Grant Strategy, Not Grant Volume
Erin Davison explains why the best grant funding comes from alignment, relationships, and thoughtful research, not sending more applications.
In this episode of Nonprofit SnapCast, Mickey Desai welcomes veteran grant researcher and writer Erin Davison for a candid conversation about the realities of today’s grant funding landscape.
With more than 30 years of experience helping nonprofits secure funding, Erin shares why successful grant seeking is less about volume and more about strategy. From identifying the right funders to building genuine relationships and using AI responsibly, she offers practical guidance for nonprofit leaders looking to strengthen their funding approach.
The discussion explores how grant research has evolved over the decades, how artificial intelligence is changing the profession, and why nonprofits must focus on alignment rather than simply submitting more proposals.
Key topics include:
- Why grant research is a strategic process, not just a database search
- How AI is transforming grant research and funding discovery
- The right—and wrong—ways to use AI in grant writing
- Why relationship-building remains essential in fundraising
- How and when to contact potential funders directly
- The importance of aligning programs with funder priorities
- Why "not every grant is a good grant"
- Sustainable grant funding versus one-time awards
- Diversifying revenue streams in an uncertain funding environment
- Lessons nonprofits can learn from recent funding disruptions
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