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Join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip Nonprofit Spotlight: Catching Human Traffickers I enjoy hosting a variety of topics relating to nonprofits and the issues surrounding them. Occasionally, we’ll have a nonprofit spotlight episode. The issue of this episode is one I have wanted to highlight for a while, but the topic is a challenging one. Today's nonprofit spotlight is DeliverFund and their efforts to stop human trafficking. Due to the subject matter, you may want to grab earbuds or headphones if you have little ones around. Human Trafficking Myths, Politics, Technology, and Budgets. Get Involved Several years ago, a U.S. soldier on duty overseas was distraught when he saw the effects of human trafficking. He asked a superior what they could do to stop the selling of women and children. The response was, “Nothing. We don't have the budget.” He decided to do something about it himself. Since that veteran, Nic McKinley, founded DeliverFund, this nonprofit has been developing technology and training law enforcement to attack trafficking networks to put an end to traffickers. The founder realized his unique skills could be used to fill a significant need, and that vision is growing and restoring victims of this industry. Learn the Benefits of Using Technology to Grow Your Nonprofit Today I’m talking with DeliverFund’s Director of Development, Christi Nabors. She has experience in the for-profit world and has brought that experience to her work in nonprofit spaces. All of that experience has helped her view technology as a helpful tool. Christi helped build training programs and digital online products in the for-profit world. I loved discussing the learning curve of nonprofit language vs. for-profit work. We discuss fears that can stall nonprofits' growth and the work of weaving nonprofit speak together to tell the compelling story of nonprofits. Christi also takes the time to bust myths about human trafficking. I hope you find value in this conversation. To learn more about how to support this nonprofit or get involved, visit deliverfund.org Challenge Question: Did any of the human trafficking myths surprise you? What is one way can you be a part of the solution to human trafficking today? Meet Christi Nabors: Christi Nabors has been serving DeliverFund as Director of Development since January 2022. Her for-profit executive leadership and non-profit Executive and CEO experiences have set the foundation for her to be credited with three non-profit turnarounds. First, she increased programmatic impact and expansion; introduced program delivery into new ecosystems; and created new revenue-generating and sustainability pipelines. Connect with DeliverFund: Linkedin DeliverFund Website Youtube Recommended Reading: Learn the signs of Human Trafficking Connect with Teresa Huff:  Website: www.teresahuff.com Watch the TEDx: The Real ROI of Grant Writing Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer? Social: LinkedIn Community LinkedIn Instagram Pinterest YouTube Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip

Join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip   Successful Strategy: Next Steps For Grant Writers & NonProfits Today I’m excited to talk about grant writing strategy with you. I love helping grant writers and nonprofits think through their first steps and simplify the process. If you haven’t watched my TEDx talk, I recommend it as additional context for the conversation in this episode.  Today's guest Silvia reached out with interest in grant writing. She has international volunteer experience and sees firsthand some of the dire needs in our world. I love what she is wanting to do through the power of grant writing. On this grant writer strategy call episode, Silvia asks some great questions and we talk about several ideas for how she can get started.  As grant writers and nonprofits, it's important to ask hard questions and not wear rose colored glasses as we approach requests for grant funding.  Silvia and I talk about questions like: How do I start? How do I know if I am grant ready? How do I get past the fear of writing the first application? How to discuss helping nonprofits resolve needs? How important is it for nonprofits to have an online presence? I get it! New things are scary. I never thought I would do a TEDx Talk. Yet doing new things is how we continue to improve. Pushing ourselves is a way to help us learn to serve better. By learning and taking action, we help others fulfill their missions.  Whatever you're working through, I hope today’s episode  gives you ideas and inspiration of how to move forward.   How Grants Build Generosity And Empower Volunteers Whether you are a grant writer or a nonprofit, building relationships is the foundation. This builds the confidence of everyone within the area of impact.  Grant writers have a lot of influence. We’re able to connect the generosity of those unable to travel or volunteer with those who are on the ground physically serving. We also connect these causes and missions with the funding they need to fulfill those missions. It becomes a powerful force for good.   Challenge Question: What 2-3 action steps you can take this week to help you connect and build relationships with organizations around you?  Meet Silvia Bonvini Silvia is the mother of two young boys and wife to an American family doctor who is completing his Global Health Fellowship this year. His work has brought the family to Ethiopia, Kenya where they are now, and soon to Uganda. The family plans on working in Africa long-term at a Catholic mission hospital starting next year. Silvia hopes that she will be able to help hospitals and NGOs there through grant writing, while also exploring her interests in regenerative agriculture as it relates to nutrition, livelihoods, environmental protection, and women's empowerment.   Connect with Teresa Huff:  Website: www.teresahuff.com Watch the TEDx: The Real ROI of Grant Writing Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer? Social: LinkedIn Community LinkedIn Instagram Pinterest YouTube Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip

Join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip   A lot of people ask me how they should start the grant writing process. In this episode I talk with my friend Kent Sanders, a ghostwriter, about the connections between ghostwriting and grant writing. He reminds us of some foundational things we should prioritize in our journeys.    First Lesson: Be okay with imperfection. Nothing is going to be perfect. Give grace to yourself and to your writing. Care about and be proud of what you do; don’t nitpick everything about it.    Parallels Between Ghostwriting and Grant Writing Be up for the challenge. Just like the client, writer, editor, and publisher may all want something different out of a book, everyone involved in the grant process will want a little something different out of it. You as the writer want one thing, the receiver may want another thing, and the people benefiting may want another. Be ready to tackle that challenge! And be prepared to listen. Have a good relationship with your client. Camaraderie can make a huge difference when it comes to the efficiency and stress levels involved in any task. Be easy to work with. Show respect, provide clear communication, and be on top of your responsibilities.  Be on time with the project. Or better yet, early. Be a stress reliever to those around you. You’re here to make things better, not worse.    So Where Do You Start? Begin by listening to the people you’re writing for, be empathetic, learn their stories, and then tackle every task each step of the way! You’ve got this!   Challenge Question: How can you apply one of the above parallels to your grant writing process?   Meet Kent Sanders:  Kent Sanders is the founder of Inkwell Ghostwriting, which helps leaders grow their business through books and other content. He is also the author and co-author of numerous books, including 18 Words to Live By: A Father’s Wisdom on What Matters Most and co-author of The Faith of Elvis: A Story Only a Brother Can Tell with Billy Stanley, Elvis Presley’s stepbrother.    In addition to writing books for himself and his clients, Kent loves to help other writers. He is the host of the Daily Writer podcast and the founder of the Daily Writer Club, a membership community that helps writers build a business with their skills. He lives just outside of St. Louis and enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife and teenage son.   Connect with Kent Sanders: The Daily Writer Podcast Daily Writer Club Daily Writer Website Kent's Website   Resources: Tribes: We Need You to Lead Us by Seth Godin Anything You Want: 40 Lessons For a New Kind of Entrepreneur by Derek Sivers Any resource from Ryan Holiday   Connect with Teresa Huff:  Website: www.teresahuff.com Watch the TEDx: The Real ROI of Grant Writing Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer? Social: LinkedIn Community LinkedIn Instagram Pinterest YouTube Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip

Join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip   Almost all of us know at least one person who has been affected by cancer. Our guest on today’s podcast episode, Eric Newman, was just a child when he was diagnosed with cancer.  When he later asked his mother what she remembered about that day, she said that she remembered his dad having to leave her to go pack an overnight bag. She felt alone and afraid at the hospital trying to navigate the devastating news. From this, a mission to eradicate that moment from the lives of others was born. The Roc Solid Foundation created Ready Bags to give families when their children are diagnosed with cancer. These bags provide help in a time of need so families can stay together in a time of pain.  In addition, Roc Solid Foundation partners with businesses to build playsets for children going through cancer. The kids often have to remain secluded due to a compromised immune system, which means they can’t go to a typical playdate or public park. Roc Solid steps in and rounds up a team and supplies to build a brand new playset in the family’s back yard.  In this episode we talk with Eric Newman, founder of Roc Solid Foundation, about how his experience has developed into an incredible mission. He wants to bring joy and play to children dealing with cancer. Eric also shares some of the foundational pieces required to run a nonprofit, including how volunteers can help in more ways than you may think.   Things To Know About Making A Difference Marry your mission, not your model. Be committed to your passion/goal, but allow adjustments along the way. When you’re clear on your mission you can pivot your model to best tackle whatever’s in front of you. You don’t need to be fancy. Focus on your mission; don’t worry about being flashy. Focus on the people; the money will come. When you’re people- and mission-focused, your staff is happier, you see more results, and donations tend to come. When you focus on the money, people start to leave, you make less of an impact, and the money flow dwindles.    Taking Care of Volunteers Provide a little something for your volunteers when the day is over. Eric’s advice is to give them a drink, pizza, and t-shirt. Now it doesn’t have to be exactly that, but this gives you a valuable opportunity to talk with those who came out to help. Listen to their stories and what motivated them to help. Ask them what their favorite part was. You can learn if you’re hitting your mark or if you need to adjust. Don’t always seek to be understood, but seek to understand. Be a constant learner and seek to understand why that volunteer came, or why they come back more than once. That’s the type of information you need in order to understand where the money is going to come from. This gives you valuable insight. Seek wisdom above anything else. Lastly, always remember to always say thank you. Don’t underestimate the power in being an organization that shows gratitude and feels welcoming.    Challenge Question: How can you be relentless, but not reckless, when it comes to pursuing your mission?    Meet Eric Newman:  Eric Newman is a passionate entrepreneur, speaker and visionary leader. A childhood cancer survivor, he founded Roc Solid Foundation in 2009, a non-profit that builds hope for kids fighting the same battle throughout the U.S.  Roc Solid partners with over 100 children’s hospitals to gift Ready Bags to families just after diagnosis, and they’ve provided thousands of playsets for children throughout the country who need a safe place to play and a reason to smile. As a best-selling author and guest on The Kelly Clarkson Show, Eric’s story continues to inspire people who are looking for ways to turn their pain from past experiences into their life’s passion.   Connect with Eric Newman: Website What Hope Looks Like: Use Your Pain to Fuel Your Purpose by Eric Newman Instagram LinkedIn   Connect with Teresa Huff:  Website: www.teresahuff.com Watch the TEDx: The Real ROI of Grant Writing Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer? Social: LinkedIn Community LinkedIn Instagram Pinterest YouTube Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip

Join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip   How Can We Fund Our Nonprofit? Nonprofits are always on the lookout for more money, especially unrestricted funding. And as a nonprofit strategist, I’m always on the lookout for ways to help them find it. That’s where today’s guest comes in. When I heard about Will Black and his team at Sharing the Credit last year, I knew I had to find out more about this and see if it’s a good resource to share with you.  Turns out, it’s not simply a good resource; it’s brilliant. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Will in person and getting to know his team. Y’all, this is completely legit. Nonprofits and businesses everywhere need to know about this!   Unrestricted Funding for Nonprofits; Savings for Businesses Every time we go to a business, be it a physical store or online, and use our debit or credit card, the business is charged a transaction fee. Everyone knows that. That’s the boring part.  What you may not know is that ONE of those fees that is built in by Visa/MasterCard doesn’t go to Visa, and it doesn’t go to MasterCard; it goes back into the system. It goes to a bank. BUT instead of going to a bank, it can legally go to a 501. A non-profit. Ta-DA!   Sharing the Credit Saves Money and Funds Nonprofits For example, Will Black and his Sharing the Credit team approached a successful car dealership that did $1 million in revenue each month. The dealership’s manager asked if there was any way they could better help their charity. Enter Sharing the Credit. Will’s team reviewed the dealership’s statements and discovered they were overpaying by a whopping $30,000 a year in credit card fees. The general manager realized, “Wow! That’s a car. That’s a WHOLE car.” Will said, “Actually it’s a car a YEAR. It’s a car EVERY year.” Then Will handed them a copy of the report that outlined exactly how much they were overpaying in fees.  It was a no-brainer. The dealership switched to Sharing the Credit on the spot. Now they save $30,000 a year AND they give over $125,000 every single year to their favorite charity - into perpetuity.  That business has been working with Sharing the Credit for over 11 years…when you do the math, that’s pretty incredible. It’s a win all around.   A Transformational Way of Nonprofit Fundraising The best part about these funds is that they’re unrestricted. That means the nonprofit can use the money any way it needs to best support their work. The staff can focus on the mission and growing their programs instead of scrambling to make ends meet.  The system also creates community by partnering businesses with nonprofits to work together. The business even displays a cool door sticker showing they’re a supporter of the nonprofit. Will and I also talk about:  The blessing of having a good budget Why grants are not a rescue plan The power of collaboration to help nonprofits Will’s favorite resource for nonprofits (hint: If you're hanging out with me, you’re in the right place!) You might be wondering if this is too good to be true. I can assure you, this is completely legit and it’s working. Their track record speaks for itself. Take a few minutes to explore and see for yourself!   Challenge Question: What could your nonprofit do with more unrestricted funding in hand each year? If you want to find out, book a call with Will Black at Sharing the Credit and start the conversation to see if it’s a good fit for you.   Meet Will Black: Will Black is the CEO and Chief Giving Officer at Sharing the Credit. They pair nonprofits with businesses so that your worthy cause receives unrestricted funding on autopilot, into perpetuity. They help your business fund or increase funding to your favorite IRS-recognized 501c charity with no expense to you, while saving your business money.  They help your nonprofit increase unrestricted donations with NO fundraising, grant writing, or soliciting.    Connect with Will Black: Email: Will@SharingTheCredit.com Schedule a call: www.teresahuff.com/sharingthecredit Website: www.sharingthecredit.com   Connect with Teresa Huff:  Website: www.teresahuff.com Watch the TEDx: The Real ROI of Grant Writing Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer? Social: LinkedIn Community LinkedIn Instagram Pinterest YouTube Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip

Join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip Today I’m talking with longtime nonprofit expert Laverne Toombs about the art of grant writing. Before even writing a first draft of a grant, we need to do a few things to start off on the right foot. We dive into how doing this background work can really set us up for success.   Lay the Groundwork for the Grantmaker  If you’re interested in writing a grant, you don’t have to have it all figured out. No one starts something as an expert. Bring your willing heart and begin learning. None of us are perfect, and we all have room to grow. The first step to writing a grant is laying out the prep work. This includes establishing a relationship and being familiar with the funder, understanding that foundation's criteria, and making sure your mission aligns with theirs. When reaching out to a grantmaker, we have to get to know the heart behind their foundation's mission, get to know the people involved, and learn the ins and outs of what’s important to them. We must also make sure that we are not shifting our mission to match theirs simply because they’re a possible donor; people can see right through that.    Preparing the Nonprofit to Apply for a Grant  When it comes to preparing a grant, we need to also make sure the organization/nonprofit we’re helping is ready for grants. Some of the questions to ask are: Do you have an organizational budget? How many grants do you have the capacity to manage? What other sources of funding do you have in place? As grant writers, we want the nonprofit’s mission to succeed. We can set them up for success by helping them put a plan in place.   Challenge Question: What is the first thing you need to do to set a nonprofit’s grant application up for success?     Meet LaVerne Toombs:  LaVerne Toombs is the vice president of development for the American Heart Association, an organization that fights heart disease and stroke and, in turn, helps families and communities thrive. As a leader on the development team, LaVerne uses her magnanimous and infectious personality to help manage the fundraising team to provide them with the necessary tools to achieve those goals. She does this all while building upon volunteer and fundraising opportunities partnering with influential corporate and community voices.    Resources: Federal Registry   Free Audit: How Grant-Ready Is Your Nonprofit? If you need support in your journey to excellence as a grant writer, I’d like to invite you to join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer. Go to teresahuff.com/vip and start learning today.    Do You Have What It Takes to Be a Grant Writer? Take the Quiz: If you’re ready to explore a career in grant writing, take my free quiz, “Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer?” People are always surprised at how many skills they already have. The distance isn’t as far as they thought. Let’s figure out how you can use your skills to help change your world. If you’re ready to step up your nonprofit game, join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer. The world needs you.   Connect with Teresa Huff:  Website: www.teresahuff.com Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer? Social: LinkedIn Community LinkedIn Instagram Pinterest Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip

Join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip   Tackling Important Issues with Excellence Today I’m excited to introduce you to my good friend and brilliant colleague, Dr. Dan Young. He has years of experience in entrepreneurship, marketing, and nonprofit leadership. He drops so many nuggets of wisdom in this episode! I know you’ll find it inspiring.  Dr. Dan and I chat about: Integrating giving into our everyday life and setting an example for others. Creating an attitude of giving that transitions from generation to generation. The disconnect between technology and human connection, and how we can bridge the gap.  How to tap into the human spirit to ignite passion for important causes and needs. The importance of thinking bigger long term.   Solving Nonprofit Problems with Proper Support As Dr. Dan says, “It's about leadership. It's about entrepreneurial principles. It's about networking, it's about technology. Let's take a look at what we're doing in all these areas. And just because we got a 25% increase in funding or donations, that's not the point. The point is, the problem is still here. So let's focus on that. And if we do that, everything else gets a little bit more efficient and more effective.” When it comes to nonprofit leaders, Dr. Dan emphasizes, “That type of person should have the most comprehensive leadership training in the world. Because it's unbelievably difficult. And the stakes are unbelievably high. So that's a part of the work that we do, is to put those people in the best possible position for the world's most important job.”   Challenge Question: How will you start to adopt 4-generation thinking rather than 4-quarter thinking?   Meet Dr. Dan Young Dr. Dan Young is the Founding Director of the Wharton-AltFinance Institute at the Wharton School and is the curator of TEDxWilmington, which is in the top 1% of all TEDx franchises in the country with over 550 speakers and 42 million views on YouTube. As an “educationpreneur”, he is also responsible for creating the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) Program at Goldey-Beacom College. the first online DBA class for Wilmington University, the first study abroad program for the Horn Program of Entrepreneurship and the first international internship program for study abroad at the University of Delaware. Dan received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Marketing from the University of Delaware’s Honors Program and his Ph.D. in Marketing from Temple University. He has done entrepreneurship and executive leadership programs with the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Oxford. He has been an instructor at GBC, Temple University, West Chester University of Pennsylvania, the University of Delaware, Neumann University and Wilmington University. Dan has served on the Boards of many nonprofit organizations and currently serves as the President of Theatre N at Nemours, President of the Board of Safe Haven Healing, Membership Chairman of the Board of Governors for the University and Whist Club, and an advisory Board Member for the Fresh Start program. He was in the 2011 class of Leadership Delaware and served as the first Vice-President of the Leadership Delaware Alumni Association.   Other Resources Mentioned: Team/Work by Natalie Dawson How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie   Free Audit: How Grant-Ready Is Your Nonprofit? If you need support in your journey to excellence as a grant writer, I’d like to invite you to join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer. Go to teresahuff.com/vip and start learning today.    Do You Have What It Takes to Be a Grant Writer? Take the Quiz: If you’re ready to explore a career in grant writing, take my free quiz, “Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer?” People are always surprised at how many skills they already have. The distance isn’t as far as they thought. Let’s figure out how you can use your skills to help change your world. If you’re ready to step up your nonprofit game, join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer. The world needs you. Connect with Teresa Huff:  Website: www.teresahuff.com Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer? Social: LinkedIn Community LinkedIn Instagram Pinterest Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip  

Join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip   Several months ago I was at a large nonprofit conference in Nashville. While wandering up and down the booths, one caught my eye. They were giving away macaroons…delicious, colorful, many-flavored, handmade macaroons. *Sigh.* The macaroons worked their magic and I quickly became friends with the two coworkers running the booth. Turns out one of them, Dave Raley, was at another conference just the month before in Milwaukee - and so was I! We were both presenters at that conference, but somehow our paths hadn’t crossed there.  At any rate I’m glad we finally met because, aside from the delightful macaroons, Dave and I have kept in touch and he’s a wonderful person. That’s why I wanted you to meet him too. Today you get to meet Dave Raley, a consultant who helps organizations take care of their economic engine through innovation, growth, and scaling. Dave points out we should pay attention to important trends in the amount of giving, type of giving, and who does the giving.    Trends To best make the type of impact you are working towards it is important to review your current situation. First, look inward and review the things you do to produce revenue. Secondly, look outward and pay attention to trends. Trends are like waves. Just like when you’re trying to catch a wave surfing, you can miss waves by paddling too early or too late. You need to match the speed and be on top of it to be able to ride the wave. An example of a trend that we’re currently in the middle of is the Subscription Economy.    How to Best Use the Subscription Economy We’re currently living in a Subscription Economy. Not long ago, a person’s typical monthly payments included the necessities of life like mortgages, car payments, and water bills. Now we subscribe to much more every day. Things like Netflix, Hulu, Spotify, softwares, gyms, food - all these point to the subscription economy we live in. This has transformed the way donors and customers think about recurring transactions. It has normalized the concept of monthly giving and encouraged it through the ease of it all. Consumers and donors see monthly payments as a normal part of life and as a good and doable thing. This helps create predictability for organizations, including nonprofits, since they can have an idea of their monthly incoming revenue. Say a nonprofit wants to ramp up subscription giving: Take stock of what you’ve got. Look at your recurring donors and the long term value. You need to know where you are so you know where you can go.  Prioritize your monthly giving program. Make it easy to see and use on your website or another type of functional giving platform.    Tips for the Subscription Economy: Donors like convenience. Automated giving can help your revenue.  Don’t limit your goal and therefore limit your plan. Aim high. Look at your giving program and how to better use your resources.   Challenge Question: How can you rethink and maximize the subscription economy we are living in?   Meet Dave Raley:  Consultant, speaker, and writer Dave Raley is the founder of Imago Consulting, a firm that helps faith-informed organizations generate profitable growth by developing sustainable innovation. He’s also the co-founder and host of the Purpose & Profit Podcast, a show about the surprising ideas at the intersection of nonprofit causes and for-profit brands.    Connect with Dave Raley: Imago Consulting - Website Purpose & Profit Podcast   Resources: Purple Cow: Transform Your Business by Being Remarkable by Seth Godin Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die by Dan and Chip Heath The 6 Types of Working Genius: A Better Way to Understand Your Gifts, Your Frustrations, and Your Team by Patrick M Lencioni Free Audit: How Grant-Ready Is Your Nonprofit? If you need support in your journey to excellence as a grant writer, I’d like to invite you to join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer. Go to teresahuff.com/vip and start learning today.  Do You Have What It Takes to Be a Grant Writer? Take the Quiz: If you’re ready to explore a career in grant writing, take my free quiz, “Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer?” People are always surprised at how many skills they already have. The distance isn’t as far as they thought. Let’s figure out how you can use your skills to help change your world. If you’re ready to step up your nonprofit game, join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer. The world needs you.   Connect with Teresa Huff:   Website: www.teresahuff.com   Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer?   Social:   • LinkedIn Community • LinkedIn • Instagram • Pinterest   Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer:    www.teresahuff.com/vip  

Join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip Whether you think of yourself as a leader or not, you are. You impact and influence others whether you realize it or not.  We all feel the heat sometimes in this hectic world. Let’s glean some wisdom from someone who’s been in the trenches - literally. Today’s interview is with a former Green Beret, Otis McGregor, and it’s an honor to have him share his leadership and life lessons with us. Otis shares about learning how to grow as a leader, eliminating stress in your life, gaining positive structure for your day, and sharing the three aspects of trust that can make a huge difference in your success.   Lessons for Leaders from a Green Beret: Be clear in communicating to others what needs to be done. Clearly express how to do it, why it’s important, and how it fits into the bigger picture. When seeking out wisdom about how to grow as a leader, don’t pigeonhole yourself into only learning from people within your line of work. Great leadership skills and techniques can be learned from people in all different fields, implementing their tips and tricks into your wheelhouse. Accountability partners help keep you on track. When trying to make a large change, implement smaller increments of change at a time. This makes it easier to achieve the smaller goals. For example, say you want to start getting up early to exercise. When you get up at 6am normally, instead of jumping right to setting that alarm for 4am, start with 5:45am for a week, then 5:30am, and so on. Take smaller steps to make a long lasting, larger change.   Tips to Eliminate Stress and Handle Hard Situations: First things first, stop and assess the situation. When you realize you’re overwhelmed, slow down, take a breath, and write down all the things that you need to get done. Once you have this list, use the Eisenhower Decision Matrix to help you categorize and prioritize. Another tip to help eliminate stress is to shut off your electronics to avoid distractions, and just write down everything that’s been on your mind. Not with a goal to solve a problem or to create anything, but just to get everything out of your head. This can help us clear our minds and be more relaxed.    Break Your Day Up Into 3 Categories: Focus: This is a time in your day that is set apart to work on a specific thing or two that you want to handle and you do not allow people or things to sidetrack you. Do whatever you need to do to be unavailable to distractions. Flex: This is where a lot of us spend most of our time. This is where you’re working on different things for the day and you’re able to bounce around a bit more, allowing for interruptions or breaks.  Personal: This is the category a lot of us let be pushed under the rug when we’re stressed, but taking care of ourselves must be a priority. Have you ever heard the common phrase, “You can’t pour from an empty cup?” We can’t be our best selves when we’re drained. Take a walk, read a book, take a nap, spend time with friends, play an instrument, etc…whatever it is that helps you unwind and feel refreshed.    The Trust Triad As a leader it’s important to learn the power of the Trust Triad. The Trust Triad consists of three legs of trust: Trust yourself: Believe that the decisions you make, with the time available to you and the information at your disposal, are the best decisions that you can make. Trust your team: Believe they are capable of doing what they are here to do. The team must be able to trust you: They must believe that your decisions have the best interest of the organization in mind. Not yourself, not a specific person, not the money in your pocket, but the organization's success.  Strive to create strength in whatever area is lacking in the Trust Triad within your organization and see how much stronger you become.    Challenge Question: What lesson will you begin to implement right now to grow as a leader?   Meet Otis McGregor: Leadership Expert, Author, Speaker, Podcast Host, Project Management Trainer, Rugby Coach, LTC, Special Forces, US Army, Retired. My passion lies in helping people succeed. I’ve used this passion through years in the Army Special Operations, coaching rugby and business. It now drives me to create better leaders. I believe that better leaders create better organizations, better organizations create better communities, and better communities will create a better world.  I worked as a Business Development Manager, Director, and Chief Strategy Officer for several companies. In 2009, I founded LTO Enterprises, LLC to help businesses win government contracts. In 2021, I rebranded LTO to become Tribe + Purpose, aligning with how we operate and our business purpose. We focus on creating better leaders to lead high-performing teams. I am a certified business performance coach and certified project director and trainer through The Institute of Project Management.  I retired from the US Army in 2009 as a Green Beret Lieutenant Colonel following 25 years of service. While in the Army, I had a broad range of experience from being a private driving tanks five years older than me; to an engineer in the Arctic, running heavy equipment in the most extreme arctic conditions; to leading Green Berets on complex and dangerous missions around the world. I also had the unique experience of being part of new organizations and creating these new units into cohesive, effective organizations. This experience ranged from Arctic conditions in Alaska to counter-terrorism units in Iraq and Afghanistan to NATO Special Operations Headquarters.  Being part of these organizations from the ground up has given me immense experience in creating successful organizations. I've used those skills and experiences to build successful teams, business units, and companies in the business world. I’ve led capture efforts and proposal development for large and small firms. These efforts have ranged from small task orders to multiple large entity Joint Ventures. In addition to my business development efforts, I ran multi-million-dollar programs for the government spread across the US and overseas.  I possess a BS-Engineering Technology, from Texas A&M University; MA-International Affairs, Naval Postgraduate School; Certified Professional Coach, Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (IPEC); COR.E Leadership & Performance Dynamics Specialist, IPEC; Certified Project Director and Certified Project Trainer, Institute of Project Management (IPM); USA Rugby Level 300 Coach. I create better leaders, host a podcast, build high-performance teams and wrote the book Enable Your Team's Success. I live in Colorado with my wife, Suzanne. We have three grown children living in the USA. Connect with Otis: Otis' TEDx Talk Website LinkedIn YouTube: The Cam & Otis Show   Resources Mentioned: Team of Teams: New Rules of Engagement for a Complex World by Stanley McChrystal  Meditations by Marcus Aurelius Thoughts of a Philosophical Fighter Pilot by James B Stockdale   Free Audit: How Grant-Ready Is Your Nonprofit? If you need support in your journey to excellence as a grant writer, I’d like to invite you to join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer. Go to teresahuff.com/vip and start learning today.  Do You Have What It Takes to Be a Grant Writer? Take the Quiz: If you’re ready to explore a career in grant writing, take my free quiz, “Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer?” People are always surprised at how many skills they already have. The distance isn’t as far as they thought. Let’s figure out how you can use your skills to help change your world. If you’re ready to step up your nonprofit game, join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer. The world needs you.   Connect with Teresa Huff: Website: www.teresahuff.com   Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer?   Social:   • LinkedIn Community • LinkedIn • Instagram • Pinterest   Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer:    www.teresahuff.com/vip

Join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip Join the Roundtable With Four Experts As We Discuss the Nonprofit Overhead Myth A few weeks ago, someone shared an article on LinkedIn about the long-debated Overhead Myth. Is nonprofit overhead bad? Is there a magic percentage for overhead? How can we educate people about the importance of funding operational costs? That’s why I rounded up five nonprofit thought leaders to discuss this. We’re passionate about busting this myth and look forward to sharing some nuggets of wisdom with you! Our goal for this conversation was to be clear and to provide practical takeaways and verbiage you can use throughout your nonprofit journey. And we accomplished just that! One of the best ways to bust myths in the lives of those around you and your donors is to learn how to shift the conversations to help people better understand your nonprofit’s situation. Join us as we pick the brains of these experts in the field surrounding this topic. I’m currently planning more ways to support you as my listeners and would love some feedback! What would you like to see more of? Share your ideas for podcast topics, resources, course ideas, or other ways I can support you in the new year! SPEAKERS Teresa Huff, Sherry Quam Taylor, Sean Hale, Michael Thatcher, Kiersten Hill Read the full transcript: www.teresahuff.com/116  Free Audit: How Grant-Ready Is Your Nonprofit? If you need support in your journey to excellence as a grant writer, I’d like to invite you to join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer. Go to teresahuff.com/vip and start learning today.  Do You Have What It Takes to Be a Grant Writer? Take the Quiz: If you’re ready to explore a career in grant writing, take my free quiz, “Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer?” People are always surprised at how many skills they already have. The distance isn’t as far as they thought. Let’s figure out how you can use your skills to help change your world. If you’re ready to step up your nonprofit game, join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer. The world needs you.   Connect with Teresa Huff: Website: www.teresahuff.com   Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer?   Social:   LinkedIn Community LinkedIn Instagram Pinterest YouTube   Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer:    www.teresahuff.com/vip  

Join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip We each have a unique combination of things that light us up. From art to spreadsheets, engines to baking cookies (guilty!), we all have our things we enjoy. Those things we’re passionate about typically spread across a wide range of interests. Along with that, we also have a lot of things we wish we could change in the world. This combination of many passions and wanting to make an impact within these areas is what led Michael Thatcher to where he is today as CEO of Charity Navigator. Charity Navigator is a nonprofit that serves other nonprofits. Their system helps donors identify nonprofits that have a mission that they want to support, as well as provides an opportunity to give to a wide range of causes when they don’t want to pick just one. It also helps nonprofits gain credibility and discoverability, making it an incredible resource for both donors and nonprofits. In this episode Michael and I talk about how Charity Navigator is a tool that amplifies impactful giving as well as other benefits of establishing a nonprofit presence on their platform. Impactful Giving Through Charity Navigator All nonprofits have a mission to make something better, and funds are a vital part of taking steps in the right direction. So how can we make impactful giving easier for everyone? Through the use of Charity Navigator. Oftentimes people use overhead, information about where money is being spent, as a way to determine a nonprofit’s impact, but this doesn’t provide the whole picture. Charity Navigator takes the nonprofit’s data, looks at what the money is achieving, and shows its true influence. Nonprofits are encouraged to get their data out there, not only on their own website, but also on others. This allows your mission to be discoverable by more like minded people who may be looking for a charity just like yours to donate to. Due to Charity Navigator’s positive reputation, ease of use, and up to date information, nonprofits can keep putting their best foot forward Benefits of Establishing with Charity Navigator Charity Navigator relaunched a new website in 2022 with added features and improvements. They’re working hard to continuously iterate and provide better, more accurate data to drive impactful giving. This offers many benefits to both nonprofits and donors: Third party credibility They’ll run algorithms on your data and give you feedback Branding Kit It increases your discoverability by being on another platform It’s 100% free Challenge Question: What day this week can you prioritize getting involved with Charity Navigator? Meet Michael Thatcher: Michael leads Charity Navigator in its efforts to make impactful philanthropy easier for all by increasing the breadth and depth of evaluation methodologies to facilitate ratings coverage of substantially larger numbers of charities, and expand how the information engages new and existing audiences. Prior to joining Charity Navigator, Michael spent more than fifteen years with Microsoft, the last ten of which, as their Public Sector Chief Technology Officer responsible for technology policy initiatives and engagements with government and academic leaders in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Michael's eclectic background includes years at sea conducting oceanographic research with Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, composing music and dancing internationally as the co-founder and co-director of Dance Music Light. He has held various board positions within the nonprofit and tech sectors, holds several patents in enterprise systems management, and has a degree in Music from Columbia University in New York. His guiding mantra: Follow your heart - Use your head - Make a difference. Connect with Michael: Charity Navigator Website Charity Navigator Portal Facebook Instagram Twitter LinkedIn Free Audit: How Grant-Ready Is Your Nonprofit? If you need support in your journey to excellence as a grant writer, I’d like to invite you to join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer. Go to teresahuff.com/vip and start learning today. Do You Have What It Takes to Be a Grant Writer? Take the Quiz: If you’re ready to explore a career in grant writing, take my free quiz, “Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer?” People are always surprised at how many skills they already have. The distance isn’t as far as they thought. Let’s figure out how you can use your skills to help change your world. If you’re ready to step up your nonprofit game, join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer. The world needs you. Connect with Teresa Huff:  Website: www.teresahuff.com Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer? Social: LinkedIn Community LinkedIn Instagram Pinterest Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip

Join the Nonprofit Mythbusters: www.nonprofitmythbusters.com Getting Over the Nonprofit Overhead Myth In 2013 Dan Pallotta released his TED Talk that called out what is now known as The Overhead Myth. The nonprofit sector was hopeful that things might turn around. Now, almost a decade later, has anything changed? Have we stopped judging organizational effectiveness based solely on how much (or how little) a nonprofit organization spends on operational costs? I've rounded up some nonprofit colleagues and thought leaders to join me in a roundtable conversation about this important topic, and you are invited to listen.  It's not enough to say something's wrong with the way things are done. We need to educate and provide better tools to truly shift the status quo. Reframing the Nonprofit Narrative While interviewing Michael Thatcher, CEO of Charity Navigator, the topic of overhead came up. Today I'm sharing a transcript of the conversation with you: Michael Thatcher: So one of the things I think that's important with the new platform is, and what we're trying to do with the ratings, is to re-articulate the nonprofit narrative. So that there's not this tremendous focus on overhead, and how much gets spent on programs, but actually shift donor perceptions away from that towards what's the impact? And what are the results that the organization is making? What are the other attributes that actually make me want to invest in this organization? Ultimately, when we're looking at overhead, we're looking at where money's being spent. We're not looking at what money's actually achieving. The only way we can tell that story is this kind of brings it back to the individual nonprofits. Give us that data. Give us your performance data so we can actually tell a better story. Because overhead’s easy; we pull that from the from the IRS tax forms, and that is what donors are using as a proxy for impact. It doesn't tell you a thing about impact. And it's actually can be really harmful.  If you under-spend on actually taking care of your people, you will actually damage your organization. You'll have staff, you'll have attrition rates, that you can't manage because at a certain point people have families; they've got to support their families, and if you're under paying your staff, then they're not going to stay with you because they actually have to make a living. So we should be paying. We should be paying appropriate rent wages for non-profit staff. We should be telling the story of the impact we're making in the world.  Charity Navigator is really trying to make that front and center. If you look back historically, we were part of, you know, we've been part of different letters that had been sent to donors, to the nonprofits, on the overhead myth. But this is such an important moment right now, where we have so many issues in our world that need to be addressed. And they talk about the difference we're making in the world. So that's one thing is like, tell the story of the impact you're making. Use platforms like Charity Navigator to actually amplify that message. And stop talking about overhead. Teresa Huff: I just want to hug you right now! I am cheering and clapping on the inside. Because I see that so much. And it's such a struggle, and a frustration, especially for small nonprofits. And I hear it I see the churn that you're talking about the burnout, the overhead and the the turnover. In people. It's like a puzzle shifting around, somebody moves and the dominoes fall, and it's like, okay, they're gonna shift around in the community somewhere else. And it happens so much. And that inconsistency hurts the organization too. Because then their programs, people build up rapport, and then somebody's gone the next week. It's tough all around, and nonprofit leaders are wearing so many hats, and they're often exhausted and don't know where to focus. I think these conversations and these supports need to shift and what you're saying, we need to shift the the way we are approaching it and the perception around overhead. Spot on; I'm right there with you. Michael Thatcher: So one thing I was saying, you said, nonprofit leaders wear many hats. We do. And the smaller the nonprofit, the more hats you have to wear. Yeah, that means you are not overhead. Right? You are probably doing a lot of program work. And so one of the errors that I see a lot, particularly from smaller nonprofits is that they'll put the executive in as a management or administrative expense entirely. That's rarely the case. You know what, you know how much program work you're doing, you know how much administrative work you're doing and how much fundraising you're doing. Do those allocations appropriately. It's not a one size fits all approach. And so be careful how you actually report. You do have to report on this, right? In other words, the IRS rules are the IRS rules. And also state rules are state rules. You've got to follow those. But know how you're spending, track your time, and then figure it out. And then just put that in your annual reporting. Teresa Huff: Yes, thank you for saying that. And for clarifying that, because I've tried explaining that. And sometimes people get it, and sometimes they don't. And it can be a tricky struggle to try and convey. And I think the more we educate the public, and our potential donors and supporters, sometimes they just don't know. And we need to take responsibility for educating them in doing a better job of helping them understand what it really takes to run the nonprofit and then paying people to do their job is not a bad thing. It's an investment in the program and in the community and in the impact. Michael Thatcher: 100%.   Attend the Nonprofit Mythbusters roundtable conversation:  www.nonprofitmythbusters.com   Connect with Teresa Huff: Website: www.teresahuff.com Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer? Social: LinkedIn Community LinkedIn Instagram Pinterest Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer:  www.teresahuff.com/vip

Join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip. Homelessness is one of the big issues in society today and it knows no geographical boundaries. A nonprofit called New Story is tackling this issue, and their ultimate goal is to end global homelessness. And get this - they do it by printing 3D homes. As you can imagine, there are a lot of hindrances while tackling such a large issue. I’m talking with Kristen Harrington, Senior Manager of Partnerships for New Story. We discuss two things about how to tackle large problems that we face while working in a nonprofit: How we navigate our goals and outcomes is important The importance of mentorship Ways to Navigate How You Run Your Nonprofit Think bold/think bigger Take obstacles and find the positive in it Have a creative and hardworking team Be transparent in the ups and the downs Know the Power of Mentorship Why is having a mentor a good idea within a nonprofit? Someone to bounce ideas off of Someone to ask questions to They are an ally in the nonprofit world You can share partnership prospects They can provide helpful feedback Challenge Question: Who can be a mentor to come alongside you while you’re attempting to tackle a large problem? Meet Kristen Harrington: Kristen Harrington is passionate about people and purpose. As the Senior Manager of Partnerships at New Story, she leads a team to maximize global impact by cultivating new relationships with the world's most generous companies. Prior to joining New Story, Kristen helped lead the fundraising efforts of multi-million dollar campaigns for national organizations and even spent some time outside of the nonprofit sector at ESPN. She spends her free time with her husband, daughter, and two chocolate labs, looking for Atlanta’s best tacos and the next great adventure. Connect with Kristen: LinkedIn kristen@newstorycharity.org New Story's Website Other Episodes Mentioned: Mentoring Podcast Series The Value of Unexpected Mentors and 5 Ways to Find Them [Episode 26] Keys to Success as a Nonprofit Leader: Interview with Dr. Johnathan Kraus, Love Never Fails International [Episode 027] 6 Ways to Learn Grant Writing Skills When You’re a Nonprofit Volunteer [Episode 28] How to Start as a Grant Writer: Mindset and Strategy of Nonprofit Grant Writing [Episode 029] Why I Became a Nonprofit Grant Writer: Creating a Ripple Effect [Episode 030] Tips for Stepping Up Your Freelancing Success with Katherine Bright [Episode 031] Free Audit: How Grant-Ready Is Your Nonprofit? If you need support in your journey to excellence as a grant writer, I’d like to invite you to join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer. Go to teresahuff.com/vip and start learning today. Do You Have What It Takes to Be a Grant Writer? Take the Quiz: If you’re ready to explore a career in grant writing, take my free quiz, “Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer?” People are always surprised at how many skills they already have. The distance isn’t as far as they thought. Let’s figure out how you can use your skills to help change your world. If you’re ready to step up your nonprofit game, join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer. The world needs you. Connect with Teresa Huff: Website: www.teresahuff.com Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer? Social: LinkedIn Community LinkedIn Instagram Pinterest Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer:  www.teresahuff.com/vip

Join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer today: www.teresahuff.com/vip   Last winter I presented a grant writing workshop at a conference in Milwaukee. One of the hosts was The Nonprofit Alliance. You may recognize that name from my past guest Shannon McCracken in Episode 70. I didn’t know another soul going into the conference. However, you’d be proud of this introvert. I had a great time and talked to a lot of new people! One of those happened to sit down next to me at lunch. After hearing his story, his passion for building strong teams, and his unique take on leadership, I knew my new friend was a great person for you to meet too. In this episode I’m talking with Tim Ditloff, an avid sailor, about what leadership looks like. With a lot of in depth and fun analogies, he relates sailing to strong leadership. I recommend following Tim on LinkedIn for a lot of thoughtful, inspirational posts on life, leadership, and sailing! Things to Remember As a Leader Tim has a lot of thoughtful wisdom to share with us: Your path might not always be straight. Adjust to the zigs and zags. Celebrate small victories. Rome wasn’t built in a day. Each person's seemingly small task is very important in the ultimate journey. How Can Nonprofits Live Out Strong Leadership? Tim has worked with his share of nonprofits over the years. He recommends that we focus on these things: Remember why you exist Remember what you are good at/your strengths Reflect on your progress Map out your course, set up milestones, and celebrate along the way Make sure your team is on the same page Lessons From Sailing on Leadership Tim relates each of the following leadership characteristics to sailing and teaches us how to think about them from a new perspective. Listen in to get all of the thoughtful analogies he gives us on these powerful points: Steward leadership: Take care of each other. You’re not on the boat alone. You can’t take care of others without taking care of yourself too. Take the time to step back and observe how things are going among your team to make the most impact. Clear communication. Communication is vital for life or death on the sea; communication can be the line between success and failure in a nonprofit. Challenge Question: What sailing lesson from this episode can you compare to your nonprofit journey? I'd love to hear your thoughts! Connect with me on LinkedIn or send me a message. Meet Tim Dittloff: Tim has received world-class training in business, speaking, and sailing – and he puts all of his knowledge to good use, helping companies like yours with leadership development.  Time provides coaching and seminars to company leaders and their teams so they can transform both personally and professionally. His credentials include a Master of Science in Education. He is also a Certified Franklin Covey Trainer, Licensed U.S. Coast Guard Captain, Certified John Maxwell Facilitator, and Certified ASA Sailing Instructor. Connect with Tim Dittloff: www.fullsailleadership.com www.catalystbuilds.com Tim’s LinkedIn profile Resources Mentioned: Everybody Matters: The Extraordinary Power of Caring for Your People Like Family - Bob Chapman, Steven Menasche, et al Lead Yourself First: Inspiring Leadership Through Solitude - Raymond M Kethledge and Michael S Erwin Episode 70: Nonprofit Giving Trends From the Last Two Years and 2022 Forecasting - Interview with Shannon McCracken, The Nonprofit Alliance Free Audit: How Grant-Ready Is Your Nonprofit? If you need support in your journey to excellence as a grant writer, I’d like to invite you to join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer. Go to teresahuff.com/vip and start learning today.   Do You Have What It Takes to Be a Grant Writer? Take the Quiz: If you’re ready to explore a career in grant writing, take my free quiz, “Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer?” People are always surprised at how many skills they already have. The distance isn’t as far as they thought. Let’s figure out how you can use your skills to help change your world. If you’re ready to step up your nonprofit game, join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer. The world needs you.   Connect with Teresa Huff: Website: www.teresahuff.com Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer? Social: LinkedIn Community LinkedIn Instagram Pinterest Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer:  www.teresahuff.com/vip

TEDx Talk: The Real ROI of Grant Writing My TEDx Talk is live!! You can watch and share here: The Real ROI of Grant Writing I've been a longtime fan of learning from TEDx speakers, and am thrilled to have the opportunity to give a talk of my own! I share about nonprofits and how having the right ROI framework in place can open new doors. When most people hear ROI, they think ‘Return on Investment,’ but when it comes to grant writing the ROI framework is different. We're looking for a Return on Impact. Nonprofits have to work on being relevant, optimizing your operations, and interacting authentically and meaningfully with others. Relevant Optimize Operations Interact authentically and meaningfully Return on Impact When a skilled chef is cooking, their secret ingredient can make the meal ten times better.  For grant writing, the secret sauce to a higher return on impact doesn’t have to be a secret. It’s not hidden or profound: It’s to build true relationships with people. And it is important to build those relationships through each part of the ROI framework - your relevance, optimization, and interactions. Don’t Skip Steps How have I helped dozens of nonprofits over the last two decades? By building relationships, and advising others to do the same.  It didn’t start out easy or winning every time. I made a LOT of mistakes, especially at first. I didn’t know any better. But that was part of the process. We HAVE to fail to get to success.  That’s the part people try to skip. They skip the small failures because they’re afraid. And in doing so, they set themselves up for bigger failure. “Don't be intimidated by what you don't know. That can be your greatest strength and ensure that you do things differently from everyone else.” - Sara Blakely. Challenge Question: What part of the ROI framework do you need to focus on? Find the TEDx Talk Here: TEDx Talk: The Real ROI of Grant Writing by Teresa Huff Other Resources Mentioned: Episode 14: Grant Writer Success Rates: Am I a Bad Grant Writer If I Don’t Win the Grant?   Free Audit: How Grant-Ready Is Your Nonprofit? If you need support in your journey to excellence as a grant writer, I’d like to invite you to join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer. Go to teresahuff.com/vip and start learning today. Do You Have What It Takes to Be a Grant Writer? Take the Quiz: If you’re ready to explore a career in grant writing, take my free quiz, “Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer?” People are always surprised at how many skills they already have. The distance isn’t as far as they thought. Let’s figure out how you can use your skills to help change your world. If you’re ready to step up your nonprofit game, join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer. The world needs you.   Connect with Teresa Huff: Website: www.teresahuff.com Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer? Social: LinkedIn Community LinkedIn Instagram Pinterest Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer:  www.teresahuff.com/vip

Join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip New Friends Make the World a Better Place As a little girl, I remember when I first heard of the Harlem Globetrotters. I got to see them in person a time or two and thought they were THE coolest thing ever. Still do. Even though I’m not much of a coordinated basketball player myself, I can appreciate the skill and conditioning it takes to play the sport. Throw in some fancy moves, entertainment, and personality like the Harlem Globetrotters, and you’ve got yourself a court full of magic. That’s why I was super excited to meet a new friend who is a former Globetrotter. Not only that, but he’s made it his life’s work to spread a message we all need to hear - Kindness Is Free! Take Your Experiences and Make an Impact with Kindness I’d like to introduce you to Herbert “Flight Time” Lang. Herb is the founder of a nonprofit called the Kindness is Free Foundation. He spreads joy and kindness wherever he goes. Herb and I chat about the importance of mentorship, community, and choosing kindness first. As a newer nonprofit, Herb addresses the importance of identifying practical steps to meet your overall big goals, and as a former athlete, Herb advises us to apply the discipline of being consistent to whatever we do. Mentorship and Community Mentorship and community is important in our lives. Herb has a mentor to this day who started as his basketball coach when he was 12 years old. The impact his coach had on him has been incredible; you never know who you are impacting around you. Sometimes it takes time to see the fruit of your impact in others lives, but start planting seeds in the people around you and one day you will see the harvest. Remind people that they have value and prioritize your community. Choose Kindness First Choose to be kind in all you do and use kindness as your default, not as an exception nor as a tactic to get what you want. In this episode we learn how kindness has radically impacted Herb’s life and how that has provided him with incredible experiences and the ability to make large contributions to better his communities. This conversation is a great reminder for all of us to: Care about all people that you encounter, independent of what they can do for you. Do the right thing, because it’s the right thing. Choose to focus on the good things in life. Pick your perspective. Surround yourself with these types of people because you become like those around you. Challenge Question: This week’s challenge question is simple: How can you choose kindness today? Meet Herbert Lang: Herbert “Flight Time” Lang was a member of the Harlem Globetrotters for 18 wonderful years and traveled to almost 100 different countries. After leaving, he created a Facebook group for past members of the Harlem Globetrotters to maintain community and support one another as they transitioned into new parts of their lives. Herb has been on The Amazing Race and Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader? Currently Herb is a motivational speaker and runs the Kindness is Free Foundation. Herb is also a TEDx speaker and works with a Hollywood production company to build television show concepts. Husband to Elena and father of three (Antonio, Nicholas, and Reya), Herb lives his life based on the mantra of treating people with kindness. He regularly uses the hashtag #kindnessisfree in online correspondence, and emphasizes that one's success is determined by how many people we impact, and not how much money we make. Connect with Herbert Lang: Herb's Website Kindness is Free Podcast LinkedIn Twitter Instagram TEDx Talk Resources: Projects Popes and Presidents: An Inspirational Journey That Shows How You Can Overcome Life's Obstacles and Achieve Your Dreams - Herbert Lang Cracking the Rich Code, Volume 4 - Jim Britt and Kevin Harrington Free Audit: How Grant-Ready Is Your Nonprofit? If you need support in your journey to excellence as a grant writer, I’d like to invite you to join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer. Go to teresahuff.com/vip and start learning today. Do You Have What It Takes to Be a Grant Writer? Take the Quiz: If you’re ready to explore a career in grant writing, take my free quiz, “Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer?” People are always surprised at how many skills they already have. The distance isn’t as far as they thought. Let’s figure out how you can use your skills to help change your world. If you’re ready to step up your nonprofit game, join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer. The world needs you. Connect with Teresa Huff: Website: www.teresahuff.com Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer? Social: LinkedIn Community LinkedIn Instagram Pinterest Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer:  www.teresahuff.com/vip

Join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer and kickstart your grant writing career today: www.teresahuff.com/vip The Quest for the Perfect Water Bottle A couple of years ago I needed a new water bottle. But not just any water bottle. You see, even though it’s a small thing, it’s also a big thing. I drink a lot of water all day, every day. I feel all weird and shrively if I don’t. Because it’s such an everyday thing for me, a water bottle is an important decision. It had to be just right. We’re talking…Color. Size. Shape. Lid. Spout. Straw. Handle. Price. Lightweight. Fits in my hand. Fits in my car cup holder. Keeps it cold in a hot car for days. The brand didn’t matter as long as it fit ALL the other requirements. Not asking for much, right? I finally stumbled across what looked like the perfect water bottle combination, so I added it to my Christmas list. I’d never heard of the brand before, but decided to give it a chance. My husband was happy to have the recommendation and checked it off his list. Best water bottle decision ever. Simple Modern is now my go-to water bottle brand. Lest you think this is a commercial, though, turns out there’s a whole lot more to the story than just a good water bottle. After reading more about Simple Modern, I connected with the CEO. Pretty soon it was obvious that you needed to talk with him too, so - here we are. Today I’m chatting with Mike Beckham, the CEO of Simple Modern. He’s full of wisdom on leadership, nonprofits, and entrepreneurship. Mike gives us guidance on how skills in both the for-profit world and the nonprofit world translate to support one another, how we can develop a quality of life and corporate culture, and what factors help create a successful organization. Listen in for some tips of gold! Challenge Question: How can you best steward your resources right now by transferring skills you already have into the nonprofit world? Meet Mike Beckham: Mike’s career began by working for the nonprofit Christian ministry, Campus Crusade for Christ, also known as CRU. He then transitioned into founding many e-commerce businesses, and is most recently the CEO of Simple Modern. Simple Modern’s mission statement is, “We exist to give generously,” and Mike is passionate about sharing his experiences with others. Mike is also the entrepreneur-in-residence for the Tom Love Entrepreneurship Program at the University of Oklahoma. Connect with Mike: Simple Modern Simple Modern Amazon Store LinkedIn Twitter Blog Free Audit: How Grant-Ready Is Your Nonprofit? If you need support in your journey to excellence as a grant writer, I’d like to invite you to join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer. Go to teresahuff.com/vip and start learning today. Do You Have What It Takes to Be a Grant Writer? Take the Quiz: If you’re ready to explore a career in grant writing, take my free quiz, “Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer?” People are always surprised at how many skills they already have. The distance isn’t as far as they thought. Let’s figure out how you can use your skills to help change your world. If you’re ready to step up your nonprofit game, join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer. The world needs you. Connect with Teresa Huff: Website: www.teresahuff.com Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer? Social: LinkedIn Community LinkedIn Instagram Pinterest Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer:  www.teresahuff.com/vip

Join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip   The Variety of Nonprofit Fundraising Lately we’ve been covering some awesome fundraising and leadership topics - major gifts, corporate sponsors, lean startups, and more. Even though the last few episodes aren’t directly about grant writing, they’ll sure help you with grants in the long run! A well-rounded approach to your nonprofit’s fundraising plan is a big key to success. Grants are only one piece of the pie; it’s important to have other pieces in place too. In this episode I’m talking with the executive director of Nonprofit Hub, Katie Appold. We discuss making sure we are prepared for meetings with donors, myths that surround the nonprofit world, and the importance of sharing your financial information publicly. Challenge Question: In what way can you make your administrative, fundraising, and overhead costs available to your donors? Meet Katie Appold: Katie Appold is executive director of Nonprofit Hub, the nonprofit behind the nationally recognized programs Cause Network and Cause Camp. She has spent over twenty years in the nonprofit sector serving in leadership roles at foundations, publishers, and community-based causes. Katie is also the host of the Good to Growth Podcast, a member of several nonprofit professional organizations, and an active volunteer. Connect with Katie: Nonprofit Hub's Website Katie Appold's LinkedIn Good to Growth Podcast Resources: Cause Camp Board Source Free Audit: How Grant-Ready Is Your Nonprofit? If you need support in your journey to excellence as a grant writer, I’d like to invite you to join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer. Go to teresahuff.com/vip and start learning today. Do You Have What It Takes to Be a Grant Writer? Take the Quiz: If you’re ready to explore a career in grant writing, take my free quiz, “Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer?” People are always surprised at how many skills they already have. The distance isn’t as far as they thought. Let’s figure out how you can use your skills to help change your world. If you’re ready to step up your nonprofit game, join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer. The world needs you. Connect with Teresa Huff: Website: www.teresahuff.com Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer? Social: LinkedIn Community LinkedIn Instagram Pinterest Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer:  www.teresahuff.com/vip

Happy Birthday to Grant Writing Simplified! This month I’m celebrating TWO YEARS of the Grant Writing Simplified Podcast! How crazy is that!! I was scared to death to start the podcast two years ago, but here we are over 100 episodes later and it’s been a blast. I’ve met some of the most incredible people all over the world because of it, and some amazing grant writers have gone through the Fast Track to Grant Writer VIP Program. It's been quite a ride. Whether you’re new or you’ve been around a while, THANK YOU for being a part of the journey!!! The Growth and Challenge of Nonprofit Work and Grant Writing Grant writing - and all of nonprofit work, really, is full of highs and lows.  The highs are awesome, like winning your first grant. Or the hundredth! The lows can be pretty discouraging and isolating sometimes. But the thing is, we can’t base our value or success on those extremes. See, there’s not really a finish line. At every level we’re going to have challenges that will stretch and push us. We all started with that first grant. I kept going, kept practicing, and kept improving. Then different projects came along and those presented new challenges.  Then last week I stepped into an ENTIRELY new challenge and gave a TEDx Talk! That was a completely foreign experience for me, but I had a blast and am so grateful for the opportunity. (And I can’t wait to share the video with you when it’s live!) All these accomplishments are cause for celebration, and the lows are a great education. Strangely enough, though, we may not ever feel like we’ve “arrived.” Once we reach one level, we’re working toward the next. And I’ve realized that’s an important part of the journey. Challenge Question: What is your next step? It can be big or small, but take the step! Send me a message and let me know. I'd love to cheer you on! If you need help, book a 1:1 strategy session with me at teresahuff.com/mentor. The world needs you out there making a difference! Connect with me over on LinkedIn or send me a message. And if you need more support, join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer already and let's get you moving! Free Audit: How Grant-Ready Is Your Nonprofit? Are you feeling overwhelmed with trying to help your nonprofit apply for grants? Go through the free audit and I'll help you sort out the next steps for your organization. Do You Have What It Takes to Be a Grant Writer? Take the Quiz: If you’re ready to explore a career in grant writing, take my free quiz, “Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer?” People are always surprised at how many skills they already have. The distance isn’t as far as they thought. Let’s figure out how you can use your skills to help change your world. If you're ready to step up your nonprofit game in 2022, join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer. The world needs you. Resources Mentioned: TEDx Talk - Coming soon! Connect with Teresa Huff: Website: www.teresahuff.com Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer? Social: LinkedIn Community LinkedIn Instagram Pinterest Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer:  www.teresahuff.com/vip

Join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip Today I'm talking to Linda Lysakowski about corporate fundraising. She’s a brilliant resource and draws on decades of experience. If you’re wondering how to get more help from businesses in your community, this is the perfect episode for you! Brainstorm Your Network Your board members, staff, fundraising committee, and volunteers know people. You never know the personal connections you have to people or corporations that are untapped within your circle until you dig into it. It’s important to remember that you don’t have to only reach out to the big corporations because that’s who you think is capable of donating to your cause. Think about the smaller or “average” businesses like a painting company or car washes. Smaller organizations often give to help others because they understand what that can do for someone else. How To Begin Corporate Fundraising The best thing to do is to get involved and build relationships first. After your team has brainstormed your connections, really interact with individuals in those corporations, whether it’s a friend or relative, long-time business partner, or acquaintance at a networking event, and make sure they don’t feel like a means to an end. They need to know you care about them as individuals and not just as a check. Ask for advice from them regarding the best interests of your nonprofit. It shows respect and can help your nonprofit grow by learning new perspectives. Your corporate connections can help you in more ways than just financially, but when you do ask for a donation, address how your nonprofit can serve that corporation specifically and help them see the mutual benefit. Challenge Question: Which strategy Linda shared are you going to begin implementing? Meet Linda Lysakowski: Linda is one of just over 100 professionals worldwide to hold the Advanced Certified Fundraising Executive designation. In her thirty-plus years in the development field, she has managed capital campaigns, helped dozens of nonprofit organizations achieve their development goals, and has trained more than 50,000 professionals in Mexico, Canada, Egypt, Bermuda, and most of the fifty United States.  Linda is a graduate of Alvernia College in Reading, PA with majors in Banking and Finance; Communications; and Theology/Philosophy and is a candidate for a master’s degree in Theological Studies at the University of San Diego.  Linda has received the Outstanding Fundraising Executive award from the Eastern PA, Las Vegas, and Sierra (NV) chapters of AFP (Association of Fundraising Professionals). She has a full list of over 40 published books to her name. Learn more at www.lindalysakowski.com. Connect with Linda: Linda's Website Email: Linda@LindaLysakowski.com Available Courses Resources: If you would like Lynda’s Brainstorming Form, email her at Linda@LindaLysakowski.com Mentoring Series - Grant Writing Simplified Podcast Episodes 26-31 by Teresa Huff Free Audit: How Grant-Ready Is Your Nonprofit? If you need support in your journey to excellence as a grant writer, I’d like to invite you to join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer. Go to teresahuff.com/vip and start learning today. Do You Have What It Takes to Be a Grant Writer? Take the Quiz: If you’re ready to explore a career in grant writing, take my free quiz, “Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer?” People are always surprised at how many skills they already have. The distance isn’t as far as they thought. Let’s figure out how you can use your skills to help change your world. If you’re ready to step up your nonprofit game, join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer. The world needs you. Connect with Teresa Huff: Website: www.teresahuff.com Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer? Social: LinkedIn Community LinkedIn Instagram Pinterest Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer:  www.teresahuff.com/vip