What’s Unique about Federal Grant Project Budgets?
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What’s Unique about Federal Grant Project Budgets?

You may feel confident creating project budgets for foundations and corporations, but have you ever tried your hand at a federal grant project budget? Grant projects funded by the federal government are held to a high standard of transparency and accountability. Project budgeting for federal grants can be complex, with strict regulations, compliance standards, and detailed reporting requirements. In this blog post, we share insights to help you level up on federal grant budgets. …

Federal Grants: 4 Elements of a Winning Work Plan
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Federal Grants: 4 Elements of a Winning Work Plan

Do you ever find that you or your team are struggling to stay on track with goals? Or getting lost in the complexities of a project? Well, look no further than a well-crafted work plan, something we teach clients how to create for federal grants and nonprofit work in general. In this blog post, we dive into the four essential elements of a winning work plan. …

Federal Grant Proposals: Crafting a Compelling Needs Statement
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Federal Grant Proposals: Crafting a Compelling Needs Statement

In a previous post, we introduced you to the art of writing government proposals, one of our specialties here at Lydia Sierra Consulting. Over the next few months, we’re going deeper into this topic, sharing proven methods from our grant writing team, who spent the past year developing an online course for organizations seeking federal grant opportunities. To kick this off, we’re starting with the importance of writing a powerful needs statement. …

Five Ways to Navigate the Holidays with Grace
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Five Ways to Navigate the Holidays with Grace

The holiday season is often touted as a time of joy and celebration, but it can bring about a range of difficult emotions. The pressure to spend money, attend holiday parties, and maintain a cheerful facade can lead to guilt and increased stress levels. On top of that, the emphasis on family can amplify the absence of loved ones or magnify complicated relationships, stirring up feelings of grief. …

How to Craft a Projected Budget for a Prosperous Year
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How to Craft a Projected Budget for a Prosperous Year

In the four previous blog posts, we’ve highlighted end-of-year tasks that every nonprofit should be doing or at least thinking about to prepare for the upcoming year. Now, as the year comes to a close, we want to emphasize the importance of creating a projected budget — a financial roadmap showing how you will finish the fiscal year or what you anticipate for the year ahead, with a clear overview of expected revenue and expenses. …

Navigating Government Proposals
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Navigating Government Proposals

Securing government contracts and grants can be a game-changer for nonprofits. However, winning these opportunities involves writing compelling proposals and navigating a complex landscape of regulations and competition. In this blog, we dive into the benefits and challenges of government proposals and what nonprofits can be doing now to prepare for them. …

The Annual Appeal – A Labor of Love
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The Annual Appeal – A Labor of Love

Nonprofit donors are inundated with asks at the end of the year, have their own planned giving, and are enjoying the hectic holiday time. The earlier in December folks read your appeal letter, the better the chances that they’ll make you a priority. Yet, as much as this is pragmatic advice about time management, it also has bigger implications for cultivating your donor base and engaging your Board and volunteers. …

Fall Into Action: Data Collection and Analysis for Nonprofit Success
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Fall Into Action: Data Collection and Analysis for Nonprofit Success

Fall isn’t just about pumpkin spice lattes and cozy sweaters; it’s an opportune time to collect and analyze data that can shape your nonprofit’s future. With heavy programming schedules after the summer break, organizations have a captive audience and the opportunity to gather valuable insights about participants’ experiences, preferences, and needs. …

Six Things Nonprofits Should Be Doing Now to Prepare for the New Year
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Six Things Nonprofits Should Be Doing Now to Prepare for the New Year

In working for nonprofits and collaborating with them as a consultant, I’ve repeatedly seen the same challenges pop up across a wide range of organizations. The good news is that a little strategic fall planning can help you avoid many of these challenges. Here are six things your organization should be doing this season to end the year strong…