The Funder's Perspective: What They're Looking For Before They Read Your Proposal

The Funder's Perspective: What They're Looking For Before They Read Your Proposal

The Funder's Perspective: What They're Looking For Before They Read Your ProposalWillie Finklin, CFRE, The Grant GOAT
Published on: 09/10/2026

Learn what funders evaluate before they read your proposal. From organizational readiness and financial responsibility to measurable outcomes and alignment, discover how to build confidence and position your nonprofit for funding success.

Grant WritingGrant ReadinessNonprofit SuccessNonprofit Leadership
The First Grant Is the Hardest: Here's How to Position Yourself for Success

The First Grant Is the Hardest: Here's How to Position Yourself for Success

The First Grant Is the Hardest: Here's How to Position Yourself for SuccessWillie Finklin, CFRE, The Grant GOAT
Published on: 25/09/2026

Your first grant can feel like the hardest to secure. Learn why preparation, organizational readiness, funder alignment, strong relationships, and responsible grant management can position your nonprofit for funding success.

Grant WritingOrganizational ReadinessCapacity BuildingNonprofit Success
Writing Your First Grant? Start With the Story You Don’t Want to Tell

Writing Your First Grant? Start With the Story You Don’t Want to Tell

Writing Your First Grant? Start With the Story You Don’t Want to TellWillie Finklin, CFRE, The Grant GOAT
Published on: 15/05/2026

Writing your first grant? Don’t start with services, start with the story that shaped your mission. Learn how honesty, vulnerability, and data together create powerful proposals funders connect with and support.

Grant WritingStorytellingNonprofit DevelopmentNonprofit Success
Program vs. Project: What Funders Are Actually Looking For

Program vs. Project: What Funders Are Actually Looking For

Program vs. Project: What Funders Are Actually Looking ForWillie Finklin, CFRE, The Grant GOAT
Published on: 08/05/2026

Are you pitching a program or a project? Funders see the difference even if you don’t. Learn how defining your work clearly can strengthen your proposals, build credibility, and position your nonprofit for sustainable funding.

Grant WritingProgram DevelopmentFunding StrategyNonprofit Success