The Impact Issue #59: The Grant Writing Mistake You Don’t Know You’re Making!

Nonprofit work is never static; grant trends shift, donor expectations evolve, and new funding opportunities emerge. Keeping up can feel like a full-time job, but don’t worry—we’ve got you covered.

This week, we’re diving into:

• How equitable language can make your grant proposals more compelling
• A tech tool that helps you tap into giving circles for sustainable funding
• Donor retention strategies from a fundraising powerhouse who’s raised over $100 million
• What next-gen donors expect from the nonprofits they support
• Upcoming grant opportunities, conferences, and webinars to keep on your radar

Welcome to The Impact. Now, let’s get into it! 👇

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Pitfalls and Pointers

Language matters! The words you choose in your grant proposals can either build trust and inspire action—or create distance and reinforce biases. That’s why equitable language is essential in grant writing.

Let’s talk about how a few small changes can make a huge difference.

⚠️ Pitfall: Using Deficit-Based Language

When describing the community you serve, it’s easy to focus on the challenges—like lack of access to education, poverty, or homelessness. But when proposals emphasize only what’s missing or broken, they risk:

• Reinforcing harmful stereotypes: Communities are seen as helpless rather than resourceful.
• Focusing funders on problems instead of possibilities: Funders may struggle to see the impact your organization can make.
• Creating a sense of hopelessness: If a problem seems too big, funders may hesitate to invest.

💡Pointer: Use Asset-Based Language to Strengthen and Humanize Your Grant Proposals

Grant proposals should uplift the voices of those directly impacted by your work. Instead of speaking for them, let their experiences shine through.

• Focus on asset-based language: Instead of framing people by what they lack, highlight their strengths, resilience, and potential. For example, you could say “underserved entrepreneurs building small businesses” rather than “impoverished individuals needing help.”
• Let community voices lead: Use direct quotes, testimonials, and community-driven data to ensure those most impacted are truly represented.
• Be inclusive and respectful: Avoid labels that reduce people to their challenges. The APA’s inclusive language guide is a great reference.
• Balance needs with progress: Funders want to understand the challenges, but they also want to see momentum. Show how your community is already making strides.

Want more tips on making your grant applications strong and inclusive?

👉 Check out our guide on using asset-based language in grant proposals!

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Tech You Should Know

Nonprofits are always looking for new ways to engage donors and build sustainable funding. If you haven’t explored giving circles, now might be the time.

Enter Grapevine—a platform that helps nonprofits connect with giving circles and tap into collective giving to grow their impact.

What It Is:

‍A fundraising platform that connects nonprofits with groups of donors who pool their money and make collective funding decisions. With Grapevine, you can expand your donor base by reaching new supporters who are passionate about your cause.

How Grant Writers Can Use It:

• Find new funding sources: Get discovered by giving circles that align with your mission.
• Build a community of donors: Engage with supporters who care about your work beyond just a one-time donation.
• Diversify revenue streams: Giving circles can provide more sustainable and reliable funding.

Keep in Mind:

• It’s donor-driven: Giving circles decide where their funds go, so storytelling and engagement are key.
• Not a quick fix: Relationships take time to build, but they can lead to long-term support.

🔎 Explore how giving circles can fuel your nonprofit’s success with Grapevine!

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Expert Perspectives

🏆 Sarah Lange, MSW: Donor Retention in an Era of Dwindling Loyalty

With over $100 million raised, Sarah Lange is a fundraising powerhouse, author, and expert in donor retention. She knows that winning a grant is just the first step—keeping funders engaged is what leads to long-term success.

Here’s her expert advice:

• Understand Donor Motivations: The key to donor retention? Figuring out what drives each donor’s desire to give and connecting that motivation to your impact. Show them how their support directly benefits the people and communities they care about.
• Go Beyond the Standard Thank-You: Providing excellent stewardship is about more than just sending a tax receipt. Keep donors engaged year-round with handwritten notes, behind-the-scenes photos, or impact updates. Want to take it a step further? Invite them in—whether it’s a tour, an open house, or a special event. Making them feel part of the mission builds stronger, longer-lasting relationships.
• Practice Transparency and Respect: Trust is everything. Donors don’t need to know every budget detail, but they need reassurance that their contributions are being used wisely. Publishing an annual report can help provide this transparency. And remember—donors are not just ATMs; interactions with them should not be merely transactional. No matter their giving level, every donor should be treated with respect and gratitude.

🌟 Dive deeper into Sarah’s powerful donor retention strategies here.

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What Do Next-Gen Donors Want?

A new report from NonProfit PRO reveals that younger donors—particularly Millenials and Gen Z—aren’t just writing checks. Instead, they’re deeply engaged, impact-driven, and selective about where they give. Understanding their mindset could be the key to securing long-term support for your nonprofit.

Here’s what you need to know:

• 📊 Values Over Loyalty: Younger donors don’t give out of obligation or loyalty to a specific organization. They give to causes that align with their values, meaning nonprofits must clearly communicate their mission and impact.
• 🤝 Hands-On Engagement: Next-gen donors want to do more than just give money. They’re looking for volunteer opportunities, advocacy roles, and deeper involvement in the causes they support.
• ‍💻 Tech-Driven Philanthropy: Digital platforms greatly influence how younger donors discover and vet nonprofits. A strong online presence, transparent reporting, and engaging storytelling are more critical than ever.‍
• 📍Strategic Giving: These donors are data-driven. They research nonprofits, evaluate impact, and expect measurable results. Demonstrating clear outcomes and financial transparency can help build trust.

📑 Check out NonProfit PRO’s full report for more data and insights.

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Opportunities Spotlight

🎓 PNC Grow Up Great Grants

Who It’s For: Nonprofit organizations focused on early childhood education, particularly for underserved youth from birth to age five.

Next Deadline: Rolling (applications accepted year-round)

Grant Amount: Varies based on project scope and alignment with PNC’s priorities

The Details:

PNC’s Grow Up Great initiative is a multi-year commitment of $500 million to early childhood education. Through this grant, PNC supports programs that:

• Enhance early learning experiences, particularly in underserved communities
• Provide professional development for early childhood educators
• Engage parents and caregivers as partners in children’s learning
• Promote innovative and scalable approaches to early education

👉 Apply Here!

📚 PPL Foundation Energizing Education Grant

Who It’s For: Nonprofits and schools creating equitable, high-quality educational programs in Pennsylvania.

Next Deadline: Applications accepted Aug. 1 - September 15, 2025

Grant Amount: Up to $25,000

The Details:

The PPL Foundation supports initiatives that improve the quality of life in the communities it serves. The Energizing Education Grant focuses specifically on:

• Expanding STEM education, with an emphasis on energy-related career pathways
• Supporting literacy and summer learning programs
• Advancing college and career readiness
  

Priority is given to programs that promote equity, inclusion, and long-term community impact.

👉 Apply Here!

🔍 Explore thousands of other grant opportunities now!

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Networking Nook

💻 Webinar: Nonprofit Fundraising in the Digital Age

June 5, 2025 | 2 PM - 3:30 PM EST

Hosted by the Fundraising Academy, this webinar will explore the latest digital tools and strategies to enhance fundraising efforts. Topics include leveraging social media platforms, optimizing online donation processes, and engaging younger donor demographics through digital channels.

Hurry! Limited spots available.

✅ Register Now!

📅 Conference: Nonprofit Innovation and Optimization (NIO) Summit‍

September 30 - October 2, 2025 | Indianapolis, Indiana

Designed for nonprofit professionals interested in enhancing their digital fundraising and marketing strategies, the NIO Summit offers insights on A/B testing, donor behavior studies, and hands-on workshops, making it ideal for data-driven fundraisers.

Early bird registration ends soon!

✅ Register Now!

To check out more recent and upcoming live events, go here.

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In Case You Missed It

📑 Article: 5 Nonprofit Fundraising Trends to Watch in 2025

This article from Classy.org explores emerging trends in fundraising, including the growing public trust in nonprofits, the integration of artificial intelligence, and the importance of hyper-personalization in donor engagement. 

👉 Get the Full Story!

🎙️Podcast: 5 Strategies for Leading Nonprofits in 2025

In this episode of Nonprofits are Messy, Joan Garry shares five key strategies nonprofit leaders need to thrive in 2025. From navigating economic uncertainty to strengthening donor relationships, this discussion offers practical advice on how to lead with confidence, adapt to change, and ensure long-term impact.

👉 Listen to the Episode!

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Simplify Your Work

Finding the right grants, managing deadlines, and keeping track of funders can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. 

With Instrumentl, you get an all-in-one platform to discover funding opportunities, track applications, and manage grants with ease.

• 🚀 Find the best-fit grants for your organization
• 📈 Access funder insights to strengthen your proposals
• ⏰ Save hours with automated tracking and deadline reminders

Join thousands of nonprofits already using Instrumentl to win more grants and maximize their impact.

👉 Start your 14-day free trial—no credit card required!