The best grant proposal is the one that a funder knows is coming. Sure, it’s tempting to shoot off as many applications as possible into cyberspace. However, “cold” proposals have much lower rates of success than those that begin with conversations with foundation staff. There are a few reasons for this. For starters, foundations receiveContinue reading “5 Ways to Foster Warm Contacts with Funders”
Author Archives: Ellen Spangler
3 Years in Business! {A Look Back at 2023}
This month marks three years of consulting at Three Notch’d Nonprofit Solutions! In 2023, I refined the focus of my offerings, putting grants more solidly at the center, complemented by evaluation and communications. These 2023 efforts have resulted in nearly $4 million in funding to date! Below is a snapshot of what my clients andContinue reading “3 Years in Business! {A Look Back at 2023}”
Finding Balance When You Need to Lean In
In the nonprofit sector, juggling a growing number of balls in the air is business as usual. The pace of work is set by external factors, such as firm grant deadlines, immediate community needs, and the rhythm of school calendars. However, while these factors are beyond your control, the way you respond to them isn’t.Continue reading “Finding Balance When You Need to Lean In”
How to Navigate a “No” from a Grant Funder
Nobody likes getting rejected. But the reality is, especially in changing economic times, you may be hearing “no” more than you’re hearing “yes” on grant applications. The most important thing is to not take it personally. Your proposal could have been rejected for a number of reasons, none of which reflects on you as aContinue reading “How to Navigate a “No” from a Grant Funder”
5 Questions to Consider Before Working with a Grant Consultant
You’ve gotten the green light to work with a grant writing consultant and found a skilled professional to help your organization secure much needed funds. Way to go! Every consultant is different, and your process will also vary depending on the size and type of grant—however, carefully considering these five questions will help you getContinue reading “5 Questions to Consider Before Working with a Grant Consultant”
2 Years in Business! {A Look Back at 2022}
This month marks two years of Three Notch’d Nonprofit Solutions! As I celebrate the continued growth of my business, I have immense gratitude for my clients, whose trust and collaborative spirit have enabled me to share in the impactful work they are doing across the country. Below is a snapshot of what I’ve been ableContinue reading “2 Years in Business! {A Look Back at 2022}”
Poetic Inspiration from Rita Dove
April is National Poetry month. I have often turned to poetry–both as a reader and writer–especially during those moments where I am seeking understanding during difficult times. Poetry has a knack for providing an entry point, a spark that makes you think, something for you to latch onto as you ponder its meaning. One ofContinue reading “Poetic Inspiration from Rita Dove”
1 Year and 7 Nonprofits Later…
March 24th marks the 1-year anniversary of the launch of Three Notch’d Nonprofit Solutions! What began as a desire to tap more deeply into my varied experience grew into an LLC, then a website, and now a platform for me to broaden my impact on nonprofits across the country. I am proud of what IContinue reading “1 Year and 7 Nonprofits Later…”
For Teachers: Igniting Inquiry, Engagement, and Joy
I was honored to be a guest speaker on PEBC’s Phenomenal Teaching podcast, where I shared some nonprofit insights to K-12 teachers looking for fresh ways to inspire their students. I cleaned up our podcast notes for this blog post—feel free to give the original podcast a listen here: As we think about student engagement,Continue reading “For Teachers: Igniting Inquiry, Engagement, and Joy”
Lessons From My Mother
Last month marked one year since my mother’s passing from this earth. This past year has been marked by moments of heartache—for her guidance, conversation, hugs—but also growth and understanding. It is out of this major life milestone in this past year that I started my consulting business, after moving my family across the countryContinue reading “Lessons From My Mother”