It’s a bonus episode! In January 2024, Kimberly and Amanda (your Fundraising HayDay cohosts) attended Courageous Leadership training led by Julie Boll. Over 8 weeks we each built and refined our calls to courage, affirmed our skills, and learned what courageous leadership looks like for us. Today, Julie is taking the reins and interviewing us about this process and the changes in our business and daily lives. Sometimes you need a little push to dream big, and Julie helped give us the nudges we needed.

Show Notes:

Announcing Fundraising HayDay’s first Patreon experience. Join our Ear Buddies membership at $5 to support the podcast AND access member only benefits: https://patreon.com/FundraisingHayDay

Julie and Dana’s January 2025 Retreat in the Redwoods – visit  www.juliebollconsulting.com/hayday for a discounted price and more details

What two things are necessary for a sustainable nonprofit? Fundraising and administration. What two things are nonprofits often judged for spending money on? Fundraising and administration.

Programs serve people, but you cannot have programs without funding and staff. Nonprofits need oversight. They require finance personnel, fundraisers, executive directors, and more.

Too many organizations and people perpetuate the overhead myth – the notion that overhead costs (like administration and fundraising) should be 10% or less. Let’s debunk that myth together.

Sure, your title may have “writer” in it, but we are more than grant writers. Grant professionals build capacity, develop programs, conduct research, work with clients, build budgets, and so much more. We also have a voice in philanthropy, because without nonprofits and other agencies to do all of its good works, foundations and government agencies would have money to give but not one to give it to. Our guests, Patrice Shumate and Liyen Chong, are two of the founding members of More Than Grant Writers, a collaborative community space for grant professionals to practice their unique collective power for social and environmental justice. Learn about More Than Grant Writers and how you can add your voice to the collective.

Every organization has a story. The stories of our work and people served shape our fundraising, grant proposals, and communities, but how do we find them? Join our lively discussion with Julia Campbell, a digital storyteller with a passion for helping nonprofits build movements, to learn how you can best use social media and other avenues to spread the word about the good you do.

Sub-recipients, contractors, fiscal agents, partnerships, collaborators - and the list goes on when it comes to potential relationships developed as a result of grant funding. How you treat each relationship is determined by what type of relationship it is. When it comes to federal funding, it can mean the difference between being in and out of compliance with federal regulations. Know which is which so you don't find yourself in trouble with your funder.

Storytelling is at the heart of our work. We communicate with donors and grantors. We share the successes of the people and communities we serve. Join our story-filled conversation with Marc Pitman, founder of Concord Leadership Group and storyteller extraordinaire.

Sisters Emily (PhD) and Amelia (DMA) Nagoski, authors of Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle, join our cohosts in a conversation about stress, work, life, family, and so much more. The Nagoskis offer brilliant research and solutions to avoiding burnout. Their anecdotes, stories, and songs only add to the beauty of this interview. 

As protests continue against the violence and racism that African-Americans experience every day, it's important to use our voices and actions to stand up to that racism. Join cohosts Kimberly and Amanda as they share resources for opening up the conversation and understanding how we can all do our part. 

Every professional organization associated with grants and fundraising has a code of ethics members must agree to uphold. As professionals we are responsible for practicing our profession with the upmost integrity to maintain public trust. Ethics includes complying with applicable rules and regulations of our funders, and so much more. Take a dive into some specific ethical examples with our cohosts.

Elizabeth Holmes built a billion dollar biotech health business in Silicon Valley, but the board, investors, employees, and the public were all mislead. Lessons learned from the handling of her company, Theranos, can be applied to nonprofits and the care of grants. Take a listen to learn what not to do within your own organization. The study of Holmes and Theranos is a case study in fraud, misdeeds, and taking the phrase "fake it 'till you make it" way too far.

The Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act was signed into law in early March. Since then, private and public funders alike have increased available funding to assist individuals, businesses, nonprofits, and other agencies in keeping services running. Join cohosts Kimberly Hays de Muga and Amanda Day as they discuss funding opportunities available as of March 26, 2020. 

As grant professionals and fundraisers, we look to data, information, and resources to determine the best course of action when meeting the needs of the communities we serve. With the growing health pandemic of COVID-19, we need to lean on one another and share relevant health and safety concerns. Funders, both federal and private, across the country are stepping up their game by relaxing restrictions and providing flexibility to grantees. Join us in this bonus episode as we talk about safety, resources, and ways grantors can step up their game.

Cohosts Amanda and Kimberly talk about their top ten favorite things discovered during Season 2 of the podcast. From books to technology to professional development, they share their favorites with you. Take a listen and see which ones might be the next item you decide to check out.

Grant funding is out there. In 2022, foundations gave $105.2 BILLION and corporations $29.5 BILLION. In Fiscal Year 2023, the federal government awarded $1.7 TRILLION in federal discretionary resources. So how do you wade through all those funding opportunities to find the right fit for your organization? We’re walking you through the process today.

If you are in need of resources to help conduct your grant prospect research, here are a few:

• S1, E7 Fundraising HayDay Podcast – Grant Prospect Research 
• S1, E13 Fundraising HayDay Podcast – Private Funding & How to Approach it 
• S1, E14 Fundraising HayDay Podcast – Public Funding & You 
• S4, E11 Fundraising HayDay Podcast – Prospect Research: What’s Old is New Again 
• HayDay Services Webinar – 5 Free Ways to Fine More Grants 

The Go/No Go Grant Decision Guide goes hand in hand with today’s episode. 

Grant funding requires that you not only stick to your approved budget, but you also follow the funder's procurement and conflict of interest requirements. The Federal government is especially particular about both. Join us as we talk with Lucy Morgan, aka My Fed Trainer, about the procurement and conflict of interest specifics found within the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200). Ignoring either is likely to result in losing of grant funds, landing your organization on the suspension and debarement list, or worse.

When you love or loathe a product or experience, you go online and write a review. It's the American way! GrantAdvisor applied the online review process to foundations, providing anonymous feedback and relevant information to grant seekers and grant funders alike. Hear our interview with Kari Aanestad, Co-Director of GrantAdvisor and Director of Advancement at the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits, and hear how the site (www.GrantAdvisor.org) is growing and foundations are using it for the greater good.

Grants are not free money. As stewards of someone else's money, whether the tax payers, a family foundation, or corporation, we are always responsible for adhering to the funder's rules. That means we have to be above board in all things: truthful grant writing, documenting all our expenses, and accurately reporting the results of our project. Sadly, there are always stories in the news about individuals and organizations who bend and break the rules, and these are their stories.

There are so many technological tools for assisting professionals in their grant writing and management processes, but technology is not the only solution in our field. Join cohosts Kimberly and Amanda as they honor some of the OG (Original Grant) Productivity Tools they often use to get the job done. Sometimes, old school rules!

For individuals managing federal funds, a visit from the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) is basically your worst nightmare. Hear from cohost Amanda Day about one organization's experience and her hand in picking up the pieces after the fact. It was her first day on the job when she discovered her hiring was actually the result of said audit. Take a listen to find out lessons learned along the way.

Today's guest is Diane Leonard, GPC, President of DH Leonard Consulting. She is a Certified Scrum Master and Certified Scrum Product Owner through Scrum Alliance, Inc. Scrum is the art of doing twice the work in half time. While Scrum was created for faster production of software development, it is an applicable framework for so much more. So if you are looking for creative and meaningful ways to submit your grant applications by deadline, meet your organization's mission, and serve your clients through your strategic plan, then this episode is just for you.

Grant professionals often find themselves in an awkward position: they are knowledgeable about grant rules and regulations, but they are not the official decision maker in their office. When you report to a board, executive director, city manager, or other official boss, how do you educate said individuals about the lawful and ethical decisions surrounding grant funding? Cohosts Amanda and Kimberly share their experiences, because they have been there. 

Fundraising HayDay continues the interview with Edgar Villanueva, author of Decolonizing Wealth. Hear about collaborating with funders, sharing your stories, and so much more. There's even a frank discussion on how not to reach out to your funder. Hint: following them into the bathroom after a presentation is not the best place for pitching a project idea. This is part 2 of our peak behind the philanthropic curtain.

Ideally, grant seekers and grant makers should work hand in hand to better the communities they serve. Sadly, this does not always happen. Take a peak behind the philanthropic curtain as we discuss the life and experiences of a foundation program officer. Edgar Villanueva combines his heritage with his in-depth knowledge of the philanthripic sector to drive change in the nonprofit sector. Read more in his book Decolonizing Wealth and by listening to today's episode of Fundraising HayDay.

Most job descriptions have that dreaded line: other duties as assigned. Sometimes your boss throws something new your way, and sometimes you take on new roles yourself. In this episode, cohosts Kimberly & Amanda discuss how conference planning taught them new skills in planning, organizing, and not being afraid to ask others for help. Listen in as they talk about creating the Southern Regional Grant Conference in 2013 and expanding it in 2020.

During the 2023 #GrantSummit hosted by the Grant Professionals Association, our cohosts interviewed a variety of leaders in the grant field. They shared their experiences, insights, and words of wisdom related to a number of themes ranging from giving back to the profession, leadership, philanthropy, professionalism, volunteering, professional development, and more. Hear key takeaways from each of our esteemed guests:

Bernard Turner, GPC, Associate Professor of Social Entrepreneurship at Belmont University  

Cheryl Kester, CFRE, GPC, 2023 Distinguished Fellow Awardee and Owner of The Kester Group

Doris Shivers, GPC, Director of Grant Innovation and Management for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools

Egondu Onuoha, GPC, President of the Grant Professionals Certification Institute and Vice President of Real Estate and Special Programs at the Brooklyn Hospital

Jess Pettitt, Emcee of #GrantSummit, Speaker at Good Enough Now

Johna Rodgers, GPC, Immediate Past President of the Grant Professionals Association and Owner of Johna Rodgers Consulting

Leilani Ocasio, Grant Professionals Association Board Member and Project Manager at M. Palmer Consulting

Mike Chamberlain, CAE, Chief Executive Office of the Grant Professionals Association

Pat Duboise, GPC, Chair of the Grant Professionals Association Mentoring Committee and Director at Grant Initiatives

Reagan Lynch, Immediate Past President of the Grant Professionals Foundation and Grant Policy Manager at Witt O’Brien’s

Scot Scala, GPC, 2023 Distinguished Fellow Awardee and President & Senior Consultant at Scala & Associates

Learn the process of becoming and participating in federal grant/peer reviewing as we interview Ericka Harney, GPC, CFRE, CAE, and CVA. Highlights include how to find peer review opportunities, what to expect, the work involved, and the benefits of taking on extra work outside of your typical grant writing and management duties. 

Fundraising is one of many ways nonprofits raise funds to support their mission. But fundraising takes a lot of behind the scenes work, and that work is not always worth the return on the investment. Join a fun-filled discussions of the "joys" of fundraising planning.

Part 2 (of 2) continues last episode's interview with Vu Le, best known for his blog Nonprofit AF. In front of a live audience they continue discussing funding inequities. Hear stories and answers to audience inquiries about questioning time-consuming funder requirements, leading with love and power, and not being afraid to stand up for your organization. Whether you are new to the funding world or a seasoned grant pro, this is a can't miss discussion.

Fundraising HayDay starts Season 2 with a bang! Enjoy Part 1 (of 2) of an interview with Vu Le, best known for his blog post NonprofitAF. In front of a live audience they discuss the inequities of funders and fund seekers, Executive Directors and their Board of Directors, and other issues in the nonprofit world. 

Season 1, BONUS Episode of the Fundraising HayDay Podcast. March 8, 2019, is International Grant Professionals Day (IGPD). Learn about the celebratory event's origins and ways to celebrate. IGPD is a both an educational tool for the grant community and a means to thank grant funders and professionals for their contributions to our communities.

Season 1, Episode 14 of the Fundraising HayDay Podcast. This season’s final episode discusses the pros and cons of federal, state, and local government grant funding. Learn some of the steps necessary to be eligible for public funding.

Season 1, Episode 13 of the Fundraising HayDay Podcast. Foundations and corporate funders offer grant funding to nonprofits and other eligible entities. Learn why private funding exists and the best ways to approach different funders.

Season 1, Episode 12 of the Fundraising HayDay Podcast. Grant money is not free money. Just because you are eligible to apply for a grant does not mean the grant is the right fit for your organization or worth the money. To be a successful grant professional, know when it is better to just say no to grant funding.

Season 1, Episode 11 of the Fundraising HayDay Podcast. Grant applications tell a story, including the story of your budget needs. You must craft a detailed budget that shows true expenses needed implement your planned program.

Season 1, Episode 10 of the Fundraising HayDay Podcast. Most funders want to be kept apprised of your program’s activities, spending habits, accomplishments, and setbacks on a monthly or quarterly basis. Submitting thorough and timely reports is a major component of successful grant management.

So many people are focused on getting the grant. But then it’s awarded. Now what? Grant management is a key component to keeping your grant awards AND getting future grant awards. Join our conversation with Rachel Werner and Lucy Morgan of MyFedTrainer.com about all things grant management. We’re talking tips for good management, Uniform Guidance, advice for organizations who are new to federal grant funding, and more.

Season 1, Episode 9 of the Fundraising HayDay Podcast. Foundation, corporate, and federal funders like to visit their grant recipients. Learn how to prepare and survive site visits, whether your funder is interested in viewing your files, your programs in action, or both.

Season 1, Episode 8 of the Fundraising HayDay Podcast. In order to successfully write about your organization, community, and clients you first have to understand all of these things. Spend time reading documents, interacting with coworkers and partners, and talking to those you serve.

Season 1, Episode 7 of the Fundraising HayDay Podcast. Before you write a grant application you need to find the right funder and the right grant program. There are plenty of places and ways to conduct your research, for free, to fund your organization’s and clients’ needs.

Season 1, Episode 6 of the Fundraising HayDay Podcast. Whether you are a grant newbie or a professional with 20 plus years of experience, professional development keeps you current in the field. There are a plethora of ways to invest in professional development, learn from your peers, and hear about best management practices.

Season 1, Episode 5 of the Fundraising HayDay Podcast. Stephen King may be the master of horror, but he is also the master storytelling. His writing guide and memoir, On Writing, gives tips and advice that helps ALL writers, including those of us in the grant profession. It is an entertaining and educational read, and you can hear about the highlights right here.

Season 1, Episode 4 of the Fundraising HayDay Podcast. When you are entrusted with money from any funder, you need to properly account for the award and follow all of their rules and regulations. Internal controls and grant management policies and processes are a necessity.

Season 1, Episode 3 of the Fundraising HayDay Podcast. Learn about Donor Advised Funds, a fundraising tool to include in your arsenal. There are many ways to find them, access them, and put them to use for your programming funding needs.

Season 1, Episode 2 of the Fundraising HayDay Podcast. Learn about collaboration, how to form successful partnerships, and how it benefits your grant applications and programs.

Season 1, Episode 1 of the Fundraising HayDay Podcast. Learn what grants are and are not, along with how consultants should ethically charge and be paid in the grant professional field.

Grant writing, just like fundraising, is very relational. The truth is that people give to people. This is why we are talking to Kara D. Mostowy, CFRE, GPC, Chief Development Officer of The Watson Institutehttps://www.thewatsoninstitute.org/. We are working to break down the silos between fundraisers and grant professionals. The more we can work together, the better we can fund the good work of our organizations.

With a combined 50+ years of grant writing experience, our cohosts know their way around a grant proposal. Today they are sharing writing tips based on lessons learned, sometimes the hard way. Whether you are new to the grant field or have been doing this a few decades yourself, we are covering a plethora of tips and tricks to help you effectively develop your grant proposals.

Tech tools abound to make the lives and work of grant professionals easier. But some of the tools, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), can be scary and overwhelming. If you are not an early adopter of technology, then have we got the nerd who jumps in and figures it out for you, so you don’t have to. Today we are talking to Beth Z, Your Nerdy Best Friend. She’s got great advice and more to share. Listen and put something new to use today!

The use of artificial Intelligence tools for writing is a hot topic of discussion in the grant and fundraising community these days. Questions abound about the efficacy, ethical boundaries, and inherent bias associated with AI. Join our discussion with Philip Deng, Cofounder and CEO of Grantable, about how we can best use this tool in a way that makes sense for our work.

This year’s Top Ten list is a retrospective of our past 5 years of the podcast. We are taking a walk down memory, reminiscing about favorite moments, interviews, and topics that put a smile on our face.