An Interview with Grant Writing Expert, Teresa Huff

In this episode, grant writer and teacher Teresa Huff shares insights for creating a winning grant program. Using her years of experience teaching over 3,000 students the art of grant writing, Teresa identifies the trends and patterns she sees in grant funding. We debunk the myths and misconceptions and talk practical tips in this interview!

Grants are not an immediate, easy solution (startup grants are not a reality)

Grants are a long game, and the best grant programs build around a strategy. We would never expect an investor to invest in a startup business with no business plan or track record, right? So, why do we expect foundations to invest in startup nonprofits that have yet to demonstrate impact? Just as an investor is looking for a return on investment, a foundation is looking to see a return on the impact of its investment; and that takes time and data. Foundations do not want to be your first or only funder. They wish to see diversified support and a track record of success. 

Use Good, Better, and Best Grant Goals for Your Budget

Katie shares an example of a nonprofit that had received a grant each year for several years in a row, only to have the foundation notify them they would no longer be receiving funding. The gift had become so structured that the nonprofit planned for it in their annual budget. In response, Teresa cautions to use good, better, and best goals in budgeting and forecasting. A range of goals that reflect different grant support levels helps nonprofits budget realistically and respond well to unforeseen circumstances. 

Listen to the full episode for all of Teresa’s grant writing tips and check out episode 76 of the Grant Writing Simplified Podcast for her favorite tip!

Teresa Huff is the host of the Grant Writing Simplified Podcast, not to mention the go-to expert in grant writing and strategy for nonprofits. She’s helped nonprofits triple their funding and maximize their impact. While winning over $7 million for schools and nonprofits, she teaches grant writers and nonprofits the strategies they need to develop millions in scalable, long-term funding. Her podcast has been downloaded in over 90 countries across 6 continents, and more than 3,000 students worldwide have completed her online grant writing programs.

She’s figured out how to imperfectly thrive in her introverted work-at-home life while juggling her two teenagers, her husband, and their smiling chihuahua Joey. Teresa uses her Master’s in Education and over 20 years of experience in writing, special education, and business to help nonprofit leaders take their skills to the next level.