Grant Writing Simplified

In this shorter, experimental format episode of Grant Writing Simplified, Teresa shares insights on the importance of asking different questions to navigate challenges in the nonprofit sector. Drawing from her experiences leading workshops and serving as a sounding board for nonprofit leaders, Teresa encourages listeners to step back from their frustrations and conventional problem-solving approaches. She emphasizes the value of exploring problems more deeply and considering alternatives to the status quo, without necessarily seeking immediate solutions. Teresa challenges 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

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

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

Interested in hopping on a small group call with me? Sign up at www.teresahuff.com/help 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 my TEDx talk 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: From Ideas to Impact: Unveiling the Key to Successful Grant Funding To watch and share my TEDx Talk, The Real ROI of Grant Writing. 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 www.teresahuff.com/mentor. Resources: Episode 96 - Nonprofit Strategy Call: Gaining Clarity for a Nonprofit's Next Steps Go to MyEasyGrant.com to find, cultivate, and apply to relevant foundations using Easy Grant by Sparrow Nonprofit Solutions. Watch and share my TEDx Talk: The Real ROI of Grant Writing 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 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: Humanity in the Age of AI: Navigating Authentic Connections for Lasting Impact To watch and share my TEDx Talk, The Real ROI of Grant Writing. 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 - Creating Clarity Around How to Obtain Major Gifts for Your Nonprofit Episode 133 - How Design, Creativity and Relationships Intersect With Budget Transparency Episode 143 - Formula for Nonprofit Success: Balancing Heart, Grit, and Brains Go to MyEasyGrant.com to find, cultivate, and apply to relevant foundations using Easy Grant by Sparrow Nonprofit Solutions. Watch and share my TEDx Talk: The Real ROI of Grant Writing 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 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 advisory session - 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 Fast Track to Grant Writer VIP Program. 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 LastPass!) 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. Reach out any time to strategize 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: Streamline Systems for Nonprofit Success To watch and share my TEDx Talk, The Real ROI of Grant Writing. 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: LastPass Secure Passwords Episode 21: Tips for Successful Grant Writing & Federal Grant Project Management: Interview with Brandi VanAntwerp, CoxHealth Foundation Grants Administrator Episode 52: Business Building: The Tech Tools I Use Most in My Grant Writing Business Episode 62: Pro Tips to Step Up Your Nonprofit Grant Strategy with Systems Go to MyEasyGrant.com to find, cultivate, and apply to relevant foundations using Easy Grant by Sparrow Nonprofit Solutions. Watch and share my TEDx Talk: The Real ROI of Grant Writing 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 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 Return on Impact - by investing in us. In my TEDx talk, 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 reduction 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 good story, 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: 9 Ways Food Network Challenges Mirror the Grant Writing Process To watch and share my TEDx Talk, The Real ROI of Grant Writing. Challenge Question: Which Food Network lesson do you need to implement or improve upon in your work? Resources Mentioned: Grant Writing Simplified Episode 16: How to Write Tight Storytelling Series: Episode 58: Are You Telling Your Nonprofit Story? How Coffee Mugs Are Like Grant Writing. Episode 59: How to Tell Your Nonprofit Story Through Video. Episode 60: 5 Questions for a More Compelling Nonprofit Story. Episode 64: Using Data to Tell Nonprofit Stories: 6 Tips to Flex Your Grant Writing Muscles. Go to MyEasyGrant.com to find, cultivate, and apply to relevant foundations using Easy Grant by Sparrow Nonprofit Solutions. Watch and share my TEDx Talk: The Real ROI of Grant Writing 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 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, "The Real ROI of Grant Writing." 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 YouTube. 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: 5 Easy Grant Writing Tips to Build Strategic, Lasting Relationships To watch and share my TEDx Talk, The Real ROI of Grant Writing. Challenge Question: How will you position your grant proposal from an attitude of service? ResourcesMentioned: Go to MyEasyGrant.com to find, cultivate, and apply to relevant foundations using Easy Grant by Sparrow Nonprofit Solutions. Watch and share my TEDx Talk: The Real ROI of Grant Writing 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 The ROI of Grant Writing In my recent TEDx Talk, I talked about the Real ROI of Grant Writing. 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: Nonprofit ROI: 5 Tips to Stay Relevant to Funders and Win More Grants To watch and share my TEDx Talk, The Real ROI of Grant Writing. Challenge Question: Do you need to narrow your focus? Are you clear on what that is? Resources Mentioned: Go to MyEasyGrant.com to find, cultivate, and apply to relevant foundations using Easy Grant by Sparrow Nonprofit Solutions. Watch and share my TEDx Talk: The Real ROI of Grant Writing 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 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: What is a Transformational Economy, and How Can it Help a Nonprofit? Challenge Question: What is a recent initiative you can search for stories of transformation? 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 How Human Resources Systems and Accounting Enable Nonprofit Growth Today we're continuing the conversation from my TEDx Talk by discussing strategies for grant writing and nonprofits. You might recognize Sean Hale from the Nonprofit Mythbusters Roundtable. Sean is a nonprofit accounting and HR expert. As part of these nonprofit strategy conversations, we need to include nonprofit accounting and HR systems. However, I didn't want you to snooze during the episode! That's why I invited Sean, because he understands accounting and reporting without focusing solely on spreadsheets and numbers. He knows how to use the data to tell your nonprofit's full story. We talk about questions like: How do accounting best practices apply to nonprofits? How can we track our books better? How can we have sound systems to support our work better? Sean has fascinating experience and stories about nonprofit work and the systems supporting nonprofits. He's worked in nonprofits for over 20 years and loves helping get smooth-running administration so the organization shines, allowing them to focus on the work they do best. Sean helps organizations reduce waste, produce more revenue, and boost morale and productivity while growing transparency and stability. How Back Office Systems Help Prevent Burnout and Fraud Did you know that 93% of American adults have math anxiety? That's 13 out of 14 people! And that's why we need good systems that can translate math into easily readable graphs and data. This is even more important for nonprofits trying to convey the importance of their work. Sean shares how a good graphic can spark the organization to have critical conversations around money and solvency. We also discuss how Form 990s can be used for good and bad data points. We even discuss whether external audits are an effective fraud prevention and what steps can be taken to add additional fraud protection on top of audits. Often when we have these financial discussions, it can feel personal. But if organizations are set up with the proper checks and balances from the beginning, the system works to protect everyone. No one gets singled out or picked on. While back office and systems conversations can be difficult, these small measures and systems help set our team up for stability and growth. Challenge Question: What systems can be a benefit to your nonprofit or grant-writing business? What two steps will you take today to start those conversations? Meet Sean Hale I've served nonprofits for more than twenty years. I love getting the administrative side running smoothly so the organization can truly focus and shine. Over my career, I have made improvements that reduced waste, generated new revenue, boosted staff productivity and morale, grew financial transparency, and shrank risk. I've also helped boards and management to navigate complex situations and consistently left the organizations stronger and ready for their next stage of growth. Today I get to lead a team of outstanding nonprofit accounting and finance professionals. Together, we provide temporary and ongoing services to small and mid-sized nonprofits so they can have the back office support they need for the whole organization to flourish. Connect with Sean Hale: Sean Hale Consulting Philanthroforce Connect with Sean on LinkedIn Recommended Reading from Sean's blog: 7% Board Engagement is Not Enough Data Visualization for Financial Reports Engages Leadership Be Frugal, Not Cheap, With Nonprofit Administration Southwest Airlines: A Cautionary Tale About Being Cheap with Administration Nonprofit Administrator Burnout: Warning Signs and Alternatives Audits Won't Protect Your Nonprofit From Fraud Loom video explaining how to document your processes Other Resources Mentioned: TEDx Talk: The Real ROI of Grant Writing Nonprofit Mythbusters #1: The Overhead Myth - Expert Roundtable Discussion Episode 62: Pro Tips to Step Up Your Nonprofit Grant Strategy with Systems Episode: 63: Systems for Hire: Ways to Help Your Nonprofit Thrive 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 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 TEDx talk, 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: 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 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: Website What Hope Looks Like: Use Your Pain to Fuel Your Purpose by Eric Newman Instagram LinkedIn 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