GrantTalk

GrantWatch

GrantTalk: Listen to Grant Success Stories and Grant Funders GrantTalk explores the positive impact grants have on people, communities, and programs. We talk to nonprofit leaders, business executives, and development directors who have navigated the grant application process, sharing their challenges and triumphs. Our podcast also features conversations with a variety of funding sources (grantmakers), offering insights into what they look for in successful grant applications. Join us on GrantTalk to hear inspiring stories and gain valuable tips for making a difference through grants.

  1. MAY 3

    GrantTalk Episode 54: What Funders Really Want | Margaret Leverett (CHC)

    In this episode of GrantTalk, Libby Hikind, founder and CEO of GrantWatch, sits down with Margaret Leverett, President of the Board of Directors of the CHC Foundation, to reveal what funders really look for when reviewing grant applications. If you have ever wondered why some grants get funded while others are rejected, this conversation gives you a rare behind-the-scenes look directly from a foundation decision-maker. You will learn: - What foundations evaluate when reviewing grant proposals - Why establishing need is the most important part of your application - How budgets, bids, and financials impact funding decisions - What happens after you submit your grant (including site visits) - Common mistakes that can disqualify your application - Why you should never spend money before receiving a grant award - How partnerships and “skin in the game” improve your chances Even if you are not applying to this specific foundation, these insights apply to grant applications across nonprofits, schools, municipalities, and organizations of all sizes. Grant writing is not just about filling out forms. It is about telling a clear, compelling story that funders believe in and trust. 🔎 Looking for grants? Explore thousands of verified funding opportunities on GrantWatch: 👉 https://grantwatch.com/ 🧠 Try GrantWatch’s AI-powered tools to streamline your process, stay organized, and improve your proposals. 📚 Get the book The Queen of Grants: 👉 https://grantwatch.com/book

    23 min
  2. 09/11/2025

    GrantTalk Ep 50: Grants to Protect Arctic Wildlife | World Wildlife Fund

    Calling all arctic wildlife enthusiasts! ❄️☃️🐻‍❄️ ➡️ In this episode of GrantTalk, Libby Hikind, founder and CEO of GrantWatch and author of The Queen of Grants, sits down with Elisabeth Kruger, Manager of Arctic Wildlife at the World Wildlife Fund, to uncover how enthusiasts of arctic wildlife, habitats, and communities can receive funding for their conservation research projects. 💼 🌟 About GrantWatch 🌟 Libby Hikind, author of The Queen of Grants: From Teacher to Grant Writer to CEO, founded GrantWatch.com, the largest advanced grant search engine in the United States. The platform features over 10,000 active, verified, and human-curated grant opportunities in more than 60 funding categories. Additionally, it serves nonprofits, small businesses, government agencies, tribal governments, and individuals seeking grant funding. GrantWatch also offers innovative funding tools like the AI Grant Writing Tool, AI Grant Searching Tool, and My Grant Calendar, making it easier to find grants, track deadlines, and draft proposals. Members can upgrade to MemberPlus+ for complete grant details, eligibility criteria, and application information. With 21 powerful features, live customer support, and weekly GrantTalk podcast episodes, GrantWatch is the go-to resource for finding grants and turning funding opportunities into awarded grant. 🔔 Subscribe for more episodes of GrantTalk and to never miss a new way to grow your business and network! Explore more about GrantWatch: https://www.grantwatch.com/ https://www.grantwatch.com/granttalk/ https://www.grantwatch.com/book

    19 min
  3. 08/26/2025

    GrantTalk Ep 49: An Organization That Helps Artists | Huntington Arts Council

    What happens when creativity meets community? 🎨🩰 ➡️ In this episode of GrantTalk, Libby Hikind, founder and CEO of GrantWatch and author of The Queen of Grants, sits down with Patty Eljaiek, Grants Coordinator for the Huntington Arts Council, to uncover how arts funding transforms lives, fuels local economies across Long Island, New York, and empowers artists to keep creating through fellowships, general operating support, and community impact grants. 💼 🌟 About GrantWatch 🌟 Libby Hikind, author of The Queen of Grants: From Teacher to Grant Writer to CEO, founded GrantWatch.com, the largest advanced grant search engine in the United States. The platform features over 10,000 active, verified, and human-curated grant opportunities in more than 60 funding categories. Additionally, it serves nonprofits, small businesses, government agencies, tribal governments, and individuals seeking grant funding. GrantWatch also offers innovative funding tools like the AI Grant Writing Tool, AI Grant Searching Tool, and My Grant Calendar, making it easier to find grants, track deadlines, and draft proposals. Members can upgrade to MemberPlus+ for complete grant details, eligibility criteria, and application information. With 21 powerful features, live customer support, and weekly GrantTalk podcast episodes, GrantWatch is the go-to resource for finding grants and turning funding opportunities into awarded grant. 🔔 Subscribe for more episodes of GrantTalk and to never miss a new way to grow your business and network! Explore more about GrantWatch: https://www.grantwatch.com/ https://www.grantwatch.com/granttalk/ https://www.grantwatch.com/book

    23 min
  4. 07/28/2025

    GrantTalk Ep 48 | Grants That Strengthen Operations | The Nonprofit Management Fund

    GrantTalk Ep 48: Building Capacity Through Collaboration — The Nonprofit Management Fund with Eloiza Altoro GrantTalk is back with another insightful episode hosted by Libby Hikind, founder and CEO of GrantWatch.com, and author of The Queen of Grants! 👑 📚 Comment "Management" below to get in touch with the Fund. In this episode, Libby sits down with Eloiza Altoro, Fund Advisor for the Nonprofit Management Fund in Wisconsin — a collaborative funding initiative that’s been supporting capacity building for over 30 years. 💼✨ Together, they explore: ✅ How the Nonprofit Management Fund helps nonprofits strengthen operations through consulting and capacity-building grants ✅ Why the fund doesn’t pay for individual grant writers — but does offer cohort training and fundraising bootcamps ✅ How demand for grants has surged in 2025 — and how the fund responded by front-loading disbursements ✅ What makes a strong grant application (Hint: Read the funder’s website first!) ✅ Why building relationships and context with funders matters more than ever ✅ The collaborative power behind eight funding partners working together to build nonprofit resilience 🎯 Funders featured include: The Lynde & Harry Bradley Foundation Greater Milwaukee Foundation United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County Northwestern Mutual Rockwell Automation Bader Philanthropies, Inc. Zilber Family Foundation Daniel M. Soref Charitable Trust Plus: Libby shares why a simple coffee mug on a desk can say, “We won a grant,” and how small gestures celebrate big wins in the nonprofit world. ☕🏆 💬 Want to learn more? Drop the word management in the comments if you'd like to see this model replicated in your own community! 📅 Recorded: April 6 at 11:45 AM CST / 12:45 PM EST 🎙 Guest: Eloiza Altoro, Fund Advisor 🏢 Organization: Nonprofit Management Fund (Wisconsin) 🔔 Subscribe for more GrantTalk episodes, expert tips, and real stories of grant success. Let’s build something powerful — together. #NonprofitGrants #CapacityBuilding #MilwaukeeNonprofits #GrantTalk #LibbyHikind #GrantWritingTips #CollaborativeFunding #NonprofitLeadership #GrantWatch #TheQueenOfGrants

    20 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

GrantTalk: Listen to Grant Success Stories and Grant Funders GrantTalk explores the positive impact grants have on people, communities, and programs. We talk to nonprofit leaders, business executives, and development directors who have navigated the grant application process, sharing their challenges and triumphs. Our podcast also features conversations with a variety of funding sources (grantmakers), offering insights into what they look for in successful grant applications. Join us on GrantTalk to hear inspiring stories and gain valuable tips for making a difference through grants.