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Nonprofit Management Blog

What a Grant Writing Retainer Actually Includes (and How It Works)
Grant Writing & Strategy Morgan Carpenter Grant Writing & Strategy Morgan Carpenter

What a Grant Writing Retainer Actually Includes (and How It Works)

Many nonprofits underestimate what it actually takes to maintain a healthy grant pipeline over time.

From the outside, grant work can look fairly straightforward: identify opportunities, write proposals, submit applications, and wait for decisions. In reality, sustainable grant work involves far more coordination, planning, communication, and strategic judgment than most organizations initially expect.

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6 Signs Your Nonprofit Has Outgrown DIY Grant Writing
Grant Writing & Strategy Morgan Carpenter Grant Writing & Strategy Morgan Carpenter

6 Signs Your Nonprofit Has Outgrown DIY Grant Writing

There’s a common assumption in the nonprofit sector that grant writing problems are caused by weak writing skills, lack of effort, or insufficient knowledge about fundraising.

In reality, many nonprofits struggling with grants aren’t struggling because they’re unqualified or unprepared. They’re struggling because the organization has outgrown an informal, pieced-together approach to grant management.

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Turning Your SWOT Into a Strategic Plan
Nonprofit Governance & Board Leadership Morgan Carpenter Nonprofit Governance & Board Leadership Morgan Carpenter

Turning Your SWOT Into a Strategic Plan

Many nonprofit boards and leadership teams complete a SWOT analysis at some point in their organizational journey. It often appears during strategic planning retreats, board development conversations, or early-stage grant readiness work. The exercise is familiar, accessible, and relatively easy to facilitate.

The problem is that many organizations stop there.

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Creating a Grant Readiness Checklist for Small Nonprofits
Morgan Carpenter Morgan Carpenter

Creating a Grant Readiness Checklist for Small Nonprofits

For small nonprofits, securing grant funding can be a game-changer. However, to be successful in grant seeking, it’s crucial to be fully prepared before diving into the application process. A well-structured grant readiness checklist helps ensure that your organization has all the necessary components in place to write compelling proposals, meet funder requirements, and manage awarded grants effectively. This post will provide a comprehensive guide to creating a grant readiness checklist that can set your nonprofit up for success.

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