GrantTalk
GrantTalk: Listen to Grant Success Stories and Grant Funders
GrantTalk explores the positive impact grants have on people, communities, and programs. We talk to nonprofit leaders, business executives, and development directors who have navigated the grant application process, sharing their challenges and triumphs. Our podcast also features conversations with a variety of funding sources (grantmakers), offering insights into what they look for in successful grant applications. Join us on GrantTalk to hear inspiring stories and gain valuable tips for making a difference through grants.
Episodes

Aug 10, 2026
Aug 10, 2026
15 min
Interested in fellowship grants for medical research? In GrantTalk Episode 57, Libby Hikind, Founder and CEO of GrantWatch, sits down with Laura Douglas, Grant Program Manager at the Arthritis National Research Foundation (ANRF), to discuss how fellowship funding helps advance arthritis and autoimmune disease research.
In this episode, you'll learn:
What a research fellowship is and who qualifies
How ANRF's grant application and review process works
Common mistakes applicants make
Tips for writing stronger grant proposals
Why letters of support and clear project organization matter
Funding opportunities for arthritis and autoimmune disease research
How GrantWatch helps connect funders with qualified applicants
Whether you're a physician, researcher, grant writer, or nonprofit professional, this episode offers practical advice that applies to many types of grant applications.
๐ Learn more about GrantWatch: https://www.grantwatch.com๐ Arthritis National Research Foundation: https://curearthritis.org
๐ If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more GrantTalk interviews featuring grantmakers, funders, and grant professionals.

Aug 6, 2026
Aug 6, 2026
22 min
How can a small community secure funding for life-saving equipment, major community projects, and long-term growth? In this episode of Grant Talk, host Libby Hikind sits down with City Manager, Jessica Garcia, and Fire Chief, Cory Snowgren, to discuss how the City of Denison has successfully used grants to fund critical community initiatives.Learn how Denison secured funding for grain bin rescue equipment that could save lives during agricultural emergencies and how the city is bringing an ambitious $18.5 million wellness center project to life through diversified funding and strategic partnerships. In this episode, you'll discover: โ How to find grants that fit your project โ Why partnerships increase grant success โ The importance of sustainability in grant-funded programs โ Tips for researching and writing stronger grant applications โ How communities can diversify funding sources โ Real-world examples of successful grant projects Whether you're a nonprofit leader, municipal official, educator, firefighter, or grant writer, this conversation offers practical insights you can apply to your own funding efforts. ๐ Learn more about GrantWatch and search thousands of grants: GrantWatch ๐ Explore The Queen of Grants book series: GrantWatch Books ๐๏ธ Subscribe for more Grant Talk interviews featuring successful grant recipients, funders, nonprofit leaders, and grant writing experts.

Aug 6, 2026
Aug 6, 2026
14 min
What happens when horses become healers? In this episode of GrantTalk, hosted by GrantWatch Founder and CEO Libby Hikind, we sit down with Day Iseminger of Woerth It Hollow, a nonprofit helping veterans and individuals with disabilities through equine-assisted programs, farming activities, and volunteer opportunities. Day shares how the organization grew from a volunteer effort into a life-changing nonprofit where horses help participants build confidence, reduce stress, learn practical skills, and find connection and purpose. In this episode, youโll learn:
How equine therapy supports veterans and individuals with disabilities
Why horses can help reduce anxiety and build emotional connection
How nonprofits can start small and grow through grants
The importance of volunteerism and community support
How farming and animal care create meaningful life skills
If you are a nonprofit leader, grant seeker, veteran advocate, or simply love stories about organizations making a difference, this episode is for you. Subscribe for more GrantTalk interviews featuring nonprofits, grant success stories, and funding insights. ๐ Learn more about Worth It Hollow: Worth It Hollow Official Website ๐ Explore thousands of grant opportunities: GrantWatch.com ๐ Books by Libby Hikind: The Queen of Grants The Queen of Grants IIย

May 3, 2026
May 3, 2026
22 min
In this episode of GrantTalk, Libby Hikind, founder and CEO of GrantWatch, sits down with Margaret Leverett, President of the Board of Directors of the CHC Foundation, to reveal what funders really look for when reviewing grant applications. If you have ever wondered why some grants get funded while others are rejected, this conversation gives you a rare behind-the-scenes look directly from a foundation decision-maker. You will learn: - What foundations evaluate when reviewing grant proposals - Why establishing need is the most important part of your application - How budgets, bids, and financials impact funding decisions - What happens after you submit your grant (including site visits) - Common mistakes that can disqualify your application - Why you should never spend money before receiving a grant award - How partnerships and โskin in the gameโ improve your chances Even if you are not applying to this specific foundation, these insights apply to grant applications across nonprofits, schools, municipalities, and organizations of all sizes. Grant writing is not just about filling out forms. It is about telling a clear, compelling story that funders believe in and trust. ๐ Looking for grants? Explore thousands of verified funding opportunities on GrantWatch: ๐ https://grantwatch.com/ ๐ง Try GrantWatchโs AI-powered tools to streamline your process, stay organized, and improve your proposals. ๐ Get the book The Queen of Grants: ๐ https://grantwatch.com/book
May 3, 2026
May 3, 2026
26 min
n this episode of GrantTalk, GrantWatch Founder & CEO Libby Hikind sits down with Mike Chamberlain, CEO of the Grant Professionals Association (GPA), to uncover what it really takes to succeed in grant writing. They discuss how grant professionals find the right funding opportunities, why matching the right grant matters, how GPA supports grant writers with community and training, and how nonprofits can avoid wasting time on the wrong grants. The conversation also touches on the ethical use of AI in grant writing and how tools like GrantWatch help streamline grant research. ๐ Subscribe for weekly nonprofit funding insights ๐ Search thousands of live grant opportunities at GrantWatch.com ๐ Join GPA: https://grantprofessionals.org (membership details there) ๐ Libby's book The Queen of Grants: https://libbyhikind.com/book/the-queen-of-grants/ #GrantWriting #NonprofitFunding #GrantProfessionals #GPA #GrantWatch #GrantTalk #GrantsForNonprofits #AIinGrants

Feb 18, 2026
Feb 18, 2026
26 min
What does it really take to get funding as a woman entrepreneur and how do you know if youโre ready? In this episode of GrantTalk, host Libby Hikind, founder of GrantWatch.com, speaks with Soon Hagerty, co-founder of Boundless Futures Foundation, a nonprofit awarding $10,000โ$30,000 grants to early-stage female founders and $100,000 grants to mission-led nonprofits. Soonโs journey from fleeing Vietnam as a child to becoming an entrepreneur, restaurant owner, and philanthropic leader is a masterclass in grit, clarity, and heart. Youโll learn:
What funders actually look for in a grant applicant
Why AI can support grant writing but canโt replace passion or capacity
How motherhood and business fuel each other (even when it feels impossible)
Why mentorship and community are just as valuable as funding
The mindset shift every founder needs: Start anyway
If youโre dreaming of launching a business, searching for grants, or building something that matters, this is your sign.

Feb 10, 2026
Feb 10, 2026
27 min
Welcome to another captivating episode of GrantTalk, powered by GrantWatch, with your host Libby Hikind! ย Join us as we explore grants and grant writing from every angle. In todayโs episode, we are joined by Dina Ray, the Director of Development at But God Ministries. Dina tells us all about the wonderful work her faith-based nonprofit organization does to elevate underserved communities. From the political chaos of Haiti to the Mississippi Delta, But God Ministries continually strives to help provide basic human necessities according to their own unique model. They offer spiritual guidance, medical care, education, housing, economic relief, and food to anyone in need. Youโll learn how Dina brilliantly navigates the grant funding landscape to find the grants she needs and how she cultivates lasting relationships with her funders. Finally, she and Libby trade tips and hacks that make finding grants on GrantWatch easier. So, settle in and prepare for an unforgettable audio adventure with Libby Hikind and GrantTalk.

Feb 10, 2026
Feb 10, 2026
20 min
๐ฒ Discover the Power of Trails with Trans Canada Trail on GrantTalk! ๐ Join host Libby Hikind, founder of GrantWatch.com and author of The Queen of Grants, as she dives into the world of trail funding with Ainsley Monroe and Heidi Tillmanns from Trans Canada Trail. Learn how this organization supports 30,000 km of trails across Canada, from hiking and cycling to indigenous-led projects and tree planting! ๐ดโโ๏ธ๐ณ In this episode, we explore: How to apply for Trans Canada Trail grants (up to $60,000!) for infrastructure, signage, and community projects. Insider grant writing tips to avoid common mistakes and boost your application success. The impact of trails on tourism, local economies, and mental health. Advice for U.S. organizations looking to fund similar trail projects through groups like American Trails. ๐ฅ Donโt miss out! Hit the SUBSCRIBE button and comment โtrailsโ below to stay updated on funding opportunities! Visit tctrail.ca for grant details and find more funding sources at GrantWatch.com. ๐ฅพ๐ฐย

Sep 10, 2025
Sep 10, 2025
18 min
Calling all arctic wildlife enthusiasts! โ๏ธโ๏ธ๐ปโโ๏ธ โก๏ธ In this episode of GrantTalk, Libby Hikind, founder and CEO of GrantWatch and author of The Queen of Grants, sits down with Elisabeth Kruger, Manager of Arctic Wildlife at the World Wildlife Fund, to uncover how enthusiasts of arctic wildlife, habitats, and communities can receive funding for their conservation research projects. ๐ผ ๐ About GrantWatch ๐ Libby Hikind, author of The Queen of Grants: From Teacher to Grant Writer to CEO, founded GrantWatch.com, the largest advanced grant search engine in the United States. The platform features over 10,000 active, verified, and human-curated grant opportunities in more than 60 funding categories. Additionally, it serves nonprofits, small businesses, government agencies, tribal governments, and individuals seeking grant funding. GrantWatch also offers innovative funding tools like the AI Grant Writing Tool, AI Grant Searching Tool, and My Grant Calendar, making it easier to find grants, track deadlines, and draft proposals. Members can upgrade to MemberPlus+ for complete grant details, eligibility criteria, and application information. With 21 powerful features, live customer support, and weekly GrantTalk podcast episodes, GrantWatch is the go-to resource for finding grants and turning funding opportunities into awarded grant. ๐ Subscribe for more episodes of GrantTalk and to never miss a new way to grow your business and network! Explore more about GrantWatch: https://www.grantwatch.com/ https://www.grantwatch.com/granttalk/ https://www.grantwatch.com/book

Aug 26, 2025
Aug 26, 2025
23 min
What happens when creativity meets community? ๐จ๐ฉฐ
โก๏ธ In this episode of GrantTalk, Libby Hikind, founder and CEO of GrantWatch and author of The Queen of Grants, sits down with Patty Eljaiek, Grants Coordinator for the Huntington Arts Council, to uncover how arts funding transforms lives, fuels local economies across Long Island, New York, and empowers artists to keep creating through fellowships, general operating support, and community impact grants. ๐ผ ๐ About GrantWatch ๐ Libby Hikind, author of The Queen of Grants: From Teacher to Grant Writer to CEO, founded GrantWatch.com, the largest advanced grant search engine in the United States. The platform features over 10,000 active, verified, and human-curated grant opportunities in more than 60 funding categories. Additionally, it serves nonprofits, small businesses, government agencies, tribal governments, and individuals seeking grant funding. GrantWatch also offers innovative funding tools like the AI Grant Writing Tool, AI Grant Searching Tool, and My Grant Calendar, making it easier to find grants, track deadlines, and draft proposals. Members can upgrade to MemberPlus+ for complete grant details, eligibility criteria, and application information. With 21 powerful features, live customer support, and weekly GrantTalk podcast episodes, GrantWatch is the go-to resource for finding grants and turning funding opportunities into awarded grant. ๐ Subscribe for more episodes of GrantTalk and to never miss a new way to grow your business and network! Explore more about GrantWatch: https://www.grantwatch.com/ https://www.grantwatch.com/granttalk/ https://www.grantwatch.com/book






