The Queen of Grants 2: GrantTalk Secrets for the New Era of Grant Writing

by Libby Hikind (Author)


The Queen of Grants 2: GrantTalk Secrets for the New Era of Grant Writing continues Libby Hikind's mission. She helps organizations strengthen their programs, expand their opportunities, and understand what supports successful funding. Drawing from decades of experience and more than fifty GrantTalk podcast interviews, Libby offers a clear and practical guide. As a result, readers can better navigate today?s competitive grant landscape.

Part I, GrantTalk Secrets, brings together insights from funders, grantees, nonprofit leaders, and subject-matter experts across the United States and Canada. Readers learn how decisions are made, what captures attention, and why strong proposals rise above the rest. This section covers program development, project design, needs statements, budgeting, evaluation, communication with funders, and the full lifecycle of a grant. Together, these topics provide a strong foundation for writing grants with clarity, confidence, and purpose.

Part II, Marketing and Visibility, explains why strong platforms must support strong programs. Here, Libby guides readers through branding, social media strategy, content creation, blogging, trending topics, and podcasting. In addition, this section helps organizations increase recognition, communicate their mission, and stand out in a crowded funding environment.

Part III, The 20 Day Platform Challenge, offers a behind-the-scenes look at the GrantWatch team. They complete a full website refresh on a tight timeline. Through daily journals and reflections, readers see how ideas take shape, how teams overcome obstacles, and how collaboration strengthens progress. As a result, this section provides a relatable model for teamwork, problem-solving, and organizational readiness.

Part IV, AI in Grant Writing, introduces new AI tools developed for GrantWatch subscribers. Libby explains how AI can support grant search and drafting. She also shows how to use AI responsibly and where human judgment and storytelling remain essential. In addition, she describes how the foundation directory and grant recipient search were built from public data and 990 reports. This gives writers faster access to information and saves hours of research.

The Queen of Grants 2 blends real stories, practical strategies, and forward-looking tools. Overall, it helps readers strengthen their platforms and succeed in a new era of funding.


The Queen of Grants: From Teacher to Grant Writer to CEO Hardcover – February 1, 2024

by Libby Hikind (Author)


In The Queen of Grants: From Teacher to Grant Writer to CEO, Libby Hikind details her journey from a teacher to a grant writer to the CEO of GrantWatch. As you trace her journey to becoming both CEO and a media personality, you'll observe her courage and the unforeseen twists and turns that led her to the present day. This narrative will inspire confidence in your own ability to navigate the grant-seeking and grant-writing process.

This book is structured into five sections and goes beyond mere theory by providing practical insights into crafting each part of a grant application. Each segment is enriched with anecdotes, lessons learned, and practical advice. Furthermore, there is a dedicated section featuring model responses for various components commonly found in grant applications

  • How It All Began for Me
  • Your Questions Answered
  • How To Write a Grant?
  • Modeling Successful Grants
  • The Future of AI and Grant Writing

Grants to Iowa Nonprofits Organization for Programs to Benefit the Local Community

Deadline: 08/31/26

Grants to Iowa nonprofit organizations in eligible locations to benefit the local community. Funding will be awarded to projects in the areas of education, arts and culture, health and human services, economic development, conservation, recreation, and charitable ...

GrantWatch ID#: 200058

Grants to Iowa Agencies and Nonprofits for Projects to Benefit the Community in Eligible Locat...

Deadline: 09/01/26

Grants to Iowa municipal entities and nonprofit organizations for projects to benefit the community in eligible locations. Funding is intended for proposals in the focus areas of health, culture, civic involvement, education, and social services. Eligible activiti...

GrantWatch ID#: 178224

Grants to Illinois and Iowa Nonprofits in Eligible Counties to Improve Organizational Capacity

Deadline: 11/01/26 LOI Date: 09/01/26

Grants of up to $20,000 to Illinois and Iowa nonprofit organizations in eligible counties to expand organizational capacity. Applicants must submit a pre-application prior to submitting a full proposal. Funding is intended to help local organizations carry out the...

GrantWatch ID#: 173273

Grants to Iowa Nonprofits and Agencies for Projects to Benefit the Local Community in Eligible...

Deadline: 09/01/26

Grants to Iowa nonprofit organizations and municipal entities for projects to benefit the community in eligible locations. Funding is intended for initiatives that enhance the quality of life for local residents. Areas of focus include culture, civic engagement, e...

GrantWatch ID#: 146290

Grants to Iowa Nonprofits, Schools, Agencies, and Tribes for Arts Activities to Promote Health

Deadline: 09/01/26

Grants to Iowa nonprofit organizations, schools, government agencies, and tribes for arts activities with a focus on health and wellness. Applicants must complete required registrations prior to submitting an application. Funding is intended to develop arts experi...

GrantWatch ID#: 179803

Grants to Iowa New and Established Small Companies to Promote Business Development

Deadline: 09/01/26

Grants to Iowa established and emerging small companies in eligible locations for business development opportunities. Funding is intended to promote the success and development of existing businesses and start-up companies. The goal of the grant program is to prom...

GrantWatch ID#: 210505

Opportunity for Iowa Communities to Participate in a Program to Enhance Transportation

Deadline: 09/01/26

Opportunity for Iowa qualifying communities to participate in a program to develop strategies for enhancing transportation. Successful applicants will receive assistance with prioritizing community needs, developing plans, identifying sources of funding, and initi...

GrantWatch ID#: 222002

Grants to Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin Organizations for Journalism Initiatives

Deadline: 09/01/26

Grants of up to $10,000 to Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin nonprofit organizations and independent businesses for journalism initiatives in eligible regions. Funding is intended to promote local journalism by assisting in the recruitment of local journalists and by ...

GrantWatch ID#: 228218

Service Contracts to Iowa Entities to Improve Rural Neonatal and Maternal EMS Transport

Deadline: 09/01/26

Contracts for services to Iowa nonprofits, government entities, and academic institutions operating an emergency medical transport service that serves at least one county with rural areas to conduct a program to strengthen emergency neonatal and maternal transport...

GrantWatch ID#: 231309

Donations and Sponsorships to Colorado, Illinois, and Iowa Nonprofits for Community Benefit

Deadline: 09/01/26

Donations and sponsorships of up to $5,000 to Colorado, Illinois, and Iowa nonprofit organizations for community benefit activities in regions served by the funding source. Focus areas include health and wellness, children and education, emergency response, entrep...

GrantWatch ID#: 228447
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