Explore every episode of the podcast Winning the Public Purse with David Kincade
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 03: 7,761 to 1. Winning the Zayed Sustainability Prize: Melanie Dussaye and Ray Frankenhauser | 05 May 2026 | 00:45:08 | |
Imagine applying for a grant to fund a project in a rural Indigenous community, only to find yourself competing against 7,761 applicants from 173 countries. Success in the public sector requires a rare combination of bold vision and a grounded, strategic proof of concept, and Melanie Duchesne and Ray Frankenhauser break it all down in this one. In this episode of Winning the Public Purse, David Kincade sits down with a husband-and-wife duo whose backgrounds read like a Hollywood script: Melanie, a finance professional who has managed operations across four continents, and Ray, a former Canadian diplomat with 20 years of experience in high-risk global environments. Together, they share the remarkable story of how the Alberta Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church won the prestigious Zayed Sustainability Prize for Mamawi Atosketan Native School. From an initial $150,000 USD grant to receiving police clearance from the Sheikh of Abu Dhabi to accept a global award, this conversation explores how a "finance brain" and a "faith-driven sense of purpose" can turn a shipping container into a year-round hydroponic farm. This episode is for the grant seeker building from the ground up, the seasoned professional looking to scale their impact, and the community leader dedicated to solving food insecurity. Melanie and Ray provide a clear, actionable path for anyone ready to take their next step in the public sector. Ready to transform grant writing into a predictable pillar of your success? David's students have already won over $61M in funding using the frameworks taught in the Advanced Grant Writing Course. You can get started now at https://albertabusinessgrants.ca/grant-writing. To ensure you never miss an insight into the world of public funding, subscribe to Winning the Public Purse with David Kincade on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. If you found value in this episode, please consider leaving a rating and review to help other mission-driven leaders unlock the public purse. Highlights From This Episode:
LINKS: Melanie's LinkedIn Ray's LinkedIn 01: Winning a $5,000 Restaurant Grant with Mona Pinder Email: davidk@albertabusinessgrants.ca Phone: 780-297-6177
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| 02: Stop Asking, Start Aligning: How "Governmentese" Wins BIG Grants | 21 Apr 2026 | 00:16:50 | |
Winning a grant isn't about being the customer at a drive-thru; it's about becoming the person behind the counter. In this episode of Winning the Public Purse, David Kincade dives into the psychology of "governmentese" and explains why your project's success depends on your ability to talk about yourself in a way that aligns with the government's mandate. Today's show is a strategic masterclass on how to get "on the menu" before the next grant cycle even opens. From decoding ministerial annual reports to finding the high-value "subheadings" that make an application irresistible to reviewers, you'll learn how to position your organization as a trusted advisor rather than just another name in the pile. If you want to understand why the same organizations seem to win millions of dollars year after year, this will show you exactly how they align their metrics with the heartbeat of the public purse. Ready to transform grant writing into a predictable pillar of your success? David's students have already won over $61M in funding using the frameworks taught in the Advanced Grant Writing Course. You can get started now at https://albertabusinessgrants.ca/grant-writing. To ensure you never miss an insight into the world of public funding, subscribe to Winning the Public Purse with David Kincade on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. If you found value in this episode, please consider leaving a rating and review to help other mission-driven leaders unlock the public purse. Highlights From This Episode:
Key Quotes:
Advanced Grant Writing Course: https://albertabusinessgrants.ca/grant-writing/ Grant Gazette: https://albertabusinessgrants.ca/grant-writing/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@davidkincade Book: Golden Grant Rules LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-kincade-ma-029a9157/ Website: https://albertabusinessgrants.ca/ Email: davidk@albertabusinesgrants.ca Phone: 780-297-6177
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| 01: Winning a $5,000 Restaurant Grant with Mona Pinder | 07 Apr 2026 | 00:39:26 | |
Every year, billions of dollars in government funding go to the organizations that best understand the process. In this inaugural episode of Winning the Public Purse, David Kincade sits down with Mona Pinder, Executive Director of the Alberta Hospitality Association, to discuss the economic realities of an industry operating on "full tables and paper-thin margins." As a former healthcare administrator turned pastry chef and provincial advocate, Mona provides a unique perspective on the "double whammy" facing the hospitality sector: skyrocketing input costs and shifting consumer demands. We discuss the data from the 2026 ATB report, explore why 44% of operators are currently at a breaking point, and learn how the industry accounts for nearly 40% of the tourism workforce. This conversation moves beyond the high-level stats to focus on the "Pursuing the Public Purse" round, where David and Mona decode the Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Grant. From $5,000 hiring incentives to the "Indeed vs. Handshake" gap in youth employment, this episode reveals what restaurateurs and small business owners need right now to transform student hiring into a predictable pillar of their success. Ready to transform grant writing into a predictable pillar of your success? David's students have already won over $61M in funding using the frameworks taught in the Advanced Grant Writing Course. You can get started now at https://albertabusinessgrants.ca/grant-writing. To ensure you never miss an insight into the world of public funding, subscribe to Winning the Public Purse with David Kincade on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. If you found value in this episode, please consider leaving a rating and review to help other mission-driven leaders unlock the public purse. Highlights From This Episode:
Key Guest Quotes: "Increased sales does not equate to increased profits. The margins have always been thin in restaurants." [8:56] "Our advocacy is we want governments at all levels to think like a small business owner. So you've got to be good with your money and you've got to consider the trickle-down effects." [14:16] "We are still a human contact world. But I think for a lot of young people, it's more of this online world, and that's just hard when you get this random resume." [20:03] "If you're good with computers, the application [for the WIL Grant] takes three minutes. If you're bad with computers, it takes 8 minutes." [32:24] "I always say I like to collect people. So I like to make connections with people and I always try to keep in touch with them... because they can always help you out." [37:32] Mona's LinkedIn Alberta Hospitality Association Website Learn More About The Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Grant ATB Wealth Report: Full Tables, Tight Margins SAIT (Southern Alberta Institute of Technology): Baking and Pastry Arts Program | |||
| Want to win a government grant? You're in the right place. | 21 Mar 2026 | 00:01:29 | |
In this trailer episode, you'll hear: (New episodes drop every second Tuesday)
To win grants, you'll need to learn a new language: governmentese. Others have figured it out, and YOU CAN TOO. Hit follow/subscribe now and let's get to work! | |||
| 04: AI for Non-STEM Professionals | 19 May 2026 | 00:23:54 | |
AI isn't coming for your job, but someone who knows how to use it might be. In this episode of Winning the Public Purse, David Kincade breaks down the 5-phase evolution of AI and what it means for grant writers and non-STEM professionals navigating this rapidly changing landscape. David remembers the exact moment in 2021 when he saw a computer write a Facebook ad for the first time and immediately thought, "This changes everything." From Jasper's meteoric rise to a $1.5 billion valuation in just 18 months to ChatGPT's explosion into mainstream consciousness, he traces the timeline that brought us to this pivotal moment. But this isn't a doom-and-gloom story about technology replacing humans. It's a candid conversation about what's actually happening out there and how to position yourself for what's coming next. You'll discover why your voice matters more than ever in a world of AI-generated content, how to avoid the "slop and oatmeal" trap that's already annoying grant reviewers, and why investing time in crafting quality prompts is the new essential skill. If you've been putting off learning AI, or if family members have been telling you grant writers won't be needed anymore, this episode will show you why this time is genuinely different, and how to turn it into your greatest career advantage. Want to go even deeper on this topic? You won't want to miss the live webinar, AI for Professionals, happening this Thursday, May 21st, 2026. You can get all the details and register at https://sedawk.com/webinar-ai-revolution.html (if you can't attend live, a replay will be available). Ready to transform grant writing into a predictable pillar of your success? David's students have already won over $61M in funding using the frameworks taught in the Advanced Grant Writing Course, and the next online class is coming September 24th, 2026. You can get started and grab your spot now at https://albertabusinessgrants.ca/grant-writing. To ensure you never miss an insight into the world of public funding, subscribe to Winning the Public Purse with David Kincade on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. If you found value in this episode, please consider leaving a rating and review to help other mission-driven leaders unlock the public purse. Highlights From This Episode:
Register for the Live Webinar, AI for Professionals (Thursday, May 21st, 2026) Typing Is Being Replaced by Whispering—and It's Way More Annoying (Wall Street Journal) Email: davidk@albertabusinessgrants.ca Phone: 780-297-6177 | |||
| 06: Terrace and District Chamber of Commerce President is Learning and Winning Grants | 16 Jun 2026 | 00:32:40 | |
One of the most common dilemmas facing small-town industries and local economies today is how to reinvent themselves when a foundation piece of the community collapses. In this episode of Winning the Public Purse, David Kincade sits down with Brian Williams, the President of the Terrace and District Chamber of Commerce, who shares his fascinating transition from a 30-year career in the intense BC lumber industry to becoming a driving force for economic development and grant funding in the Pacific Northwest. Today we look at where you should start in terms of recognizing local business barriers, how a physical poster on a wall sparked a journey into advanced grant writing that led to securing funding for 18 local workers and Indigenous entrepreneurs, and so much more. If you are trying to break into government funding, navigate large-scale procurement, or find practical ways to stabilize and scale a local workforce during a major economic shift, Brian's experience and what he reveals in this conversation will offer a straightforward, real-world blueprint for what to do next. Ready to transform grant writing into a predictable pillar of your success? David's students have already won over $61M in funding using the frameworks taught in the Advanced Grant Writing Course, and the next online class is coming September 24th, 2026. You can get started and grab your spot now at https://albertabusinessgrants.ca/grant-writing. To ensure you never miss an insight into the world of public funding, subscribe to Winning the Public Purse with David Kincade on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. If you found value in this episode, please consider leaving a rating and review to help other mission-driven leaders unlock the public purse. Highlights From This Episode:
Brian's Email: bwsteppingstone@gmail.com His Phone: 250-641-6116 Terrace District Chamber of Commerce Alberta Self-Employment Program Grant Gazette (Sign Up for a Pro Plan for Just $99/year) Email: davidk@albertabusinessgrants.ca Phone: 780-297-6177 | |||
| 05: My Why and What's Next | 02 Jun 2026 | 00:20:36 | |
Every podcast has a reason it exists. In this episode of Winning the Public Purse, David Kincade gets personal and shares the story behind why he does what he does, where it all started, and where this podcast is headed next. As you'll hear, David traces the winding road that led him here. And at the center of it all is a mission that hasn't changed since 2012: building trust between business and government. With Alberta separation on the ballot this fall and the relationship between citizens and government feeling more strained than ever, David makes the case that this mission matters now more than it ever has. You'll also hear what's coming next for the podcast, including a front row seat to real grant winning stories from alumni of the Advanced Grant Writing Course, starting with Tracy, who won a $26,000 grant for a seniors housing project. Ready to transform grant writing into a predictable pillar of your success? David's students have already won over $61M in funding using the frameworks taught in the Advanced Grant Writing Course, and the next online class is coming September 24th, 2026. You can get started and grab your spot now at https://albertabusinessgrants.ca/grant-writing. To ensure you never miss an insight into the world of public funding, subscribe to Winning the Public Purse with David Kincade on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. If you found value in this episode, please consider leaving a rating and review to help other mission-driven leaders unlock the public purse. Highlights From This Episode:
03: 7,761 to 1. Winning the Zayed Sustainability Prize: Melanie Dussaye and Ray Frankenhauser 01: Winning a $5,000 Restaurant Grant with Mona Pinder 10: Your Podcasting Anchor: The One Thing That Keeps You From Drifting (Matt Mawhinney/PodAssist) The Effective Executive: The Definitive Guide to Getting the Right Things Done by Peter F. Drucker Grant Gazette (Sign Up for a Pro Plan for Just $99/year) Email: davidk@albertabusinessgrants.ca Phone: 780-297-6177 | |||
| 07: How a Nonprofit Executive Director Won $30,000 in Senior Housing Grants on Her FIRST Try | 30 Jun 2026 | 00:32:25 | |
As Canada's senior population surpasses 8 million, one in five Canadians, the pressure on nonprofit housing organizations to do more with less has never been greater. In this episode of Winning the Public Purse, David Kincade sits down with Tracy Elliott, Executive Director of the Sylvan Lake Lodge Foundation. Tracy shares her remarkable journey from hotel front desks to running a seniors' lodge, and how she used grant funding to solve a very real safety crisis hiding in plain sight. Today we explore what it looks like to walk into a leadership role with zero grant-writing experience and come out the other side winning nearly $30,000 in security infrastructure funding, all on your first serious attempt. Tracy also opens up about the growing demand for senior housing in Alberta, what transient summer populations mean for vulnerable residents, and why AI and lifelong learning have become her secret weapons. Nonprofit leaders, this one's for you. Tracy came in with no grant writing experience, a security crisis, and residents depending on her - and she figured it out anyway. Ready to transform grant writing into a predictable pillar of your success? David's students have already won over $67M in funding using the frameworks taught in the Advanced Grant Writing Course, and the next online class is coming September 24th, 2026. You can get started and grab your spot now at https://albertabusinessgrants.ca/grant-writing. To ensure you never miss an insight into the world of public funding, subscribe to Winning the Public Purse with David Kincade on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. If you found value in this episode, please consider leaving a rating and review to help other mission-driven leaders unlock the public purse. Highlights From This Episode:
Tracy's LinkedIn Older Adults and Population Aging Statistics (Statistics Canada) Grant Gazette (Sign Up for a Pro Plan for Just $99/year) Email: davidk@albertabusinessgrants.ca Phone: 780-297-6177
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| 08: What May Be Stopping You From Winning More Grants | 14 Jul 2026 | 00:29:27 | |
Most grant applications don't lose because the applicant isn't qualified. They lose because of things that could have been caught: buried answers, last-minute scrambles, and advice taken from the wrong people. In this solo episode of Winning the Public Purse, David Kincade reflects on a rare live, in-person delivery of his Advanced Grant Writing Course in Lacombe, Alberta, and unpacks the patterns he keeps seeing that cost people grants they should be winning. If you've ever lost a funding application and couldn't quite figure out why, chances are the answer is somewhere in this episode. David is heading back to Lacombe in September for one more live cohort, and he can help you secure a training grant to offset the tuition. Reach out to David by email at davidk@albertabusinessgrants.ca to learn more. Ready to transform grant writing into a predictable pillar of your success? David's students have already won over $67M in funding using the frameworks taught in the Advanced Grant Writing Course, and the next online class is coming September 24th, 2026. You can get started and grab your spot now at https://albertabusinessgrants.ca/grant-writing. To ensure you never miss an insight into the world of public funding, subscribe to Winning the Public Purse with David Kincade on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. If you found value in this episode, please consider leaving a rating and review to help other mission-driven leaders unlock the public purse. Highlights From This Episode:
LINKS: Project Management Essentials Course Grant Gazette (Sign Up for a Pro Plan for Just $99/year) Email: davidk@albertabusinessgrants.ca Phone: 780-297-6177 | |||
| 09: 3 Grant Writing Tips for Summer 2026: How to Stay Ahead When Everyone Else Is on Vacation | 28 Jul 2026 | 00:11:06 | |
Grant season doesn't slow down in July, but some organizations do. In this mid-summer solo episode of Winning the Public Purse, David Kincade cuts through the summer fog with three practical tips designed to save you pain later. Because the best grant application in the world, as David puts it, is a submitted one. Today we look at how government fiscal years actually drive grant timelines, why August is the worst possible month to chase down a letter of reference, and how building a simple impact dashboard can quietly strengthen every application you submit. David also shares what it looks like when a student turns a $5,000 course investment into $741,000 in grants within 15 months, and why that kind of result starts with the unglamorous work you do in the off-season. If you are currently mid-application or just keeping the lights on until fall, this episode is a useful reminder that the groundwork never really stops. David is heading back to Lacombe in September for one more live cohort, and he can help you secure a training grant to offset the tuition. Reach out to David by email at davidk@albertabusinessgrants.ca to learn more. Ready to transform grant writing into a predictable pillar of your success? David's students have already won over $67M in funding using the frameworks taught in the Advanced Grant Writing Course, and the next online class is coming September 24th, 2026. You can get started and grab your spot now at https://albertabusinessgrants.ca/grant-writing. To ensure you never miss an insight into the world of public funding, subscribe to Winning the Public Purse with David Kincade on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. If you found value in this episode, please consider leaving a rating and review to help other mission-driven leaders unlock the public purse. Highlights From This Episode:
New Horizons for Seniors Program Grant Gazette (Sign Up for a Pro Plan for Just $99/year) Email: davidk@albertabusinessgrants.ca Phone: 780-297-6177
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| 10: August Dreamin', Fall Winning | 11 Aug 2026 | 00:22:17 | |
August can feel like a lost month. Guests reschedule, C-suites disappear, and the grind slows to a crawl. In this reflective solo episode of Winning the Public Purse, David Kincade makes the case that the slow season is actually one of the most important times of year for grant writers, and for anyone building something worth funding. For non-profit leaders, grant writers, and anyone who has ever felt guilty for slowing down in August, this one reframes the whole month. David is heading back to Lacombe in September for one more live cohort, and he can help you secure a training grant to offset the tuition. Reach out to David by email at davidk@albertabusinessgrants.ca to learn more. Ready to transform grant writing into a predictable pillar of your success? David's students have already won over $67M in funding using the frameworks taught in the Advanced Grant Writing Course, and the next online class is coming September 24th, 2026. You can get started and grab your spot now at https://albertabusinessgrants.ca/grant-writing. To ensure you never miss an insight into the world of public funding, subscribe to Winning the Public Purse with David Kincade on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. If you found value in this episode, please consider leaving a rating and review to help other mission-driven leaders unlock the public purse. Highlights From This Episode:
LINKS: 01: Winning a $5,000 Restaurant Grant with Mona Pinder Grant Gazette (Sign Up for a Pro Plan for Just $99/year) Email: davidk@albertabusinessgrants.ca Phone: 780-297-6177 | |||