Fielding Jezreel 9/1/25 Fielding Jezreel 9/1/25

From Heart to Head: Preparing Your Narrative for Federal Grants

Transitioning from foundation grants to federal grant writing requires more than minor adjustments—it demands a fundamental mindset shift. While foundation proposals often lean on compelling stories and flexible formats, federal grants require structured, evidence-based narratives rooted in data, measurable objectives, and strict compliance with RFP guidelines. This blog outlines key differences in tone, structure, and expectations, and offers practical exercises to help writers adapt—from reframing emotional appeals with data, to aligning narratives with federal evaluation criteria. Whether or not you pursue federal funding, these skills will elevate the rigor and credibility of all your grant proposals.

Fielding Jezreel 8/4/25 Fielding Jezreel 8/4/25

What My Cycle Taught Me About Writing Better Grants

Let’s talk about something that doesn’t usually come up in grant writing circles: menstrual cycles. For years, I’ve tracked it for the usual reasons—physical health, mood, energy. But lately, I’ve noticed something else: it’s a powerful creative tool.

Fielding Jezreel 7/7/25 Fielding Jezreel 7/7/25

Building Your Federal Grant Muscles

Right now, federal grants things are weird. But you don’t need a live opportunity to start preparing for future opportunities. Here are several things I recommend doing while you wait for opportunities to reappear.

Fielding Jezreel 6/9/25 Fielding Jezreel 6/9/25

Why We Can’t Afford to Sit Out

Lately, I’ve been hearing more and more organizations ask, “Should we even bother applying for federal grants right now?”

I get it. It feels uncertain. But your community work is worth the investment. Our communities are worth the paperwork. And showing up, even when it’s messy, is a form of advocacy. Which means we need to stay in the game and get smarter about how we play.

Fielding Jezreel 5/29/25 Fielding Jezreel 5/29/25

F#ck AI and the Horse It Rode In On: 5 Ways AI Is Destructive to Grant Work

Guest blog by Melody Hernandez

We ultimately don't agree with the conclusion of this post, but we do agree that AI is being misused and that the misuse often hurts all of us. This blog includes many cautionary tales about AI being used as if it can think and make decisions independently.

Fielding Jezreel 5/13/25 Fielding Jezreel 5/13/25

Threads: The Key to Successful Grant Writing

Grant writing isn’t just about crafting compelling answers to specific prompts – it’s about making sure that every piece of the puzzle fits together. At the core of successful grant applications are threads: the essential connections between the need, the intervention, and the impact. Without strong threads, federal grant proposals can become disconnected, unfocused, and ultimately unsuccessful.

Fielding Jezreel 4/21/25 Fielding Jezreel 4/21/25

The Hidden Challenges of Federal Grants

A.K.A. “The Gotchas”

Fielding Jezreel 4/8/25 Fielding Jezreel 4/8/25

Why Grant Writers Shouldn’t Fear Federal Grants

If you’re a grant writer, you already have most of the skills needed to tackle federal grants. Yes, Federal RFPs are longer (ok, MUCH longer), with more complex requirements and online systems that can test your patience. But if you can write grants, you can write federal grants. It’s just about learning the quirks, adapting your existing skills, and learning how to navigate the hidden challenges.