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, Municipalities, and Schools for Community Benefit Projects

Deadline: 04/30/26

Grants of up to $1,000 to Iowa nonprofit organizations, municipalities, and schools in eligible locations for community projects. Focus areas include community education, community development, and community promotions. Applicants should contact staff prior to sub...

GrantWatch ID#: 175315

Grants to Iowa Agencies and Nonprofits for Programs and Projects that Benefit the Community

Deadline: 04/30/26

Grants to Iowa government entities and nonprofit organizations for programs and projects that enhance the quality of life for residents in eligible areas. Grant funds may be used to support programs or capital projects. Focus areas include environment, health and ...

GrantWatch ID#: 179909

Grants to Iowa Nonprofits and Agencies for Breast and Cervical Cancer Services

Deadline: 04/30/26

Grants of up to $25,000 to Iowa nonprofit organizations and government agencies for breast and cervical cancer health services and outreach. Funding may be requested for a broad range of programs that enable underinsured and uninsured residents to have access to q...

GrantWatch ID#: 180187

Grants to Iowa Agencies, Schools, and Nonprofits to Provide Community Services

Deadline: 04/30/26

Grants to Iowa agencies, schools, and nonprofit organizations to provide community services in eligible regions. Funding is intended for cultural, educational, or charitable purposes that will enhance the well-being of local residents. Applicants must be located i...

GrantWatch ID#: 214136

Grants to Iowa Nonprofits, For-Profits, Agencies, Tribes, and Individuals for Historic Preserv...

Deadline: 05/01/26

Grants to Iowa nonprofit and for-profit organizations, agencies, tribes, and individuals for historical conservation projects. Funding is also intended to support educational and historical interpretation activities. The grant program supports the preservation and...

GrantWatch ID#: 188149

Grants to Iowa and Nebraska Nonprofits and Agencies to Benefit Residents in Eligible Regions

Deadline: 05/15/26 LOI Date: 05/01/26

Grants to Iowa and Nebraska nonprofit public charities and government entities to benefit residents in eligible regions. Applicants must submit an LOI prior to submitting a full proposal. Grant funds may be requested to support operations, programs, capital projec...

GrantWatch ID#: 177891

Grants to Iowa Nonprofits, IHEs, Agencies, Tribes, and Groups for Humanities Programs

Deadline: 05/01/26

Grants of up to $10,000 to Iowa nonprofit organizations, agencies, IHEs, tribal governments, and other groups for programs related to the humanities. Eligible programs may include reading and film discussions, lectures, public conferences and symposia, exhibitions...

GrantWatch ID#: 180678

Grants to Iowa Community Groups to Purchase Recycled Plastic Products for Schools and Parks

Deadline: 05/01/26

Grants of up to $2,000 to Iowa community groups, including schools and libraries, to purchase recycled plastic items such as tables, benches, and playground equipment. The purpose of this program is to support plastic bag recycling efforts by promoting the purchas...

GrantWatch ID#: 180812

Grants to Iowa Nonprofits for Projects and Programs to Enhance Animal Welfare Throughout the...

Deadline: 05/01/26

Grants to Iowa nonprofit organizations for projects and programs to enhance animal welfare throughout the state. Priority will be given to projects that benefit underserved areas of the state, capital improvements to facilities, and projects that create and mainta...

GrantWatch ID#: 206022

Grants to Iowa and Wisconsin Nonprofits to Benefit Eligible Communities

Deadline: 05/01/26

Grants to Wisconsin and Iowa organizations for community benefit activities in eligible locations. Funding is intended to assist organizations and programs that create structural and systemic change in underserved and marginalized communities. Eligible projects pr...

GrantWatch ID#: 219631
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