Stormy to Calm: Thoughts on Navigating the Federal Grant-Writing Waters After NLFGT

Before taking GPA’s Next Level Federal Grants Training (NLFGT) course, my approach to federal grants could best be described as the “sink or swim” method. I was comfortable navigating the relatively calm waters of foundation grants, but federal grants felt like I was treading water in an ocean of shark-like regulations, intricate applications, and stormy instructions. Even locating the expectations for the proposal narrative within the “sea” of eligibility criteria and requirements felt overwhelming. I enrolled in this course so that I could swim in these waters with confidence, strength, and clarity.

NLFGT is a year-long training course taught by the federal grant whisperer Cheryl Kester that is designed for both experienced and newbie grants professionals. Each month’s live sessions affirmed the knowledge I did have while building a deeper understanding of areas where I needed growth. Aided by Kessler and Cassidy’s Writing to Win Federal Grants and Writing to Win Federal Grants: The Workbook, participants are guided through the entire federal grant writing process, including developing needs statements, crafting budget narratives, building partnerships, and navigating the submissions process. 

One of the most valuable parts of the course was hearing from the grant whisperers themselves on how they navigate client relationships in developing federal grant proposals, including how they gather the information and data they need to develop a compelling and winning proposal. The instructors’ first-hand experience and real-life scenarios illustrated the potential pitfalls and best practices of federal grantseeking, which made the material feel actionable and relevant. Each live session included sundry practical tools and resources. From sample needs statements, budget narratives, and letters of commitment, the resources provided gave me clarity and the strength to navigate the federal grants process. One resource I found particularly helpful was the “grant readiness” checklist, which I now use regularly to ensure an organization is ready to not only apply for but also manage federal grant funding.

The training also included interactive features, like a discussion board at Grant School and a Q&A session during every live meeting. While I must admit I did not use the discussion board as much as I could have—partly due to the complexity of the platform—I valued the opportunity to engage with the instructors and fellow attendees outside of the live meeting structure. Moreover, all the live sessions are recorded and fully accessible through Grant School, providing a convenient way to access course materials at my own pace. 

Perhaps the most significant takeaway was a shift in my mindset. Prior to taking NLFGT, I lacked confidence in my ability to decode the “nofo” so that I could take the lead in navigating a federal grant proposal for a client or an organization. NLFGT taught me how to be proactive and planful. I now have greater confidence in leading the development of a federal grant proposal, knowing I have access to the resources and knowledge to succeed. Thanks to NLFGT, I now approach writing federal grants as “filling out a very long and detailed application” rather than a mysterious process. Such a shift in perspective has given me greater clarity on how to break down what once felt overwhelming into smaller and more manageable steps. 

For anyone considering taking NLFGT my advice is: dive in! Whether you are brand-spanking new to federal grants or a seasoned professional, NLFGT will give you the knowledge, tools, and confidence to be even more successful.

What steps have you taken to build confidence, gain clarity, and develop strength to navigate the federal grants process?

Author Bio: Before being a grant professional, Amy Johnson Lachuk was a college professor who secured grants to support her research endeavors. Truth was, teaching was not Amy’s strongest suit but research and writing were, and securing grants gave her an opportunity to focus more intentionally on what she loved. When she left academia after 18 years, Amy turned to nonprofit grant writing and, since 2018, she has worked with nonprofits all over the United States to secure the resources necessary to advance their missions and grow their programs.