Tracy Babler & Associates @nonprofitgrantmagic If you've been a newsletter subscriber for a while, you know we are passionate about training grantwriters. In 2022, after years of providing grantwriting services to amazing nonprofits, I decided to shift my business to add grantwriter training courses and services. I transitioned from being primarily a grantwriter to focusing on training the next generation of grantwriters. This decision didn’t come lightly (and has made me busier than ever!),...
8 months ago • 1 min read
Tracy Babler & Associates @nonprofitgrantmagic As a grantwriter, your work is all about strategy, dedication, and impact. Having the right tools and resources at your fingertips can make the difference between writing a winning proposal and one that misses the mark. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your craft, here are some of the best tools and resources to help you succeed in the world of grantwriting. Grant Research: Finding the right funders is half the battle. Grant...
9 months ago • 3 min read
Tracy Babler & Associates @nonprofitgrantmagicGiveaway I’m frequently asked about grantwriting, and one thing that stands out is how many people doubt their qualifications to write grant proposals. I want to set the record straight: YOU ARE QUALIFIED! You can start writing grant proposals right now or whenever you feel ready. To help you get started, here are the top five questions I get asked most often: 1️⃣ Do I need a certification to be a grantwriter?No, you don’t need any certification...
9 months ago • 1 min read
Tracy Babler & Associates @nonprofitgrantmagic When applying for grants, it's crucial to ensure that your budget aligns with the well-crafted plan presented in your proposal. Funders scrutinize budgets to see if the financial details support your vision and make sense. Here's what funders are typically looking for: Realism: Funders want to be confident that your financial projections are achievable. This means demonstrating that you can realistically raise and allocate the funds as outlined...
11 months ago • 2 min read
Tracy Babler & Associates @nonprofitgrantmagic Ever felt like your grant proposals are disappearing into the void with no feedback in sight? The thing about submitting grant proposals is that it can take many months to hear back from funders. And too often, there is no direct feedback loop. It's a common challenge. How do we make our grant proposals better if we don’t get meaningful feedback? Actionable tips 1️⃣ Trust the Process: Grant review can take time, so stay patient while waiting for...
12 months ago • 2 min read
Tracy Babler & Associates @nonprofitgrantmagic Have you ever come across advice that made you raise an eyebrow? I recently stumbled upon an Instagram post by a grantwriting coach who advocated for submitting a grant proposal every single day to stay consistent. While the sentiment of consistency resonates deeply with me, I have to say, this approach raised a red flag. Let me be crystal clear: churning out grant proposals daily isn't the recipe for success. In fact, it's a surefire way to...
about 1 year ago • 2 min read
Tracy Babler & Associates @nonprofitgrantmagic Often when I’m talking with people who are brand new to the nonprofit fundraising world, I tell them something they don’t want to hear: To get started with grantwriting, sometimes you have to start by raising funds through other channels first. The fastest way to raise funding is through quick-turnaround sources like individual donations and corporate sponsorships. Now, you might be wondering, “Why do I need to raise other funding before pursuing...
about 1 year ago • 2 min read
Tracy Babler & Associates @nonprofitgrantmagic This month one of my clients got some disappointing news from a funder. After a lot of hard work to communicate with the funder, align with their priorities, and write multiple drafts of a proposal for their review, they got the dreaded email. Not this time. A “no” can be really hard to hear because we all have a lot riding on our grantwriting. Every “no” brings up fears that our dreams to change the world will be harder than we anticipated. But...
about 1 year ago • 1 min read
Tracy Babler & Associates @nonprofitgrantmagic Today, let’s talk about creating budgets for your grant proposals. Budgeting for a grant proposal doesn’t have to be confusing. In fact, it’s no different from budgeting for your household. You have to plan your income and then (ideally) you plan to spend less than or equal to the amount of money that you bring in. What makes this a little bit more confusing is that nonprofits don’t know *exactly* how much money we will raise. Will we meet the...
about 1 year ago • 1 min read