Keri McDonald and Valerie A. Grant

McGrants – Drive-Through Moments

Business EN ↓ 13 episodes

Fast Grant Insights Served Fresh. Short conversations about grant strategy with two Certified Grant Professionals (GPC) experts.

Author

Keri McDonald and Valerie A. Grant

Category

Business

Latest episode

Jul 8, 2026

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Episodes

S1 E13 Extra Value Meal: Building a Reserve Fund with Foundation Support 08.07.2026

Strong organizations plan beyond today's needs. This conversation explores how nonprofits can work with foundations to strengthen financial resilience, build operating reserves, and create long-term stability.

S1 E12 First Time at the Window: Building Funder Relationships from Scratch 01.07.2026

Every grantmaker relationship starts somewhere. Two GPC experts discuss practical ways new organizations can begin connecting with funders, building credibility, and creating meaningful relationships before the proposal is submitted.

S1 E 11 Still Hungry? When to Keep Applying After a Grant Denial-The Purple Episode 24.06.2026

Getting turned down doesn't always mean moving on. This conversation explores how to evaluate grant rejections, determine whether a funder is still a strong fit, and decide when persistence makes sense versus when it's time to redirect your efforts. Also, hear what happens when Keri and Valerie are challenged with three days of tech issues while trying to record!

S1 E10. Repeat Customers: Turning One Grant Into Long-Term Funding 17.06.2026

The best grants lead to more opportunities. This conversation explores how reporting, stewardship, and thoughtful follow-up can transform a one-time award into an ongoing funder partnership.

S1 E9. Value Meal Metrics: Choosing Outcomes That Matter 10.06.2026

Funders want results—but not every metric tells the right story. This discussion focuses on selecting outcomes that demonstrate meaningful impact and strengthen proposal credibility.

S1 E8. Don’t Burn the Fries: Avoidable Grant Mistakes 03.06.2026

From unclear outcomes to rushed submissions, some mistakes quietly undermine otherwise strong proposals. This episode highlights common pitfalls and how to prevent them.

S1 E7. Fresh, Not Frozen: Rethinking Boilerplate Language 27.05.2026

Reusing content can save time—but only if it still fits the funder. This quick conversation explores how to adapt boilerplate strategically so proposals stay relevant, responsive, and compelling.

S1 E6 Budget Burger: When Numbers and Narrative Don’t Match 20.05.2026

Even strong proposals can fall apart when the budget tells a different story. Two GPC experts discuss how to ensure budgets reinforce program strategy and strengthen funder confidence.

Before You Hit Submit: Is This Fast Food or Fine Dining? 13.05.2026

Every once in a while the best strategy is submitting now; other times it’s building the relationship first. Two GPCs share how to recognize the difference and position organizations for stronger proposals later.

More Cars in the Line: Why Foundation Applications are Getting Harder 06.05.2026

Struggling to get your grant applications noticed in a fiercely competitive landscape? You're not alone—and here's the truth: with foundation applications getting tougher by the day, knowing when to apply or build relationships can make all the difference. Discover the counterintuitive strategies that grant pros use to succeed even amidst double and triple the competition—from understanding when r...

Combo Meal Strategy: Building a Balanced Grant Pipeline 29.04.2026

Successful nonprofit grant strategies rarely rely on a single opportunity. Learn how to balance quick-turn grants, relationship-driven funders, and longer-term prospects to create a sustainable funding mix. #grants

Order Accuracy: Are You Chasing the Right Grants? 22.04.2026

Not every opportunity belongs in your pipeline. Two GPC experts share quick strategies for determining true funder alignment so organizations spend their time pursuing grants that actually fit their mission, timing, and capacity.

Drive-Thru Readiness: Is Your Organization Grant-Ready? 15.04.2026

Before you submit the application, make sure the foundation is in place. This short conversation explores the key signs of grant readiness—from leadership alignment to data and program clarity.

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