Agents of Nonprofit Grant Writing, AI, and the Art of Fundraising with Francesca Frederick
May 26, 2025
42:10
In this inspiring episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I sit down with Francesca Frederick to explore her unique path from aspiring dancer to nonprofit fundraiser—and now, tech startup CEO. Francesca opens up about how her early arts background led her to fall in love with the purpose-driven world of fundraising. From exploring different sectors to co-founding Grantyd, a platform that automates grant writing, she shares how curiosity and adaptability fueled her journey. The conversation dives into how AI and automation can support, not replace, the human side of fundraising, offering insights for professionals navigating this evolving space.
Topics We Cover:
- Francesca’s unexpected transition from professional dance to nonprofit fundraising
- The benefits of being a “hopper” across different fundraising roles and sectors
- Why exploring niche areas can unlock new professional opportunities in nonprofits
- The founding story behind Grantyd and how tech emerged from a personal need
- Strategies for blending empathy with automation in the grant writing process
- How to assess personal and organizational workflows for greater efficiency
- The importance of self-assessment in tech adoption—without falling into decision paralysis
- Balancing the promise of AI with the irreplaceable human elements of fundraising
To Learn More and Connect with Francesca:
Grantyd Website
Francesca on LinkedIn