Fundraising HayDay

If you’re going to work as a consultant, you need to be comfortable with having uncomfortable conversations. Clients will have unrealistic expectations, strong personalities, and more. How you handle conflict and complications may be what makes or breaks your consulting business. JOIN THE FUNDRAISING HAYDAY COMMUNITY: Become a member of the Patreon CHECK OUT TODAY’S SPONSOR: Encore Institute for Social Impact They partner with nonprofit organizations to secure funding, develop actionable strategies, strengthen capacity, and demonstrate results. From health care and human services, to education, youth development, and more, they’re experts in helping organizations maximize their missions! SHOW NOTES: Register for the HayDay Grant Management Crash Course Hosted by our cohosts Grant Management Crash Course January 14, 2027 - HayDay Services

Grant writing is such a misnomer. As grant professionals, we spend about 80% of our time working on a million other things. One of the most time-consuming aspects of grant proposal development is creating and gathering all the standard attachments. Some are pretty standard, and some not so much; but a grant requirement is a requirement. JOIN THE FUNDRAISING HAYDAY COMMUNITY: Become a member of the Patreon CHECK OUT TODAY’S SPONSOR: Encore Institute for Social Impact They partner with nonprofit organizations to secure funding, develop actionable strategies, strengthen capacity, and demonstrate results. From health care and human services, to education, youth development, and more, they’re experts in helping organizations maximize their missions! SHOW NOTES: Season 7, Episode 19 Podcast Episode How To: Letters of Support - HayDay Services Season 9, Episode 12 Podcast Episode Understanding Annual Versus Single Audits - HayDay Services S6, E12 Podcast Episode A Direct Approach to In-Direct Costs - HayDay Services

Artificial Intelligence (AI) seems to be taking over the world, especially when the written word is involved. But is it the end-all, be-all answer to your grant writing woes? Can you trust it? Should you use it? Truthfully, there’s a lot to weigh, and there is no clear-cut answer. JOIN THE FUNDRAISING HAYDAY COMMUNITY: Become a member of the Patreon CHECK OUT TODAY’S SPONSOR: Encore Institute for Social Impact They partner with nonprofit organizations to secure funding, develop actionable strategies, strengthen capacity, and demonstrate results. From health care and human services, to education, youth development, and more, they’re experts in helping organizations maximize their missions! SHOW NOTES: Corporate Gossip Podcast Episodes about Open AI and Sam Altman Open AI & Sam Altman’s Sad Sack Bond of Goons – August 16, 2026 Sam Altman & Open AI Part 2: King D*ick of Liar Mountain – August 29, 2025 Article “Demystifying the New Dilemma of Brain Rot in the Digital Ear: A Review” Demystifying the New Dilemma of Brain Rot in the Digital Era: A Review Article “Energy, water use and pollution of AI and data centers rival most countries” Energy, water use and pollution of AI and data centers rival most countries | PBS News

When money is involved, fraud is a possibility. It’s one of the reasons we have so many rules, regulations, and reporting requirements surrounding grant awards: to ensure the funding is spent as intended. And it should be spent as approved in your grant budget. But lately, it seems like this administration is weaponizing grant fraud, and in some cases, simply using it as an excuse to terminate grant programs. We’re sharing recent examples – ripped straight from the headlines. JOIN THE FUNDRAISING HAYDAY COMMUNITY: Become a member of the Patreon CHECK OUT TODAY’S SPONSOR: Encore Institute for Social Impact They partner with nonprofit organizations to secure funding, develop actionable strategies, strengthen capacity, and demonstrate results. From health care and human services, to education, youth development, and more, they’re experts in helping organizations maximize their missions! SHOW NOTES: S8, E22 Podcast Episode Ripped from the Headlines: Federal Funding Scandals Across the Country - HayDay Services Minnesota “Feeding Our Future” Grant Fraud Backlash How a $250M Minnesota fraud case became Trump’s latest fight over Somali migrants | Fox News USDA Farm Grants Cancelled for “Fraud” Then Restored The USDA canceled $300M in farm grants, citing fraud. Did it make up the evidence? | Grist Judge Orders USDA to Restore Half of Cancelled Grants for Young Farmers | Civil Eats

Many nonprofits don’t participate in advocacy for fear it will jeopardize their nonprofit states. The truth is, there is a big difference between lobbying and advocacy – and advocacy is allowed. For grant and fundraising professionals, advocating for your organization, your role at work, and yourself is important work. JOIN THE FUNDRAISING HAYDAY COMMUNITY: Become a member of the Patreon CHECK OUT TODAY’S SPONSOR: Encore Institute for Social Impact They partner with nonprofit organizations to secure funding, develop actionable strategies, strengthen capacity, and demonstrate results. From health care and human services, to education, youth development, and more, they’re experts in helping organizations maximize their missions! SHOW NOTES: Grant Advisor GrantAdvisor: Write Reviews, Transform Philanthropy More than Grant Writers More Than Grant Writers Community Centric Fundraising Home Crappy Funding Practices Crappy Funding Practices: Posts | LinkedIn 2026 Grant Professionals as Leaders Survey, conducted by Debbie DiVirgilio and Stacy Fitzsimmons – expected to close end of July 2026 Grant Professionals as Leaders: Perceptions, Identity, and Practice

The Office of Management and Budget proposed many changes to 2 CFR Part 200 (also known as Uniform Guidance) in early June. If approved, changes will significantly impact agencies’ ability to receive and manage federal funding. The comment period closes July 13, 2026. JOIN THE FUNDRAISING HAYDAY COMMUNITY: Become a member of the Patreon CHECK OUT TODAY’S SPONSOR: Encore Institute for Social Impact They partner with nonprofit organizations to secure funding, develop actionable strategies, strengthen capacity, and demonstrate results. From health care and human services, to education, youth development, and more, they’re experts in helping organizations maximize their missions! SHOW NOTES: Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance (Proposed Changes) https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/05/29/2026-10817/regulation-for-federal-financial-assistance Submit your public comment (docket OMB-2026-0034) by July 13, 2026, 11:59pm EASTERN https://www.regulations.gov/document/OMB-2026-0034-0001 Review from the National League of Cities https://www.nlc.org/article/2026/06/17/new-omb-rules-for-grantees-could-override-local-authority/ Review from the National Council of Nonprofits https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/files/media/documents/2026/2026-chart-omb-uniform-proposed-changes.pdf Redline comparison from Law Firm Ropes & Gray https://www.ropesgray.com/en/-/media/files/alerts/2026/06/20260602_hc_omb_alert_redline.pdf

Grant professionals require access to subject matter experts and information to develop successful grant proposals. We often lament about the hardest aspect of this work: getting the information we need in a timely manner. Fortunately, tools exist to aid our quest. JOIN THE FUNDRAISING HAYDAY COMMUNITY: Become a member of the Patreon CHECK OUT TODAY’S SPONSOR: Encore Institute for Social Impact They partner with nonprofit organizations to secure funding, develop actionable strategies, strengthen capacity, and demonstrate results. From health care and human services, to education, youth development, and more, they’re experts in helping organizations maximize their missions! SHOW NOTES: S9, E9 Podcast Episode: Getting the Information You Need: How to Gather Grant Content from Co-Workers, Clients, and Partners - HayDay Services

If your agency receives grant funding, chances are you’ve been asked to share said organization’s most recent annual audit. And if enough federal funds are involved, a single audit may be necessary. Let’s dive into the reason for each to ensure you’re meeting funder (and other) requirements. JOIN THE FUNDRAISING HAYDAY COMMUNITY: Become a member of the Patreon CHECK OUT TODAY’S SPONSOR: GrantGuru Use discount code HAYDAY963 for 20% off your subscription SHOW NOTES: S2, E10 Podcast Episode: I Survived an OIG Audit & Lived to Tell the Tale - HayDay Services Uniform Guidance Audit Section eCFR :: 2 CFR Part 200 Subpart F -- Audit Requirements

If you’ve worked at a nonprofit long enough, you’ve been involved with a capital campaign. Whether you’re raising capital for a new building, large piece of equipment, or infrastructure galore, these projects are often in addition to your typical duties. Steven Shattuck of Capital Campaign Pro joins us to share insights and advice on running a successful capital campaign, all while maintaining your other roles and responsibilities. JOIN THE FUNDRAISING HAYDAY COMMUNITY: Become a member of the Patreon CHECK OUT TODAY’S SPONSOR: GrantGuru Use discount code HAYDAY963 for 20% off your subscription SHOW NOTES: The State of Capital Campaigns 2026 Benchmark Report Capital Campaign Pro | Campaign Support System for Nonprofits WHERE TO FIND OUR GUEST: Steven Shattuck Director of Engagement and Technology, Capital Campaign Pro Steven Shattuck | LinkedIn

It’s rare to find a funder fully invested in nonprofits - not just funding their work, but also investing in their growth and development. The Tracy Family Foundation is “growing a legacy of generosity to help communities thrive and families flourish.” They not only fund traditional capacity building training, but offer specific trainings and workshops for their grantees related to helping organizations grow their leadership, management, programs/strategies, financial health, and external evaluation abilities. JOIN THE FUNDRAISING HAYDAY COMMUNITY: Become a member of the Patreon CHECK OUT TODAY’S SPONSOR: GrantGuru Use discount code HAYDAY963 for 20% off your subscription SHOW NOTES: Tracy Family Foundation (TFF) TFF’s Capacity Building Programming WHERE TO FIND OUR GUEST: Callie Niederhauser Program Manager, Youth & Communications Callie Niederhauser | LinkedIn Sara Reuschel Program Manager, Capacity Building Sara Reuschel | LinkedIn

If you’re a grant professional, you need information from other people. Grant proposals require data, stories, documents, and so much more. It’s never a solo sport. But getting the information you need to put together a quality proposal is sometimes the hardest part of the job. JOIN THE FUNDRAISING HAYDAY COMMUNITY: Become a member of the Patreon CHECK OUT TODAY’S SPONSOR: GrantGuru Use discount code HAYDAY963 for 20% off your subscription SHOW NOTES: Fundraising HayDay Podcast Episode referenced: S7, E19 – How To: Letters of Support

When we talk about nonprofits, most of us assume we mean the 501(c)3 varieties. But that’s not the only mechanism available to organizations looking to build a better world. Let’s dive into the many organizations and groups doing community-centered work, often right alongside nonprofits. JOIN THE FUNDRAISING HAYDAY COMMUNITY: Become a member of the Patreon CHECK OUT TODAY’S SPONSOR: GrantGuru Use discount code HAYDAY963 for 20% off your subscription

Fundraising and Grant Writing – people often think they are two different things. But the truth is simple: grant writing is one aspect of fundraising, along with things like individual donors, major gifts, special events, and more. Let’s talk best practices so all fundraising works in tandem. JOIN THE FUNDRAISING HAYDAY COMMUNITY: Become a member of the Patreon CHECK OUT TODAY’S SPONSOR: GrantGuru Use discount code HAYDAY963 for 20% off your subscription

Spoiler alert: grant writing is so much more than writing. Building and maintaining funder relationships is a big part of your role as a grant and/or nonprofit professional. We’re joined by Carolyn Caldwell to talk about how to best build such relationships. JOIN THE FUNDRAISING HAYDAY COMMUNITY: Become a member of the Patreon CHECK OUT TODAY’S SPONSOR: GrantGuru Use discount code HAYDAY963 for 20% off your subscription SHOW NOTES: WHERE TO FIND OUR GUEST: Carolyn Caldwell , Founder and Lead Instructor at Unlock-Grants

Can I just charge you a percentage of the grant once it gets awarded? If you’ve worked long enough as a consultant, you’ve gotten that question at least once. Today we’re sharing why that is against the grant professional code of ethics, and how to handle the conversation when it comes up. JOIN THE FUNDRAISING HAYDAY COMMUNITY: Become a member of the Patreon CHECK OUT TODAY’S SPONSOR: GrantGuru Use discount code HAYDAY963 for 20% off your subscription SHOW NOTES: Grant Professionals Association Code of Ethics Grant Professionals Association Association of Fundraising Professionals Code of Ethical Standards Code of Ethical Standards | Association of Fundraising Professionals

When you are an employee charged with fundraising through grant proposal development, what are your roles and responsibilities? Your position in the org chart, who you report to, and your role as a leader all affect your ability to build a grants team and a successful grant program. We’re sharing insights on what works best, how to educate up, and more. JOIN THE FUNDRAISING HAYDAY COMMUNITY: Become a member of the Patreon CHECK OUT TODAY’S SPONSOR: GrantGuru Use discount code HAYDAY963 for 20% off your subscription SHOW NOTES: S8, E17 Podcast Episode: Educating Up! - HayDay Services

What is a grant proposal other than a string of words that describe, show, influence, educate, and move mountains? In 2025 we started to see a dramatic shift in language found in executive orders, grant guidelines, and more. Are some words really banned? And if so, how do we move forward as writers? JOIN THE FUNDRAISING HAYDAY COMMUNITY: Become a member of the Patreon CHECK OUT TODAY’S SPONSOR: GrantGuru Use discount code HAYDAY963 for 20% off your subscription SHOW NOTES: Head Start Article: Head Start centers told to avoid list of words in funding requests : NPR Amanda’s Blog Post about Language: We’re Storytellers; You Can’t Steal Our Language - HayDay Services

In part 2 of the state of federal grants, we’re focusing on the implications of 2025 and how we can move forward. Tremendous cuts to federal research, disruption of essential human services, and a halt to services for at-risk individuals hit communities hard. It’s not just money lost but needed services. It’s time to have frank conversations about how we can move forward in 2026 and beyond. JOIN THE FUNDRAISING HAYDAY COMMUNITY: Become a member of the Patreon CHECK OUT TODAY’S SPONSOR: GrantGuru Use discount code HAYDAY963 for 20% off your subscription

When it comes to federal grant funding, a lot went wrong in 2025. We’re kicking off a two-part series, with this episode focusing on how we got here. Policy shifts and administrative changes transformed federal grant making seemingly overnight, but many of these changes weren’t spontaneous. The Office of Management and Budget, Project 2025, and the Department of Government Efficiency all had a role to play. JOIN THE FUNDRAISING HAYDAY COMMUNITY: Become a member of the Patreon CHECK OUT TODAY’S SPONSOR: GrantGuru Use discount code HAYDAY963 for 20% off your subscription SHOW NOTES: The Guardian “Trump move to pause federal loans and grants rooted in Project 2025” Education Week “Project 2025 Would Dramatically Cut Federal Funds for Schools. Then What?” The Educators Room “U.S. Department of Education Faces Major Overhaul Under Conservative Plan, Project 2025” Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren “Subject-by-Subject Breakdown of Trump’s Project 2025” Internet Archive “Project 2025 Mandate for Leadership” Project 2025 “Mandate or Leadership: The Conservative Promise” Ther Heritage Foundation “Project 2025”

NOTE: This month, we’re sharing our mistakes were made episode with all our listeners – the free podcast community and our patreon subscribers. If you’re not a member of our patreon, we hope you enjoy this glimpse behind the curtain. This is a great example of our monthly mistakes were made episode, where our cohosts take turns in the hot seat, sharing mistakes. No grant professional is perfect, and we want others to learn from our mistakes. We hope you’ll consider joining as a paid member of the patreon community so you can enjoy all our bonus content, access the comments and community, and support our work on Fundraising HayDay. In our December episode, cohost Kimberly takes the hot seat. She shared about making a handful of mistakes in a recent grant proposal – mistakes that she knew better than making, but she was in a rush and did it anyway. JOIN THE FUNDRAISING HAYDAY COMMUNITY: Become a member of the Patreon