GrantTalk

GrantTalk Ep 47 | How One Nonprofit Got $4,500 to Build Ramps for Seniors and Veterans | RiverLife

GrantTalk is back with another powerful episode, hosted by Libby Hikind, Founder and CEO of GrantWatch.com, and author of The Queen of Grants! 👑
📚 In this episode, Libby sits down with Melanie Reeves, Executive Director of RiverLife.
This Georgia-based nonprofit has transformed lives through wheelchair ramps, home repairs, disaster relief, and compassionate volunteer service
. 💪🏽🏡✨ 💬 Melanie shares how RiverLife mobilizes volunteers to meet critical needs for seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities — and how they secured a $4,500 grant through GrantWatch to build five wheelchair ramps that helped individuals like 83-year-old Miss Mary regain access to her church and community.
They explore:
✅ How RiverLife was born from Melanie’s vision to bring church and community together
✅ The powerful impact of a single wheelchair ramp on someone’s independence ✅ RiverLife’s rapid grant success after subscribing to GrantWatch
✅ Their collaborative, faith-driven approach to volunteer mobilization
✅ Lessons from their response to a devastating EF4 tornado — and how it shaped their disaster relief program
✅ Tips for writing grants that align with a funder’s mission and values
🎯 Plus: Libby dives into how RiverLife is building internal grant writing capacity, and how their very first grant created a cascade effect that positions them for even greater funding success.
📅 Current Grant Opportunity: The Ramlose Foundation Grant offers up to $6,000 to nonprofits in Georgia and other New England states for human services, special needs, and community impact. Deadline: August 31, 2025. GrantWatch ID: #214675 🔗 Links & Resources:
💸 Ramlose Foundation Grant via GrantWatch: https://www.grantwatch.com/grant/214675
🌐 RiverLife Website: https://livetheriverlife.com/ 📬 Contact Melanie Reeves: mreeves@livetheriverlife.com
📖 Libby’s Book – The Queen of Grants: https://www.grantwatch.com/book
🔍 Search More Grants on GrantWatch: https://www.grantwatch.com
📱 Follow RiverLife on Instagram: @livetheriverlife

GrantTalk Ep 46 | $200K in Grants for Arts and Science Immigrant Organizations, The Vilcek Foundation

GrantTalk is back with another powerful episode, hosted by Libby Hikind, Founder and CEO of GrantWatch.com, and author of The Queen of Grants! 👑
📚 In this episode, Libby sits down with Elizabeth (Liz) Boylan, Grants Officer at The Vilcek Foundation. This private operating foundation celebrates the vital contributions of immigrants to the arts and sciences in the United States. 🌎🎨🧬
💬 Liz shares how the foundation not only uplifts immigrant voices through grant funding but also awards unrestricted $200,000 prizes to outstanding foreign-born artists, curators, and scientists whose work shapes American culture and progress. They explore:
✅ The origins of The Vilcek Foundation and its immigrant founders’ vision
✅ How nonprofits can apply for grants to support immigrant artists and communities
✅ Who qualifies for the $200K Vilcek Prizes, and how recipients are selected
✅ The foundation’s commitment to Native American land acknowledgment and inclusive exchange
✅ Real examples of immigrant excellence — from visual arts to biomedical science
✅ The kinds of projects that excite the foundation most and what they’re looking for in future grantees
🎯 Plus: Libby asks how posting the grant on GrantWatch.com has helped the foundation spread its mission and reach more nonprofits across the U.S. and its territories.
📅 Current Grant Opportunity: Open now through June 30, 2025, for nonprofits supporting immigrant artists! Grants promote diversity in the arts, sciences, education, and humanities.
🔗 Links & Resources:
💸 Vilcek Foundation Immigrant Artists Grant (via GrantWatch): https://www.grantwatch.com/grant/218157
🌐 The Vilcek Foundation Website: https://vilcek.org/
📬 Contact Liz Boylan: elizabeth.boylan@vilcek.org
🔍 Find More Grants on GrantWatch: https://www.grantwatch.com
📖 Libby’s Book – The Queen of Grants: https://www.grantwatch.com/book

GrantTalk Ep 45 | FFP Connects Nonprofits with Pro Bono Certified Financial Planners (CFPs)

GrantTalk is back with another insightful episode, hosted by Libby Hikind — Founder and CEO of GrantWatch.com, and author of The Queen of Grants! 👑📚
In this episode, Libby sits with Rachel Roth, Senior Director of Grants and Programs at the Foundation for Financial Planning (FFP). This national nonprofit funds programs offering pro bono financial planning to people in need. 💸🤝
💬 Rachel shares how FFP empowers nonprofits nationwide by connecting them with Certified Financial Planner professionals (CFPs) who volunteer to help underserved communities, including cancer patients, natural disaster survivors, exonerees, first-time homebuyers, and more.
 
They explore:
✅ How nonprofits can apply for FFP’s grants
✅ Who qualifies for pro bono financial planning
✅ Real stories — like a man exonerated after 34 years in prison, now getting back on his feet 💡 ✅ How students, parents, and communities benefit from access to financial guidance
✅ Why pro bono planners are a “missing puzzle piece” in the social service ecosystem 🧩 🔥 Libby also introduces her new children’s book, Twig Literacy — a charming tale about beavers and borrowing, written to instill early financial values in kids (and their parents!). 🦫💰
🎯 Plus: Learn how to leverage ProBonoPlannerMatch.org and recruit certified financial planners to support your nonprofit mission even without a grant.
📅 FFP’s current grant cycle is open now — with awards ranging from $10,000 to $40,000 for 2026 funding! Don’t miss the opportunity to boost your financial empowerment programs!
 
🔗 Links & Resources:
💸Free Financial Planning Services Grant: https://www.grantwatch.com/grant/154376/grants-to-usa-organizations-to-provide-free-financial-planning-services-to-underserved-populations.html 🌐 Foundation for Financial Planning: https://ffpprobono.org
📬 Contact Rachel Roth: rroth@ffpprobono.org
🔍 Find Grants on GrantWatch: https://www.grantwatch.com
🧠 Pro Bono Planner Match: https://probonoplannermatch.org
📖 Libby’s Book – Twig Literacy: https://a.co/d/6DZzlaJ

GrantTalk Ep 44 | From Combat to Compassion, Serving Vets with Grants, Grit and America Cares Too

GrantTalk is back with an exciting new episode, hosted by Libby Hikind, Founder and CEO of GrantWatch.com and author of The Queen of Grants!
📚✨ Today, Libby sits down with Homer Lee Bizzle III, a disabled veteran and the Founder, President, and CEO of America Cares II 🇺🇸
💙 — a nonprofit that makes a difference for veterans facing food insecurity, housing issues, and mental health challenges.
🔥 Homer shares how he secured over $32,500 in grant funding (plus in-kind donations!) using GrantWatch, and how his organization is helping veterans in Cook County and beyond!
🏡🛡️ They touch on: Homer’s personal journey from service to service The importance of mental health and housing support for veterans How one person’s mission can drive real change
🙌 💬 Homer’s success stories include grants from Pillars of Giving, Louder Than Words, CSX Corp, and more!
🎯 Plus: Hear about Libby’s new children’s book, Why Don’t You Fly Sky? — encouraging resilience in kids AND adults
🕊️ 👉 Don’t miss this powerful conversation! Learn how finding the right grants can help YOU make an impact, too.
🔗 Links & Resources:
🌐 America Cares II Website: https://americacarestoo.ning.com/
🔍 Find Grants on GrantWatch: https://www.grantwatch.com/
📖 Why Don’t You Fly Sky? Book Info:
Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DVG497NC/ref=nosim?tag=granttalk-20
Barnes & Noble - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/why-wont-you-fly-sky-libby-hikind/1146905896?ean=9798992112337
🎁 Grant Opportunities Mentioned: • Pillars of Giving – https://www.grantwatch.com/grant/203246/grants-to-illinois-nonprofits-in-eligible-locations-to-promote-and-address-inclusion-for-underserved-residents.html
• Louder Than Words – https://www.grantwatch.com/grant/194962/grants-to-indiana-nonprofits-to-benefit-diverse-communities-and-reduce-discrimination.html
• CSX Corp Grants – https://www.grantwatch.com/grant/184771/grants-to-usa-and-canada-nonprofits-agencies-and-schools-in-eligible-regions-to-support-veterans-active-military-first-responders-and-families.html
• Andrew and Alice Fischer Charitable Trust Fund –https://www.grantwatch.com/grant/218747/grants-to-illinois-nonprofits-in-eligible-locations-for-programs-to-benefit-residents.html
🎥 Watch now! 👍 Like, 💬 Comment, and
🔔 Subscribe for more inspiring stories on GrantTalk!
#veteransupport #disabledveterans #nonprofitorganization #veteransassistance #grantfunding #grantwatch #americacarestoo #veteransmentalhealth #foodinsecurity #veteranshousing #granttalk #libbyhikind #communityoutreach #veteransadvocacy #cookcountyveterans #veteransservices #mentalhealthawareness #supportourveterans #nonprofitgrants #veteransrights

GrantTalk Ep 43 | The Community Fund of Ohio is Empowering the Disabled with Grants | Sharon McGraw

In this episode of GrantTalk, host Libby Hikind chats with Sharon McGraw, Ed.D, Grant Program Officer at Community Fund Ohio, about how the foundation supports people with disabilities through targeted funding for individuals and nonprofits. 🧠🏠
🎯 Quick Overview
📍 Location: Ohio
💰 Grant Pool (2024): $700,000+
🙋‍♂️ Individuals: $2,500–$7,500
🏢 Nonprofits: Up to $25,000
📆 Cycles: Quarterly (individuals) & Semi-annual (nonprofits)
🗓️ Next Round Opens: February 2025 Community Fund Ohio offers two types of grants to individuals, depending on benefit status, and awards larger grants to nonprofits working in the disability space. Sharon also shares insight on how the grant cycle is evolving, tips for strong applications, and how their process centers transparency and accessibility. 📝✨
🔗 Grant Links:
• Individual Grant: https://www.grantwatch.com/grant/215740/grant.html
• Nonprofit Grant: https://www.grantwatch.com/grant/216154/grant.html
• Community Fund Grant: https://www.grantwatch.com/grant/216153/grant.html
🎧 More from GrantTalk:
📖 The Queen of Grants Book: https://www.grantwatch.com/book
🎙️ GrantTalk Episodes: https://www.grantwatch.com/granttalk/
🌐 Subscribe to GrantWatch: https://www.youtube.com/@Grantwatch
If you’re in Ohio and working in disability advocacy, this episode is a must-listen! 🙌
#OhioGrants #DisabilityFunding #GrantTalkPodcast #GrantWatch #Nonprofits #AccessibilityMatters #InclusiveFunding #SharonMcGraw #CommunityFundOhio #GrantsForGood #GrantTips

🎙️ GrantTalk Ep 42 | CLIR Digitization Grants Preserve History | Alyson Pope - Sharon M. Burney

In this episode of GrantTalk, host Libby Hikind, Founder & CEO of GrantWatch.com, sits down with Alyson Pope and Sharon M. Burney, Program Officers at the Council on Library and Information Resources (CLIR), to explore how grant funding is transforming the preservation of at-risk historical collections. 📚🎥
🗂️ CLIR Grants at a Glance:
📌 Digitizing Hidden Collections, Amplifying Unheard Voices
💰 Funding Range: $50,000 - $350,000
📆 Deadline: October 30
🔄 Two-step application process
🎯 Focus: Preserving materials from marginalized communities
📌 Recordings at Risk Grant
💰 Funding Range: $10,000 - $50,000
🎯 Focus: Digitizing at-risk audiovisual collections
🎖️ CLIR's Impact:
🌍 Funded by the Mellon Foundation, CLIR is a re-granting organization supporting libraries, archives, and cultural institutions in their mission to safeguard history. A rigorous independent review panel ensures a competitive and transparent selection process, with feedback provided to all applicants.
🏆 Notable Projects Include:
📜 COVID-19 prison communication archives
🔊 Indigenous treaty oral histories
⚖️ Historical state legal records
💡 Key Takeaways for Grant Seekers:
✅ Visit www.clir.org for guidelines
📺 Watch CLIR’s application support webinar series
👩‍⚖️ Consider becoming a grant reviewer for future funding cycles
📌 If you’re an archivist, historian, or nonprofit looking to preserve cultural heritage, this episode is packed with valuable insights!
🔗 GrantTalk Links:
📖 The Queen of Grants - www.grantwatch.com/book
 
🎙️ GrantTalk Podcast - www.grantwatch.com/granttalk/
🌐 GrantWatch Subscriptions - www.grantwatch.com/
🔗 Grant Opportunities Mentioned:
🎥 Recordings at Risk Grant: www.grantwatch.com/grant/187337/grants-to-usa-nonprofits-agencies-and-tribes-to-preserve-audio-and-video-media.html
📜 Digitizing Hidden Collections Grant: www.grantwatch.com/grant/195724/grants-to-usa-and-canada-nonprofit-academic-and-community-based-organizations-to-create-digital-historical-and-cultural-content.html
🏛️ Council on Library and Information Resources (CLIR): www.clir.org
📢 Watch now & discover how grant funding is safeguarding history!
 
#digitization #librarygrants #archives #granttalkpodcast #grantwatch #historicpreservation #fundingopportunities #libbyhikind #culturalheritage #nonprofits #historymatters #digitizinghistory #audiovisualarchives #museumfunding #historicalrecords #oralhistory #grantsfornonprofits #preservingculture #humanitiesfunding #archivists #grantsforlibraries #clir #preservethepast

🎙️ GrantTalk Ep 41 | FFAR Is Fueling Innovation with Agricultural Grants | Magda Galindo

🌱 How Do Grants Fuel Breakthroughs in Agriculture? 🚜
🎙️✨In this exciting episode of GrantTalk, the podcast that’s all about grants, grant seekers, and funder insights, your host, 💖Libby Hikind, Founder & CEO of 💡 GrantWatch.com, visits with Magda Galindo, Director of Grants Management at FFAR, to uncover how grant-funded partnerships are revolutionizing food and agriculture! 🌽 🐖 🤝
🌾💡 From funding groundbreaking research to tackling real-world farming challenges, FFAR connects 💵funders, 🧪scientists, and 🌱farmers to create a more sustainable and productive agricultural future. 🤝
FFAR’s funding focuses on four key areas:
🌾 Thriving Production Systems – Improving crops, livestock, and farm resilience
🌍 Sustainable Agroecosystems – Promoting eco-friendly agricultural practices
🥗 Healthy Food Systems – Enhancing nutrition and food safety
🔬 Scientific Workforce Development – Training the next generation of agricultural researchers
 
🏵️ 📝 Unlike many grantmakers, FFAR doesn’t follow a strict annual funding cycle. Grants are posted as funding becomes available. That’s why staying updated through 💡GrantWatch is essential for researchers seeking new opportunities!
💰 Grant Highlight:
✅ Food Supply or Agricultural Sector #193965
✅Workforce Development Activities #193963
📌 If you're a researcher, industry professional, or just passionate about sustainable agriculture, this episode is packed with valuable insights!
GrantTalk Links:
•📖 The Queen of Grants - https://www.grantwatch.com/book
•🎙️ GrantTalk Podcast - https://www.grantwatch.com/granttalk/
•🌐 GrantWatch Subscriptions - https://www.grantwatch.com/ FFAR grants on GrantWatch:
• https://www.grantwatch.com/grant/193963/fellowships-to-usa-and-canada-phd-students-to- support-workforce-development-activities.html
• https://www.grantwatch.com/grant/215377/grants-to-usa-and-netherlands-researchers-to-address-sustainable-food-production-systems.html
• https://www.grantwatch.com/grant/215377/grants-to-usa-and-netherlands-researchers-to-address-sustainable-food-production-systems.html FFAR Contact Information:
•📲 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/FoundationFAR/
•💼 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/foundationfar/
•🆇 X - https://x.com/FoundationFAR
•🌐 FFAR - https://foundationfar.org
📢 Watch now & discover how grant funding is shaping the future of agriculture!
#agriculturalresearch #ecosystems #crops #animalhealth #environment #federalfunding #foodmanufacturing #grants #granttalkpodcast #grantwatch #letterofintent #libbyhikind #contributions #nonprofits #ongoinggrantopportunities #prizesandcompetitions #scientific #workforce e

GrantTalk Ep 40 | Artist-in-Residence Grants | Alexis Hyde, Director of Art & Outreach, Quinn Emanuel

🎨 Supporting Artists in Law Firm Spaces: The Quinn Emanuel Artist in Residence Program
In this episode, Libby Hikind, Founder & CEO of GrantWatch.com, sits down with Alexis Hyde, Director of Art and Outreach at Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP ⚖️, to discuss a unique grant-funded opportunity for artists.
Quinn Emanuel’s Artist in Residence Program provides emerging and mid-career artists 🎨 with a four-month studio residency in one of their participating offices in Los Angeles, New York, or London. Selected artists receive:
💰 $5,000 per month (totaling $20,000)
🎨 $1,500 materials allowance
🏢 Studio space in a law firm setting
🖼️ An end-of-residency exhibition, with at least one artwork becoming part of the firm’s permanent collection
🌟 Topics Covered:
✅ How law firms are funding artists through residencies
✅ What makes this program unique for emerging and mid-career artists
✅ The impact of corporate-sponsored art initiatives
✅ How to apply for the next residency cycle
📌 Whether you're an artist looking for funding, an arts advocate, or just love seeing creative initiatives thrive, this episode is packed with insights!
📢 Watch now & explore this exciting opportunity!
🔗 Links & Resources:
🖼️ Quinn Emanuel Artist in Residence Program: https://www.quinnemanuel.com/
📲 Connect with Quinn Emanuel:
https://www.facebook.com/QETrialLawyers/ https://x.com/quinnemanuel https://www.linkedin.com/company/quinn-emanuel/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuAVJTZ1TkX9gPmf5ciJSjA
 
#ArtistResidency #ArtsFunding #EmergingArtists #MidCareerArtists #CreativeOpportunities #CorporateArts #QuinnEmanuel #StudioResidency #GrantTalkPodcast #GrantWatch

GrantTalk Ep 39 | Applying for Community Foundation Grants | Ryanne Jennings CEO The Wayne County CF

🔑 Learn about community foundations in this episode. Hear the behind the scenes activity of approving grants and where these foundations get the money to fund unique projects.
In this episode, Libby Hikind, Founder & CEO of GrantWatch.com, sits down with Ryanne Jennings, President & CEO of The Wayne County Community Foundation 🏡 in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Ryanne shares how The Wayne County Community Foundation channels resources into scholarship funds 🎓, donor-advised funds 💡, and field-of-interest funds 🌱 to support local nonprofits tackling education 📚, workforce development 🏗️, substance use disorder 💊, housing 🏠, and more. Plus, discover how a 200-year-old bequest from Ben Franklin 🏛️ helped lay the foundation for The Wayne County Community Foundation’s incredible legacy!
🌟 Topics Covered:
✅ The power of pooled community resources
✅ Grant opportunities for nonprofits
✅ Faith-based funding for community initiatives
✅ Emergency grants & donor-advised funds
✅ The thoughtful vetting process behind The Wayne County Community Foundation grants
 
📌 Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, grant seeker, or philanthropist, this episode is packed with insights on sustainable giving and impactful grantmaking.
📢 Watch now & be inspired to make a difference! 🔗 Links & Resources: Grants available now on GrantWatch:
https://www.grantwatch.com/foundation-grants.php https://www.grantwatch.com/grant/175769/grants-to-pennsylvania-nonprofits-in-eligible-regions-for-programs-to-benefit-residents.html
🌐 The Wayne County Community Foundation:
Website: https://www.waynefoundation.org/
Facebook: waynecountycommunityfoundation
Instagram: waynecountycommunityfoundation
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wayne-county-community-foundation
#communityfoundations #donoradvisedfunds #Education #emergencyfund 🚨 #grantmakingprocess 🔍 #GrantTalkPodcast 🎤 #GrantWatch💡#housing 🏠 #infrastructureupgrades 🏗️ #LibbyHikind 💖 #longtermcommunityneeds #nonprofits 🤲 #Pennsylvania #philanthropy #scholarshipfunds 🎓 #smalldonations 💵 #substanceusedisorder 💜 #supportlocalnonprofits #transportation 🚌 #workforcedevelopment 👩‍🏭

GrantTalk Ep 38 | Grants For STEM Education and K-12 Students | Dr. Allison Hamilton Molnar CNTA

🎓Grants for Teachers: Teachers, are you looking for funding to support STEM education in your classroom? CNTA provides grants up to $500 to support hands-on STEM projects for K-12 educators in eastern Georgia and western South Carolina.
 
Description: Ever wondered what happens after you hit "submit" on a grant application? In this episode of GrantTalk, host Libby Hikind sits down with Dr. Allison Hamilton from the Citizens for Nuclear Technology Awareness (CNTA) to uncover what happens behind the scenes when applying for grants. Whether you're a teacher looking for classroom funding or a student entering an essay contest, this episode is packed with insider knowledge on winning grants and scholarships!
📌 What You Need to Know:
✅ Open to K-12 teachers, including public, private, and charter schools
✅ Focus on STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
✅ Preference for projects with sustained impact beyond a one-time activity
✅ Must include a budget, measurable outcomes, and alignment with state STEM standards
✅ Grant cycle runs October to February, with awards announced in the spring
 
💡 Example Project: One successful grant helped students study how radiation exposure affects plant growth, using X-rays from a parent working at an urgent care center! 🌱🔬
 
📢 Interested? Watch the full episode to learn how to write a strong grant application and increase your chances of securing funding!
✍️ High School Student Essay Contest: Are you a high school junior or senior with an interest in nuclear technology, energy, or space exploration? CNTA's annual essay contest offers cash prizes between $500 and $1,000 to students who research and write on key nuclear-related topics.
📌 Essay Details:
 
✅ Open to high school juniors and seniors
✅ Topics change each year – past topics have included: The role of nuclear technology in Mars colonization The future of nuclear energy in sustainability The impact of radiation in medicine and food safety
✅ Essays must be 1,000-1,500 words and well-researched
✅ Entries are reviewed by a panel of judges, with multiple winners each year
✅ Awards can be used for college tuition or technical school expenses
🛑 AI & Plagiarism Warning: All essays are checked for originality. Judges look for authentic student research and writing—AI-generated content won’t pass!
💰 Want to win scholarship money? Watch this episode for expert tips on writing a standout essay!
🔗 Useful Links:
📢 Check Out Grant Opportunities for Teachers → https://www.grantwatch.com/grant/199194/grants-to-georgia-and-south-carolina-k-teachers-in-eligible-counties-for-stem-related-education-projects.html
https://www.grantwatch.com/grant/199194/grants-to-georgia-and-south-carolina-k-teachers-in-eligible-counties-for-stem-related-education-projects.html
📢 Learn More About the Essay Contest → https://cntaware.org/
📢 #GrantWriting #TeacherGrants #STEMFunding #EssayContest #Education #Scholarships #GrantTalk #GrantWatch #EducationGrants #Scholarships #NonprofitFunding #EducationMatters #STEMEducation #GrantWriters #ClassroomGrants #StudentSuccess #FundingOpportunities #GrantTalk #WinningGrants #TeacherSupport #EssayContest #HighSchoolScholarships #FundingForEducators #CollegeScholarships #AcademicExcellence #NonprofitSupport #EducationInnovation #FutureLeaders #SchoolFunding #STEMOpportunities #ScienceEducation #EdTech #LearningMatters #NonprofitResources #ScholarshipOpportunities #GrantsForSchools #ClassroomInnovation #FundYourProject #EdFunding #EssayWritingTips