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.

Category Navigation

Filter posts by topic: click any category below.

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.

Or search by keyword to find a specific post →

Professional Growth

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

Allison Welch, M.Ed., GPC 6/8/25 Allison Welch, M.Ed., GPC 6/8/25

8 Budget Tips to Strengthen Your Next Grant Proposal

A strong budget tells a powerful story. In grant writing, your budget isn't just about numbers; it's a reflection of your values, planning, and professionalism. When thoughtfully prepared, a grant budget can elevate your entire proposal and increase funders' confidence in your organization's ability to deliver.

Learn eight practical, strategy-driven tips to help you build smarter, more persuasive grant budgets, so your proposal stands out for all the right reasons.

Allison Welch, M.Ed., GPC 5/18/25 Allison Welch, M.Ed., GPC 5/18/25

Is Freelance Grant Writing Right for You?

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

2025 Overview of the Scientific Grant Writing Landscape

Allison Welch, M.Ed., GPC 5/4/25 Allison Welch, M.Ed., GPC 5/4/25

Crafting a Compelling Scientific Research Proposal

Allison Welch, M.Ed., GPC 4/19/25 Allison Welch, M.Ed., GPC 4/19/25

Best Grant Prospect Research Databases of 2025

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

We tested ten different grant research databases, also known as prospect reearch databases for grant writing and here are our recommendations.

Allison Welch, M.Ed., GPC 3/30/25 Allison Welch, M.Ed., GPC 3/30/25

Crafting Your Organization’s Journey in Grant Applications

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.