Podcast Summary: We Are For Good Podcast - Episode 587
Title: How to Find The Right Grants to Go After + Leveraging AI to Work Smarter, Not Harder
Guest: Meredith Noble
Release Date: November 27, 2024

Introduction to the Episode

In Episode 587 of the We Are For Good Podcast, hosts Jon McCoy, CFRE, and Becky Endicott, CFRE, welcome Meredith Noble, the co-founder and CEO of Learn Grant Writing. This episode delves into effective strategies for identifying the right grants and harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance grant writing processes, enabling nonprofit professionals to maximize their impact efficiently.

Meredith Noble’s Inspiring Journey

Becky introduces Meredith and shares her background.

• Becky (00:31): Highlights Meredith’s impressive achievements, including securing over $45 million in grants and authoring the bestseller Becoming a Grant Writing Unicorn.

• Meredith’s Early Days (04:07):
  Meredith explains how she stumbled into grant writing during the economic recession post-college by conducting numerous informational interviews, leading to a full-time grant writing role for infrastructure projects.

  • Quote (04:07): “I ended up falling into grant writing that way...”

• Adventurous Life in Alaska (02:01):
  Describes her life as a fifth-generation Black Angus cattle rancher now living in Alaska, balancing adventurous pursuits with professional endeavors.

Effective Strategies for Finding the Right Grants

Discussion on creating a funnel for grant research and identifying aligned grants.

• Funding Strategy Process (06:16):
  Meredith outlines her systematic approach to grant hunting, emphasizing the importance of a strategic order in pursuing grants to create a domino effect of funding success.

  • Quote (06:35): “You can navigate 300 grants in less than 20 hours and have a funding strategy on the other side.”

• Common Pitfalls (06:35):
  Identifies two major traps nonprofits fall into: chasing grants haphazardly and dealing with time-sensitive applications, leading to burnout and low success rates.

  • Case Study (06:35):
    Shares a success story of a volunteer fire department that, after implementing her funding strategy, increased grant wins from 1 to over 1.5 million with fewer applications.

Leveraging AI to Enhance Grant Writing

Deep dive into how AI can be a game-changer for grant writers.

• AI as a Writing Assistant (10:10):
  Meredith discusses the potential of AI tools like ChatGPT to assist in grant writing by acting as a thought partner and aid in research and drafting.

  • Quote (10:10): “AI is your writing assistant, it is your buddy, it's your thought partner.”

• Building Custom AI Tools (19:04):
  Emphasizes the importance of creating custom GPTs tailored to an organization’s voice and needs, enabling more personalized and effective grant writing.

  • Example (19:04):
    Mentions her own project, "Nora Writes," a custom GPT that helps her draft emails collaboratively.

Limitations and Considerations of Using AI

Meredith addresses the constraints and necessary precautions when integrating AI into grant writing.

• AI Limitations (15:11):
  Explains that AI lacks memory, struggles with novel concepts, and can generate inaccurate data, making it unsuitable for highly innovative grants.

  • Quote (15:11): “AI can't do novel... it's better off doing it the old school way, writing by hand.”

• Optimal Use of Multiple AI Tools (15:11):
  Advocates for using specialized AI tools (e.g., Perplexity for accurate data) in conjunction with general ones like ChatGPT to enhance reliability and effectiveness.

Tactical Strategies for Nonprofits Using AI

Practical advice for nonprofits to start integrating AI into their grant writing processes.

• Creating a Custom GPT (19:04):
  Encourages nonprofits to invest time in building custom AI tools to reflect their unique voice and organizational needs.

  • Quote (19:04): “Build a custom GPT because they can train it once to write in their voice...”

• AI as a Collaborative Tool (19:04):
  Highlights the collaborative potential of AI, reducing the solitary burden on small nonprofits by acting as additional support in writing tasks.

• Accessible AI Utilization (20:55):
  Assures that nonprofits don’t need to be tech experts to benefit from AI, advocating for a gradual, spectrum-based approach to using these tools.

Inspirational Story of Community and Generosity

Meredith shares a heartfelt story illustrating the power of community support.

• Boy’s Mountain Bike Story (22:35):
  Narrates how Meredith rallied her community to replace a stolen bike for a young boy, showcasing the profound impact of collective generosity.

  • Quote (22:35): “We have 50 people that contributed to building this kid a new bike...”

• Lesson on Community Impact (22:35):
  Emphasizes the importance of making the ask and providing opportunities for community involvement to drive meaningful change.

Closing Advice and Final Thoughts

Meredith imparts actionable advice for lasting success in grant writing and organizational planning.

• Planning Cadence and “Three Rocks” Strategy (25:04):
  Introduces a quarterly planning method focusing on three key objectives (“rocks”) to maintain focus and drive organizational progress.

  • Quote (25:04): “If you can have the discipline to truly choose only three, it is amazing the mountains you will move.”

• Encouragement to Embrace AI (20:55):
  Urges nonprofits to view AI as a muscle that, when regularly exercised, can significantly enhance their operational efficiency.

Connect with Meredith Noble

• Website: learngrantwriting.org
• Instagram: @LearnGrantWriting
• LinkedIn: Meredith Noble

Final Takeaways

1. Strategic Grant Pursuit:
   Develop a structured approach to identifying and applying for grants to increase success rates and reduce burnout.

2. Effective AI Integration:
   Utilize AI tools as collaborative assistants, ensuring you understand their limitations and complement them with specialized tools for optimal results.

3. Community Engagement:
   Foster a strong community presence by making thoughtful asks and creating opportunities for collective action and generosity.

4. Organizational Planning:
   Implement disciplined planning strategies, such as the “Three Rocks” method, to maintain focus and drive sustained growth and impact.

Notable Quotes:

• Meredith Noble (04:40): “I ended up falling into grant writing that way...”
• Meredith Noble (06:35): “You can navigate 300 grants in less than 20 hours and have a funding strategy on the other side.”
• Meredith Noble (10:10): “AI is your writing assistant, it is your buddy, it's your thought partner.”
• Meredith Noble (15:11): “AI can't do novel... it's better off doing it the old school way, writing by hand.”
• Meredith Noble (19:04): “Build a custom GPT because they can train it once to write in their voice...”
• Meredith Noble (22:35): “We have 50 people that contributed to building this kid a new bike...”
• Meredith Noble (25:04): “If you can have the discipline to truly choose only three, it is amazing the mountains you will move.”

This episode provides invaluable insights for nonprofit professionals seeking to optimize their grant writing processes and leverage AI to amplify their mission. Meredith Noble's expertise and practical strategies offer a roadmap for building sustainable and impactful funding strategies.