When it comes to securing grants for nonprofit organizations, few understand the intricacies and long-term strategies as well as Casey Bryan. As the founder of Summit Grant Consulting, Casey’s expertise in grant writing and consulting has helped numerous nonprofits secure the funding they need to achieve their missions.
In this week’s episode of the Nonprofit411 podcast, Casey shares invaluable advice for nonprofits looking to build a sustainable grant funding strategy. Here are some key takeaways from our conversation:
1. Grant Writing Is a Long-Term Investment, Not an Overnight Solution
Many nonprofits view grant writing as a quick fix to their funding problems, but Casey reminds us that grant fundraising requires patience. The process can take months, and grants are often awarded on a timeline of 3-6 months. It’s essential to treat grants as part of a long-term funding strategy and not as a quick cash infusion.
2. Be Grant Ready
Before diving into the world of grants, it’s crucial that nonprofits ensure they are “grant ready.” This means having your financials, audit reports, and organizational details in order. Casey advises nonprofits to keep a checklist of standard questions and documents ready to streamline the grant application process.
3. Celebrate the Small Victories
Grant writing can be a stressful and uncertain process, but Casey emphasizes the importance of celebrating small victories. Whether it’s completing a particularly difficult budget or simply submitting a grant proposal on time, these wins are worth celebrating. Recognizing these moments builds confidence and keeps the momentum going.
4. The Power of Relationships
One of the most powerful aspects of grant writing is building and maintaining strong relationships with funders. Casey emphasizes that the best grant applications are those that tell a compelling story—showing funders how their investment will directly impact the community. It’s not just about the money; it’s about creating lasting partnerships.
5. Systems Are Key to Managing Grants Effectively
A solid grant management system can make or break your nonprofit’s fundraising success. Casey shares her experiences in creating tracking systems for grants, which help ensure that applications are submitted on time and that nonprofits can stay organized amidst multiple funding opportunities.
Final Thoughts
Grant writing is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Nonprofits need to be thoughtful, strategic, and ready for the long haul. With the right systems in place, the patience to wait for the results, and a focus on relationship-building, your nonprofit can develop a sustainable grant funding model that will help achieve your mission.
To hear more from Casey and dive deeper into her advice, listen to the full episode of Nonprofit411 podcast. If you’re looking for personalized support in grant writing and fundraising strategy, don’t hesitate to reach out to Nonprofit411!
