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 3/2/25 Allison Welch, M.Ed., GPC 3/2/25

What Degree is Good for Grant Writing?

Allison Welch, M.Ed., GPC 2/19/25 Allison Welch, M.Ed., GPC 2/19/25

How Long Does It Take to Learn Grant Writing?

So, you want to learn grant writing—but how long will it take before you can confidently write winning proposals? The answer depends on your dedication, writing skills, and hands-on experience, but one thing is certain: grant writing isn’t something you master overnight.

Allison Welch, M.Ed., GPC 2/4/25 Allison Welch, M.Ed., GPC 2/4/25

AI Prompts for Grant Writing

Allison Welch, M.Ed., GPC 1/28/25 Allison Welch, M.Ed., GPC 1/28/25

The Dark Side of AI and Grant Writing: Unveiling Its Environmental Impact

Allison Welch, M.Ed., GPC 1/21/25 Allison Welch, M.Ed., GPC 1/21/25

Harnessing AI in Grant Writing: Dare to Try?

Allison Welch, M.Ed., GPC 1/12/25 Allison Welch, M.Ed., GPC 1/12/25

Is a Grant Writing Class Worth It? It Depends.

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.