Who needs grants anyway?

You either love grants or hate them. Either way, they're a fact of nonprofit life. Nothing makes me happier than an expertly crafted application. Find out why!

A lot has changed in the years since I started writing grants. What hasn't changed, for better or for worse, is that grants continue to be an important piece of a balanced funding portfolio for many nonprofits.

Is the grantmaking sector really changing?

Despite big changes and lots of talk over the last three years about funders giving more general operating support, simplifying applications, and streamlining reporting, a traditional grant usually has more strings and requires more effort than a major gift from a high net worth donor.

So when we get right down to it, we’d much rather have the unrestricted private gift. And you know what, so would I! 

Can you count on the grantmaking cycle?

In a world where the entrepreneurial donor can be hard to find, or you’re growing your board to maximize fundraising but aren’t there yet, one thing you can count on is the annual grant cycle. Foundations will be legally obligated to spend at least 5% of their assets every year on grantmaking activities, and governments will continue to issue RFPs as a means of trickling funds to the local level.  

For me, grant writing is about strategy, preparation, and finesse. Funder guidelines and RFP scoring rubrics bring order and transparency into seeking funding. A clear logic model or a thoughtful budget can capture your program so that it’s understood by the program officer in seconds, not minutes. And every chance you have to get your funder’s attention in seconds, rather than minutes, puts you at the top of the list in a sea of endless grant applications to review.

Getting a grant can be more subjective than you think. 

Now, if you’ve been in the grant-seeking world for any length of time, you know that an expertly crafted proposal is only one of many factors beyond your control that go into getting a grant. You also know that foundation and government funders can be just as capricious as an eclectic major donor. Or that, in the end, it’s still about who you know, not the application that you submit.

That’s why I make sure to do everything in my power to make it really hard for a funder to say no. That can mean I guide you through the process step by step. Or maybe I coach your staff on how to pull together a proposal that stands above the crowd in every part of the application. Or perhaps I train your CEO or board on how to hit a home run during that introductory funding call. Or, maybe I “score” your proposal in a practice run.

The options truly are endless, and tailored towards your needs. Let’s chat and see how I can help you take your grant funding to the next level.

Thanks for reading!

Niki 

About

Niki Wanner is recognized as a leading grant-writing expert, helping small and large nonprofits raise millions of dollars through impactful grants. Niki has a network of over 100 foundations, corporations, and federal agencies and has successfully secured funding for various programs and operations. Niki’s strategic approach led to significant increases in award-win rates and revenue for her clients, with some experiencing growth of up to 400% over three years. Her expertise lies in assessing organizational readiness against program and funder goals and developing comprehensive road maps that prepare staff for successful grant acquisition. 

Niki’s guidance extends beyond the initial stages of funding acquisition. She advises CEOs and Boards on improving institutional funding and diversifying revenue streams. Niki also develops staff expertise in grant seeking, grants management, and indirect cost recovery. When needed, she takes a hands-on approach, leading prospect research, proposal development, budget creation, and the development of case statements and collateral writing to ensure the best submission.  

Niki Wanner Grants Solutions will be a trusted grant advisor and writer for organizations seeking to enhance their funding opportunities and achieve lasting impact in their communities.