Claim OwnershipGrant Writing Made Clear with Dr. Trenette
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Ever wish you had a mentor with two decades of grant writing experience, ready to guide you through the complexities of securing the funding your organization needs to thrive? Look no further—because that’s exactly what you’ll get when you tune in to Grant Writing Made Clear! Hosted by Dr. Trenette, a distinguished professor, behavioral scientist, seasoned grant writer, and former nonprofit president, she has been principal investigator, co-principal investigator, and co-investigator on grants totaling $14 million dollars. This podcast breaks down the grant writing process and equips you with the tools and strategies to secure larger, impactful funding for your mission-driven organization. In every episode, Dr. Trenette shares lessons learned from both formal training and hands-on experience, so you can write powerful grant proposals that turn your vision into reality.
Whether you're new to grant writing or a seasoned pro looking to find the right funding mechanism, avoid common pitfalls, or craft a winning proposal, Grant Writing Made Clear has you covered. Tune in to get inspired, learn actionable steps, and discover how to turn your goals into funded realities!
Disclosure: We periodically use AI tools to assist in various ways such as brainstorming topics and editing audio. Learning AI will help us to teach others how to use AI in grant writing.
47 Episodes
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In this episode of Grant Writing Made Clear, Dr. Trenette tackles the emotional and practical reality of the final stretch before you hit submit. The last mile is where grant writing shifts to more precision, where anxiety can get louder, energy can get lower, and perfectionism may try to drive the car. This episode offers practical strategies that help you submit a proposal that is clear, compliant, and compelling. 3 Key takeaways · The last mile feels hard because the work shifts from creat...
Leading a grant is not only about writing a strong grant application. It is about implementation, compliance, budgeting, reporting, and leading people through the full life cycle of the project. In this episode, Dr. Trenette walks you through a practical readiness check so you can assess whether you are ready to serve as the lead on a grant, and what to strengthen if you are not there yet. In this episode, we cover: Why implementation can be harder than grant writingThe difference between bei...
In this episode, Dr. Trenette invites us to set 2026 goals differently. Instead of rushing into a “new year, go harder” mindset, we pause to reflect on what truly drained our energy in 2025 so we do not carry the same stress into a new calendar. This episode blends practical planning steps with encouragement that reminds us that our most important goals are not only about what we produce, but who we become while we are producing. In This Episode, We Cover Why a new year does not automatically...
Grant Writing Made Clear just passed a major milestone, one year on the air. In this anniversary episode, Dr. Trenette reflects on what this community has built and shares three practical moves from Season 1 that you can apply immediately to strengthen your grant writing practices. This episode is part celebration, part gratitude, and part reset for the year ahead. In this episode, you will hear Listener highlights from around the world and where the community is tuning in fromThe most listen...
Grant Writing Made Clear This week we talk about food as a steady source of energy, clarity, and care for people who carry big workloads and bigger missions. My guest, Julia Ambrozy, RD, is a registered dietitian who helps busy professionals build simple, sustainable nutrition routines that support focus, mood, and stamina. We explore how food choices fuel the impactful work we do. Julia offers a clear way to think about meals during heavy seasons, how to create a basic plate that steadies en...
Grant Writing Made Clear Today’s conversation is for those serious about becoming a strong leader. My guest, Josh Hinson, is Director of Relational Leadership @ Carolina, a human centered, transformational leadership program in the UNC Provost’s Office of Interprofessional Health Initiatives. Josh began partnering with Intend Health Strategies in 2019 through UNC’s pilot Relational Leadership Institute and previously served as a Clinical Assistant Professor at the UNC School of Social Work, w...
Grant Writing Made Clear Sometimes the most strategic move you can make is to pause, plan, and strategize. In this episode, Dr. Trenette shares recommendations for designing your season with clarity so you can stop reacting and start leading with intention. Here are the 3 key takeaways: 1- Seasons require prioritizing: If you do not set priorities, the season will set them for you. 2- Rhythms create stability: Weekly anchors like writing blocks, team touchpoints, rest, and family...
Grant Writing Made Clear Many, if not most, foundations screen with Letters of Intent (LOIs). LOIs are short, high-stakes documents that decide whether you get to submit a full proposal. In this episode, I break down what program officers look for in LOIs, share a simple LOI structure that works, and the mindset that helps you rise to the top of a crowded review pile. If you have ever felt unsure about how to stand out in 2–3 pages, this episode will show you how to communicate with confidenc...
Grant Writing Made Clear Grants do more than fund interventions. In this episode, Dr. Trenette shares how the process of grant writing builds clarity of mission, professional credibility, strategic discipline, partnerships, and a resilient growth mindset. You will walk away with practical ways to treat each proposal. What you will learn How writing proposals clarifies who you serve, why it matters, and the activities you use to serve your populationWhy an unfunded proposal can still grow cred...
DWelcome back to Season 2! In this opening episode, Dr. Trenette reflects on her summer sabbatical and the powerful lessons she learned about rest, renewal, and resistance. From presenting in Paris to glamping in South Carolina and soaking up sunshine in Jamaica, she shares how stepping back created space for new ideas, creativity, and joy. In this episode, you’ll hear: Insights from international conferences and cultural experiences that sparked fresh perspectives.Honest reflections on what ...
I'm on a short sabbatical, but this episode is too good not to revisit. Enjoy this listener favorite while I rest and recharge! Grant Writing Made Clear Rejection—it’s the part of grant writing that no one wants to talk about, but nearly every grant writer will face. That dreaded "we regret to inform you" email can feel like a punch to the gut. But here’s the truth: rejection is not the end. In this episode of Grant Writing Made Clear, we’re flipping rejection on its head and turning it...
I'm on a short sabbatical, but this episode is too good not to revisit. Enjoy this listener favorite while I rest and recharge! Welcome back to Grant Writing Made Clear! I’m Dr. Trenette, and today, we’re tackling one of the biggest challenges in grant writing—coming up with a fundable idea that funders can’t resist. If you’ve ever felt stuck trying to figure out where to begin, you’re not alone. In this episode, I’ll walk you through five key steps to generate ideas that align wi...
I'm on a short sabbatical, but this episode is too good not to revisit. Enjoy this listener favorite while I rest and recharge! The grant funding landscape is shifting—and staying ahead means adapting to change. In this episode of Grant Writing Made Clear, Dr. Trenette shares her Top 5 Grant Funding Trends for 2025 that every nonprofit leader, researcher, and grant writer needs to know. From changes in federal funding priorities to leveraging AI as your new assistant, this episode is pa...
Grant Writing Made Clear In this Season 1 finale, Dr. Trenette makes a powerful case for intentional rest as an act of resistance in a productivity-obsessed culture. She announces her summer sabbatical and invites listeners to join her in centering rest - not as a reward to earn, but as a fundamental right that fuels better and sustainable impact. Key Topics Covered Drawing from her rural upbringing, Dr. Trenette reflects on lessons from the cornfield across from her childhood home. She obser...
Grant Writing Made Clear As we prepare for a summer sabbatical, this powerful episode offers heartfelt encouragement for anyone who has ever doubted their place in the room. Dr. Trenette shares a personal and affirming message that you are the assignment. Your unique voice, perspective, and story are not just valuable - they are essential. This episode is a call to walk boldly in your purpose. What You’ll Learn: Why your lived experience is a great assetEncouragement to embrace your strengths...
Grant Writing Made Clear In this episode of Grant Writing Made Clear, Dr. Trenette challenges the culture of constant busyness and explores why strategic focus leads to deeper impact. She breaks down the hidden costs of overcommitting and provides practical tools for protecting your most important work. Barriers to Focused Work People-pleasing and its impact on decision-makingFalse urgency culture Administrative accumulation over timePractical Focus Strategies Mission-Driven Filtering: C...
Grant Writing Made Clear In this episode of Grant Writing Made Clear, we explore consistency and why it matters. If you've ever struggled with staying focused, getting started, or making progress on big goals like grant writing, this episode is for you. We unpack how consistent effort builds momentum, creates cognitive residue that fuels creativity, and mirrors the way our bodies continue burning energy after intense exercise. With practical encouragement and simple mindset shifts, this episo...
Grant Writing Made Clear In this heartfelt episode of Grant Writing Made Clear, Dr. Trenette opens up about why she’s stepping away from the podcast for a summer sabbatical, and what it really means to pause on purpose. After an intense season of writing grant applications and building community, she's choosing self-care and inviting you to consider what that might look like in your own life. You’ll hear: What led Dr. Trenette to make this decisionWhat she plans to do this summer instead ...
Grant Writing Made Clear Winning a grant is just the beginning. The next challenge? Leading with impact. In this episode of Grant Writing Made Clear, I’m joined by leadership expert Jennifer Manghisi, a corporate real estate professional who previously worked in higher education and has deep experience in operations, process improvement, and team development. We explore how leadership shapes the success of grant-funded projects, from setting a clear vision to managing priorities under pressur...
Grant Writing Made Clear We’re back for Part 2 of my conversation with Dean Gary Cuddeback, and this episode is packed with actionable insights for anyone looking to strengthen their grant writing skills. Dean Cuddeback shares how he learned to write successful NIH grant applications, the importance of mentorship, and his advice for researchers who want to grow in both clarity and confidence. Don’t miss this episode if you’re navigating the world of academic funding or preparing your next app...
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