McGrants – Drive-Through Moments

Keri McDonald and Valerie A. Grant
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Fast Grant Insights Served Fresh. Short conversations about grant strategy with two Certified Grant Professionals (GPC) experts.

  1. 1d ago

    S1 E 15 Quick Pick-Up: What to Do in the First 30 Days With a New Grant Client

    In this episode of McGrants: Drive-Through Moments, Keri and Valerie discuss what consultants should focus on during the first 30 days with a new grant client. From understanding the organization’s programs, funding history, internal capacity, and grant readiness to setting expectations and identifying early priorities, this conversation explores how a strong onboarding process can create a better foundation for grant strategy, proposal development, and long-term client success.

  2. Jul 15

    S1 E14 The Window Keeps Moving: How to Adapt When Grant Rules Change

    In this episode of McGrants: Drive-Through Moments, Keri and Valerie discuss how nonprofit organizations and grant professionals can adapt when grant rules change. Grant guidelines, deadlines, eligibility requirements, application instructions, and funder priorities can shift, sometimes after an organization has already started preparing a proposal. This conversation explores why it is important to review updated grant guidelines carefully, avoid relying on old assumptions, ask clarifying questions when needed, and determine whether a funding opportunity still aligns with the organization’s programs, capacity, and grant strategy. For nonprofits, grant writers, and organizational leaders, this episode is a practical reminder that successful grantseeking requires both preparation and flexibility. When the grant window keeps moving, strong decision-making can help organizations adjust, redirect, or move forward with greater confidence.

  3. Jul 8

    S1 E13 Extra Value Meal: Building a Reserve Fund with Foundation Support

    Strong organizations plan beyond today's needs. This conversation explores how nonprofits can work with foundations to strengthen financial resilience, build operating reserves, and create long-term stability.

  4. Jul 1

    S1 E12 First Time at the Window: Building Funder Relationships from Scratch

    Every grantmaker relationship starts somewhere. Two GPC experts discuss practical ways new organizations can begin connecting with funders, building credibility, and creating meaningful relationships before the proposal is submitted.

  5. Jun 24

    S1 E 11 Still Hungry? When to Keep Applying After a Grant Denial-The Purple Episode

    Getting turned down doesn't always mean moving on. This conversation explores how to evaluate grant rejections, determine whether a funder is still a strong fit, and decide when persistence makes sense versus when it's time to redirect your efforts. Also, hear what happens when Keri and Valerie are challenged with three days of tech issues while trying to record!

  6. Jun 17

    S1 E10. Repeat Customers: Turning One Grant Into Long-Term Funding

    The best grants lead to more opportunities. This conversation explores how reporting, stewardship, and thoughtful follow-up can transform a one-time award into an ongoing funder partnership.

  7. Jun 10

    S1 E9. Value Meal Metrics: Choosing Outcomes That Matter

    Funders want results—but not every metric tells the right story. This discussion focuses on selecting outcomes that demonstrate meaningful impact and strengthen proposal credibility.

  8. Jun 3

    S1 E8. Don’t Burn the Fries: Avoidable Grant Mistakes

    From unclear outcomes to rushed submissions, some mistakes quietly undermine otherwise strong proposals. This episode highlights common pitfalls and how to prevent them.

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Fast Grant Insights Served Fresh. Short conversations about grant strategy with two Certified Grant Professionals (GPC) experts.

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