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 Agencies to Improve Traffic Data Systems

Deadline: 06/25/26

Grants to Illinois government agencies for activities that improve statewide traffic data systems. Funding is intended for projects to collect, manage, and analyze data related to traffic records. The purpose of the funding is to support activities that address ob...

GrantWatch ID#: 191695
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Grants to Illinois Agencies to Prevent Discrimination

Deadline: 06/25/26

Grants to Illinois government and law enforcement agencies for activities to identify racial discrimination in traffic stops. Funding is intended to maintain and permit inspection of statistical information on the race and ethnicity of a driver for all motor vehic...

GrantWatch ID#: 195732
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Grants to Illinois Agencies for Highway Safety

Deadline: 06/25/26

Grants to Illinois state law enforcement agencies for activities that advance highway safety. Funding is intended to support enforcement-related projects and programs within the focus areas of impaired driving, occupant protection, pedestrian safety, distracted dr...

GrantWatch ID#: 196066
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Grants to Illinois Agencies for Programs to Improve Traffic Safety

Deadline: 06/25/26

Grants to Illinois state government agencies for programs that reduce and prevent death and injuries related to road accidents. Funding is intended to support the development and implementation of highway safety training, prevention, public awareness, and educatio...

GrantWatch ID#: 183129
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Grants to Illinois and Missouri Nonprofits for Operating Support for Programs to Advance Civic...

Deadline: 06/26/26

Grants of $20,000 to Illinois and Missouri nonprofit organizations for operating support for programs to advance civic engagement, policy change, and advocacy efforts in eligible regions. Funding may be used for any organizational needs, including salaries, techno...

GrantWatch ID#: 212279
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Grant to an Illinois Nonprofit to Promote Community Health and Fitness

Deadline: 06/26/26

Grant of $20,000 to an Illinois nonprofit organization for activities that address health, fitness, or medical needs in eligible locations. The funding source promotes continuing medical education and patient education and supports regional charitable organization...

GrantWatch ID#: 144234
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Grants to Illinois Nonprofits and Agencies for Arts and Music Programs

Deadline: 06/26/26

Grants of up to $2,500 to Illinois nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies for arts and music programs in eligible locations. The purpose of funding is to foster engagement and excitement around the arts. Eligible projects are visual arts or music-based ...

GrantWatch ID#: 220876

Grants to Illinois Nonprofits to Enhance the Local Quality of Life

Deadline: 06/27/26

Grants to Illinois nonprofit organizations in eligible regions for programs that enhance the quality of life for local residents. Past grant recipients served the local community in a wide range of areas, including library resources for high schools, theater arts ...

GrantWatch ID#: 147360

Grants to Illinois Business and Property Owners for Capital Improvements

Deadline: 06/30/26

Grants to Illinois industrial and commercial business and property owners in eligible locations for capital improvement projects. Funding is intended for improvements to building exteriors, interiors, mechanical systems, and most other permanent building improveme...

GrantWatch ID#: 176275

Grants to Illinois Qualifying Local Governments for Tree Inventories and Forest Management Pla...

Deadline: 06/30/26

Grants to Illinois qualifying local governments for professional tree inventories and urban forest management plans. Funding is intended to prioritize canopy improvement and enhance long-term forest health through strategic planning and maintenance. Grant recipien...

GrantWatch ID#: 221100
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