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 for Initiatives to Foster Local Tourism

Deadline: 07/15/26

Grants of up to $5,000 to Iowa nonprofit organizations and community-based organizations in eligible communities for projects and events that draw tourists from outside of the immediate area. Applicants must meet with staff prior to submitting an application to en...

GrantWatch ID#: 175516

Grants to Nebraska and Iowa Nonprofits for Youth Programs in Cultural Education

Deadline: 07/15/26

Grants to Nebraska and Iowa nonprofit organizations for cultural education programs for youth in eligible locations. Funding is intended to assist with programs that engage young people in subjects focusing on technology, history, the natural sciences, and the per...

GrantWatch ID#: 171129

Grants to Nebraska and Iowa Nonprofits to Support Educational Services for Disadvantaged Child...

Deadline: 07/15/26

Grants to Nebraska and Iowa nonprofit organizations for educational programs for children in eligible locations. Funding is intended to support services, projects, and programming that benefit disadvantaged children age 12 years and under. Previous grant recipient...

GrantWatch ID#: 173172

Grants to Iowa and Illinois Nonprofits to Address Specific Community Needs

Deadline: 07/15/26

Grants of up to $40,000 to Iowa and Illinois nonprofit organizations to address specific needs in eligible communities. Organizations may apply for a grant from several community foundations through the program. Specific funds address the focus areas of education,...

GrantWatch ID#: 190451

Grants to Nebraska and Iowa Nonprofits and Schools for Activities that Benefit Animals and Edu...

Deadline: 07/15/26

Grants to Iowa and Nebraska nonprofit organizations in eligible locations for activities that focus on and benefit animals, and to public schools for educational and outdoor programs. Qualified nonprofits may apply for animal related projects, with priority given ...

GrantWatch ID#: 173173

Grants to Iowa Nonprofits and Agencies for Collaborative Arts-Based Projects

Deadline: 07/15/26

Grants to Iowa nonprofit organizations, local governments, and tribes for collaborative arts-based projects in local communities. Applicants are advised that required registrations may take time to complete. Funding is intended for community engagement and plannin...

GrantWatch ID#: 201812

Grants to Iowa Organizations to Improve Capacity to Address Substance Abuse and Mental Health

Deadline: 07/15/26

Grants of up to $2,500 to Iowa organizations for projects to improve services addressing substance abuse and mental health in eligible counties. Funding is intended to improve the capacity of local service providers to educate the public and to provide preventativ...

GrantWatch ID#: 204006

Grants to Iowa Nonprofits and Agencies to Improve the Quality of Life

Deadline: 07/15/26

Grants of up to $3,000 to Iowa nonprofit organizations and government agencies for programs and activities that benefit residents in eligible locations. Funding is intended to support capital projects, services, and organizations working in the areas of arts and c...

GrantWatch ID#: 218457

Grants to Iowa Nonprofits, Agencies, and Schools to Benefit Women and Girls and Women

Deadline: 07/15/26

Grants of up to $20,000 to Iowa nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and schools for programs that benefit women and girls in eligible locations. Funding is intended to support innovative projects that address issues and affect change in the areas of heal...

GrantWatch ID#: 175442

Grants to Iowa Nonprofits, Agencies, School Districts, and Churches to Support Community Needs

Deadline: 07/21/26

Grants of up to $12,000 to Iowa nonprofit organizations, government agencies, school districts, and churches for initiatives to support community needs in eligible regions. The focus area for the current grant cycle is providing services to older adults. Funding i...

GrantWatch ID#: 222066
VIEW ALL NEW GRANTS