BYB | Libby Hikind’s Inspiring Journey and Grant Writing Tips
Ready to be inspired and get some valuable grant writing tips? Then tune into the BYB interview on the GrantWatch website! Libby Hikind, the Founder and CEO of GrantWatch and the Author of The Queen of Grants: From Teacher to Grant Writer to CEO, recently joined Steven Shallenberger, the Founder and President of Synergy Companies and Becoming Your Best Global Leadership for an episode of the BYB podcast. It was an insightful and charming interview that covered topics like growth, leadership, grant writing, and making a difference. Get ready to follow Libby’s incredible rise from a special education teacher to the top of the grant world!
A Remarkable Journey
Libby is the founder and CEO of GrantWatch, the premier grant funding search engine that connects nonprofits, businesses, and individuals with over 230,000 monthly visitors. The website also boasts GrantNews, and fresh, engaging articles publish every day. In addition, her new podcast, GrantTalk features interviews with funding sources and grant recipients. It’s a treasure trove of insights into the grant process, offering tips from both sides of the funding equation. In the grant world, Libby Hikind is expert at her craft. In fact, her credibility and reputation precede her. She is continually invited, as a trusted expert, on TV news segments and a sought-after as a guest on podcasts and radio shows.
But it wasn’t always so. Libby’s career began far from the world of grants. She started as a Sunday School teacher at just 15. She pursued a career teaching special education in elementary school. In fact, it was this setting that provided the backdrop for her move into grant writing. It began with a need that Libby recognized and sought to correct. Faced with the challenge of helping her students pass New York State exams, she took her first step into the world of grant writing. With a grant from Tandy Radio Shack, Libby secured resources to support her students, marking the beginning of her illustrious career in the grant world.
The Queen of Grants
Libby’s new book, The Queen of Grants: From Teacher to Grant Writer to CEO, chronicles her incredible career journey. The book offers an in-depth look at her experiences and is filled with practical advice for anyone interested in grant writing. Libby breaks down the grant writing process into manageable sections. What’s more, she shares her personal tips and tricks, including her PMF (Passion Maps and Folders) technique for aligning goals, objectives, and activities. She also touches on the role of AI in the future of grant writing.
Libby’s Top Grant Writing Tips
For those new to the world of grants, or those looking to sharpen their skills, here are some of Libby’s invaluable tips:
- Follow Directions Meticulously
- Read every guideline carefully. Adhere to the specifications for page limits, character counts, and eligibility criteria.
- Stay Organized and Meet Deadlines
- Use a calendar to track milestones. Set short-term goals to manage your time effectively and avoid last-minute rushes.
- Understand the Needs of the Grant Provider
- Put yourself in the shoes of the funder. Understand their goals and craft your proposal to align with their objectives.
- Learn from Mistakes
- Everyone makes mistakes. Libby shares her early missteps, such as not spell-checking and exceeding page limits, to show that perseverance is key.
- Seek Feedback
- If your grant isn’t accepted, ask for feedback. Many funders will provide insights that can help you improve future proposals.
- Utilize Available Resources
- GrantWatch offers various tools like 990 reports, upcoming grants, and a grants calendar to aid your grant-seeking efforts.
Get Started with GrantWatch
GrantWatch offers a subscription-based service with four affordable pricing tiers: $18 per week, $45 per month, $90 per quarter, or $199 per year. Subscribers get access to a wealth of resources including grant listings, 990 reports, and tutorial videos. To explore these opportunities, visit GrantWatch and sign up for a subscription. You’ll find a variety of grants across 60 categories for nonprofits, small businesses, and even individuals.
Final Thoughts
Libby’s story shines a light on the power of following your passions and adapting to new opportunities. Her book, The Queen of Grants, GrantWatch, GrantNews, and GrantTalk all provide valuable resources for anyone looking to make a difference through grants. And finally, the grant insights and grant writing tips that Libby shares are worth their weight in gold!
About GrantWatch
With close to 8,000 grants currently available, GrantWatch.com is the leading grant listing directory. Upgrade to a MemberPlus+ subscription to view the full grant details, including eligibility criteria and application information. For more information, you can also visit the GrantWatch FAQ page. To see the great value of all 20 of the top GrantWatch features, click here. See the latest episode of GrantTalk, powered by GrantWatch, with host Libby Hikind. You don’t want to miss this. Visit us on YouTube weekly. Get your copy of The Queen of Grants: From Teacher to Grant Writer to CEO, by Libby Hikind.