All Episodes
Episodes
S1 Ep 25: More Than Taking Orders: Why We’re Grant Professionals, Not Grant Writers
Writing a proposal is only a small part of what grant professionals do. In this episode, Keri and Valerie share how their experience in direct services, nonprofit leadership, and business shapes their approach to...
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Special Dine-In Episode #1 with Allison Welch: Creating the “Of Course” Factor in Grant Writing
The "Of Course" Factor is a comprehensive guide to meaningful grant writing for practitioners and organizations who want to do more than secure funding. They want to expand impact. Written by Alison Welch, a grant...
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S1 E23. Everybody’s Ordering From the Same Menu: The Ripple Effect of Federal Funding Cuts
Even nonprofits that never receive federal grants are feeling the effects of federal funding reductions. Organizations losing government support are turning to foundations and individual donors, increasing competition...
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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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