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 Virginia Cities, Counties, and Towns for Firefighting Equipment and Skills Training

Deadline: 05/15/26

Grants to Virginia cities, counties, and towns to improve the operations of local fire departments. Funding is intended for the purchase of firefighting equipment and protective clothing, training, and the construction of new training facilities. Funding will be m...

GrantWatch ID#: 156056

Grants to North Carolina and Virginia Nonprofits to Promote Health

Deadline: 05/15/26

Grants to North Carolina and Virginia nonprofit organizations for projects and activities to promote health in eligible regions. Eligible projects include the improvement of walking trails, playgrounds and parks; and farmers markets, community gardens, healthy cor...

GrantWatch ID#: 216858

Grants to North Carolina and Virginia Nonprofits and Agencies to Promote Health

Deadline: 05/15/26

Grants to Virginia and North Carolina nonprofit organizations and government agencies for activities and programs to boost health outcomes in eligible regions. Funding is intended for locally led initiatives that aim to enhance the general health and quality of l...

GrantWatch ID#: 228696

Grants to Virginia Nonprofits to Benefit Residents in Eligible Locations

Deadline: 05/16/26

Grants to Virginia nonprofit organizations to benefit residents in eligible locations. Funding is intended for projects and programs addressing the needs of community members, including activities that benefit youth, seniors, and animals. Eligible proposals benefi...

GrantWatch ID#: 165095

Grants to Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia Artists and Galleries to Add Art to a Collect...

Deadline: 05/18/26

Grants of up to $15,000 and grants of up to $25,000 to Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia individuals and nonprofit arts organizations and galleries in eligible regions to contribute to a fine art collection. Funding is intended for the acquisition and deliver...

GrantWatch ID#: 183570

Grants to Virginia Small Businesses to Support Expansion Efforts

Deadline: 05/22/26

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#: 229079

Grants to Virginia Historic Sites and Museums to Increase Tourism

Deadline: 05/28/26 Conference Date: 05/18/26

Grants of up to $10,000 to Virginia historic sites and museums for marketing to attract visitors to celebrate VA250. Applicants are required to form partnerships, and regional projects will be given preference over projects that are smaller in scope. Funding is in...

GrantWatch ID#: 229141

Grants to West Virginia and Virginia Nonprofits to Benefit Eligible Communities

Deadline: 05/29/26

Grants of up to $25,000 to West Virginia and Virginia nonprofit organizations for activities to benefit the community in eligible regions. Funding areas of interest include mental and physical health, substance abuse, literacy, education, and professional developm...

GrantWatch ID#: 213692

Grants to Virginia Nonprofits and Agencies for Programming Related to Culture, Education, Heal...

Deadline: 05/29/26

Grants to Virginia nonprofit organizations and agencies in eligible regions for programs that address the cultural, educational, environmental, economic, and health needs of local communities. Funding is intended to support programs that improve the quality of lif...

GrantWatch ID#: 180778

Grants to Virginia Nonprofits, Agencies, Businesses, and Individuals for the Preservation of B...

Deadline: 05/30/26

Grants to Virginia nonprofit organizations, government agencies, businesses, and individuals to preserve resources related to Black history. Funding is intended to safeguard, maintain, and preserve architectural and cultural resources. The purpose of the program i...

GrantWatch ID#: 190961
VIEW ALL NEW GRANTS