5 days ago

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