Fundraising HayDay

How to Read a Federal RFP

Federal funders always produce a set of guidelines with each grant application. They are known by a variety of names, depending on the funding agency, from Request for Proposal (RFP) to NOFO (Notice of Funding Opportunity) and many acronyms in between. Grant professionals must understand how to read each RFP to ensure eligiblity and competiveness of the organization applying, as well as the requirements for a quality proposal.

From Grant Funder to Grant Consultant

Today we are interviewing Shavonn Richardson, CEO of Think and Ink Grant Consulting. She has done all the things in the grant world: started her own nonprofit, worked for a foundation to award grants to nonprofits, and finally grant consultant. We talk entrepreneurship, leadership, and all things grant work.

Grant Work: Hiring an Employee vs. a Consultant

Your organization is ready to tackle the realm of grants, but you need the assistance of a grant professional. Should you hire an employee or consultant? Hear the pros and cons of each, because the answer will vary based on your organization's needs and fundraising goals.

A Direct Approach to In-Direct Costs

Most federal grant programs will allow in-direct cost rates. But what is it? How does your organization get one? What does it fund? The process is complicated and has many moving parts, which is why we brought in an expert. Join our discussion with Karen Norris, Principal of Kanoco, as we get our questions answers and navigate the complex world of federal in-direct cost rates.

How To: Video Marketing for Social Good

Today we are joined by Erin Goodier, of Goodier Creative, who works with nonprofits on a mission to change the world for the better. She spends her time using videos to tell stories that connect your organization with your audience, whether the world at large or a specific funder. Join our conversation which includes a bit of video 101 training and understanding how to find the right videographer to fit your organization's budget.

What I Wish My Boss Knew About Grants

What do you do when the person you report to has no idea how the grant world works? It happens more than you think, and it can be frustrating for both parties! Today we're covering all the things we wish our boss knew about grants and sharing some tips on how to educate them about the role grant professionals play in our organizations.

Introverts & Extroverts & Learning From Each Other

Are you an introvert or an extrovert? What about your colleagues? How you operate in the world, interact with your co-workers, find your strength, and recharge will vary, depending on which side of the coin you are. Our cohosts, an introvert and extrovert, share how they learned to work together and learned from one another through their differences. Could be the start of a beautiful discussion with your colleagues.

Leadership Isn’t Perfection

Nonprofit leadership is not for the faint of heart. Our work is messy, imperfect, inspiring, engaging, and everything in between. So how do we lead well, while acknowledging our faults and flaws? Join our conversation with Julie Boll, Certified Dare to Lead Facilitator, about courage-building work in the nonprofit sector.

Ripped from the Headlines: CARES Act Funding, the IRS, and Other Grant Management Woes

It's our annual ripped from the headline's episode. We are sharing recent news articles that detail the improper care of grant funding by government agencies and nonprofits. This year, we're also showcasing an IRS mishap revolving around the creation of fake nonprofits. Join us for the stories, stay to learn what NOT to do in your nonprofit grant work. These are important lessons learned the hard way.

Show Me the Data

How do you tell your community's story, showing the need to funders and donors alike? You show them the data, of course! But how do you find the most current, relevant data? Look no further than the U.S. Census Bureau. We are joined by Data Dissemination Specialist Marilyn E. Stephens to learn where and how to start your quest for using data to put together a statistical profile to compliment your local knowledge.