Grant Writing Simplified

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 writing coach 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!

152: Grant Writing Quick Tip: Ask Different Questions by Teresa Huff 04/09/2024

151: Empowering Nonprofits: The Fun Side of Grant Writing by Teresa Huff 04/02/2024

150: Navigating Nonprofit Success with Forensic Accounting: A Dive into Integrity and Innovation with Chris Ekimoff 03/01/2024

150: Navigating Nonprofit Success with Forensic Accounting: A Dive into Integrity and Innovation with Chris Ekimoff 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 having financial or legal professionals on nonprofit boards, the necessity of self-awareness and admitting organizational weaknesses, and the idea of 'trust but verify' to maintain a healthy and transparent nonprofit culture. We advocate for collaboration among nonprofits to learn and grow together, emphasizing that it's not a competitive but a collective mission to serve communities better. This conversation is aimed at helping nonprofits understand the significance of good financial practices and how to implement them to ensure their organization's and mission's sustainability. 00:00 Welcome and Workshop Announcement 00:47 Introducing Forensic Accounting with Chris Ekimoff 03:36 Chris Ekimoff's Unique Background and Forensic Accounting Explained 05:01 The Importance of Forensic Accounting in Nonprofits 13:32 Practical Steps for Nonprofits to Prevent Fraud 19:58 The Balance of Trust and Compliance in Nonprofit Culture 27:25 Navigating Your Career with Skiing Wisdom 28:18 Strategic Planning for Nonprofits 31:23 The Power of Collaboration in the Nonprofit Sector 33:57 Elevating Nonprofit Impact: Moving Upstream 37:31 Cultivating a Culture of Openness and Improvement 45:56 Leveraging Professional and Personal Resources 48:20 Connecting and Sharing Resources for Nonprofit Success Connect with Teresa Huff: Website: Watch the Take the Quiz: Social: Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: /episode/index/show/grantwritingsimplified/id/30195723

149: Measure what Matters: A Proactive Approach to Nonprofit Success - By Teresa Huff 03/05/2024

148: The Power of Pause: 5 Reasons to Call Timeout in Your Nonprofit - by Teresa Huff 12/19/2023

148: The Power of Pause: 5 Reasons to Call Timeout in Your Nonprofit - by Teresa Huff 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 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: To watch and share my . Challenge Question: Do you need to call a timeout? Connect with Teresa Huff: Website: Watch the Take the Quiz: Social: Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: /episode/index/show/grantwritingsimplified/id/29089428

147: Celebrating Three Years of Grant Writing Simplified - by Teresa Huff 12/12/2023

147: Celebrating Three Years of Grant Writing Simplified - by Teresa Huff 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 listened to , 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 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: To watch and share my . Challenge Question: What do you need to have in place before you start looking for grants? Join us for the Holiday Zoom Party and let’s chat about it! Connect with Teresa Huff: Website: Watch the Take the Quiz: Social: Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: /episode/index/show/grantwritingsimplified/id/29005678

146: From Ideas to Impact: Unveiling the Key to Successful Grant Funding - by Teresa Huff 08/22/2023

146: From Ideas to Impact: Unveiling the Key to Successful Grant Funding - by Teresa Huff 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 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 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: To watch and share my . 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 . Resources: Go to to find, cultivate, and apply to relevant foundations using Easy Grant by Sparrow Nonprofit Solutions. Watch and share my Connect with Teresa Huff: Website: Watch the Take the Quiz: Social: Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: /episode/index/show/grantwritingsimplified/id/27845670

145: The Art of Letting Go: Why Unlearning Is as Important as Learning - by Teresa Huff 08/15/2023

145: The Art of Letting Go: Why Unlearning Is as Important as Learning - by Teresa Huff 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 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: To watch and share my . 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 to find, cultivate, and apply to relevant foundations using Easy Grant by Sparrow Nonprofit Solutions. Watch and share my Connect with Teresa Huff: Website: Watch the Take the Quiz: Social: Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: /episode/index/show/grantwritingsimplified/id/27773706

144: Humanity in the Age of AI: Navigating Authentic Connections for Lasting Impact - by Teresa Huff 08/08/2023

144: Humanity in the Age of AI: Navigating Authentic Connections for Lasting Impact - by Teresa Huff 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 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: To watch and share my . 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 - Episode 133 - Episode 143 - Go to to find, cultivate, and apply to relevant foundations using Easy Grant by Sparrow Nonprofit Solutions. Watch and share my Connect with Teresa Huff: Website: Watch the Take the Quiz: Social: Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: /episode/index/show/grantwritingsimplified/id/27665124

143: Formula for Nonprofit Success: Balancing Heart, Grit, and Brains: Interview with Derik Timmerman, Sparrow Nonprofit Solutions 08/01/2023

143: Formula for Nonprofit Success: Balancing Heart, Grit, and Brains: Interview with Derik Timmerman, Sparrow Nonprofit Solutions 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 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: To watch and share my . 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: Resources Mentioned: Go to to find, cultivate, and apply to relevant foundations using Easy Grant by Sparrow Nonprofit Solutions. Watch and share my Connect with Teresa Huff: Website: Watch the Take the Quiz: Social: Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: /episode/index/show/grantwritingsimplified/id/27614295

142: Streamline Systems for Nonprofit Success - by Teresa Huff 07/25/2023

142: Streamline Systems for Nonprofit Success - by Teresa Huff Join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: 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 - 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 . 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 !) 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. 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: To watch and share my . 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: Secure Passwords Episode 21: Episode 52: Episode 62: Go to to find, cultivate, and apply to relevant foundations using Easy Grant by Sparrow Nonprofit Solutions. Watch and share my Connect with Teresa Huff: Website: Watch the Take the Quiz: Social: Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: /episode/index/show/grantwritingsimplified/id/27620436

141: Mid-Year Goal Check: Assess Your Progress and Set Micro-Habits for Success - by Teresa Huff 07/18/2023

141: Mid-Year Goal Check: Assess Your Progress and Set Micro-Habits for Success - by Teresa Huff Join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: 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: To watch and share my . 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 to find, cultivate, and apply to relevant foundations using Easy Grant by Sparrow Nonprofit Solutions. Watch and share my Connect with Teresa Huff: Website: Watch the Take the Quiz: Social: Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: /episode/index/show/grantwritingsimplified/id/27468711

140: 9 Ways Food Network Challenges Mirror the Grant Writing Process - by Teresa Huff 07/11/2023

140: 9 Ways Food Network Challenges Mirror the Grant Writing Process - by Teresa Huff Join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: 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 - by investing in us. In my , 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 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 , 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: To watch and share my . Challenge Question: Which Food Network lesson do you need to implement or improve upon in your work? Resources Mentioned: Storytelling Series: Go to to find, cultivate, and apply to relevant foundations using Easy Grant by Sparrow Nonprofit Solutions. Watch and share my Connect with Teresa Huff: Website: Watch the Take the Quiz: Social: Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: /episode/index/show/grantwritingsimplified/id/27417018

139: 7 Reasons Working Collaboratively Helps Your Team Get More Done: Interview with Dr. Vince Lindenmeyer, Principal, Beacon 4sight Group 07/01/2023

139: 7 Reasons Working Collaboratively Helps Your Team Get More Done: Interview with Dr. Vince Lindenmeyer, Principal, Beacon 4sight Group Join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: 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: To watch and share my . 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 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 learning over the past 20-years. He earned a BS in Systems Engineering (West Point, United States Military Academy), master’s degrees (three) in Logistics Management, M.Ed., an MA in Strategic Studies, and a Ph.D. in Education. Connect with Vince Email: Resources Mentioned: "Iron" Mike Steadman - Watch and share my Go to to find, cultivate, and apply to relevant foundations using Easy Grant by Sparrow Nonprofit Solutions. Connect with Teresa Huff: Website: Watch the Take the Quiz: Social: Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: /episode/index/show/grantwritingsimplified/id/27341652

138: 5 Easy Grant Writing Tips to Build Strategic, Lasting - by Teresa Huff 06/27/2023

138: 5 Easy Grant Writing Tips to Build Strategic, Lasting - by Teresa Huff Join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: 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, “.” 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 . 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: To watch and share my . Challenge Question: How will you position your grant proposal from an attitude of service? ResourcesMentioned: Go to to find, cultivate, and apply to relevant foundations using Easy Grant by Sparrow Nonprofit Solutions. Watch and share my Connect with Teresa Huff: Website: Watch the Take the Quiz: Social: Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: /episode/index/show/grantwritingsimplified/id/27280668

137: Expert Answers to Your Top Questions on How to Become a Grant Writer: Interview with Holly Rustick, Grant Writing & Funding Podcast 06/13/2023

137: Expert Answers to Your Top Questions on How to Become a Grant Writer: Interview with Holly Rustick, Grant Writing & Funding Podcast Join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: 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: To watch and share my 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: Resources Mentioned: Other Resources: Go to to find, cultivate, and apply to relevant foundations using Easy Grant by Sparrow Nonprofit Solutions. Watch and share my Connect with Teresa Huff: Website: Watch the TEDx: Take the Quiz: Social: Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: /episode/index/show/grantwritingsimplified/id/27129594

136: Nonprofit ROI: 5 Tips to Stay Relevant to Funders and Win More Grants - by Teresa Huff 06/07/2023

136: Nonprofit ROI: 5 Tips to Stay Relevant to Funders and Win More Grants - by Teresa Huff Join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: The ROI of Grant Writing In my recent TEDx Talk, I talked about the . In the business world, ROI means Return on Investment, but it’s a different mindset in the world of grants. We’re talking about a Return on Impact. In today’s podcast episode, I’ll tell you more about the R in the ROI of grant writing and how knowing this can save you frustration and time so you can write more proposals. What is the ROI Framework? 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. ROI of Grant Writing: Relevant Optimized Interacting 5 Steps to Evaluate Relevance One question I wish more nonprofits would consider is, “How do I know if my organization is relevant?” I recommend the following five steps to determine if and how your organization is relevant to the community, the funders, and the grants you are applying for: Determine if organization is truly relevant in the community. Take a critical look at your mission and goals to evaluate if you are serving a real need in the community. Make sure you have the statistics and testimonials to back up your mission statement. If necessary, go back and define your goals more closely. Analyze if your organization is relevant to the funder’s mission and goals. Make sure you are applying to funders whose mission and goals align with yours. There are consequences to both your organization and the funder if you just chase the money. Now that you’ve determined your organization is relevant in the community, and your mission is relevant to the funders, the next step is to find relevant grants. Avoid irrelevant research. Research can be fun, but there are millions of grants and many ways to search. Don't get lost in the never-ending grant search rabbit trail. You don’t need ALL the grants; you just need to find the good-fit grants. To read today's full episode: To watch and share my Challenge Question: Do you need to narrow your focus? Are you clear on what that is? Resources Mentioned: Go to to find, cultivate, and apply to relevant foundations using Easy Grant by Sparrow Nonprofit Solutions. Watch and share my Connect with Teresa Huff: Website: Watch the TEDx: Take the Quiz: Social: Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: /episode/index/show/grantwritingsimplified/id/27074145

135: TEDx Talk: The Real ROI of Grant Writing - by Teresa Huff 05/30/2023

135: TEDx Talk: The Real ROI of Grant Writing - by Teresa Huff Join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: As a grant writer for about two decades and winning over $7M for my clients, I’ve learned that grant writing isn’t magic, but there is a formula to increase your chances of winning grant. Today I’m sharing my secret sauce with you in my TEDx Talk! You can read the abbreviated version below or watch the full presentation (complete with pictures!) on . Where NOT to Start with Grant Writing Imagine you're at work when your boss walks by and says, "Hey, I need a favor. I’m supposed to help at the youth shelter fundraiser on Saturday and I can't make it. Can you step in for me?" As a team player and fan of the youth program, you say, "You bet! Happy to." Relieved, he says, “Thanks, you’re the best!” On the way out, he adds, "Oh, by the way, it's a marathon. Just get some good running shoes and you'll be fine." Wait - what? A marathon? I don’t know about you, but I’m sure not ready for a marathon on Saturday. …Yet I hear the equivalent of this all the time in the nonprofit world. People hear someone wants to start a nonprofit and say, "Oh, you should just get a grant for that!" Or, "You need a new building? I've heard there's grant funding out there.” Grants aren’t that simple. You don’t “just” get a grant. Like training for a marathon, grants require preparation, strategy, and hard work. Successful grant writing takes consistent effort, uncovering misconceptions, and willingness to approach strategy through a new lens. We must look at grants as part of a much bigger process. Start with ROI In business, we know investors are looking for a Return on Investment, or ROI. We put money in and calculate, "How much profit will I get back?" In the nonprofit world, ROI is more about creating a Return On Impact. You won’t get your investment of time, money, or resources back when you donate to a nonprofit. In the same way, grantmakers are looking forward. They want to know, "How much impact can we make through this work? How much of a ripple effect can we create by partnering together?" Even better, by giving forward and investing in others, we do get a return back - by way of meaning, relationships, and fulfillment. That's why it's so important for us to band together to help nonprofits build this kind of ROI. A Return on Impact. ROI Framework How do we go about showing Return on Impact? We do this through what I call the ROI Framework: Relevant, Optimize, and Interact. That’s how we get the results that lead to impact. Rather than simply writing more grants, let’s move upstream to look at the bigger picture and see how each grant opportunity fits in as part of the whole puzzle. When we put grants into their proper context, that’s when we can effectively build the nonprofit’s ROI. Relevant Relevance is twofold in the context of building our ROI Framework: Establish the relevance of our work to society. Ensure our work’s relevance to the grantmaker’s mission. First, we need contextual research to ensure the community need for this project: What statistics and data support this mission? Why is this work so critical? Then we should consider the relevance to the grantmaker: Whose funding priorities best align with the nonprofit's mission? What community gaps does the nonprofit fill? How can they partner to meet those needs? When thinking through this Relevance, we should consider the logical proof of ROI. To read today's full epsiode: Challenge Question: What can you do to increase your nonprofit’s ROI? Connect with Teresa Huff: Website: Watch the TEDx: Take the Quiz: Social: Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: /episode/index/show/grantwritingsimplified/id/26955117

134: What is a Transformational Economy, and How Can it Help a Nonprofit? Interview with Mark S.A. Smith, Co-Founder of Nimbility Works 05/23/2023

134: What is a Transformational Economy, and How Can it Help a Nonprofit? Interview with Mark S.A. Smith, Co-Founder of Nimbility Works Join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: The collective values and priorities of a society change with each generation. We express our values with our time and money, so those values then drive the economy through the demand for relevant products and services. With each economic shift, the value proposition and marketing methods adapt to the current priorities to provide the most perceived value. As a nonprofit, you want to be on the peak of the value curve. During our discussion, Mark provided a journey of economic shifts through the history of America to help us understand where we are today and how nonprofits can take advantage of the current transformational economy to engage supporters. Join us for a journey through history to discover how you can help your nonprofit grow using assets you already have on hand. What is the Transformational Economy? Civilizations start as tribes in the subsistence economy, where we get enough to meet our needs and live. The goal is to say, “I'm alive.” As tribes settle, we move to the commodity economy where we harvest commodities such as crops, wood, and mining to buy and trade. The goal is to say, “I'm productive.” As the value of commodities increases, people move into the product economy where we buy labor savings. So instead of making your own products, we buy products someone else made. The goal is to say, “I’m efficient.” In the United States, we shifted to the product economy during the Industrial Revolution. As the need for products is met, we shift to the service economy where we free up time by paying for services we previously did on our own. Then we moved to the experience economy, where people wanted more than a service—they wanted a memorable service. Now, we are living in a transformational economy, where people want more than interesting memories. They want authentic, meaningful experiences to make things better, whether it’s improving themselves, their workplace, their family, their community, or the world. This is what people are craving and paying for today, so rapidly growing companies are providing an opportunity for their customers to be better people through their products and services. How the Transformational Economy Can Help a Nonprofit The marketing efforts of nonprofits have operated on a service economy mindset, where we focus our recruitment messaging on the services we provide. But since we are in the business of transformation, it should feel natural to embrace the shift and showcase how a contributor makes the world a better place by supporting our cause. However, amid this shift, nonprofit organizations face a larger struggle to be heard through the noise with minimal marketing dollars. So how does a nonprofit get and sustain supporters’ attention long enough to appeal to their sense of purpose? The Power of Story to Embrace the Transformational Economy The most powerful and entertaining way to showcase transformation is through storytelling. Mark explained, “You can't sell transformation with features, advantages, and benefits. A person will not understand until they have been through the experience. How we do that is by telling a story of somebody who has been through the transformation. You have to tell it as a hero's journey.” To read today's full episode: Challenge Question: What is a recent initiative you can search for stories of transformation? Connect with Teresa Huff: Website: Watch the TEDx: Take the Quiz: Social: Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: /episode/index/show/grantwritingsimplified/id/26859420

133: How Design, Creativity and Relationships Intersect With Budget Transparency: Interview with Sherry Quam Taylor, Nonprofit Finance Strategist 05/09/2023

133: How Design, Creativity and Relationships Intersect With Budget Transparency: Interview with Sherry Quam Taylor, Nonprofit Finance Strategist Join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: How to Shake Up the Status Quo and Raise Funds for Your Nonprofit I talk with a lot of nonprofits each week, and of course they all have one thing in common they need: more funding! That’s why I like to bring in experts in other types of fundraising too. We need to understand the bigger picture of how the strategies fit together. Today I’m talking with another nonprofit expert who is fantastic at what she does. Sherry Quam Taylor is good at shaking up the status quo and challenging people to think bigger, better, and with excellence to raise funds to serve your nonprofit fully. Listen as Sherry and I do some myth-busting about fundraising. We also discuss advice on scaling nonprofits. Transparency and the Gift of Asking, "Why?" Sherry and I discuss the importance of bringing creativity to work. Design and creativity not only help us take care of ourselves, but they also help our organizations grow and build. This can insulate us from becoming stagnant. The experience Sherry brought from the for-profit world to the nonprofit world helped her tremendously, and that transition helped her learn a lot by simply asking, “Why?” “Why can’t we say that?” Why can’t we spend that?” These questions challenged Sherry and the teams she worked with to look at “why” they were doing things a certain way, and build toward securing donors' best gifts. Giving the Gift of Time in Nonprofit Relationship Building Relationships take time. Rushing relationships does not build strong foundations. As board members, development teams, or even grant writers, relationships are at our heart. Sherry also shares tools we can use to build those relationships, specifically with investment-level donors. First of all, we need to ask questions and listen with interest. Sherry suggests this gem, “How did you become so generous?” As I share in my , building relationships means being conversational and getting to know the person, not just the dollar. Slowing down and being relational with donors can lead them to their best gift. That process can take 12-24 months or more, and that's okay. To read today's full episode: Challenge Question: What five people can you start building relationships with now? Make that list today. Meet Sherry Quam Taylor: Sherry Quam Taylor works with business-minded Nonprofit CEOs who want to scale their organizations’ budgets by 2-5X but need larger amounts of general-operating revenue to do so. The organizations Sherry works with want to reduce dependence on government, earned, or contracted revenue and increase unrestricted revenue from investment-level donors. To achieve this, Sherry helps leaders align their organization's charitable revenue initiatives with their business, programmatic, and strategic growth opportunities. This is the step that most skip! It ensures the funding challenges are solved at the root of the issue and attracts investment-level donors that get this! As a result of learning her methodology, Sherry’s clients know how to fund their Strategic Plans and add 7-figures of gen-ops revenue to their bottom line. But, mostly, her CEOs can confidently know their development departments and board have transformed into high-ROI revenue generators, aligned their hours with dollars, and broken free from the limitations of transactional fundraising. Sherry attributes the success of her business to her passion for modeling radical confidence to the future CEOs in her house - her two teenage daughters. Connect with Sherry Quam Taylor: Website: Connect with Teresa Huff: Website: Watch the TEDx: Take the Quiz: Social: Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: /episode/index/show/grantwritingsimplified/id/26737488

130: Optimize Systems, Prevent Burnout, and Promote Growth in Your Nonprofit: Interview with Sean Hale, Sean Hale Consulting 04/11/2023

130: Optimize Systems, Prevent Burnout, and Promote Growth in Your Nonprofit: Interview with Sean Hale, Sean Hale Consulting Join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: How Human Resources Systems and Accounting Enable Nonprofit Growth Today we’re continuing the conversation from my by discussing strategies for grant writing and nonprofits. You might recognize Sean Hale from the . 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. Connect with Sean Hale: Connect with Sean on Recommended Reading from Sean’s blog: Other Resources Mentioned: TEDx Talk: Nonprofit Mythbusters #1: Roundtable Discussion Episode 62: Episode: 63: Connect with Teresa Huff: Website: Watch the TEDx: Take the Quiz: Social: Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: /episode/index/show/grantwritingsimplified/id/26439909

128: How a Veteran’s Refusal to Leave Humans Behind Became a Nonprofit: Interview with Christi Nabors, DeliverFund 03/22/2023

128: How a Veteran’s Refusal to Leave Humans Behind Became a Nonprofit: Interview with Christi Nabors, DeliverFund Join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: Nonprofit Spotlight: Catching Human Traffickers I enjoy hosting a variety of topics relating to nonprofits and the issues surrounding them. Occasionally, we’ll have a nonprofit spotlight episode. The issue of this episode is one I have wanted to highlight for a while, but the topic is a challenging one. Today's nonprofit spotlight is DeliverFund and their efforts to stop human trafficking. Due to the subject matter, you may want to grab earbuds or headphones if you have little ones around. Human Trafficking Myths, Politics, Technology, and Budgets. Get Involved Several years ago, a U.S. soldier on duty overseas was distraught when he saw the effects of human trafficking. He asked a superior what they could do to stop the selling of women and children. The response was, “Nothing. We don't have the budget.” He decided to do something about it himself. Since that veteran, Nic McKinley, founded DeliverFund, this nonprofit has been developing technology and training law enforcement to attack trafficking networks to put an end to traffickers. The founder realized his unique skills could be used to fill a significant need, and that vision is growing and restoring victims of this industry. Learn the Benefits of Using Technology to Grow Your Nonprofit Today I’m talking with DeliverFund’s Director of Development, Christi Nabors. She has experience in the for-profit world and has brought that experience to her work in nonprofit spaces. All of that experience has helped her view technology as a helpful tool. Christi helped build training programs and digital online products in the for-profit world. I loved discussing the learning curve of nonprofit language vs. for-profit work. We discuss fears that can stall nonprofits' growth and the work of weaving nonprofit speak together to tell the compelling story of nonprofits. Christi also takes the time to bust myths about human trafficking. I hope you find value in this conversation. To learn more about how to support this nonprofit or get involved, visit deliverfund.org Challenge Question: Did any of the human trafficking myths surprise you? What is one way can you be a part of the solution to human trafficking today? Meet Christi Nabors: Christi Nabors has been serving DeliverFund as Director of Development since January 2022. Her for-profit executive leadership and non-profit Executive and CEO experiences have set the foundation for her to be credited with three non-profit turnarounds. First, she increased programmatic impact and expansion; introduced program delivery into new ecosystems; and created new revenue-generating and sustainability pipelines. Connect with DeliverFund: Recommended Reading: Connect with Teresa Huff: Website: Watch the TEDx: Take the Quiz: Social: Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: /episode/index/show/grantwritingsimplified/id/26310516

126: How International Travel and Volunteering Can Lead to Grant Writing: Interview with Silvia Bonvini 03/14/2023

126: How International Travel and Volunteering Can Lead to Grant Writing: Interview with Silvia Bonvini Join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: 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 , 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: Watch the TEDx: Take the Quiz: Social: Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: /episode/index/show/grantwritingsimplified/id/26144235

125: How Lessons From Ghostwriting Can Help You Begin Grant Writing: Interview with Kent Sanders, Founder of Inkwell Ghostwriting 03/07/2023

125: How Lessons From Ghostwriting Can Help You Begin Grant Writing: Interview with Kent Sanders, Founder of Inkwell Ghostwriting Join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: A lot of people ask me how they should start the grant writing process. In this episode I talk with my friend Kent Sanders, a ghostwriter, about the connections between ghostwriting and grant writing. He reminds us of some foundational things we should prioritize in our journeys. First Lesson: Be okay with imperfection. Nothing is going to be perfect. Give grace to yourself and to your writing. Care about and be proud of what you do; don’t nitpick everything about it. Parallels Between Ghostwriting and Grant Writing Be up for the challenge. Just like the client, writer, editor, and publisher may all want something different out of a book, everyone involved in the grant process will want a little something different out of it. You as the writer want one thing, the receiver may want another thing, and the people benefiting may want another. Be ready to tackle that challenge! And be prepared to listen. Have a good relationship with your client. Camaraderie can make a huge difference when it comes to the efficiency and stress levels involved in any task. Be easy to work with. Show respect, provide clear communication, and be on top of your responsibilities. Be on time with the project. Or better yet, early. Be a stress reliever to those around you. You’re here to make things better, not worse. So Where Do You Start? Begin by listening to the people you’re writing for, be empathetic, learn their stories, and then tackle every task each step of the way! You’ve got this! Challenge Question: How can you apply one of the above parallels to your grant writing process? Meet Kent Sanders: Kent Sanders is the founder of Inkwell Ghostwriting, which helps leaders grow their business through books and other content. He is also the author and co-author of numerous books, including and co-author of with Billy Stanley, Elvis Presley’s stepbrother. In addition to writing books for himself and his clients, Kent loves to help other writers. He is the host of the Daily Writer podcast and the founder of the Daily Writer Club, a membership community that helps writers build a business with their skills. He lives just outside of St. Louis and enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife and teenage son. Connect with Kent Sanders: Resources: by Seth Godin by Derek Sivers Any resource from Ryan Holiday Connect with Teresa Huff: Website: Watch the TEDx: Take the Quiz: Social: Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: /episode/index/show/grantwritingsimplified/id/26045826

124: How To Grow While Being Committed to Your Mission: Interview with Eric Newman, Founder and CEO of Roc Solid Foundation 02/28/2023

124: How To Grow While Being Committed to Your Mission: Interview with Eric Newman, Founder and CEO of Roc Solid Foundation Join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: Almost all of us know at least one person who has been affected by cancer. Our guest on today’s podcast episode, Eric Newman, was just a child when he was diagnosed with cancer. When he later asked his mother what she remembered about that day, she said that she remembered his dad having to leave her to go pack an overnight bag. She felt alone and afraid at the hospital trying to navigate the devastating news. From this, a mission to eradicate that moment from the lives of others was born. The Roc Solid Foundation created Ready Bags to give families when their children are diagnosed with cancer. These bags provide help in a time of need so families can stay together in a time of pain. In addition, Roc Solid Foundation partners with businesses to build playsets for children going through cancer. The kids often have to remain secluded due to a compromised immune system, which means they can’t go to a typical playdate or public park. Roc Solid steps in and rounds up a team and supplies to build a brand new playset in the family’s back yard. In this episode we talk with Eric Newman, founder of Roc Solid Foundation, about how his experience has developed into an incredible mission. He wants to bring joy and play to children dealing with cancer. Eric also shares some of the foundational pieces required to run a nonprofit, including how volunteers can help in more ways than you may think. Things To Know About Making A Difference Marry your mission, not your model. Be committed to your passion/goal, but allow adjustments along the way. When you’re clear on your mission you can pivot your model to best tackle whatever’s in front of you. You don’t need to be fancy. Focus on your mission; don’t worry about being flashy. Focus on the people; the money will come. When you’re people- and mission-focused, your staff is happier, you see more results, and donations tend to come. When you focus on the money, people start to leave, you make less of an impact, and the money flow dwindles. Taking Care of Volunteers Provide a little something for your volunteers when the day is over. Eric’s advice is to give them a drink, pizza, and t-shirt. Now it doesn’t have to be exactly that, but this gives you a valuable opportunity to talk with those who came out to help. Listen to their stories and what motivated them to help. Ask them what their favorite part was. You can learn if you’re hitting your mark or if you need to adjust. Don’t always seek to be understood, but seek to understand. Be a constant learner and seek to understand why that volunteer came, or why they come back more than once. That’s the type of information you need in order to understand where the money is going to come from. This gives you valuable insight. Seek wisdom above anything else. Lastly, always remember to always say thank you. Don’t underestimate the power in being an organization that shows gratitude and feels welcoming. Challenge Question: How can you be relentless, but not reckless, when it comes to pursuing your mission? Meet Eric Newman: Eric Newman is a passionate entrepreneur, speaker and visionary leader. A childhood cancer survivor, he founded Roc Solid Foundation in 2009, a non-profit that builds hope for kids fighting the same battle throughout the U.S. Roc Solid partners with over 100 children’s hospitals to gift Ready Bags to families just after diagnosis, and they’ve provided thousands of playsets for children throughout the country who need a safe place to play and a reason to smile. As a best-selling author and guest on The Kelly Clarkson Show, Eric’s story continues to inspire people who are looking for ways to turn their pain from past experiences into their life’s passion. Connect with Eric Newman: by Eric Newman Connect with Teresa Huff: Website: Watch the TEDx: Take the Quiz: Social: Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: /episode/index/show/grantwritingsimplified/id/26016222

122: The Best Way to Pay: Pairing Business and Nonprofits to Fund Missions - Interview with Will Black, CEO of Sharing the Credit 02/14/2023

122: The Best Way to Pay: Pairing Business and Nonprofits to Fund Missions - Interview with Will Black, CEO of Sharing the Credit Join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: How Can We Fund Our Nonprofit? Nonprofits are always on the lookout for more money, especially unrestricted funding. And as a nonprofit strategist, I’m always on the lookout for ways to help them find it. That’s where today’s guest comes in. When I heard about Will Black and his team at last year, I knew I had to find out more about this and see if it’s a good resource to share with you. Turns out, it’s not simply a good resource; it’s brilliant. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Will in person and getting to know his team. Y’all, this is completely legit. Nonprofits and businesses everywhere need to know about this! Unrestricted Funding for Nonprofits; Savings for Businesses Every time we go to a business, be it a physical store or online, and use our debit or credit card, the business is charged a transaction fee. Everyone knows that. That’s the boring part. What you may not know is that ONE of those fees that is built in by Visa/MasterCard doesn’t go to Visa, and it doesn’t go to MasterCard; it goes back into the system. It goes to a bank. BUT instead of going to a bank, it can legally go to a 501. A non-profit. Ta-DA! Sharing the Credit Saves Money and Funds Nonprofits For example, Will Black and his Sharing the Credit team approached a successful car dealership that did $1 million in revenue each month. The dealership’s manager asked if there was any way they could better help their charity. Enter Sharing the Credit. Will’s team reviewed the dealership’s statements and discovered they were overpaying by a whopping $30,000 a year in credit card fees. The general manager realized, “Wow! That’s a car. That’s a WHOLE car.” Will said, “Actually it’s a car a YEAR. It’s a car EVERY year.” Then Will handed them a copy of the report that outlined exactly how much they were overpaying in fees. It was a no-brainer. The dealership switched to Sharing the Credit on the spot. Now they save $30,000 a year AND they give over $125,000 every single year to their favorite charity - into perpetuity. That business has been working with Sharing the Credit for over 11 years…when you do the math, that’s pretty incredible. It’s a win all around. A Transformational Way of Nonprofit Fundraising The best part about these funds is that they’re unrestricted. That means the nonprofit can use the money any way it needs to best support their work. The staff can focus on the mission and growing their programs instead of scrambling to make ends meet. The system also creates community by partnering businesses with nonprofits to work together. The business even displays a cool door sticker showing they’re a supporter of the nonprofit. Will and I also talk about: The blessing of having a good budget Why grants are not a rescue plan The power of collaboration to help nonprofits Will’s favorite resource for nonprofits (hint: If you're hanging out with me, you’re in the right place!) You might be wondering if this is too good to be true. I can assure you, this is completely legit and it’s working. Their track record speaks for itself. Take a few minutes to explore and see for yourself! Challenge Question: What could your nonprofit do with more unrestricted funding in hand each year? If you want to find out, and start the conversation to see if it’s a good fit for you. Meet Will Black: Will Black is the CEO and Chief Giving Officer at Sharing the Credit. They pair nonprofits with businesses so that your worthy cause receives unrestricted funding on autopilot, into perpetuity. They help your business fund or increase funding to your favorite IRS-recognized 501c charity with no expense to you, while saving your business money. They help your nonprofit increase unrestricted donations with NO fundraising, grant writing, or soliciting. Connect with Will Black: Email: Schedule a call: Website: Connect with Teresa Huff: Website: Watch the TEDx: Take the Quiz: Social: Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: /episode/index/show/grantwritingsimplified/id/25921125

121: How to Prepare Both Sides of the Equation for Grant Writing Wins: Interview with LaVerne Toombs 02/06/2023

121: How to Prepare Both Sides of the Equation for Grant Writing Wins: Interview with LaVerne Toombs Join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: Today I’m talking with longtime nonprofit expert Laverne Toombs about the art of grant writing. Before even writing a first draft of a grant, we need to do a few things to start off on the right foot. We dive into how doing this background work can really set us up for success. Lay the Groundwork for the Grantmaker If you’re interested in writing a grant, you don’t have to have it all figured out. No one starts something as an expert. Bring your willing heart and begin learning. None of us are perfect, and we all have room to grow. The first step to writing a grant is laying out the prep work. This includes establishing a relationship and being familiar with the funder, understanding that foundation's criteria, and making sure your mission aligns with theirs. When reaching out to a grantmaker, we have to get to know the heart behind their foundation's mission, get to know the people involved, and learn the ins and outs of what’s important to them. We must also make sure that we are not shifting our mission to match theirs simply because they’re a possible donor; people can see right through that. Preparing the Nonprofit to Apply for a Grant When it comes to preparing a grant, we need to also make sure the organization/nonprofit we’re helping is ready for grants. Some of the questions to ask are: Do you have an organizational budget? How many grants do you have the capacity to manage? What other sources of funding do you have in place? As grant writers, we want the nonprofit’s mission to succeed. We can set them up for success by helping them put a plan in place. Challenge Question: What is the first thing you need to do to set a nonprofit’s grant application up for success? Meet LaVerne Toombs: LaVerne Toombs is the vice president of development for the American Heart Association, an organization that fights heart disease and stroke and, in turn, helps families and communities thrive. As a leader on the development team, LaVerne uses her magnanimous and infectious personality to help manage the fundraising team to provide them with the necessary tools to achieve those goals. She does this all while building upon volunteer and fundraising opportunities partnering with influential corporate and community voices. Resources: Free Audit: How Grant-Ready Is Your Nonprofit? If you need support in your journey to excellence as a grant writer, I’d like to invite you to join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer. Go to teresahuff.com/vip and start learning today. Do You Have What It Takes to Be a Grant Writer? If you’re ready to explore a career in grant writing, take my free quiz, “” People are always surprised at how many skills they already have. The distance isn’t as far as they thought. Let’s figure out how you can use your skills to help change your world. If you’re ready to step up your nonprofit game, join me on the . The world needs you. Connect with Teresa Huff: Website: Take the Quiz: Social: Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: /episode/index/show/grantwritingsimplified/id/25846164

120: Invest in Generational Generosity for Nonprofit Excellence and Legacy Building: Interview with Dr. Dan Young, Nonprofit Researcher and Strategy Expert 01/31/2023

120: Invest in Generational Generosity for Nonprofit Excellence and Legacy Building: Interview with Dr. Dan Young, Nonprofit Researcher and Strategy Expert Join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: Tackling Important Issues with Excellence Today I’m excited to introduce you to my good friend and brilliant colleague, Dr. Dan Young. He has years of experience in entrepreneurship, marketing, and nonprofit leadership. He drops so many nuggets of wisdom in this episode! I know you’ll find it inspiring. Dr. Dan and I chat about: Integrating giving into our everyday life and setting an example for others. Creating an attitude of giving that transitions from generation to generation. The disconnect between technology and human connection, and how we can bridge the gap. How to tap into the human spirit to ignite passion for important causes and needs. The importance of thinking bigger long term. Solving Nonprofit Problems with Proper Support As Dr. Dan says, “It's about leadership. It's about entrepreneurial principles. It's about networking, it's about technology. Let's take a look at what we're doing in all these areas. And just because we got a 25% increase in funding or donations, that's not the point. The point is, the problem is still here. So let's focus on that. And if we do that, everything else gets a little bit more efficient and more effective.” When it comes to nonprofit leaders, Dr. Dan emphasizes, “That type of person should have the most comprehensive leadership training in the world. Because it's unbelievably difficult. And the stakes are unbelievably high. So that's a part of the work that we do, is to put those people in the best possible position for the world's most important job.” Challenge Question: How will you start to adopt 4-generation thinking rather than 4-quarter thinking? Meet Dr. Dan Young Dr. Dan Young is the Founding Director of the Wharton-AltFinance Institute at the Wharton School and is the curator of TEDxWilmington, which is in the top 1% of all TEDx franchises in the country with over 550 speakers and 42 million views on YouTube. As an “educationpreneur”, he is also responsible for creating the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) Program at Goldey-Beacom College. the first online DBA class for Wilmington University, the first study abroad program for the Horn Program of Entrepreneurship and the first international internship program for study abroad at the University of Delaware. Dan received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Marketing from the University of Delaware’s Honors Program and his Ph.D. in Marketing from Temple University. He has done entrepreneurship and executive leadership programs with the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Oxford. He has been an instructor at GBC, Temple University, West Chester University of Pennsylvania, the University of Delaware, Neumann University and Wilmington University. Dan has served on the Boards of many nonprofit organizations and currently serves as the President of Theatre N at Nemours, President of the Board of Safe Haven Healing, Membership Chairman of the Board of Governors for the University and Whist Club, and an advisory Board Member for the Fresh Start program. He was in the 2011 class of Leadership Delaware and served as the first Vice-President of the Leadership Delaware Alumni Association. Other Resources Mentioned: by Natalie Dawson by Dale Carnegie Free Audit: How Grant-Ready Is Your Nonprofit? If you need support in your journey to excellence as a grant writer, I’d like to invite you to join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer. Go to teresahuff.com/vip and start learning today. Do You Have What It Takes to Be a Grant Writer? If you’re ready to explore a career in grant writing, take my free quiz, “” People are always surprised at how many skills they already have. The distance isn’t as far as they thought. Let’s figure out how you can use your skills to help change your world. If you’re ready to step up your nonprofit game, join me on the . The world needs you. Connect with Teresa Huff: Website: Take the Quiz: Social: Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: /episode/index/show/grantwritingsimplified/id/25775895

119: How Can the Subscription Economy Benefit a Nonprofit's Revenue? Interview with Dave Raley, Imago Consulting 01/24/2023

119: How Can the Subscription Economy Benefit a Nonprofit's Revenue? Interview with Dave Raley, Imago Consulting Join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: Several months ago I was at a large nonprofit conference in Nashville. While wandering up and down the booths, one caught my eye. They were giving away macaroons…delicious, colorful, many-flavored, handmade macaroons. *Sigh.* The macaroons worked their magic and I quickly became friends with the two coworkers running the booth. Turns out one of them, Dave Raley, was at another conference just the month before in Milwaukee - and so was I! We were both presenters at that conference, but somehow our paths hadn’t crossed there. At any rate I’m glad we finally met because, aside from the delightful macaroons, Dave and I have kept in touch and he’s a wonderful person. That’s why I wanted you to meet him too. Today you get to meet Dave Raley, a consultant who helps organizations take care of their economic engine through innovation, growth, and scaling. Dave points out we should pay attention to important trends in the amount of giving, type of giving, and who does the giving. Trends To best make the type of impact you are working towards it is important to review your current situation. First, look inward and review the things you do to produce revenue. Secondly, look outward and pay attention to trends. Trends are like waves. Just like when you’re trying to catch a wave surfing, you can miss waves by paddling too early or too late. You need to match the speed and be on top of it to be able to ride the wave. An example of a trend that we’re currently in the middle of is the Subscription Economy. How to Best Use the Subscription Economy We’re currently living in a Subscription Economy. Not long ago, a person’s typical monthly payments included the necessities of life like mortgages, car payments, and water bills. Now we subscribe to much more every day. Things like Netflix, Hulu, Spotify, softwares, gyms, food - all these point to the subscription economy we live in. This has transformed the way donors and customers think about recurring transactions. It has normalized the concept of monthly giving and encouraged it through the ease of it all. Consumers and donors see monthly payments as a normal part of life and as a good and doable thing. This helps create predictability for organizations, including nonprofits, since they can have an idea of their monthly incoming revenue. Say a nonprofit wants to ramp up subscription giving: Take stock of what you’ve got. Look at your recurring donors and the long term value. You need to know where you are so you know where you can go. Prioritize your monthly giving program. Make it easy to see and use on your website or another type of functional giving platform. Tips for the Subscription Economy: Donors like convenience. Automated giving can help your revenue. Don’t limit your goal and therefore limit your plan. Aim high. Look at your giving program and how to better use your resources. Challenge Question: How can you rethink and maximize the subscription economy we are living in? Meet Dave Raley: Consultant, speaker, and writer Dave Raley is the founder of Imago Consulting, a firm that helps faith-informed organizations generate profitable growth by developing sustainable innovation. He’s also the co-founder and host of the Purpose & Profit Podcast, a show about the surprising ideas at the intersection of nonprofit causes and for-profit brands. Connect with Dave Raley: Resources: by Seth Godin by Dan and Chip Heath by Patrick M Lencioni Free Audit: How Grant-Ready Is Your Nonprofit? If you need support in your journey to excellence as a grant writer, I’d like to invite you to join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer. Go to teresahuff.com/vip and start learning today. Do You Have What It Takes to Be a Grant Writer? If you’re ready to explore a career in grant writing, take my free quiz, “” People are always surprised at how many skills they already have. The distance isn’t as far as they thought. Let’s figure out how you can use your skills to help change your world. If you’re ready to step up your nonprofit game, join me on the . The world needs you. Connect with Teresa Huff: Website: : Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer? Social: • • • • Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: /episode/index/show/grantwritingsimplified/id/25705878

117: Leadership Lessons from a Green Beret: How to Lead for Success - Interview with Otis McGregor, Tribe + Purpose 12/20/2022

117: Leadership Lessons from a Green Beret: How to Lead for Success - Interview with Otis McGregor, Tribe + Purpose Join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: Whether you think of yourself as a leader or not, you are. You impact and influence others whether you realize it or not. We all feel the heat sometimes in this hectic world. Let’s glean some wisdom from someone who’s been in the trenches - literally. Today’s interview is with a former Green Beret, Otis McGregor, and it’s an honor to have him share his leadership and life lessons with us. Otis shares about learning how to grow as a leader, eliminating stress in your life, gaining positive structure for your day, and sharing the three aspects of trust that can make a huge difference in your success. Lessons for Leaders from a Green Beret: Be clear in communicating to others what needs to be done. Clearly express how to do it, why it’s important, and how it fits into the bigger picture. When seeking out wisdom about how to grow as a leader, don’t pigeonhole yourself into only learning from people within your line of work. Great leadership skills and techniques can be learned from people in all different fields, implementing their tips and tricks into your wheelhouse. Accountability partners help keep you on track. When trying to make a large change, implement smaller increments of change at a time. This makes it easier to achieve the smaller goals. For example, say you want to start getting up early to exercise. When you get up at 6am normally, instead of jumping right to setting that alarm for 4am, start with 5:45am for a week, then 5:30am, and so on. Take smaller steps to make a long lasting, larger change. Tips to Eliminate Stress and Handle Hard Situations: First things first, stop and assess the situation. When you realize you’re overwhelmed, slow down, take a breath, and write down all the things that you need to get done. Once you have this list, use the Eisenhower Decision Matrix to help you categorize and prioritize. Another tip to help eliminate stress is to shut off your electronics to avoid distractions, and just write down everything that’s been on your mind. Not with a goal to solve a problem or to create anything, but just to get everything out of your head. This can help us clear our minds and be more relaxed. Break Your Day Up Into 3 Categories: Focus: This is a time in your day that is set apart to work on a specific thing or two that you want to handle and you do not allow people or things to sidetrack you. Do whatever you need to do to be unavailable to distractions. Flex: This is where a lot of us spend most of our time. This is where you’re working on different things for the day and you’re able to bounce around a bit more, allowing for interruptions or breaks. Personal: This is the category a lot of us let be pushed under the rug when we’re stressed, but taking care of ourselves must be a priority. Have you ever heard the common phrase, “You can’t pour from an empty cup?” We can’t be our best selves when we’re drained. Take a walk, read a book, take a nap, spend time with friends, play an instrument, etc…whatever it is that helps you unwind and feel refreshed. The Trust Triad As a leader it’s important to learn the power of the Trust Triad. The Trust Triad consists of three legs of trust: Trust yourself: Believe that the decisions you make, with the time available to you and the information at your disposal, are the best decisions that you can make. Trust your team: Believe they are capable of doing what they are here to do. The team must be able to trust you: They must believe that your decisions have the best interest of the organization in mind. Not yourself, not a specific person, not the money in your pocket, but the organization's success. Strive to create strength in whatever area is lacking in the Trust Triad within your organization and see how much stronger you become. Challenge Question: What lesson will you begin to implement right now to grow as a leader? Meet Otis McGregor: Leadership Expert, Author, Speaker, Podcast Host, Project Management Trainer, Rugby Coach, LTC, Special Forces, US Army, Retired. My passion lies in helping people succeed. I’ve used this passion through years in the Army Special Operations, coaching rugby and business. It now drives me to create better leaders. I believe that better leaders create better organizations, better organizations create better communities, and better communities will create a better world. I worked as a Business Development Manager, Director, and Chief Strategy Officer for several companies. In 2009, I founded LTO Enterprises, LLC to help businesses win government contracts. In 2021, I rebranded LTO to become Tribe + Purpose, aligning with how we operate and our business purpose. We focus on creating better leaders to lead high-performing teams. I am a certified business performance coach and certified project director and trainer through The Institute of Project Management. I retired from the US Army in 2009 as a Green Beret Lieutenant Colonel following 25 years of service. While in the Army, I had a broad range of experience from being a private driving tanks five years older than me; to an engineer in the Arctic, running heavy equipment in the most extreme arctic conditions; to leading Green Berets on complex and dangerous missions around the world. I also had the unique experience of being part of new organizations and creating these new units into cohesive, effective organizations. This experience ranged from Arctic conditions in Alaska to counter-terrorism units in Iraq and Afghanistan to NATO Special Operations Headquarters. Being part of these organizations from the ground up has given me immense experience in creating successful organizations. I've used those skills and experiences to build successful teams, business units, and companies in the business world. I’ve led capture efforts and proposal development for large and small firms. These efforts have ranged from small task orders to multiple large entity Joint Ventures. In addition to my business development efforts, I ran multi-million-dollar programs for the government spread across the US and overseas. I possess a BS-Engineering Technology, from Texas A&M University; MA-International Affairs, Naval Postgraduate School; Certified Professional Coach, Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (IPEC); COR.E Leadership & Performance Dynamics Specialist, IPEC; Certified Project Director and Certified Project Trainer, Institute of Project Management (IPM); USA Rugby Level 300 Coach. I create better leaders, host a podcast, build high-performance teams and wrote the book Enable Your Team's Success. I live in Colorado with my wife, Suzanne. We have three grown children living in the USA. Connect with Otis: Resources Mentioned: by Stanley McChrystal by Marcus Aurelius by James B Stockdale Free Audit: How Grant-Ready Is Your Nonprofit? If you need support in your journey to excellence as a grant writer, I’d like to invite you to join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer. Go to teresahuff.com/vip and start learning today. Do You Have What It Takes to Be a Grant Writer? If you’re ready to explore a career in grant writing, take my free quiz, “” People are always surprised at how many skills they already have. The distance isn’t as far as they thought. Let’s figure out how you can use your skills to help change your world. If you’re ready to step up your nonprofit game, join me on the . The world needs you. Connect with Teresa Huff: Website: Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer? Social: • • • • Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: /episode/index/show/grantwritingsimplified/id/25383867

Grant Writing Simplified

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