Grant Writing Simplified Teresa Huff

In this shorter, experimental format episode of Grant Writing Simplified, Teresa shares insights on the importance of asking different questions to navigate challenges in the nonprofit sector.
 
Drawing from her experiences leading workshops and serving as a sounding board for nonprofit leaders, Teresa encourages listeners to step back from their frustrations and conventional problem-solving approaches. She emphasizes the value of exploring problems more deeply and considering alternatives to the status quo, without necessarily seeking immediate solutions. 
 
Teresa challenges you to apply this approach in your team discussions and collaborative efforts, suggesting that asking the right questions can unlock new paths forward. She also references her TEDx talk for further exploration of this topic and teases future interviews and resources aimed at aiding nonprofit strategies and grant writing careers.
 
00:00 What do you think of this format? 
 
00:21 Preparing for a Nonprofit Workshop: Insights and Challenges
 
01:01 The Power of Asking Different Questions
 
02:11 A Challenge to Think Differently
 
02:40 TEDx Talk and Upcoming Resources
 
03:17 Encouragement and Closing Thoughts
 
Connect with Teresa Huff:
Website: www.teresahuff.com
Watch the TEDx: The Real ROI of Grant Writing
Take the Quiz: https://teresahuff.com/share-quiz/
Social:
https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12544635/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/huffteresa/
https://www.instagram.com/grantwritingsimplified/
https://www.pinterest.com/grantwritingsimplified/
https://youtube.com/@grantwritingsimplified
Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer:
www.teresahuff.com/vip

In this episode, I'm doing something a little different. I was recently invited to be a podcast guest on the Marketer of the Day podcast by Robert Plank and I was happy to do that. It was such a fun conversation. He asked such really good questions that I thought, why not share it here with you as well! We talk about grant writing, nonprofit strategies, and making a lasting impact in communities through grant opportunities. We also address how important it is to build solid relationships with grantmakers to achieve success. I think you're going to love this episode!
 
On this episode:
Introduction
 
Flipping the Script
 
Diving Deep into Grant Writing
 
The Art of Grant Writing: Making an Impact
 
Success Stories and Strategies in Nonprofit Funding
 
The Process and Strategy Behind Effective Grant Writing
 
Expanding Your Grant Writing Skills and Network
 
Final Thoughts and How to Connect
 
Connect with Teresa Huff:
Website: www.teresahuff.com
Watch the TEDx: The Real ROI of Grant Writing
Take the Quiz: https://teresahuff.com/share-quiz/
Social:
https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12544635/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/huffteresa/
https://www.instagram.com/grantwritingsimplified/
https://www.pinterest.com/grantwritingsimplified/
https://youtube.com/@grantwritingsimplified
Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer:
www.teresahuff.com/vip

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: www.teresahuff.com
Watch the TEDx: The Real ROI of Grant Writing
Take the Quiz: https://teresahuff.com/share-quiz/
Social:
https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12544635/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/huffteresa/
https://www.instagram.com/grantwritingsimplified/
https://www.pinterest.com/grantwritingsimplified/
https://youtube.com/@grantwritingsimplified
Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer:
www.teresahuff.com/vip

Book a 1:1 strategy call with Teresa Huff: www.teresahuff.com/mentor
The Crucial Role of Data in Non-profit Grant Funding
In this episode, I'm diving deep into why data collection and tracking are absolute game-changers for non-profit organizations, especially when it comes to snagging those crucial grant funds. I'm all about getting the full picture, which means not just crunching numbers but also capturing those heartwarming stories that truly showcase our impact. 
I'll walk you through a handy five-question guide to evaluate your current data practices, because let's face it, we can always level up. 
From day one, I'm all about data – using it to back up our relevance, measure our progress, and guide our decisions at every turn. We'll also chat about how to navigate those pesky constraints in data collection and even how to weave stories seamlessly into our data narrative. Plus, we'll explore techniques for tracking trends and spotting behavior change. 
Stick around as we cover data-driven goodness from start to finish!
 
00:00 Introduction and Webinar Recap
00:48 The Importance of Data in Grant Applications
01:41 The Role of Data in Nonprofit Operations
02:01 When and How to Start Collecting Data
02:57 The ROI Framework and Data
04:01 Understanding Internal and External Data
04:26 Quantitative vs Qualitative Data
05:51 Challenges in Data Collection and Creative Solutions
08:24 Using Data to Inform Programs and Engage Stakeholders
08:42 Five Questions to Evaluate Your Data Collection
 
Challenge Question:
Is your data reflecting a realistic picture of your impact? If not, do you need to adjust?
Read the full show notes: www.teresahuff.com/149
 
Connect with Teresa Huff:
Website: www.teresahuff.com
Watch the TEDx: The Real ROI of Grant Writing
Take the Quiz: https://teresahuff.com/share-quiz/
Social:
https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12544635/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/huffteresa/
https://www.instagram.com/grantwritingsimplified/
https://www.pinterest.com/grantwritingsimplified/
https://youtube.com/@grantwritingsimplified
Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer:
www.teresahuff.com/vip
 

Join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip
 
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:  The Power of Pause: 5 Reasons to Call Timeout in Your Nonprofit
To watch and share my TEDx Talk, The Real ROI of Grant Writing.
 
Challenge Question:
Do you need to call a timeout?
 
Connect with Teresa Huff:
Website: www.teresahuff.com
Watch the TEDx: The Real ROI of Grant Writing
Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer?
Social:
LinkedIn Community LinkedIn Instagram Pinterest YouTube Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer:
www.teresahuff.com/vip

Join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip
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 my TEDx talk, 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 Mentor On Call Strategy Call 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:  Celebrating Three Years of Grant Writing Simplified
To watch and share my TEDx Talk, The Real ROI of Grant Writing.
 
Challenge Question: 
What do you need to