Nonprofit Management Blog
The Grant Work AI Leaves on Your Desk
AI can make grant writing easier, but it doesn’t replace the expertise of a qualified grant professional.
LLMs and other AI-powered tools can help you write a convincing proposal for a grant your organization shouldn’t pursue. It can also produce a polished draft for an excellent opportunity while leaving important work unresolved: developing the strongest funding case, determining what the request should cover, and preparing your team to deliver what’s proposed.
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.
Grant Funding is a Governance Issue, Not Just a Development Issue
When a nonprofit decides it wants to pursue grant funding, the first instinct is often to hire a grant writer. That instinct makes sense. Grant proposals are complex, time-consuming, and highly structured. Strong writing absolutely matters. However, organizations are often surprised to discover that the factors that influence whether they win grant awards rarely begin with the writing itself.
In reality, grant outcomes are deeply connected to something many nonprofits overlook: governance.
Am I Ready to Apply for Grants? A Nonprofit Self-Assessment
“Are we ready to apply for grants?” This is one of the least common questions I hear from nonprofit leaders – but it’s often the most important one.
More frequently, leaders come to me after they’ve already started applying. They’re frustrated by repeated rejections, confused about what funders are looking for, or wondering why their organization isn’t competitive despite doing meaningful work in the community.
How to Read an RFP Strategically
Most nonprofits read an RFP like instructions. They skim for eligibility. They check the deadline. They glance at the funding amount. Then they scroll straight to the narrative questions and start outlining responses.
Technically, that works. Strategically, it doesn’t.