Spark the Fire

Grant Writing Blog

Skills, ideas, and sometimes contrarian views for grant writers and freelance consultants who want to get better at the work, not just get through it. Centering purpose, not hustle.

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Grant Strategy

Proposal craft, funder psychology, and the positioning choices that win.

Freelance Business

Pricing, contracts, scope, and running a sustainable practice.

Grant Research

Prospecting, due diligence, and reading the fine print before you write a word.

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Professional Growth

Credentialing, career moves, and staying sharp in the field.

Allison Welch, M.Ed., GPC 1/5/25 Allison Welch, M.Ed., GPC 1/5/25

What is the Best Way to Learn Grant Writing?

Allison Welch, M.Ed., GPC 1/5/25 Allison Welch, M.Ed., GPC 1/5/25

Only Nonprofits Get Foundation Grants, Right…? Wrong!

Allison Welch, M.Ed., GPC 12/29/24 Allison Welch, M.Ed., GPC 12/29/24

Game-Changer: Submitting Your Grant Proposal Weeks in Advance

Allison Welch, M.Ed., GPC 12/22/24 Allison Welch, M.Ed., GPC 12/22/24

Why You Need a Grant Calendar: A Roadmap to Success

Allison Welch, M.Ed., GPC 12/22/24 Allison Welch, M.Ed., GPC 12/22/24

Mastering SMARTIE Objectives: Crafting Inclusive and Impactful Grant Proposals

Allison Welch, M.Ed., GPC 12/15/24 Allison Welch, M.Ed., GPC 12/15/24

Are Grantmakers Denying AI-Written Proposals?

Allison Welch, M.Ed., GPC 12/1/24 Allison Welch, M.Ed., GPC 12/1/24

Go-No-Go Grant Guide: Streamline Your Grant Application Process

Allison Welch, M.Ed., GPC 11/24/24 Allison Welch, M.Ed., GPC 11/24/24

The Perfect Recipe for Grant Writing Success

Allison Welch, M.Ed., GPC 11/17/24 Allison Welch, M.Ed., GPC 11/17/24

Discover Tribal Giving: Is Your State on the Map?

Allison Welch, M.Ed., GPC 8/31/24 Allison Welch, M.Ed., GPC 8/31/24

What Grant Writers Need to Know About State Registration

Ever feel like navigating state regulations is like trying to find hidden treasure on a map? Well, in the world of grant writing, state registration is the X that marks the spot! Securing grants is the lifeline for many nonprofits, fueling the programs and services that make a real difference. But with the ever-changing landscape of regulations, it’s easy to overlook one crucial step—state registration. In this post, we’re diving into the ins and outs of state registration and why getting it right is your key to unlocking more funding opportunities!

Allison Welch, M.Ed., GPC 7/12/24 Allison Welch, M.Ed., GPC 7/12/24

What is Grant Writing Like as a Career?

Did you ever want to know what being a grant writer is like?

Most people who become grant writers don’t start with that plan in mind. Like me…I was a social worker. I worked for the State of Washington right out of college and later as a case manager at a homeless shelter in Honolulu. Grant writing happened by chance.

Allison Welch, M.Ed., GPC 7/9/24 Allison Welch, M.Ed., GPC 7/9/24

Why I Pursued a Certificate in Grant Writing

One of my former students surprised me today! She wrote about her experience as a student in my course. Sonja Pringle was in the Winter 2024 learning cohort. As a recent college graduate from Washington State University with a major in English, she’s a natural writer who wanted to put her writing skills to good use. I can’t think of a better way to do just that than writing grants that help our community thrive. Here is her story…-Allison

Allison Welch, M.Ed., GPC 3/26/24 Allison Welch, M.Ed., GPC 3/26/24

Best Grant Research Databases of 2024

One of the questions I’m asked frequently is where do you find grant opportunities?

Are you running out of grant opportunities? Does it seem like every time you search for grants, you can only find a few opportunities that are a good fit? Here is a startling fact:

Allison Welch, M.Ed., GPC 2/16/24 Allison Welch, M.Ed., GPC 2/16/24

Will You Write My Grant on Commission? Nope. Here's Why...

Over my years of grant writing, you'd be surprised how often I would meet with a prospective client, and they would ask me to write a grant for them on commission. Why don't grant writers work on commission? The simple answer is that the grant writer does the work whether or not the grant is awarded and deserves compensation for their time and skill.

Allison Welch, M.Ed., GPC 2/12/24 Allison Welch, M.Ed., GPC 2/12/24

Understanding Different Certifications for Grant Writing

A Certificate in Grant Writing is a professional certification - a certification that demonstrates that you have learned a specific skill. Earning a Certificate in Grant Writing means you have learned how to craft successful grant proposals, where to find grant opportunities, build relationships with grantmakers, ethics, research strategy, and some aspects of grants management.

Allison Welch, M.Ed., GPC 12/20/23 Allison Welch, M.Ed., GPC 12/20/23

The Art of the Phone Call: How to Stand Out With Funders

In today's world of high-speed communications, it can be hard to make a meaningful connection. Remembering the art of the personal phone call is a great way to stand out in the crowd. Here are some tips when reaching out to a potential funder by phone.

Allison Welch, M.Ed., GPC 11/23/23 Allison Welch, M.Ed., GPC 11/23/23

Ten Ways to Make Your Grant Writer’s Time Count

Nonprofit organizations that use freelance grantwriters are making a smart investment in their fund development, especially when they use their freelancer's time effectively. Here are ten tips to make the most of your grantwriter's time.

Allison Welch, M.Ed., GPC 10/2/23 Allison Welch, M.Ed., GPC 10/2/23

Tips for Seeking First-Time Support

Nonprofits approaching a foundation for support for the first time often are asked, "Who else is at the table?" That's because foundations and corporate grantmakers are more likely to fund a program or project that others have deemed worthy of support. But as any grantwriter or development professional knows, it's not easy to get a funder to actually sit at the table. Here are a few tips designed to help you demonstrate to potential first-time funders that your project or program merits their support...

Allison Welch, M.Ed., GPC 9/22/23 Allison Welch, M.Ed., GPC 9/22/23

Six Ways to Make Your Volunteer Board Members Feel Appreciated

A new generation is making its presence felt, and its members are eager to give more than just their hard-earned money. They want to give their time and talent, to get down in the trenches and serve on boards. They want their ideas to be taken seriously, put into action, and reported back on with charts and graphs. Oh, and they want to be appreciated and recognized for their efforts and contributions to your cause or organization.

What's that? You're too busy to let your volunteer board members know their efforts are appreciated? You might want to rethink that. Before you start planning your next volunteer appreciation event, run through this checklist of things you can do to show you care.

Allison Welch, M.Ed., GPC 8/25/23 Allison Welch, M.Ed., GPC 8/25/23

Throwing in the Towel

You know that foundation that never returns your calls? The one you keep sending proposals to that never responds? You've poured over the foundation's 990-PF and its Foundation Directory Online profile. You've scoured the Web for information about its staff and giving. And everything you've found gives you reason to believe that if the good people at the foundation would just read your proposal, they'd want to invest in your organization. But you're still hanging on the telephone. Before you throw in the towel and decide to invest your time elsewhere, here are some things to keep in mind