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

Grants to Illinois Property Owners for Capital Projects

Deadline: 08/14/26

Grants to Illinois for-profit and nonprofit developers, individual tenants, property owners, and religious organizations for construction projects in eligible locations. Funding is intended to promote commercial, cultural, industrial, institutional, social service...

GrantWatch ID#: 218271

Grants to Illinois and Iowa Nonprofits to Benefit Eligible Communities

Deadline: 08/15/26

Grants to Illinois and Iowa nonprofit organizations to benefit eligible communities. Funding may be requested for programs in social welfare, education, and arts and culture. Within the focus areas, the Foundation supports multi-year program grants, operational gr...

GrantWatch ID#: 172859

Grants to Illinois Nonprofits for Health and Human Services in Eligible Locations

Deadline: 09/15/26 LOI Date: 08/15/26

Grants to Illinois nonprofit organizations to address the health and human services needs of local residents in eligible locations. Some organizations are required to submit a letter of intent prior to submitting a full application. Funding is intended for program...

GrantWatch ID#: 168569

Grants to Illinois Individuals and Families in Eligible Locations for Financial Assistance

Deadline: 08/15/26

Grants to Illinois individuals and households in eligible locations for financial assistance. Funding is intended to help income-eligible residents pay for electric, water, and gas bills, as well as repairing or replacing their heating systems. Grants are availabl...

GrantWatch ID#: 193879

Awards to Florida, Illinois, Missouri, and Texas Otolaryngology Residents for Research

Deadline: 08/15/26

Awards of $1,000 to Florida, Illinois, Missouri, and Texas otolaryngology residents for hearing and balance research projects. Funding supports research conducted during residency training. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in designated residency programs at e...

GrantWatch ID#: 230639

Grants to Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin High Schools for Agricultural Education Programs ...

Deadline: 08/15/26

Grants of up to $7,500 to Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin middle and high schools in eligible regions for agricultural education programs and classroom equipment in local schools. Funding is intended to provide students with modern resources that will broaden t...

GrantWatch ID#: 142742

Grants to Illinois Nonprofits for Projects and programs to Benefit Children

Deadline: 08/15/26

Grants to Illinois nonprofit organizations for programs and activities that benefit children in eligible locations. Funding is intended for specific children's projects. Preference is given to an unduplicated service in the community. The Foundation supports nonpr...

GrantWatch ID#: 215260

Grants to Illinois Nonprofits, Agencies, and IHEs for Community Benefit Activities

Deadline: 08/20/26

Grants to Illinois nonprofit organizations, government agencies, public IHEs, and faith-based organizations for activities that benefit residents in eligible counties. Requests may be made to support projects, programs, events, and capital improvements. Focus area...

GrantWatch ID#: 175272

Grants to Wisconsin and Illinois Nonprofits to Address the Needs of Women and Girls

Deadline: 08/20/26

Grants of up to $5,000 to Wisconsin and Illinois nonprofit organizations for activities that address the needs of women and girls in eligible communities. Funding is intended to support services and initiatives in the areas of economic opportunity, health and stab...

GrantWatch ID#: 147529

Grants to Illinois and Missouri Nonprofits, Hospitals, and Schools to Benefit Children and You...

Deadline: 10/22/26 LOI Date: 08/20/26

Grants to Illinois and Missouri nonprofit organizations, hospitals, and schools for programs to benefit young people in eligible regions. Applicants must complete required registration and pass a verification check prior to applying. Funding is intended to provide...

GrantWatch ID#: 216867
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