The Grant Writing Unicorn Podcast

Ever felt like life just keeps piling on challenge after challenge—and you’re left wondering how to turn it all around? 😩 Heather Andrews knows that struggle all too well, from losing a dream job to wrestling with the chaos of family and self-doubt. But what if the “valley of despair” isn’t just something to survive, but a launchpad to discovering your true superpowers? 💥 In today’s conversation, Heather reveals how teaming up with talented people (even those who seem “untouchable”) and leaning into community support unlocked a path from burnout to $15k in just 10 months. If you need real talk, fresh strategies, and a reminder that your hardest days can create your greatest wins—stick around, this episode will leave you inspired and ready for your own breakthrough! 🚀Loved Heather's journey? Dive into how she got started in this video:https://youtu.be/BcXdbsLDlGoStarting from scratch? All good. We've got you covered if you want to binge grant writing tips for beginners here:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdG9L-lMwx_jQC4cnauirxOVYLDniijFg EPISODE CREDITS:Hosted by: Meredith Noble & Alex LustigAudio Edit by: Ana CastroConnect with Us:Website: [www.learngrantwriting.org]Instagram: [@learngrantwriting]Facebook: [Learn Grant Writing]

Meredith spills the secret sauce on ditching undercharging and quitting the never-ending hustle, guiding you from doubting your skills to confidently running a six-figure freelance grant writing biz—without a website, LLC, or risking your day job. 🌟 You’ll want to stick around to discover the unicorn strategies that make landing dream clients and charging what you’re worth feel almost effortless!You're not alone:Stacy was in the exact same boat before she decided she wanted to work for herself.👉 7 Lessons Stacy Learned After Winning $40 Million for Nonprofits: https://youtu.be/iFpcpxZVYrYAnd then there's Monique...👉 How Monique Built a Successful Grant Writing Business From Scratch: https://youtu.be/2RxdLsGOUY8If you're ready to level up in your grant writing this year through our earn and learn business model, send us an email at ➡️➡️➡️➡️ info@senworks.org TODAY. You can also join us live in Bend, OR next April👉 Why Grant Writers Are Gathering in Oregon in 2026: https://youtu.be/pKf-tI7kpMQMore videos like this:👉 The 7 Best Grant Management Software Solutions (Out of 44 We Researched For You!)https://youtu.be/wVUVACCNjNs EPISODE CREDITS:Hosted by: Meredith Noble & Alex LustigAudio Edit by: Ana CastroConnect with Us:Website: [www.learngrantwriting.org]Instagram: [@learngrantwriting]Facebook: [Learn Grant Writing]

Feeling stuck in a job that doesn’t light your fire—or terrified to ask people for money? 💸 Natasha went from being a graphic designer with zero grant writing experience to leading a grant writing team—and even scored a raise and major confidence boost along the way! 🚀 Dive in to discover how investing in yourself can pay off, the inside scoop on juggling career dreams with a tight budget, and why having the right boss and professional community changes everything—don’t miss the “Unicorn Grant” twist that could change your career path too!Watch more videos like this: How She Transformed from Nothing to Securing Millions in Grants!👉 https://youtu.be/uBKSSoK9PccHow She Won $3.3 Million in Grants While Getting a $30k Raise At a Job She Loves👉https://youtu.be/ftJzbdDcHdcGrant Writing Unicorn Spotlights:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdG9L-lMwx_gPlKmqrzy-EwTgW5lmNxNc EPISODE CREDITS:Hosted by: Meredith Noble & Alex LustigAudio Edit by: Ana CastroConnect with Us:Website: [www.learngrantwriting.org]Instagram: [@learngrantwriting]Facebook: [Learn Grant Writing]

🕵️‍♀️ Feel like finding federal grants is just a never-ending scavenger hunt? Drowning in confusing filters on Grants.gov and still coming up empty-handed? 😩 You’re not alone—but there is a faster way. Enter: Instrumentl.In this video, we’re diving into how you can skip the overwhelm, dodge the dead ends, and find federal grants that actually match your mission—without losing hours of your life. From smarter filters to stress-free deadlines, Instrumentl might just be your new favorite grant tool.Curious how to make federal grants feel less like rocket science and more like a walk in the park? Keep watching. 👀More videos like this:2025 Federal Grant Changes: What Nonprofits Need to Know | Instrumentlhttps://youtu.be/kDMF747CSD4?si=5f8qaa73U-pKRk7mInstrumentl x LGW: Manage Better to Win More: https://youtu.be/IOTACDtWjYoGrant Database Tutorial: Instrumentl (An Easy Way to Find Grants):https://youtu.be/xPuetyezRz4And with tools like Instrumentl, you can make the search for funding way easier and way faster—especially if you're diving into the world of federal grants. It's one of our favorite platforms to help you cut through the chaos and focus on what actually matters. 🙌 Start your free 14-day Instrumentl trial & find grants for your nonprofit here:http://instrumentl.com/r/LearnGrantWriting EPISODE CREDITS:Hosted by: Meredith Noble & Alex LustigAudio Edit by: Ana CastroConnect with Us:Website: [www.learngrantwriting.org]Instagram: [@learngrantwriting]Facebook: [Learn Grant Writing]

Sunshine, grit, and a dash of grant writing magic—Martinne's story is pure inspiration! 🌟 This video tackles that nasty imposter syndrome and the paralyzing indecision that keep so many of us from chasing our dream jobs or moving forward after a tough loss. You'll hear exactly how Martinne went from doubting her skills to landing her dream job, connecting in a brand new community, and turning grief into unstoppable motivation—all in just a few months. 🍀 Stick around to see how she makes huge life pivots look doable (and how you can, too)!Check out more videos like this!How She Transformed from Nothing to Securing Millions in Grants!👉 https://youtu.be/uBKSSoK9PccHow She Won $3.3 Million in Grants While Getting a $30k Raise At a Job She Loves👉https://youtu.be/ftJzbdDcHdcGrant Writing Unicorn Spotlights:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdG9L-lMwx_gPlKmqrzy-EwTgW5lmNxNc EPISODE CREDITS:Hosted by: Meredith Noble & Alex LustigAudio Edit by: Ana CastroConnect with Us:Website: [www.learngrantwriting.org]Instagram: [@learngrantwriting]Facebook: [Learn Grant Writing]

Making extra cash on the side doesn’t have to mean working long hours or going back to school—especially if you’re already juggling a busy life! 💸 Meredith shows you how to transform your knack for connection (even if you’re introverted!) into a grant writing gig that pays off big, solving the overwhelming “Where do I even start?” and “Can I do this with no experience?” worries. Imagine going from newbie to earning your first $15k—and beyond—while finally building that freedom and flexibility you’ve been craving. Stick around till the end for real-life wins, step-by-step action, and a peek at the “cake pricing method” everyone’s talking about! 🎂More videos like this:👉 Netflix Screenwriter to Grant Writer: Eileen’s $2K in 90 Days Success Story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DlrFh1fn8Q&list=PLdG9L-lMwx_gPlKmqrzy-EwTgW5lmNxNc&index=16&t=1s 👉 👉 👉 👉 Here's that free training on the step-by-step of earning $15k as a grant writer:https://www.learngrantwriting.org/become-a-paid-grant-writer/ 👉 How She Won $3.3 Million in Grants While Getting a $30k Raise At a Job She Loves: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ftJzbdDcHdc&list=PLdG9L-lMwx_gPlKmqrzy-EwTgW5lmNxNc&index=24 👉 Why I Hate S.M.A.R.T Goals and What to Do Instead: https://youtu.be/cDRncyXDkUM EPISODE CREDITS:Hosted by: Meredith Noble & Alex LustigAudio Edit by: Ana CastroConnect with Us:Website: [www.learngrantwriting.org]Instagram: [@learngrantwriting]Facebook: [Learn Grant Writing]

We all know the headache of staring down a blank grant application, only to get lost in a sea of research and repetitive copy-pasting. 😩 This video is your shortcut to slashing the overwhelm of grant writing and finally skipping the “throw spaghetti at the wall” approach—Meredith shows us how new AI tools from Instrumentl can turn those endless hours into just minutes of polished work. 🚀 You’ll walk away feeling like you’ve got a magic wand for grant applications, ready to win more with way less effort. Stick around to see how to set up a real nonprofit grant from start to finish using the latest AI magic—trust me, you won’t want to miss this!Watch more videos like this: Grant Database Tutorial: Instrumentl (An Easy Way to Find Grants)👉 https://youtu.be/xPuetyezRz4Grant Writing Tips: 3 Ways to Decide if a Grant is Worth Pursuing👉https://youtu.be/q5XFNQ6Hz58How to Find Grants and Know They are Worth Your Time - Have a Funding Strategy!👉https://youtu.be/-qgvUVi5rl4Want the roadmap to build your AI Grant Writing Besties?Claim 10% off on the ⬇️⬇️ AI course using the coupon code: YOUTUBE👉👉👉 https://collective.learngrantwriting.org/checkout/the-ai-besties-grant-writing-course EPISODE CREDITS:Hosted by: Meredith Noble & Alex LustigAudio Edit by: Ana CastroConnect with Us:Website: [www.learngrantwriting.org]Instagram: [@learngrantwriting]Facebook: [Learn Grant Writing]

Quitting a toxic job and chasing your dream gig doesn’t have to be a leap of faith in the dark. 🌈 Audrey spills the real tea on how she went from burnt out and overworked in public health to thriving as her own boss, landing better contracts and taking charge of her work-life balance. Her story is living proof that with the right community and a little hustle, you can turn your side hustle into your main thing—and feel really good about it. 🚀 Stick around to find out exactly how she made the leap (and what unexpected twist gave her the push she needed)! EPISODE CREDITS:Hosted by: Meredith Noble & Alex LustigAudio Edit by: Ana CastroConnect with Us:Website: [www.learngrantwriting.org]Instagram: [@learngrantwriting]Facebook: [Learn Grant Writing]

Finding grants shouldn’t feel like digging through a giant bowl of jelly beans just to end up with a stomachache and a win rate that makes you want to scream. 🙄 In this video, you’ll see how to ditch the burnout of endless, low-chance applications and finally zero in on the grant money that really moves the needle—just like Jane, who went from scraping by with one tiny win to landing over $1.5 million for her fire department. 🎉 Stick around to learn Meredith’s foolproof grant research funnel and see how you can turn your late-night coffee-fueled writing sessions into actual wins (and way fewer wasted hours)!Here is the ⭐️ Find Fast Grants Guide ⭐️ referenced in this video: 👉 https://learngrantwriting.kit.com/find-grants Watch more videos like this: Grant Database Tutorial: Instrumentl (An Easy Way to Find Grants)👉 https://youtu.be/xPuetyezRz4Grant Writing Tips: 3 Ways to Decide if a Grant is Worth Pursuing👉https://youtu.be/q5XFNQ6Hz58How to Find Grants and Know They are Worth Your Time - Have a Funding Strategy!👉https://youtu.be/-qgvUVi5rl4LINKS TO RESOURCES:🔸 How to Write a Grant - 2nd Edition: https://www.amazon.com/How-Write-Grant-Writing-Unicorn/dp/1733395741/🔸 The AI Besties Grant Writing Course: https://resources.learngrantwriting.org/c/ai-bestie-2-0/ EPISODE CREDITS:Hosted by: Meredith Noble & Alex LustigAudio Edit by: Ana CastroConnect with Us:Website: [www.learngrantwriting.org]Instagram: [@learngrantwriting]Facebook: [Learn Grant Writing]

Stepping out of the classroom and into consulting isn’t all rainbows and dollar signs—hello, self-doubt and waiting on overdue client payments! 💸 Alexandra spills the real tea on how she went from feeling shaky and second-guessing herself to stacking $30,000 as a first-year grant writing consultant (with zero experience, mind you) AND finally finding work-life balance as a busy parent. Expect a total vibe shift—from the overwhelm of missed contracts to actual confidence and alignment with work that matters.✨ Stay tuned till the end for how Alexandra turns letdowns into wins, builds meaningful connections, and keeps her momentum rolling—trust me, you’ll want to hear every tip!Watch more videos like this: Grant Writing for Beginners:👉 https://youtu.be/MBRrCwOuM00Become a Freelance Grant Writer: Your Step by Step Guide👉 https://youtu.be/ubdbgFtIak4Not sure if you’ll like grant writing? Take our 16 question personality quiz to see if grant writing is your next career path:👉 https://www.learngrantwriting.org/successful-grant-writer-quiz/ EPISODE CREDITS:Hosted by: Meredith Noble & Alex LustigAudio Edit by: Ana CastroConnect with Us:Website: [www.learngrantwriting.org]Instagram: [@learngrantwriting]Facebook: [Learn Grant Writing]

Picture this: you’ve just wrapped up your third weekend in a row working 36 hours, running on caffeine and running out of steam—sound familiar? 😅 Burnout, low pay, and a constant scramble for respect can make you wonder if freelancing is worth the leap, or just another hustle with a fancier title. But guess what? Stacy Towles is spilling the tea on trading overwhelm for unicorn clients 🦄 and premium rates, plus the game-changing lesson that people treat you as well as you charge. With a sprinkle of real-talk and some seriously doable solutions, you’ll watch how Stacy turned her skills (and boundaries!) into both big wins for her clients and a whole new life for herself.Want to learn how to break into freelancing?The step-by-step process is here:https://youtu.be/BcXdbsLDlGo EPISODE CREDITS:Hosted by: Meredith Noble & Alex LustigAudio Edit by: Ana CastroConnect with Us:Website: [www.learngrantwriting.org]Instagram: [@learngrantwriting]Facebook: [Learn Grant Writing]

If you’ve ever ugly-cried your way through a Sunday night dreading Monday morning, you are SO not alone. 😭 Shanna Adams shares how she escaped a soul-crushing job (even while being the family breadwinner!) and turned her leap of faith into winning a $20 million grant and building a thriving, flexible business that actually lights her up. 🌟 Ready to see what life looks like on the other side of scary—but totally worth it—career pivots? Stick around to get the real scoop on how she did it, and the shifts that can spark your own transformation!More videos like this: Lessons from Winning 1.3 Million in Grants for a Local Food Bank: https://youtu.be/62P2_yesXsMWhat is Grant Writing? What Does a Grant Writer Do Anyway?: https://youtu.be/Cau3Jg8N8dIBreak Into Grant Writing: Start a New Career Path!: https://youtu.be/knFIxcCzYKU EPISODE CREDITS:Hosted by: Meredith Noble & Alex LustigAudio Edit by: Ana CastroConnect with Us:Website: [www.learngrantwriting.org]Instagram: [@learngrantwriting]Facebook: [Learn Grant Writing]

In this era of uncertainty, the grant writers thriving are the ones sharing knowledge human-to-human—not just lurking online. If you're feeling stuck in paralysis under the current administration, you're not alone. But you can do something about it.🌟 Join us April 9–12, 2026 for the first-ever Grant Writers Gathering—a four-day, in-person event at Brasada Ranch in Bend, Oregon designed to help you lead through chaos, not be crushed by it.If we've done our job, you’ll leave this live event feeling:✅ Confident navigating funding uncertainty✅ Grounded in your authority as a grant writing expert✅ Inspired to unlock your Level 10 self✅ Equipped with the latest AI strategies for grant writers✅ Fueled by real connections and tangible next stepsSay goodbye to boring hotel conference rooms forever (👀 looking at you, GPA Summit).⚠️ Spots are limited. As of this recording, 41% are already booked by Collective members.Get your early bird ⬇️ pricing today:🦄 https://www.learngrantwriting.org/grant-writer-conference/Got questions? Email us anytime at info@senworks.orgWill we see you there? EPISODE CREDITS:Hosted by: Meredith Noble & Alex LustigAudio Edit by: Ana CastroConnect with Us:Website: [www.learngrantwriting.org]Instagram: [@learngrantwriting]Facebook: [Learn Grant Writing]

Federal grants are suddenly vanishing faster than turtles dodging toy cars, leaving nonprofits and local governments scrambling. If you’re feeling the pain of confusing grant cuts or terrified about losing funding on short notice, you’re not alone—and you don't have to face this chaos blindly. By the end of this video, you’ll feel equipped and empowered, like a resilient turtle ready to survive any twist the grant world throws your way! 🐢 Tune in for practical tips, insider alerts, and the scoop you can’t afford to miss if you want to keep your programs thriving.Watch more videos like this: What are Federal Grants?👉 https://youtu.be/TlpCuw_uqlgWhat You Need to Know About Trump's Freeze on Federal Grant Reimbursement [As of Jan 28!]👉https://youtube.com/live/Tq4cQi1dy_kFeeling lost in federal grants? Here’s what you need to knowhttps://youtu.be/-0Vo_hV0q-w EPISODE CREDITS:Hosted by: Meredith Noble & Alex LustigAudio Edit by: Ana CastroConnect with Us:Website: [www.learngrantwriting.org]Instagram: [@learngrantwriting]Facebook: [Learn Grant Writing]

✍️ You can become a grant writing unicorn faster than you might realize.Learn more: https://www.learngrantwriting.org/💡 Watch this video on how to switch career paths: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=knFIxcCzYKU EPISODE CREDITS:Hosted by: Meredith Noble & Alex LustigAudio Edit by: Ana CastroConnect with Us:Website: [www.learngrantwriting.org]Instagram: [@learngrantwriting]Facebook: [Learn Grant Writing]

✅ Take the 3-minute Grant Writing Quiz to find out if this is your perfect career match.Beginner in grant writing? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBRrCwOuM00How-to win a grant with no experience: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yh9xTqw8jk EPISODE CREDITS:Hosted by: Meredith Noble & Alex LustigAudio Edit by: Ana CastroConnect with Us:Website: [www.learngrantwriting.org]Instagram: [@learngrantwriting]Facebook: [Learn Grant Writing]

Whether you’re curious about grant writing, launching a creative project, building inclusive spaces, or just need encouragement to chase your dreams—Sam’s story will give you the boost of inspiration you need.Watch more inspirational videos like this!Watch this video about Grant Writing for Beginners: • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBRrCwOuM00 Subscribe: @learngrantwriting EPISODE CREDITS:Hosted by: Meredith Noble & Alex LustigAudio Edit by: Ana CastroConnect with Us:Website: [www.learngrantwriting.org]Instagram: [@learngrantwriting]Facebook: [Learn Grant Writing]

🎯 Download my Non-Profits Guide to Responsible AI Use to dive deeper on these topics and show you how to safely and easily get started using AI in your organization. If you know you want to go pro, then check out our AI Besties Grant Writing course and certification program linked up below. 🔗 https://learngrantwriting.kit.com/responsible-ai-use 💥 Let’s stop being afraid of the tool — and start using it to do better work, faster.Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@LearnGrantWriting?sub_confirmation=1 EPISODE CREDITS:Hosted by: Meredith Noble & Alex LustigAudio Edit by: Ana CastroConnect with Us:Website: [www.learngrantwriting.org]Instagram: [@learngrantwriting]Facebook: [Learn Grant Writing]

Leveling up your life doesn’t have to mean burning out, working for pennies, or waiting for someone else to hand you permission. ✨ Monique went from living in her parents' house and doubting whether consulting could offer real stability, to building a thriving consulting business that gives her financial security and the freedom to uplift others. If you’re tired of undercharging, feeling stuck, or doubting your impact, this video will leave you fired up—find out how Monique redefined “success” on her own terms and why her money mindset might just change yours. 💸👭 Stick around for practical gems and inspiration you’ll want to binge on repeat!Watch more videos like this: From Layoff to Grant Writing Success: Ruvini's journey➡️ https://youtu.be/F9eYW8bhA54?si=j6q3N-dDgcYImKfdOne Year to a Dream Job: Carolyne Grant Writing Story➡️ https://youtu.be/HedbuxqaTYI?si=pytocXmA9Q8Vwd41From Grief to Greatness - How I Turned Loss into Triumph➡️ https://youtu.be/N5BEaI2bhl4?si=fEa_OcSTdAVvK6-n EPISODE CREDITS:Hosted by: Meredith Noble & Alex LustigAudio Edit by: Ana CastroConnect with Us:Website: [www.learngrantwriting.org]Instagram: [@learngrantwriting]Facebook: [Learn Grant Writing]

Ever wondered what happens when burnout meets a breakthrough? Carolyne was drowning in nonprofit overload and imposter syndrome, juggling grant writing with zero extra pay—and feeling totally alone in the struggle. With real talk on mindset shifts, community support, and finally finding her worth (plus landing her dream in-house grant manager job and a $20k pay raise!), this video is your backstage pass to turning stress and stuckness into confidence and celebration. 🥂 Don’t miss the magic—watch until the end for the little things Carolyne did that totally changed the game!Check it more videos like this!How She Transformed from Nothing to Securing Millions in Grants!👉 https://youtu.be/uBKSSoK9PccHow She Won $3.3 Million in Grants While Getting a $30k Raise At a Job She Loves👉https://youtu.be/ftJzbdDcHdcGrant Writing Unicorn Spotlights:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdG9L-lMwx_gPlKmqrzy-EwTgW5lmNxNc EPISODE CREDITS:Hosted by: Meredith Noble & Alex LustigAudio Edit by: Ana CastroConnect with Us:Website: [www.learngrantwriting.org]Instagram: [@learngrantwriting]Facebook: [Learn Grant Writing]