Next time you get low
Go to substack and see what you find.
I’m NOT saying build your newsletter there but ...
your news feed just might help you remember.
You. Are. NOT. Alone 🤗
#blacksky #grantwriter
Common Grant Writing Mistakes 10/12: No Sustainability Plan
You have a strong launch plan, but no credible plan for what continues after the grant ends—staffing, service delivery, operating costs, ownership, handoff.
State what continues after the grant period.
#GrantWriter #Nonprofit #Grants
Common Grant writing Mistake 9: Superficial partnerships
“Support” letters that don’t state partners’ roles, contributions, deliverables, and accountability (space, referrals, data sharing etc.) aren’t taken seriously in review.
#Grants #GrantWriter #Nonprofit #ProposalDevelopment #GrantWriting
Common Grant Writing Mistakes 8/12: Weak evidence base
If the evidence base isn’t clear, reviewers can’t tell whether the approach is proven or just preference. Name the model/intervention, summarize strongest support, explain why it fits this population and setting. #GrantWriter #Grants #Nonprofit
Most organizations fail to compete for grant funding because their strategy, writing, design and compliance are not strong enough to compete.
Winning proposals come from strategy, planning, clarity, credibility and strong execution. Not templates and chaos.
#grantwriter #fundraising
Common Grant Writing Mistake 6/12: Weak Evaluation Plans. When outcomes aren’t SMART, indicators are unclear, data sources and tools aren’t named, roles and timing are missing and no analysis plan exists, reviewers can’t see how results will be measured or reported.
#GrantWriter #Evaluation #Funding
Common Grant Writing Mistakes 5/12: Outcomes that aren’t measurable.
Big goals like “increase awareness” or “improve access” mean nothing without a baseline, target, timeframe, or data source. Write outcomes as metric + baseline + target + timeframe + source. #GrantWriter #Nonprofit #GrantsCommon
Common Grant Writing Mistakes 4/12
Solutions have to make sense in the real world. Programs can’t be everything but the kitchen sink and be effective.
Before submitting, build the backbone of your program on reality, not idealism.
#GrantWriter #ProposalDevelopment #NonprofitGrants #FederalFunding
Where can I find grant opportunities?
Grant databases can help!:
Try these:
Grants.gov
Candid (foundations)h
Instrumentl
GrantStation
GrantForward
Pivot
GrantWatch
Grant Gopher
Devex Pro Funding GrantScape The Catholic Funding Guide
#GrantWriter #GrantWriting ##Nonprofit
Weak alignment to scoring criteria
Great writing, but reviewers can’t easily award points.
HDo this:
Convert scoring rubric into an outline (same order, same labels).
Use “point-earning” structure: claim → evidence → method → output/outcome → measures. #grantwriter #nonprofit #federalcontract
Answer the Question! Pretty writing doesn’t win funding if the proposal doesn’t answer what was asked. Reviewers score what they can find, verify, and award points for—clear responses to each requirement, in the order of scoring criteria.
#GrantWriter #ProposalWriter #federalcontracts #Nonprofit
Common Grant Writing Mistake 2.
Weak alignment to criteria
Great narrative, but reviewers can’t easily award points.
To avoid this scenario:
-Convert scoring rubric to an outline
-Use “point-earning” structure: claim →evidence→method → output/outcome→ measures. #grantwriter #grants
Link in bio
Common Grant Writing Mistakes 1/12: Not answering the funder’s question. A nice program write-up won’t score if it misses priorities, eligibility, or who the grant is for. Build a quick compliance map and write in the order they score.
See link in bio for service.
#grants #grantwriter #nonprofit
This may be the year I start a weekly newsletter. I’ve had fun sketching out ideas for what I’d include, like one actionable grant writing or editing tip, a grant or funder worth sharing, and I’ll spotlight a person or organization doing meaningful work.
And there will be book recs!
#GrantWriter
HHS + DEA announced a 4th extension of telehealth prescribing flexibilities for controlled meds through Dec 31, 2026 (effective Jan 1). This prevents a “telehealth cliff” for patients relying on remote care while permanent rules are finalized. #Telehealth #HealthPolicy #grantwriter #grants
So the Wegovy pill is here, but that wont make it “easy” to get. Self pay pricing is reported around $149 to $299 per month, many plans will still require prior authorization, and dosing is strict (empty stomach, water, wait 30 minutes). We shall see… #Wegovy #HealthEquity #GrantWriter
CDC moved COVID shots for kids to shared clinical decision making. That can blur what is routine vs optional and may lower uptake among higher risk kids who need protection most. Watch how insurers and schools interpret this shift. #COVID19 #VaccinePolicy #GrantWriter
Virginia grant alert: DCJS PSN (EDVA) due Jan 15 ’26 4pm. DBHDS one-time STEP-VA (CSBs only) due Jan 12 ’26 5pm. VHCF concept papers due Jan 12 ’26 5pm. DRPT 5310 IT/software pre-app Jan 16; full Feb 1 ’26. #VirginiaGrants #ProjectSafeNeighborhoods #GrantWriter #VA
DC health nonprofits: deadlines ahead. DHCF Diaper Bank (Jan 14, 4pm) and Produce Rx (Jan 14, 4pm). DBH My Rides (Jan 16, noon); Hospital Peer Support and BUP-DAP (Jan 23); OTP Outreach (Jan 30). #DCGrants #PublicHealth #Nonprofits #grantwriter #proposalwriter
MD nonprofits: grant deadlines ahead. Frederick Co HEART (Jan 8 ’26). Campbell Foundation (Jan 23 ’26). MD Two Fifty (Jan 30 ’26). MHAA: ITA Feb 2, full Mar 31 ’26. MSAC Creativity Grants rolling thru Mar 31 ’26. #Maryland #Grants #Nonprofits #grantwriter #proposalwriter
You need excellent proposal writing services in today’s funding climate. Without planning, strategy and the right program design and staff, you’re not positioned well to win a grant or contract. Your words may sound good but mean nothing to reviewers.
#grants #grantwriter
#funding #federalcontract
Kennedy’s cuts to research programs on sickle cell disease & Black maternal health are a direct assault on LIFE. Studies by Drs. Oyedeji & Slaughter-Acey were abruptly halted. One was labeled "low return on investment.” Health Equity Matters. #PublicHealth #HealthDisparities
#Grants
#grantwriter
Winning a grant requires strategy as it is a high-stakes competition with funding rates now between 8–16%. To win, you must compete against the best.
Work with your best talent and execute flawlessly. An excellent, compliant proposal is the only way to an award.
#grants #grantwriter
DC nonprofits.The Events DC Community Grants program is open for Cycle 2 applications, offering up to $375K for youth sports, cultural and performing arts programs. Deadline Feb 2, 2026. Informational sessions: January. Apply via the official Events DC website.
#DCGrants #NonprofitD #grantwriter
Indirect Cost Cap
A proposed 15% cap on indirect costs could significantly reshape grant budgets for universities and research institutions. Now is the time to reassess cost structures and budget assumptions.This is a tough proposition for research entities.
#Grantwriter #Researchfunding #Funding
Virginia grant alert. FY 2026 Project Safe Neighborhoods Grant for the Eastern District of Virginia is due January 15, 2026. Funding supports initiatives focused on reducing violent crime. Apply through the Virginia DCJS website.
#VirginiaGrants #ProjectSafeNeighborhoods #GrantWriter #VA
Tracking federal funding shifts and their impact on organizations matters. Providing guidance on grant and contract proposals isn’t very sexy. I know. Still, human-serving grants and contracts are especially important now, so I’ll keep posting.
#grants #federalcontracts #grantwriter #blackbluesky
You can still apply until the end of the month to join us as a #GrantWriter at Sano💡 Help shape the future of #AIinMedicine by turning great ideas into winning proposals.
We offer a supportive, international team, hybrid work. 👉 Apply now: sano.science/job-offers/g... #Hiring #ComputationalMedicine
Unclear problem statements lose points fast. Reviewers need urgency, scale, who’s affected, and why now. If it isn’t backed by data and real community context, the solution won’t be trusted. Need help? DM or visit Winningproposalhub.com. #Funding #GrantWriter #Blackbluesky #grant #contract
#RFP/FOA