All Episodes
Episodes
S1 E22. Short-Staffed at the Counter: When Grant Expectations Exceed Capacity
Organizations often respond to financial pressure by adding more grants to the pipeline without considering who will develop, implement, manage, and report on them. This episode explores what happens when grant...
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S1 E21 Rush Hour at the Drive-Thru: What the State of Nonprofits Means for Grantseekers
The 2026 State of Nonprofits report found that 57% of nonprofit CEOs say securing foundation grants has become harder since January 2025, 44% have experienced reduced foundation funding, and 66% are concerned about...
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S1 E20 Skip the Combo: Why More Grants Isn't Always Better
A longer list of possible grants doesn't always produce better results. This conversation explores why organizations should focus on building the right grant portfolio instead of pursuing every opportunity that comes...
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S1 E19 Open or Closed? Reading Between the Lines of Grant Guidelines
Grant guidelines don't always say everything they're trying to communicate. Learn how experienced grant professionals look beyond eligibility requirements to understand what funders are really looking for.
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S1 E18 Keep the Change: Why Small Investments Lead to Bigger Grants
Organizations often focus on landing the biggest grant possible. But the strongest grant programs are usually built one relationship, one outcome, and one successful project at a time. This episode explores why...
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S1 E17 Side of Volunteering: When Corporate Giving Isn’t Cash
Not every corporate opportunity comes as a check. This episode explores how nonprofits can evaluate corporate volunteerism, in-kind support, employee engagement, sponsorships, and skills-based partnerships without...
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S1 E16 Robot at the Register: Using AI Without Serving a Generic Grant Proposal
AI can help grant professionals work faster, but it can also create generic, inaccurate, or funder-misaligned proposals when used poorly. This episode explores how to use AI responsibly without losing strategy,...
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S1 E 15 Quick Pick-Up: What to Do in the First 30 Days With a New Grant Client
In this episode of McGrants: Drive-Through Moments, Keri and Valerie discuss what consultants should focus on during the first 30 days with a new grant client. From understanding the organization’s programs, funding...
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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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