143:  Elevating Your Grants Program as a Nonprofit Leader (Autumn Keck)

SUMMARY

Is your overall fundraising plan built on a solid foundation of a comprehensive grant writing program?  If not, can you identify the vital readiness steps necessary to best prepare your organization for success?  In episode #143 of the Path Podcast, Autumn Keck, a fundraising expert with over two decades of experience in grant writing and major gifts solicitation, addresses these questions and more. She explains how best to present the strength of an organization and resist the urge to adjust your focus to “fit the mold” of a possible funder, just one of the key factors needed to bolster an organization’s chance for grant funding.  As Patton discusses in his upcoming book, Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership releasing March 8th, professional development is a vital skill for the growth and success of every nonprofit leader.  Autumn expounds on this by discussing specific resources and training to enhance your fundraising and grant writing skills. Learn how to set realistic expectations among your organization’s leaders and board around grant funding cycles and its impact on long term sustainable support. 

ABOUT AUTUMN

Autumn Keck is a fundraising expert with over 20 years of experience specializing in grant writing, major gift solicitation, and individual giving.  She began her fundraising career as Director of Development at Neighborhood House and then went on to work at the American University Washington College of Law, The JC Raulston Arboretum at North Carolina State University, and Girl Scouts of North Carolina Coastal Pines.  In 2010, she branched out as an independent grant writing consultant, which led to the formation of Scribe, LLC. As Founder and Principal Consultant of Scribe, LLC, a fundraising consulting firm specializing in grant management services, Autumn works to connect nonprofits to the philanthropic community by effectively sharing the organization's impact on the people they serve. Autumn and her team work closely with nonprofits to help them become grant ready, and grow their grant writing programs.  Scribe has helped raise millions of dollars by telling each organization's compelling story with a focus on their mission and community impact.  Autumn is a graduate of NC State University with a BA in Communications and a minor in Journalism. She serves on the Board of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Charlotte Chapter as the Higher Education Chair and is also member of the Grants Professionals Association, and the Queen City chapter of Jack and Jill of America. She and her husband have four children.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Norman Kiritz's book Grantsmanship: Program Planning & Proposal Writing

• The Craftmanship Center and The Grant Professional Association

• Learn more about Scribe, LLC