The Queen of Grants 2: GrantTalk Secrets for the New Era of Grant Writing

by Libby Hikind (Author)


The Queen of Grants 2: GrantTalk Secrets for the New Era of Grant Writing continues Libby Hikind's mission. She helps organizations strengthen their programs, expand their opportunities, and understand what supports successful funding. Drawing from decades of experience and more than fifty GrantTalk podcast interviews, Libby offers a clear and practical guide. As a result, readers can better navigate today?s competitive grant landscape.

Part I, GrantTalk Secrets, brings together insights from funders, grantees, nonprofit leaders, and subject-matter experts across the United States and Canada. Readers learn how decisions are made, what captures attention, and why strong proposals rise above the rest. This section covers program development, project design, needs statements, budgeting, evaluation, communication with funders, and the full lifecycle of a grant. Together, these topics provide a strong foundation for writing grants with clarity, confidence, and purpose.

Part II, Marketing and Visibility, explains why strong platforms must support strong programs. Here, Libby guides readers through branding, social media strategy, content creation, blogging, trending topics, and podcasting. In addition, this section helps organizations increase recognition, communicate their mission, and stand out in a crowded funding environment.

Part III, The 20 Day Platform Challenge, offers a behind-the-scenes look at the GrantWatch team. They complete a full website refresh on a tight timeline. Through daily journals and reflections, readers see how ideas take shape, how teams overcome obstacles, and how collaboration strengthens progress. As a result, this section provides a relatable model for teamwork, problem-solving, and organizational readiness.

Part IV, AI in Grant Writing, introduces new AI tools developed for GrantWatch subscribers. Libby explains how AI can support grant search and drafting. She also shows how to use AI responsibly and where human judgment and storytelling remain essential. In addition, she describes how the foundation directory and grant recipient search were built from public data and 990 reports. This gives writers faster access to information and saves hours of research.

The Queen of Grants 2 blends real stories, practical strategies, and forward-looking tools. Overall, it helps readers strengthen their platforms and succeed in a new era of funding.


The Queen of Grants: From Teacher to Grant Writer to CEO Hardcover – February 1, 2024

by Libby Hikind (Author)


In The Queen of Grants: From Teacher to Grant Writer to CEO, Libby Hikind details her journey from a teacher to a grant writer to the CEO of GrantWatch. As you trace her journey to becoming both CEO and a media personality, you'll observe her courage and the unforeseen twists and turns that led her to the present day. This narrative will inspire confidence in your own ability to navigate the grant-seeking and grant-writing process.

This book is structured into five sections and goes beyond mere theory by providing practical insights into crafting each part of a grant application. Each segment is enriched with anecdotes, lessons learned, and practical advice. Furthermore, there is a dedicated section featuring model responses for various components commonly found in grant applications

  • How It All Began for Me
  • Your Questions Answered
  • How To Write a Grant?
  • Modeling Successful Grants
  • The Future of AI and Grant Writing
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Grants to Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio Nonprofits for Programs That Enhance Local Com...

Deadline: 05/31/26

Grants to Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio nonprofit organizations in counties served by the funding source for activities that enhance local communities. Particular emphasis will be placed on programs benefiting low-income communities. Funding is intended to...

GrantWatch ID#: 224449
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Grants to Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin Emergency Response Departments for Equipment Purc...

Deadline: 05/31/26

Grants of up to $7,500 to Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin first responder departments in eligible counties for equipment purchases. The Funding Source's mission is to provide funding for emergency response equipment for volunteer rescue, fire, and ambulance dep...

GrantWatch ID#: 171311
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Grants to Illinois Nonprofits for Public Gardening Projects in Eligible Regions

Deadline: 05/31/26

Grants to Illinois nonprofit organizations for planting and gardening projects in eligible regions. Funding is intended to establish or maintain a public garden, purchase plants, or acquire or rent gardening equipment. Projects or services must directly benefit pu...

GrantWatch ID#: 185991
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Grants and In-Kind Support to Illinois Communities for Tree Planting Projects

Deadline: 05/31/26

Grants and in-kind support to Illinois qualifying communities to expand urban forests in local communities. In addition to funds to purchase trees, participating communities will receive support in planning, program implementation, and developing or updating manag...

GrantWatch ID#: 221099
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Grants to Illinois Nonprofits for Capacity Building Projects

Deadline: 05/31/26

Grants of up to $5,000 to Illinois nonprofit organizations for capacity building projects in eligible regions. Funding is intended for initiatives to increase the organization's operations and core systems through projects such as board development, internal opera...

GrantWatch ID#: 229056
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Grants to Illinois Nonprofits and Agencies to Improve the Quality of Life of Residents

Deadline: 05/31/26

Grants of up to $5,000 to Illinois nonprofit organizations and government agencies to improve the quality of life in eligible communities. Funding is intended to benefit residents and encourage cooperation between tax-exempt community organizations. Applicants mus...

GrantWatch ID#: 213830
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Grants to Illinois Qualifying Communities for Initiatives to Benefit the Local Tree Canopy

Deadline: 05/31/26

Grants to Illinois qualifying communities for initiatives to benefit the local tree canopy. Funding is intended to hire contractors or utilize staff to remove of dead, dying, or damaged trees. The goal of the program is to improve public safety and clear space for...

GrantWatch ID#: 221101
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Grants to Illinois Nonprofits for Community Benefit Programs

Deadline: 06/01/26

Grants to Illinois nonprofit organizations for community benefit programs. Project areas include education, arts learning, and vocational training. Funding is intended for programs that seek to improve conditions for underserved and low-income communities with a s...

GrantWatch ID#: 176449

Grants to Illinois Nonprofits to Reduce Health Disparities and Improve Well-Being

Deadline: 08/05/26 LOI Date: 06/01/26

The summary grant details are still being written by our team. You can click here to see our work in progress and go directly to the funder's application page on their website.

GrantWatch ID#: 229344
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Grants to Illinois Nonprofits for Programs that Benefit Underserved Populations

Deadline: 06/01/26

Grants to Illinois nonprofit organizations in eligible locations for programs and projects that benefit underserved populations. Funding is intended for activities within the focus areas of education, health care, and human services. Eligible programs benefit resi...

GrantWatch ID#: 160265
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