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Most nonprofits don’t lose grants because they “aren’t doing good work” they lose because they aren’t ready to prove it. Grant strategist Lisa Eaves joins us to break down what funders actually look for, why preparation matters more than last-minute writing, and how small organizations can build a real path to sustainable nonprofit funding. 

Lisa shares the story behind her consulting firm, The Grant Liaison, and the idea that grant work is a partnership, not a magic trick you outsource. We talk about the three-way relationship at the heart of every award: the community need, the nonprofit’s capacity, and the funder’s goals. From there, she walks through her “Grant Quest” approach, including grant readiness, targeted grant research, tight compliance with RFP guidelines, and writing applications that feel polished, credible, and specific. 

We also dig into the part leaders often underestimate: what happens after you win. Strong grant management, outcome reporting, and clear evaluation data help you show stewardship and earn the next level of investment. Lisa explains why counting activities is not enough and how nonprofits can shift toward impact-based storytelling that resonates with foundations, corporations, and government funders. 

Finally, we zoom out to community leadership. Lisa makes the case for listening to the community in real ways, showing up consistently, and collaborating instead of competing especially when funding gets tight. If you lead a nonprofit, sit on a board, or support a coalition, this conversation gives you a practical map for smarter grant strategy and stronger community impact. 

Subscribe for more conversations like this, share the episode with a nonprofit leader who needs it, and leave a review so more people can find Community Possibilities. What part of the grant process feels hardest for your organization right now?

Guest Bio

LISA FARRAR EAVES has spent more than 25 years working on every side of the grant process as a grant administrator, grant reviewer, and grant writer in nonprofit and government settings. She understands how grants really work, what funders look for, and where organizations most often get stuck, bringing rare, real-world insight to an often misunderstood process. She is the founder and owner of The Grant Liaison, LLC, a grant services firm based in Atlanta, Georgia, where she helps nonprofits and businesses turn big ideas into fundable, manageable projects. Known for her engaging, down-to-earth teaching style, Lisa makes complex grant concepts feel clear and achievable. She regularly shares her expertise as a speaker and volunteer with organizations such as SCORE, the Atlanta Urban League, Operation HOPE, and nonprofits across the country, driven by a passion for helping organizations move from overwhelmed to prepared, confident, and empowered.

Find out more about Lisa and order her book on her website: https://www.thegrantliaison.com/

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Connect with Ann: Community Evaluation Solutions
 
How Ann  can help:

·        Support the evaluation capacity of your coalition or community-based organization.

·        Help you create a strategic plan that doesn’t stress you and your group out, doesn’t take all year to design, and is actionable.

·        Engage your group in equitable discussions about difficult conversations.

·        Facilitate a workshop to plan for action and get your group moving.

·        Create a workshop that energizes and excites your group for action.

·        Speak at your conference or event.

Have a question or want to know more? Book a call with Ann .

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Music by Zach Price: Zachpricet@gmail.com