HELP!!! “How am I supposed to keep my program running when the staff have to stay home to care for their children, the teens in the program can’t attend their classes because the schools where we hold them are closed, and our ability to stay in contact depends on reliable internet…

Are you more like C3-PO or Han Solo? “Never tell me the odds.” Han Solo. You can talk yourself out of even trying if you’re not careful. When Han Solo is escaping capture by the Empire, he pilots his ship, the Millennium Falcon, towards an asteroid field. C3-PO tells him…

Which “Force” are you aligned with? “May the Force be with you.” Yoda This may be the most famous line from the entire Star Wars universe. The Force is a mysterious power. As expressed by Obi Wan Kenobi, the Force is “an energy field created by all living things. It surrounds us and penetrates us. …

What Grantwriters can Learn from Star Wars Stay on target!” Gold Five (Rebellion pilot) to other pilots attacking the Death Star Plans and goals are needed to move towards success. This is as true for writing grants as it is for attacking the Empire’s Death Star. It is vital to…

“Perhaps I can find new ways of motivating them.” “I assure you, Lord Vader, my men are working as fast as they can.” Imperial commander “Perhaps I can find new ways of motivating them.” Darth Vader Motivating people (even yourself) is tough. When you’re working in a team to get a grant proposal out the door, and you’re in…

What can grantwriters learn from Star Wars? “Help me Obi-Wan Kenobi! You’re my only hope!” Princess Leia Desperate people may call upon you (the grantwriter of your nonprofit) for rescue. Princess Leia (and the Rebellion) was in a difficult situation. Annihilation of their cause was on the horizon. She knew…

Current Grantwriters Share Their Experiences and Thoughts Current grantwriters love to help new grantwriters. They are willing to share their thoughts and ideas about all things grantwriting. Active grantwriters have been sharing with me their answers to questions about many different topics. I want to share what I’ve learned from…

Do we have to face horror to be successful? The opportunity inherent in being a grantwriter includes envisioning a better world, one that includes services that uplift people and programs that provide for urgent needs. But there’s that word-”needs”. That’s where the horror comes in. Children with their innocence stolen…

My Mother’s Advice Just Doesn’t Work! When I was in college, I once told my mother how busy I was and what the work demands were. Like mothers everywhere, she wanted to help, so she gave me the following advice: “Why don’t you just work ahead a little bit every day?” “Thanks, what a great idea…