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 and Childcare Centers to Address the Economic Security of Women

Deadline: 07/10/26 LOI Date: 05/18/26

Grants of up to $50,000 to Iowa nonprofit organizations and licensed childcare centers for activities that address economic security for women and girls throughout the state. Applicants must submit a letter of intent prior to submitting a full application. Focus a...

GrantWatch ID#: 143869

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

Deadline: 06/22/26 LOI Date: 05/20/26

Grants to Iowa nonprofit organizations or government entities in eligible locations for projects to benefit the local community. Applicants must submit a letter of intent prior to submitting a full application. Funding is intended for capacity-building, collaborat...

GrantWatch ID#: 180827

Grants to Iowa Nonprofits, Agencies, and Individuals for Environmental Projects

Deadline: 05/22/26

The summary grant details are still being written by our team. You can click here to see our work in progress and go directly to the funder's application page on their website.

GrantWatch ID#: 229178

Grants and Vehicle Donations to Iowa Nonprofits to Benefit Disadvantaged and Vulnerable Childr...

Deadline: 05/22/26

Grants and vehicle donations to Iowa nonprofit organizations that benefit disadvantaged and vulnerable children throughout the state. Funding is intended to support services in the areas of health and wellness; pathways to success; and access, independence, and in...

GrantWatch ID#: 181214

Grants to Iowa County Conservation Boards to Protect and Develop Wildlife Habitats

Deadline: 05/29/26

Grants to Iowa County Conservation Boards for activities to protect and develop wildlife habitats throughout the state. Funding is intended for projects to acquire land or to develop natural areas for habitat conservation. Eligible projects must be located on land...

GrantWatch ID#: 211638

Grants to Illinois and Iowa Nonprofits for Programs that Benefit Residents in Eligible Locatio...

Deadline: 05/29/26

Grants to Illinois and Iowa nonprofit organizations to address the needs of residents in eligible locations. Funding is intended to support capital, operating, and program expenses. Focus areas include education, culture, health, youth, community development, and ...

GrantWatch ID#: 180456

Grants to Iowa Teachers and Associates for Resources to Enhance the Classroom Learning Experie...

Deadline: 05/30/26

Grants of up to $750 to Iowa PreK-12 teachers and associates in eligible locations to enhance the educational experience in classrooms. Funding is intended for expenses not covered by the school's general budget, including, but not limited to equipment, enrichment...

GrantWatch ID#: 210380

Grants to Iowa Nonprofits and Agencies to Enhance the Local Quality of Life

Deadline: 05/30/26

Grants to Iowa nonprofit organizations and government agencies for projects that impact the economic vitality or quality of life in eligible locations. Funding is intended to benefit local communities through public, educational, civic, religious, patriotic, and c...

GrantWatch ID#: 181442

Grants to Iowa School Districts to Provide Computer Science Instruction

Deadline: 05/31/26

Grants to Iowa public school districts and nonpublic school systems to provide computer science education programs in elementary, middle, and high schools. Funding is intended to support professional development related to computer science instruction or to reimbu...

GrantWatch ID#: 183937

Grants to Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin Nonprofits, Agencies, Libraries and IHEs to Benefit Lo...

Deadline: 05/31/26

Grants of up to $20,000 to Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin nonprofit organizations, local, state, or federal government, libraries, and IHEs for programs and projects to benefit residents in eligible locations. Focus areas include workforce training, small business ...

GrantWatch ID#: 180555
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