126: How International Travel and Volunteering Can Lead to Grant Writing: Interview with Silvia Bonvini
Release Date: 03/14/2023
152: Grant Writing Quick Tip: Ask Different Questions by Teresa Huff
Grant Writing Simplified
In this shorter, experimental format episode of Grant Writing Simplified, Teresa shares insights on the importance of asking different questions to navigate challenges in the nonprofit sector. Drawing from her experiences leading workshops and serving as a sounding board for nonprofit leaders, Teresa encourages listeners to step back from their frustrations and conventional problem-solving approaches. She emphasizes the value of exploring problems more deeply and considering alternatives to the status quo, without necessarily seeking immediate solutions. Teresa challenges...
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151: Empowering Nonprofits: The Fun Side of Grant Writing by Teresa Huff
Grant Writing Simplified
In this episode, I'm doing something a little different. I was recently invited to be a podcast guest on the Marketer of the Day podcast by Robert Plank and I was happy to do that. It was such a fun conversation. He asked such really good questions that I thought, why not share it here with you as well! We talk about grant writing, nonprofit strategies, and making a lasting impact in communities through grant opportunities. We also address how important it is to build solid relationships with grantmakers to achieve success. I think you're going to love this episode! On this episode:...
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150: Navigating Nonprofit Success with Forensic Accounting: A Dive into Integrity and Innovation with Chris Ekimoff
Grant Writing Simplified
Book a 1:1 strategy call with Teresa Huff: www.teresahuff.com/mentor In this episode of the Grant Writing Simplified Podcast, I have a fascinating conversation with Chris Ekimoff, a forensic accountant specializing in litigation consulting and forensic accounting services. Chris discusses the importance of financial vigilance and proactiveness in nonprofits to prevent fraud and financial mismanagement. He emphasizes that it's not about fostering suspicion but about creating awareness and setting up good systems, checks, and balances. We touch upon various topics, including the value of...
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149: Measure what Matters: A Proactive Approach to Nonprofit Success - By Teresa Huff
Grant Writing Simplified
Book a 1:1 strategy call with Teresa Huff: www.teresahuff.com/mentor The Crucial Role of Data in Non-profit Grant Funding In this episode, I'm diving deep into why data collection and tracking are absolute game-changers for non-profit organizations, especially when it comes to snagging those crucial grant funds. I'm all about getting the full picture, which means not just crunching numbers but also capturing those heartwarming stories that truly showcase our impact. I'll walk you through a handy five-question guide to evaluate your current data practices, because let's face it, we can...
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148: The Power of Pause: 5 Reasons to Call Timeout in Your Nonprofit - by Teresa Huff
Grant Writing Simplified
Join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: 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...
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147: Celebrating Three Years of Grant Writing Simplified - by Teresa Huff
Grant Writing Simplified
Join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: 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...
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146: From Ideas to Impact: Unveiling the Key to Successful Grant Funding - by Teresa Huff
Grant Writing Simplified
Interested in hopping on a small group call with me? Sign up at 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...
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145: The Art of Letting Go: Why Unlearning Is as Important as Learning - by Teresa Huff
Grant Writing Simplified
Interested in hopping on a small group call with me? Sign up at 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...
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144: Humanity in the Age of AI: Navigating Authentic Connections for Lasting Impact - by Teresa Huff
Grant Writing Simplified
Join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: 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...
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143: Formula for Nonprofit Success: Balancing Heart, Grit, and Brains: Interview with Derik Timmerman, Sparrow Nonprofit Solutions
Grant Writing Simplified
Join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: 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...
info_outlineJoin me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip
Successful Strategy: Next Steps For Grant Writers & NonProfits
Today I’m excited to talk about grant writing strategy with you. I love helping grant writers and nonprofits think through their first steps and simplify the process. If you haven’t watched my TEDx talk, I recommend it as additional context for the conversation in this episode.
Today's guest Silvia reached out with interest in grant writing. She has international volunteer experience and sees firsthand some of the dire needs in our world. I love what she is wanting to do through the power of grant writing. On this grant writer strategy call episode, Silvia asks some great questions and we talk about several ideas for how she can get started.
As grant writers and nonprofits, it's important to ask hard questions and not wear rose colored glasses as we approach requests for grant funding.
Silvia and I talk about questions like:
- How do I start?
- How do I know if I am grant ready?
- How do I get past the fear of writing the first application?
- How to discuss helping nonprofits resolve needs?
- How important is it for nonprofits to have an online presence?
I get it! New things are scary. I never thought I would do a TEDx Talk. Yet doing new things is how we continue to improve. Pushing ourselves is a way to help us learn to serve better. By learning and taking action, we help others fulfill their missions.
Whatever you're working through, I hope today’s episode gives you ideas and inspiration of how to move forward.
How Grants Build Generosity And Empower Volunteers
Whether you are a grant writer or a nonprofit, building relationships is the foundation. This builds the confidence of everyone within the area of impact.
Grant writers have a lot of influence. We’re able to connect the generosity of those unable to travel or volunteer with those who are on the ground physically serving. We also connect these causes and missions with the funding they need to fulfill those missions. It becomes a powerful force for good.
Challenge Question:
What 2-3 action steps you can take this week to help you connect and build relationships with organizations around you?
Meet Silvia Bonvini
Silvia is the mother of two young boys and wife to an American family doctor who is completing his Global Health Fellowship this year. His work has brought the family to Ethiopia, Kenya where they are now, and soon to Uganda.
The family plans on working in Africa long-term at a Catholic mission hospital starting next year. Silvia hopes that she will be able to help hospitals and NGOs there through grant writing, while also exploring her interests in regenerative agriculture as it relates to nutrition, livelihoods, environmental protection, and women's empowerment.
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?
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