Libsyn Directory

130: Optimize Systems, Prevent Burnout, and Promote Growth in Your Nonprofit: Interview with Sean Hale, Sean Hale Consulting

Grant Writing Simplified

Release Date: 04/11/2023

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...

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:...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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

How Human Resources Systems and Accounting Enable Nonprofit Growth

Today we’re continuing the conversation from my TEDx Talk by discussing strategies for grant writing and nonprofits. You might recognize Sean Hale from the Nonprofit Mythbusters Roundtable. Sean is a nonprofit accounting and HR expert.

As part of these nonprofit strategy conversations, we need to include nonprofit accounting and HR systems. However, I didn’t want you to snooze during the episode! That’s why I invited Sean, because he understands accounting and reporting without focusing solely on spreadsheets and numbers. He knows how to use the data to tell your nonprofit’s full story.

We talk about questions like:

How do accounting best practices apply to nonprofits?
How can we track our books better?
How can we have sound systems to support our work better?

Sean has fascinating experience and stories about nonprofit work and the systems supporting nonprofits. He’s worked in nonprofits for over 20 years and loves helping get smooth-running administration so the organization shines, allowing them to focus on the work they do best.

Sean helps organizations reduce waste, produce more revenue, and boost morale and productivity while growing transparency and stability.

How Back Office Systems Help Prevent Burnout and Fraud

Did you know that 93% of American adults have math anxiety? That’s 13 out of 14 people! And that’s why we need good systems that can translate math into easily readable graphs and data. This is even more important for nonprofits trying to convey the importance of their work.

Sean shares how a good graphic can spark the organization to have critical conversations around money and solvency.

We also discuss how Form 990s can be used for good and bad data points. We even discuss whether external audits are an effective fraud prevention and what steps can be taken to add additional fraud protection on top of audits.

Often when we have these financial discussions, it can feel personal. But if organizations are set up with the proper checks and balances from the beginning, the system works to protect everyone. No one gets singled out or picked on.

While back office and systems conversations can be difficult, these small measures and systems help set our team up for stability and growth.

Challenge Question:

What systems can be a benefit to your nonprofit or grant-writing business? What two steps will you take today to start those conversations?

Meet Sean Hale

I've served nonprofits for more than twenty years. I love getting the administrative side running smoothly so the organization can truly focus and shine. Over my career, I have made improvements that reduced waste, generated new revenue, boosted staff productivity and morale, grew financial transparency, and shrank risk. I've also helped boards and management to navigate complex situations and consistently left the organizations stronger and ready for their next stage of growth. Today I get to lead a team of outstanding nonprofit accounting and finance professionals. Together, we provide temporary and ongoing services to small and mid-sized nonprofits so they can have the back office support they need for the whole organization to flourish.