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McGrants – Drive-Through Moments

McGrants – Drive-Through Moments

Hosted by: Keri McDonald and Valerie A. Grant

Fast Grant Insights Served Fresh. Short conversations about grant strategy with two Certified Grant Professionals (GPC) experts.

All Episodes

Episodes

S1 E14 The Window Keeps Moving: How to Adapt When Grant Rules Change

In this episode of McGrants: Drive-Through Moments, Keri and Valerie discuss how nonprofit organizations and grant professionals can adapt when grant rules change. Grant guidelines, deadlines, eligibility...
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S1 E13 Extra Value Meal: Building a Reserve Fund with Foundation Support

Strong organizations plan beyond today's needs. This conversation explores how nonprofits can work with foundations to strengthen financial resilience, build operating reserves, and create long-term stability.
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S1 E12 First Time at the Window: Building Funder Relationships from Scratch

Every grantmaker relationship starts somewhere. Two GPC experts discuss practical ways new organizations can begin connecting with funders, building credibility, and creating meaningful relationships before the...
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S1 E 11 Still Hungry? When to Keep Applying After a Grant Denial-The Purple Episode

Getting turned down doesn't always mean moving on. This conversation explores how to evaluate grant rejections, determine whether a funder is still a strong fit, and decide when persistence makes sense versus when...
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S1 E10. Repeat Customers: Turning One Grant Into Long-Term Funding

The best grants lead to more opportunities. This conversation explores how reporting, stewardship, and thoughtful follow-up can transform a one-time award into an ongoing funder partnership.
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S1 E9. Value Meal Metrics: Choosing Outcomes That Matter

Funders want results—but not every metric tells the right story. This discussion focuses on selecting outcomes that demonstrate meaningful impact and strengthen proposal credibility.
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S1 E8. Don’t Burn the Fries: Avoidable Grant Mistakes

From unclear outcomes to rushed submissions, some mistakes quietly undermine otherwise strong proposals. This episode highlights common pitfalls and how to prevent them.
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S1 E7. Fresh, Not Frozen: Rethinking Boilerplate Language

Reusing content can save time—but only if it still fits the funder. This quick conversation explores how to adapt boilerplate strategically so proposals stay relevant, responsive, and compelling.
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S1 E6 Budget Burger: When Numbers and Narrative Don’t Match

Even strong proposals can fall apart when the budget tells a different story. Two GPC experts discuss how to ensure budgets reinforce program strategy and strengthen funder confidence.
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Before You Hit Submit: Is This Fast Food or Fine Dining?

Every once in a while the best strategy is submitting now; other times it’s building the relationship first. Two GPCs share how to recognize the difference and position organizations for stronger proposals later.
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More Cars in the Line: Why Foundation Applications are Getting Harder

Struggling to get your grant applications noticed in a fiercely competitive landscape? You're not alone—and here's the truth: with foundation applications getting tougher by the day, knowing when to apply or build...
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Combo Meal Strategy: Building a Balanced Grant Pipeline

Successful nonprofit grant strategies rarely rely on a single opportunity. Learn how to balance quick-turn grants, relationship-driven funders, and longer-term prospects to create a sustainable funding mix. #grants
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