Time to reflect back on all we achieved over the last year. With the completion of the production phase of Unlock-Grants course, and the official launch in November 2023, the first full year of Unlock-Grants is in the books, and we have many accomplishments to be proud of.
- My team and I did some retooling of the course delivery, and ended up improving the course in many ways:
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- We now offer on-demand Q&A and review of draft proposals, Need Statements, and Logic Models (instead of tying course registrants to our once-a-week set time and schedule).
- We were able to reduce the price of the course because of this new streamlined course delivery, so the course is more affordable for more people, and they get more access!
- We added a purchasing option so individuals can buy one module at a time, instead of the whole course all at once. In either case, you can take the course at your own pace.
- We added a Buy One Get One Free offer for small nonprofits (under $1 million operating budget). It’s one way we give back to the nonprofit community we hope to serve!
- Lifetime access (instead of only a year) to all course components, including the ability to submit questions and draft proposals for review, and access to growing Topic Library (now 9 hours of bonus content!).
- We upgraded the Topic Library, so recordings are easier to find, search, and access. The Topic Library added hours of bonus content: deeper dives into areas touched on in the course, interviews with grant experts, and reviews of course registrants’ Logic Models and Need Statement.
- And of course, we renewed the course’s standing with CFRE and GPC, so course registrants will continue to receive 5 Education points from each of those certifying bodies upon course completion.
- With the production phase of the Unlock-Grants course wrapped up, in 2024 we embarked on the marketing phase of the course’s evolution, and I hired a marketing expert to help steer our efforts and fine-tune what we were already doing. Our small team appreciates the guidance and efficiencies that Tammy Tilzey has brought to our daily operations.
- To market effectively, you need data. And part of the year was spent in data collection, where we amassed great feedback and testimonials, and received our 94% satisfaction rating.
- We began work in earnest on SEO – Search Engine Optimization — to get Unlock-Grants in front of as many people across the country as possible. My library of blog articles is being retooled to maximize its reach and impact, and you’ll see other changes and tweaks along the way.
- We produced a new free resource, “How to Win more Grants: 7 Proven Strategies to Improve Your Win Rate.” Thirty pages of actionable steps to increase your grants success, and it’s FREE!
- We exhibited at the GPA GrantSummit in Denver, and again partnered with Foundation Directory on a 90-days free offer. The excitement of the course, the offer, and the rollout of the new course options led to hundreds of people entering to win the free course we gave away. Congratulations to Melanie Spencer, who can use the course herself, or gift it to a colleague!
- And I had a record year with my grants clients, winning them program, capacity building, and capital grants from private and public sources. I also help them keep their grant pipelines full through regular prospect research.
- I’ve had other teaching/training/coaching clients as well. A group in California heard me speak on rebuilding and sustaining their grants program, and I spoke to a foundation board to educate them on starting a grants program.
- And I always find ways to give back, by regularly sharing tips on Grant Readiness to groups at the Nonprofit & Business Center at my local library, and presenting to my local chapter of Grant Professionals Association. I also stay busy with my Association of Fundraising Professionals chapter, having put in my second year as VP of Professional Development.
So, all in all, a hectic but fulfilling year. I’m so honored by all the praise the Unlock-Grants course has received, and all my team and I have accomplished. I’m excited to see what 2025 brings. I hope you will keep following the progress!
