a Nonprofit’s Next Steps Go to MyEasyGrant.com to find, cultivate, and apply to relevant foundations using Easy Grant by Sparrow Nonprofit Solutions. Watch and share my TEDx Talk: The Real ROI of Grant Writing   Connect with Teresa Huff: Website: www.teresahuff.com Watch the TEDx: The Real ROI of Grant Writing Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer? Social: LinkedIn Community LinkedIn Instagram Pinterest YouTube
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The Art of Letting Go: Why Unlearning Is as Important as Learning - by Teresa Huff
2023/08/15
Interested in hopping on a small group call with me? Sign up at www.teresahuff.com/help and I’ll keep you in the loop! We Constantly Talk About Learning. But What About Unlearning? We all know lifelong learning matters. I'm constantly encouraging you to pick up new skills, strategies, and ways of thinking to stay sharp and relevant. But here's the thing—sometimes we need to let go of the old to make room for the new. As crucial as learning is, unlearning may be just as vital to our growth and ability to adapt. When We're Stuck, It's Often Because We Need to Unlearn I was thinking about this the other day and realized that when we try implementing new things but just can't move forward, it could be because we need to unlearn outdated habits or mindsets blocking our progress. If we want to reach the next level personally or professionally, we likely need to release our white-knuckled grip on the status quo. Because here's the hard truth: what got you here won't necessarily get you there. And what got you here will also keep you here. Pursuing Innovation May Require Unlearning For example, as you learn exciting new tools and strategies (like AI!), approach them with openness to unlearn any preconceived notions or processes that may close you off to new breakthroughs or ways of working. Don't let fear of the unknown prevent you from trying something new. Signs You May Need to Unlearn Something: You complain about being stuck but keep doing the same things You resist feedback or suggestions from others You feel overwhelmed trying to learn new skills on top of old ones You find yourself thinking "I already know this" rather than actively listening Why Unlearning Matters The bottom line? Lifelong learning matters—and lifelong unlearning does too. Progress requires releasing comfortable but constraining ways of thinking and doing to create space for the new. Reexamine your assumptions, habits, and beliefs through curiosity, not defensiveness. Unlearning Propels You Forward Unlearning isn't easy, but it can propel you forward. By letting go, you make room for progress to grow. I believe in you, my friends!   To read today's full episode: The Art of Letting Go: Why Unlearning is as Important as Learning To watch and share my TEDx Talk, The Real ROI of Grant Writing.  Challenge Questions: What old habits or mindsets can you let go of to pursue breakthroughs? Where might you be clinging to the status quo out of fear? How can you become more open to feedback and growth? I’d love to hear about your work, so shoot me an email and let’s chat! Resources Mentioned: Go to MyEasyGrant.com to find, cultivate, and apply to relevant foundations using Easy Grant by Sparrow Nonprofit Solutions. Watch and share my TEDx Talk: The Real ROI of Grant Writing   Connect with Teresa Huff: Website: www.teresahuff.com Watch the TEDx: The Real ROI of Grant Writing Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer? Social: LinkedIn Community LinkedIn Instagram Pinterest YouTube Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip  
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Humanity in the Age of AI: Navigating Authentic Connections for Lasting Impact - by Teresa Huff
2023/08/08
Join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip Revisiting the ROI Journey It's time for a heart-to-heart about a topic that's close to all our missions: authentic interactions in this tech-savvy world. So grab your favorite cup of inspiration, settle in, and let's dive into the final chapter of our ROI journey – the all-important art of Interacting. Remember when we kicked off this ROI conversation? In nonprofit work, grantmakers are looking for a Return on Impact. We broke down the pillars of my ROI Framework: Relevance, Optimize, and Interact. We chatted about being Relevant in Episode 135, and the importance of Optimizing in Episode 136. Now we’re going to come back to discussInteract, the juiciest slice of the ROI pie. The Human Touch in the Age of AI While we’re on the subject of Interacting, let's address the elephant in the digital room – AI. Yes, it's impressive, and it's changing the game. But guess what? It won't replace the magic that happens between humans. Amidst the buzz, never forget that there's a flesh-and-blood person on the other end of every click, every tap, every email. So, you might wonder, how do we use AI without losing our humanity? Great question! We use it to optimize, to fine-tune our approach, but not to replace the essence of what makes us connect – genuine, heart-to-heart communication. Whether it's a grant application, an email, or a good old-fashioned phone call, we're speaking to people, not bank accounts. Remember Adam Witty's golden words, "Business moves at the speed of trust." Well, guess what? That's our rhythm too! In the nonprofit world, trust is the currency that fuels our impact. Trust is what propels us forward even before the race begins. We’ve had some great conversations about this already. In Episode 105, Kevin Fitzpatrick shared how meeting donors face-to-face is more than just dollars and cents – it's about human connection. In Episode 133, Sherry Quam Taylor urged us to be curious, to ask questions that uncover stories and passions. She challenged us to ask questions like, “How did you become so generous?” and then listen. And then there's Derik Timmerman's challenge from Episode 143 – have coffee with 90 people in 90 days. Can you imagine the support network of relationships we can grow in that time? Let's talk to those grantmakers, those nonprofits, those potential partners. Let's dive deep, listen closely, and build bridges that carry our impact far beyond ourselves. Return on Impact isn't just about numbers; it's about the ripples of change we create, the lives we touch, and the legacy we weave. To read today's full episode: Humanity in the Age of AI: Navigating Authentic Connections for Lasting Impact To watch and share my TEDx Talk, The Real ROI of Grant Writing.   Challenge Question: How will you build your Interactions this week? I’d love to hear about your work, so shoot me an email and let’s chat! Resources Mentioned: Episode 105 - Creating Clarity Around How to Obtain Major Gifts for Your Nonprofit Episode 133 - How Design, Creativity and Relationships Intersect With Budget Transparency Episode 143 - Formula for Nonprofit Success: Balancing Heart, Grit, and Brains Go to MyEasyGrant.com to find, cultivate, and apply to relevant foundations using Easy Grant by Sparrow Nonprofit Solutions. Watch and share my TEDx Talk: The Real ROI of Grant Writing Connect with Teresa Huff: Website: www.teresahuff.com Watch the TEDx: The Real ROI of Grant Writing Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer? Social: LinkedIn Community LinkedIn Instagram Pinterest YouTube Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip
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Formula for Nonprofit Success: Balancing Heart, Grit, and Brains: Interview with Derik Timmerman, Sparrow Nonprofit Solutions
2023/08/01
Join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip The Truth About Grant Readiness If you’ve followed me for any amount of time, you know I’m a big advocate for grant readiness, because the more prepared you are before you start, the better chance you have of winning a grant. But I’m also a big believer in taking action. The truth is, grant readiness is a lot like parenting. You need a certain amount of stability, but you’re never really 100% ready. At some point, you have to just start and then learn as you go. My friend Derik Timmerman founded Sparrow Nonprofit Solutions to help nonprofits succeed in their fundraising. In this episode of Grant Writing Simplified, Derik tells the story of how Sparrow Nonprofit Solutions started when he realized he had to get a little rowdy, and how you can energize your board members while you get the critical grant readiness pieces in place. Balancing Heart, Grit, and Brains Most nonprofits are full of passion for their cause and determination to stick with it, but they struggle with the business mindset in one of two ways. Either they lack the business knowledge needed to run a nonprofit, or they don’t realize the impact they can have when they think outside the box.  It takes more than heart and grit to run a nonprofit. It requires a combination and a balance of heart, grit, and brains to see the mission truly take off. You need all three in tandem. Derik explains further about the importance of business elements in nonprofits and the core elements of grant readiness. Your nonprofit needs just four elements in place before you can win grants through EasyGrant. Why do we exist? Forming your mission. What is a win? Creating a vision. Who are when when we're winning? Defining values. How do we win? Developing a strategy. If you can’t answer these four questions, Derik can help through a board retreat called BoardSpark. BoardSpark is especially helpful for languishing boards, if the board is in a transition, or if it’s been a long time since the board evaluated the organizational mission, vision, values, and key habits. Derik has seen many struggling nonprofit board members leave re-energized in their work. While passion and persistence are necessary ingredients for impact in the nonprofit world, we need to mix them with equal parts business acumen and daring creativity. Consider how you can take your next step today. To read today's full episode: Formula for Nonprofit Success: Balancing Heart, Grit, and Brains To watch and share my TEDx Talk, The Real ROI of Grant Writing.   Challenge Question:  When you consider your nonprofit, do you know why you exist, what is a win, who are you when you are winning, and how do you win? I’d love to hear about your organization, so shoot me an email! Meet Derik Timmerman Derik Timmerman is the Founder of Sparrow Nonprofit Solutions, a nationwide consulting firm helping nonprofits maximize their world-changing impact. In addition to coaching nonprofit professionals at all levels, Derik is a nationally-recognized speaker and author on a variety of nonprofit subjects including fundraising, grant research/writing, and board development.  Prior to founding Sparrow, Derik was a management consultant at McKinsey & Company and a US Army Intelligence Officer with two combat deployments to Iraq. Derik earned a Bachelor's in Computer Science from the United States Military Academy at West Point, as well as a Masters, PhD, and CFRE certification in fundraising. Derik has a passion for chocolate chip cookies, burning them off on nearby hiking trails with his three boys, and living out his life's core purpose of building factories of hope. Connect with Derik Timmerman: MyEasyGrant.com LinkedIn Resources Mentioned: 40 Laws of Nonprofit Impact Monday.com Sparrow Nonprofit Solutions: Gala Guide Sparrow Nonprofit Solutions: BoardSpark Go to MyEasyGrant.com to find, cultivate, and apply to relevant foundations usi
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Streamline Systems for Nonprofit Success - by Teresa Huff
2023/07/25
Join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip Streamlining Systems for Nonprofit Success Can you believe we’re already nearing the end of summer? As we charge ahead into the second half of 2023, now is a great time to pause and evaluate whether your nonprofit's systems are working optimally for you. A while back, we talked about my favorite tech tools and the importance of systems for grant strategy. With the development of AI and emerging technology, it’s more important than ever to understand the strategy behind your systems so you can use them most effectively. Today, let's dive deeper into other critical systems to consider as a nonprofit. If you feel your organization could use some fine-tuning in these areas, no worries! Reach out anytime to schedule an advisory session - we can shore things up to end the year strong and kick off 2024 organized and ready. For a comprehensive guide to crafting effective systems, be sure to check out my Fast Track to Grant Writer VIP Program. Key Systems for Nonprofit Success Over the years, I’ve used many different systems to streamline my grant writing business. Even though I now focus on coaching and strategy, having robust systems in place remains crucial. Some key areas for nonprofits to track include: Digital and paper file organization Password management (I love LastPass!) Calendar with recurring task reminders Note-taking and action items Contact management Donor updates Budget and finances Internal communications Strategic planning Fundraising and grants Program data collection and reporting Mapping big goals into daily tasks Are Your Systems Serving You? While well-designed systems are invaluable, let's keep it real - we all have off days! The key is not getting stuck in reactionary mode and knowing which systems are truly mission-critical. Can Automating Help Your Nonprofit Work? Look for signs like: Dropped balls or missed deadlines Repetitive administrative tasks Re-explaining processes frequently Missing key data for grant applications This indicates it may be time to optimize your systems! Identifying areas to automate can free up time and energy for your most important work. The time invested now will pay dividends as we progress through 2023 and beyond. Reach out any time to strategize streamlining systems tailored for your nonprofit's needs. Here's to a smooth and successful second half of the year! To read today's full episode: Streamline Systems for Nonprofit Success To watch and share my TEDx Talk, The Real ROI of Grant Writing.   Challenge Question: What is one system or workflow you can evaluate this month to help streamline your nonprofit's operations? I’d love to hear about your organization, so shoot me an email! Resources Mentioned: LastPass Secure Passwords Episode 21: Tips for Successful Grant Writing & Federal Grant Project Management: Interview with Brandi VanAntwerp, CoxHealth Foundation Grants Administrator Episode 52: Business Building: The Tech Tools I Use Most in My Grant Writing Business Episode 62: Pro Tips to Step Up Your Nonprofit Grant Strategy with Systems Go to MyEasyGrant.com to find, cultivate, and apply to relevant foundations using Easy Grant by Sparrow Nonprofit Solutions. Watch and share my TEDx Talk: The Real ROI of Grant Writing Connect with Teresa Huff: Website: www.teresahuff.com Watch the TEDx: The Real ROI of Grant Writing Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer? Social: LinkedIn Community LinkedIn Instagram Pinterest YouTube Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip
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Mid-Year Goal Check: Assess Your Progress and Set Micro-Habits for Success - by Teresa Huff
2023/07/18
Join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip Mid-Year Check-In It’s hard to believe the summer is half over already! Where did the year go? I don’t know about you, but I’m a goal-setter, so mid-year is a good time to check in on my progress. Like most years, I’ve had a lot of unexpected things come up. It’s a process of learning to roll with the changes and adjust as I go. As I evaluate how to move forward for the rest of this year, I thought it would be a good time to share a few tips I’ve learned to help you reach your goals. Make Progress with Micro-Habits One method of goal-setting is to set up micro-habits. Rather than setting ourselves up for failure with a huge goal we likely won’t reach, where can we create micro-habits to set ourselves up for a nearly 100% win? Those have a surprisingly compounding effect. Micro-habits are small actions that help lead us towards our goals. They're easy to accomplish consistently and have a compounding effect. 7 Steps for Setting Micro-Habits for Success Assess Your Progress: Look at your goals from the beginning of the year. Are you on track? Have you accomplished what you hoped for by now? Don’t be too hard on yourself if your progress isn't exactly where you expected it to be. Instead, use this time to evaluate, adjust, and adapt. Be Flexible Choose to adapt when life throws unexpected things at you. Keep pushing forward and don’t give up. Be Deliberate When unexpected opportunities or hurdles come, deliberately decide where these things fit in the bigger picture. Be sure to pace yourself and take a rest when you need to. Be Intentional Be intentional when choosing your micro-habit. Consider the larger goal of who or what you want to become and identify a habit that will help you get there. Define and visualize where you want to be in the next month, three months, or by the end of the year. Be Strategic Identify areas where consistent action will have a meaningful impact on your larger objectives. Then integrate micro-habits into your existing daily routine by choosing a trigger. A trigger is a specific time or event in your day that serves as a reminder to do the new habit. Be Accountable Setting goals, micro-habits, and triggers is only half the battle. We all need accountability to stay on track. If you need an accountability partner, shoot me an email. Stay Clear on Your Vision Make sure your bigger purpose is clear. Why are you doing this? What will this move you closer to? That will help you stay motivated and on track. The key is to set a trigger and stick to it, because it takes about a month for a behavior to become a routine. By setting deliberate micro-habits strategically aligned with our bigger picture, we can actively work towards becoming better versions of ourselves each day. And you don’t have to do it alone; I’m here to support you.  Keep pushing forward; you've got this! To read today's full episode: Mid-Year Goal Check: Assess Your Progress and Set Micro-Habits for Success To watch and share my TEDx Talk, The Real ROI of Grant Writing.   Challenge Question: What micro-habit will you commit to every day for the next 30 days? Resources Mentioned: Other Grant Writing Simplified podcasts to help you reach your goals: Leadership Lessons from a Green Beret: How to Lead for Success Master of One: The Role of Excellence in Our Work 5 Easy Grant Writing Tips to Build Strategic, Lasting Relationships Go to MyEasyGrant.com to find, cultivate, and apply to relevant foundations using Easy Grant by Sparrow Nonprofit Solutions. Watch and share my TEDx Talk: The Real ROI of Grant Writing Connect with Teresa Huff: Website: www.teresahuff.com Watch the TEDx: The Real ROI of Grant Writing Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer? Social: LinkedIn Community LinkedIn Instagram Pinterest YouTube Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip
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9 Ways Food Network Challenges Mirror the Grant Writing Process - by Teresa Huff
2023/07/11
Join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip ROI for Foodies I enjoy watching some of the Food Network challenges because it’s fun to discover new baking ideas. While watching an episode last week, I noticed another reason the competitions are so much fun to watch. Grant writers and Food Network competitors go through a similar process in hopes of winning money. To win the prize, we all have to show the judges how they will get a Return on Investment - or in the case of nonprofits, a Return on Impact - by investing in us. In my TEDx talk, I explain how the key to writing a winning grant is to show the grant funder the Return on Impact (ROI) they’ll get. Funders aren’t looking for a return on investment like a for-profit business. Instead, grantmakers want to give grants to organizations they know will make an impact on the community, just like the judges on the Food Network want to invest in chefs that will contribute to the baking community and represent the Food Network well. 9 Ways Food Network Challenges are Like Grant Writing: The judges provide clear instructions and a goal before the competition begins. The competitors can be creative, but they still have to stay within defined parameters. The competitors have to make a reduction to eliminate any fluff or distractions. (Check out Episode 16 for examples of how to do this in grant writing!) The challenge always includes a tight deadline, so competitors have to practice and be prepared to thrive under pressure. Competitors must adapt quickly when mistakes and unexpected hurdles occur. Judges love a good story, as long as it is relevant and concise. Participants must present a complete, finished product. Most competitors won’t win the prize, but they don’t give up on their dream. Before the participants do anything, they sketch out their vision and devise a strategy to transform that dream to reality.  Many competitors skip the vision and strategy and go straight for writing the grant, but this should actually be the first thing both grant writers and Food Network competitors do. Without a vision and goal, there’s no direction, only chaos and confusion. Conclusion Your ROI isn’t just a formula for how to position the grant for funders. It’s also a vision for your organization. It’s your nonprofit’s lighthouse. The return you want to give your funders is the same as the impact you want to have on your community, it’s the reason you do this work every day; it’s what keeps you anchored so you don’t drift from your mission.  To read today's full episode:  9 Ways Food Network Challenges Mirror the Grant Writing Process To watch and share my TEDx Talk, The Real ROI of Grant Writing.     Challenge Question:  Which Food Network lesson do you need to implement or improve upon in your work? Resources Mentioned: Grant Writing Simplified Episode 16: How to Write Tight Storytelling Series: Episode 58: Are You Telling Your Nonprofit Story? How Coffee Mugs Are Like Grant Writing. Episode 59: How to Tell Your Nonprofit Story Through Video. Episode 60: 5 Questions for a More Compelling Nonprofit Story. Episode 64: Using Data to Tell Nonprofit Stories: 6 Tips to Flex Your Grant Writing Muscles. Go to MyEasyGrant.com to find, cultivate, and apply to relevant foundations using Easy Grant by Sparrow Nonprofit Solutions. Watch and share my TEDx Talk: The Real ROI of Grant Writing Connect with Teresa Huff: Website: www.teresahuff.com Watch the TEDx: The Real ROI of Grant Writing Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer? Social: LinkedIn Community LinkedIn Instagram Pinterest YouTube Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip
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7 Reasons Working Collaboratively Helps Your Team Get More Done: Interview with Dr. Vince Lindenmeyer, Principal, Beacon 4sight Group
2023/07/04
Join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip The Link Between Competition and a Scarcity Mindset Competition is at the heart of every grant application, and a scarcity mindset can come from a position of competition. Many nonprofits work on a very limited budget, so the struggle with a scarcity mindset is common. After all, you wouldn’t be applying for grants if you already had the money, right? Nonprofits applying for the same grant are likely providing parallel services to a similar demographic, so the unfortunate reality is that organizations fighting for the same cause are competing with one another for funds and therefore, feeding the sector-wide scarcity mindset.  In today’s podcast, retired Army Colonel Dr. Vincent Lindenmeyer helps us think creatively to work collaboratively with otherwise competing organizations so both teams can overcome the scarcity mindset and get more done. What Collaboration and Grant Funding Look Like Together During his 26 years in the US Army, Vince specialized in engineering, logistics management, and strategic studies, so he knows what creative collaboration looks like. He now applies his knowledge and experience to the nonprofit sector. As principal of Beacon 4sight Group, Vince helps women, veterans, minorities, persons with disabilities, and the formerly incarcerated start nonprofits and businesses to create economic growth for equality and justice. Many of Vince’s clients begin with little more than a dream, but he helps them get their nonprofit started in 90 days. He knows the power of creative collaboration to overcome scarcity. Like-minded organizations need to share resources, time, and talent to create in-kind partnerships based on trading complimentary skills and backgrounds. 7 Empowering Benefits of Working Collaboratively Wonderful things can happen when organizations work together: Extra personnel Everyone gets more done when you have more hands on deck working toward the same goals. Share tips and tricks Share knowledge to solve problems and work more efficiently. Stronger bottom line Struggling nonprofits become stronger by giving and receiving resources and expertise. Larger network Collaboration breeds collaboration, so when you partner with an organization, you will also get to work with their connections. Stay in your lane Collaboration means sharing complementary skills to boost each other’s weaknesses so you can focus on your strengths. Increased visibility and community awareness When you get more done together, both organizations get a piece of the spotlight to bring awareness to both your cause and your brand. Celebrate your wins together Collaboration means having more to celebrate and more people to celebrate with! If we truly want to make things better and improve our mission, then we have to cooperate. It's not about us. It's not about the scarcity. It's so much more. We have to work together. We have to ask ourselves how we can give back to the community and improve each other’s mission, whether or not it comes back directly to us. To read today's full episode: 7 Reasons Working Collaboratively Helps Your Team Get More Done To watch and share my TEDx Talk, The Real ROI of Grant Writing.     Challenge Question:  Where do you see a scarcity in your nonprofit? Can you identify another organization with whom to collaborate to turn the scarcity into abundance?   Meet Dr. Vince Lindenmeyer (from https://beacon4today.com/resources/) Dr. Vince Lindenmeyer, Colonel, US Army (Retired), is a Principal of the Beacon 4sight Group that helps women, veterans, minorities, persons with disabilities, and the formerly incarcerated start nonprofits and businesses to create economic growth for equality and justice. Colonel Lindenmeyer served a 26-year career with overseas tours to Korea, Egypt, Qatar, and Iraq, earning the Bronze Star Medal. As an educator, Dr. Lindenmeyer has taught face-to-face and distance learni
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5 Easy Grant Writing Tips to Build Strategic, Lasting - by Teresa Huff
2023/06/27
Join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip Ask Not What the Funder Can Do for You… In our last episode, we talked about how your nonprofit can stay relevant to funders, in the community, and as a grant writer. Today we’re going to talk about how to write stronger grant proposals and build relationships with funders by aligning the relevance of your program to their mission. I talked about relevance in my TEDx Talk, “The Real ROI of Grant Writing.” Funders need to know they will get a Return on Impact for investing in your nonprofit. This means you need to convince the funder that your nonprofit is Relevant, Optimized, and Interacting in meaningful ways. If you haven’t already, you can watch my TEDx talk on YouTube.  How Strategic Positioning Can Help Build Your ROI Grant writers look for grants that will help the nonprofit reach their organizational goals. Of course funders have goals too, but their goals are not necessarily related to the success of your organization.  A funder’s mission is to serve the community in a specific way. For a nonprofit, strategic positioning is about writing a grant proposal from the funder’s priorities. The funder wants to know how investing in your nonprofit will help them accomplish their goals, not yours.   To convince the funder they will get the most return on impact by investing in your nonprofit, show them how your organization is relevant to their goals. They need to see how your program will help the external community, even if it's building your internal capacity.   You can do that by strategically positioning the grant to show how your nonprofit aligns with their goals. 5 Tips to Align Your Program with a Funder’s Goals Oswald Chambers wrote, “Life serves back in the coin you pay.” Let’s keep that in mind in the context of our grant writing work. Look at the bigger picture, the overall context in which your organization has an impact, and consider how you are serving and giving to the community. Then write the grant from a position of service.  Five ways to show how your organization serves the funder’s mission: Present your value exchange as a gift Offer something that is meaningful to them Ensure your goals align Explain how your program will help them accomplish their goals Help them envision the end results To read today's full episode: 5 Easy Grant Writing Tips to Build Strategic, Lasting Relationships To watch and share my TEDx Talk, The Real ROI of Grant Writing.   Challenge Question: How will you position your grant proposal from an attitude of service? ResourcesMentioned: Go to MyEasyGrant.com to find, cultivate, and apply to relevant foundations using Easy Grant by Sparrow Nonprofit Solutions. Watch and share my TEDx Talk: The Real ROI of Grant Writing Connect with Teresa Huff: Website: www.teresahuff.com Watch the TEDx: The Real ROI of Grant Writing Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer? Social: LinkedIn Community LinkedIn Instagram Pinterest YouTube Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip    
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Expert Answers to Your Top Questions on How to Become a Grant Writer: Interview with Holly Rustick, Grant Writing & Funding Podcast
2023/06/13
Join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip   Welcome, Up-and-Coming World Changers! Are you thinking about a career in grant writing, but don’t know where to start? I have a passion to train and equip grant writers with the skills they need to be successful because I had an amazing mentor who helped me get started. In today’s episode of Grant Writing Simplified, I had a blast talking shop with my friend and fellow grant writing mentor, Holly Rustic. After nearly twenty years as a grant writing consultant, Holly has dedicated herself to teaching a tribe of grant writers to drive positive change for nonprofits while having an abundant lifestyle. In this episode, we talk about the top questions we hear from new grant writers. You’ll benefit from our combined forty years of grant writing experience and get answers to your top freelance grant writing questions. Top Questions from New Grant Writers Grab a pen and notepad because you’re about to get loads of actionable guidance and practical advice as Holly and I share everything we wish we had known when we started grant writing, such as: Where do I start? What kind of experience do I need? Should I write for free? How do I negotiate prices and rate increases? How can I avoid misunderstandings with clients? How do I present my value as a grant writer to potential clients? What is a Master Grant Template and how will it help you make the world a better place? …And much more! To read today's full episode: Expert Answers to Your Top Questions on How to Become a Grant Writer To watch and share my TEDx Talk, The Real ROI of Grant Writing.     Challenge Question: What skills can you learn, develop, or adapt to grant writing? Make a list, choose one skill, and decide what you will do to move forward.   Meet Holly Rustick: Holly has nearly two decades of experience helping nonprofit organizations and grant writers (and volunteers, board members, and everyday people!) get funding. She has learned a lot over the years and has dedicated herself to teaching a tribe of grant writers to drive positive change for nonprofits while having an abundant lifestyle. Connect with Holly: GrantWritingandFunding.com YouTube Facebook LinkedIn Instagram Resources Mentioned: Nonprofit Consulting Conference Online The Beginner's Guide to Grant Writing: Tips, Tools, & Templates to Write Winning Grants Other Resources: Go to MyEasyGrant.com to find, cultivate, and apply to relevant foundations using Easy Grant by Sparrow Nonprofit Solutions. Watch and share my TEDx Talk: The Real ROI of Grant Writing   Connect with Teresa Huff: Website: www.teresahuff.com Watch the TEDx: The Real ROI of Grant Writing Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer? Social: LinkedIn Community LinkedIn Instagram Pinterest YouTube Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip  
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Podcast reviews

Read Grant Writing Simplified podcast reviews


4.8 out of 5
21 reviews
Lifty Fernandez 2023/02/25
Filled my sails
Grant Writing Simplified has provided me with insights to get started with grant writing. I want to be done with classroom teaching. I’ve only listene...
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Tom_Pagnozzi 2022/09/04
Incredibly Helpful
This podcast is incredibly helpful for aspiring grant writers like myself with practical industry insight and grant writing advice.
moreskinnydays 2022/06/04
Concise, helpful, and well edited
Last week I decide I wanted to get into grant writing. There are so many books available and so much information on the web I wondered, “Where do I st...
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Circle Maker 378 2021/05/20
Ashley McMichael-Founder of Innovative Academy
I had the privilege of working with Teresa on a very large project and it was the most pleasant paid service I’ve had since I have been business. She’...
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GuitarChica7 2021/03/30
Fantastic Resource
Teresa does an excelet job explaining grant writiing, non-profits, freelance work, mentoring, and more. I love how she breaks down the material into m...
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Social Worker Prgramming 2020/11/18
Invaluable Resource for Grant Writers
I’m a newbie grant writer and I have found Teresa’s podcast helpful as I start my journey in this complicated field. From strategies calls to intervie...
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