Grants, Grit, and Getting Funded: Lessons from Community Possibility’s Grant Writing Series

If you've been following along with Community Possibilities lately, you know we've been deep in the world of grants. Over four recent episodes, I sat down with four brilliant strategists who are out here every day helping nonprofits navigate one of the most challenging funding climates in recent memory.

I learned so much from each of these conversations, and I wanted to share a few takeaways that stuck with me.

Betty Barnard kicked things off by grounding us in what grant readiness looks like: clean financials, a strong board, a written budget you can defend, and at least two to three years of operations. She also reminded us that visibility equals viability right now. If your website, social media, and GuideStar profile are not telling a consistent story, funders may pass you by before you ever apply for funding.

Then Dr. Natasha Goldman shared a five-part framework (what, why, how, who, and how much) that her team uses to decode dense RFPs and write with confidence under pressure. Her biggest lesson? Fit matters more than hustle. Chasing opportunities that do not match your mission is a fast road to burning out, and funders can tell. She shared her $23 million Good Jobs Challenge win as a beautiful example of what is possible when you lead with partnerships, wrap-around services, and measurable outcomes.

Dr. Brandi Rae Hicks shared her Resilience Framework, which we all need. The six pillars of the framework include: mission clarity, collaboration, community trust, servant leadership, transparent finances, and practiced optimism. She reminded us that disruption is not new to nonprofits, and that the organizations that come out stronger are the ones who build their capacity now, not after the crisis hits.

Finally, Tonia Brown-Kinzel pulled back the curtain on federal grant compliance, which is something too many leaders avoid until it becomes a problem. She walked us through common mistakes, including allowable costs, procurement thresholds, and the "final report surprise" that occurs when no one tracks outcome data along the way. Her biggest mindset shift? Stay mission-true, then learn to frame your work in language that decision-makers recognize.

If your organization is in the thick of grant season right now, I hope these episodes offer a little clarity and a lot of encouragement. Go back and listen if you have not already, and share them with a colleague who needs some encouragement!

And I will ask you the same question I have been asking my guests lately: What community possibilities do you see? I would love to hear from you.

Take care,

Ann