Grant Writer Etc.

07/30/2025

I took my children school supply shopping yesterday. Each had a list of materials that they needed, tools that will set them up for success in the coming year — pencils, pens, scissors, glue, etc.

My son agonized over which pencil box to buy!

Well, as fundraisers, we need tools too. Instrumentl is one of the many tools that can help set *us* up for success!

I’m excited to partner with Instrumentl again this fall, offering $50 off when you use code GWE50 or use the link in the comments.

Happy back to school shopping!

09/19/2023

I am excited to join Ashley and Bruce tomorrow morning for this virtual panel on building a successful grants consultancy.

Join us at 9am.

Register here: https://loom.ly/1MApatQ

10/06/2021

When a client wins, we win! Last week we had a lot to celebrate after helping a local non-profit secure a $1.5 million grant!

What better way to celebrate than on our favorite patio at Station Family + BBQ!

📸 MacEachen Trush

08/17/2021

Five years ago this little girl inspired me to follow my own dream and start my business.

Today, as she starts kindergarten, she begins building dreams for her own future. She will learn to recognize and lean into her own strengths with the support of her teachers, peers, and of course her parents.

For her fifth birthday, she asked me to take a series of “princess” photos. She gently reminded me however, that “Princesses don’t run or jump, hop over fences, or go to school!” so those types of photos would be out.

I reminded her that in THIS family princesses (and princes!) do all of those things. They also grow up to become grant writers, engineers, archaeologists, venture capitalists, software developers, farmers, firefighters, philanthropists, heavy machine operators, or ANYTHING ELSE that they want to be, including her own dream of becoming a veterinarian.

To the girl who inspired me to follow my dreams, may today be the first of many that inspire you to chase your own.

05/26/2021

We love seeing clients in the news!!! Well done Kristen and Film Cincinnati! We can’t wait to see what the summer holds.

Kristen Schlotman is “the best ambassador that Cincinnati has,” according to colleague D. Lynn Meyers. She’s not an athlete or a politician — but Schlotman’s influence brings Oscar-winning actors and directors to shoot their projects in and around the city.

02/10/2021

For the past four months I have been trying to perfect the art (science?) of exhausting a chatty puppy prior to a zoom call.

As anyone I’ve met with via zoom can tell you — I have a lot of perfecting left to do.

My apologies in advance.

09/24/2020

Time and time again I remind clients that grant funding isn’t a quick and easy solution – it’s about investing in the long game. . .

When a grant-maker declines an application, I often advise my clients to accept any feedback offered, make necessary changes when appropriate, and get ready for the next round. Sometimes this requires a client to shake off the disappointment, refocus, and re-strategize. Reapplying doesn’t always pay off.

But today.

Today. After working with the same client, on the same project, requesting funds from the same grant-maker, and being declined for THREE years...

TODAY they said yes to our $2.5 million request.

09/02/2020

Maybe it’s a bit early to set a New Years Resolution, but better early than never, right?

My goal for 2021 is to expand my scope of work north of the border!

If you are, or a non profit you know is, in Canada and looking for grant support, please reach out!



📷 Tourism Vancouver

08/26/2020

Clovernook Center recently received over $389,000 in grants -- it is amazing to see what can be accomplished when grant-makers and nonprofits partner together to achieve their shared goals!

CINCINNATI – August 19, 2020 – Clovernook Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired (Clovernook Center) announced it has received 15 grants totaling more than $389,000 to fund equipment upgrades and new programming to benefit people who are blind and visually impaired (BVI) in the Greater Cincinn...

07/25/2020

I know I say this a lot, but it’s true. I have the best clients.

This week started on a pretty low note as I sat in the ER getting my ankle stitched back together. Thanks to the steady hand of a nurse, and some meds, my ankle is doing much better.

And now, thanks to the kindness and generosity of my colleagues, I have beautiful flowers and well-wishes in my kitchen.

Thank you Clovernook Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired!