113: Take a Deep Breath | Grant Writing for Small Nonprofits

113: Take a Deep Breath | Grant Writing for Small Nonprofits

Author: Jess Birken, MNM, JD May 30, 2024 Duration: 26:09

If you've ever felt like a deer in headlights when someone mentions grants, I'm here for you. In fact, I've got the guru of grant-getting, the scribe of success, Dalya Massachi herself, joining me on today's power-packed episode of Charity Therapy. 

Nonprofit newbie or not, grant writing is super stressful. It's a skill that takes practice and time to get used to, and that doesn't happen overnight. In our chat, Dalya and I get down to the nitty-gritty of what makes a nonprofit ready to take on the grant world. Yeah, you guessed it: there's more to it than just having your C3 status (although that's pretty important too.) We cover the eight must-haves for grant writing readiness while also diving into the dark side of grant applications and how to avoid that dreaded mission drift. 

It's all about alignment, communication, and staying true to your org's unique superpowers. But, most importantly, you've got to remember that it's a process.

So, if you're feeling the grant blues or just need a little push in the right direction, tune in, soak up Dalya's wisdom (and those free resources!) and let's get those grants rolling in!

In this episode, you will hear:

  • Eight must-have components for nonprofit readiness

  • The FIRST framework for crafting grant proposals

  • Why partnering with other community organizations can be a strategic alliance

  • Tips on updating and using boilerplate grant language effectively

Resources from this Episode

Free Grants Resources: https://www.writingtomakeadifference.com/grant/

Sign up for Birken Law Email list: https://birkenlaw.com/signup/

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/birkenlaw

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Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.


Ever find yourself wishing for a direct line to seasoned nonprofit leaders, a chance to unpack the real challenges that don’t make it into the glossy annual reports? Charity Therapy is that conversation. With host Jess Birken, who brings her background as a lawyer and a Master of Nonprofit Management to the table, each session feels like pulling up a chair with a trusted advisor. The discussions move beyond theory, tackling the granular details of operations that leaders actually face-whether it’s navigating a tricky IRS compliance question, rebuilding a fundraising strategy from the ground up, or managing the complex interpersonal dynamics that define any mission-driven team. This podcast digs into the operational heart of the sector, offering pragmatic insights you can apply directly to your own work. It’s a resource built on the understanding that running a nonprofit is a continuous practice of problem-solving, and Jess guides these explorations with clarity and a deep respect for the work. Tune in for honest dialogue that treats the daily grind of management as the serious and nuanced craft that it is.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Charity Therapy
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