Grant Writing Made Clear with Dr. Trenette
Ever wish you had a mentor with two decades of grant writing experience, ready to guide you through the complexities of securing the funding your organization needs to thrive? Look no further—because that’s exactly what you’ll get when you tune in to Grant Writing Made Clear! Hosted by Dr. Trenette, a distinguished professor, behavioral scientist, seasoned grant writer, and former nonprofit president, she has been principal investigator, co-principal investigator, and co-investigator on grants totaling $14 million dollars. This podcast breaks down the grant writing process and equips you with the tools and strategies to secure larger, impactful funding for your mission-driven organization. In every episode, Dr. Trenette shares lessons learned from both formal training and hands-on experience, so you can write powerful grant proposals that turn your vision into reality.
Whether you're new to grant writing or a seasoned pro looking to find the right funding mechanism, avoid common pitfalls, or craft a winning proposal, Grant Writing Made Clear has you covered. Tune in to get inspired, learn actionable steps, and discover how to turn your goals into funded realities!
Disclosure: We periodically use AI tools to assist in various ways such as brainstorming topics and editing audio. Learning AI will help us to teach others how to use AI in grant writing.
Episodes
50 episodes
Episode 42: Strength of the Lab
In this episode, Dr. Trenette reminds us that the strength of a lab (or center, institute, nonprofit organization, and any other entity) is not only measured by impact, grant dollars, publications, titles, or prestige. Funding cycles shift and ...
Episode 41: The Olympian Approach to Grant Writing
We often want to run before we have mastered walking. In this episode, Dr. Trenette takes us to the sidelines of her children’s athletic training center to share a powerful lesson on the importance of the fundamentals. While many trainers on th...
Episode 40: Productive Under Pressure: 5 Grant Writing Strategies for Your Busiest Seasons
In this episode, Dr. Trenette shares five practical strategies for staying productive with grant writing during busy seasons. If you are balancing teaching, research, service, grant writing, fundraising, caregiving, or other major responsibilit...
Episode 39: Grant Writing During The Last Mile
In this episode of Grant Writing Made Clear, Dr. Trenette tackles the emotional and practical reality of the final stretch before you hit submit. The last mile is where grant writing shifts to more precision, where anxiety can get louder, energ...
Episode 38: Are You Ready to Lead a Grant?
Leading a grant is not only about writing a strong grant application. It is about implementation, compliance, budgeting, reporting, and leading people through the full life cycle of the project. In this episode, Dr. Trenette walks you through a...
Episode 37: First Downs for 2026: Reflect, Reset, and Run the Next Play
In this episode, Dr. Trenette invites us to set 2026 goals differently. Instead of rushing into a “new year, go harder” mindset, we pause to reflect on what truly drained our energy in 2025 so we do not carry the same stress into a new calendar...
Episode 36: One Year Celebration and 3 Grant Writing Moves
Grant Writing Made Clear just passed a major milestone, one year on the air. In this anniversary episode, Dr. Trenette reflects on what this community has built and shares three practical moves from Season 1 that you can apply immediately to st...
Episode 35: Food Is Fuel with Julia Ambrozy, Registered Dietitian
Grant Writing Made ClearThis week we talk about food as a steady source of energy, clarity, and care for people who carry big workloads and bigger missions. My guest, Julia Ambrozy, RD, is a registered dietitian who helps busy pro...
Episode 34: Relational Leadership with Josh Hinson
Grant Writing Made ClearToday’s conversation is for those serious about becoming a strong leader. My guest, Josh Hinson, is Director of Relational Leadership @ Carolina, a human centered, transformational leadership program in the UNC Pr...
Episode 33: Every Season Needs a Plan
Grant Writing Made Clear Sometimes the most strategic move you can make is to pause, plan, and strategize. In this episode, Dr. Trenette shares recommendations for designing your season with clarity so you can stop reacting a...
Episode 32: Foundation Funding 101: LOIs That Get the Green Light
Grant Writing Made ClearMany, if not most, foundations screen with Letters of Intent (LOIs). LOIs are short, high-stakes documents that decide whether you get to submit a full proposal. In this episode, I break down what program o...
Epside 31: Why Grant Writing Is Helpful Beyond the Money
Grant Writing Made ClearGrants do more than fund interventions. In this episode, Dr. Trenette shares how the process of grant writing builds clarity of mission, professional credibility, strategic discipline, partnerships, and a...
Episode 30: Lessons from My Sabbatical
DWelcome back to Season 2! In this opening episode, Dr. Trenette reflects on her summer sabbatical and the powerful lessons she learned about rest, renewal, and resistance. From presenting in Paris to glamping in South Carolina and soaking up s...
[Sabbatical Replay] You Are the Assignment
I'm on a short sabbatical, but this episode is too good not to revisit. Enjoy this listener favorite while I rest and recharge! Grant Writing Made ClearAs we prepare for a summer sabbatical, this powerful episode offers...
[Sabbatical Replay] The Power of Consistency: Small Steps but Big Impact
I'm on a short sabbatical, but this episode is too good not to revisit. Enjoy this listener favorite while I rest and recharge! Grant Writing Made ClearIn this episode of Grant Writing Made Clear, we explore co...
[Sabbatical Replay] Maintaining Momentum with Limited Resources
I'm on a short sabbatical, but this episode is too good not to revisit. Enjoy this listener favorite while I rest and recharge! Grant Writing Made ClearIn Episode 19 of Grant Writing Made Clear, Dr. Trenette explores...
[Sabbatical Replay] Strong Alone, Stronger Together: Why You Need a Research or Grant Writing Collective
I am on a short sabbatical, but this episode is too good not to revisit. Enjoy this listener favorite while I rest and recharge! Grant Writing Made ClearIn today’s episode of Grant Writing Made Clear, Dr. Trenette di...
[Sabbatical Replay] Powerful Tips to Instantly Improve Your Writing
I'm on a short sabbatical, but this episode is too good not to revisit. Enjoy this listener favorite while I rest and recharge! Grant Writing Made ClearIn this episode of Grant Writing Made Clear, Dr. Trenette ...
[Sabbatical Replay] Grant Rejection Hurts: How to Turn 'No' into a Powerful Comeback
I'm on a short sabbatical, but this episode is too good not to revisit. Enjoy this listener favorite while I rest and recharge! Grant Writing Made ClearRejection—it’s the part of grant writing that no one wants to talk about,...
[Sabbatical Replay] Don't Miss Out on Funding! Follow My Steps to Think of a Fundable Idea Now!
I'm on a short sabbatical, but this episode is too good not to revisit. Enjoy this listener favorite while I rest and recharge! Welcome back to Grant Writing Made Clear! I’m Dr. Trenette, and today, we’re tackling one...
[Sabbatical Replay] Grant Writing Trends for 2025
I'm on a short sabbatical, but this episode is too good not to revisit. Enjoy this listener favorite while I rest and recharge! The grant funding landscape is shifting—and staying ahead means adapting to change. In this episode of <...
Episode 29: Rest Is Resistance
Grant Writing Made ClearIn this Season 1 finale, Dr. Trenette makes a powerful case for intentional rest as an act of resistance in a productivity-obsessed culture. She announces her summer sabbatical and invites listeners to join her in...
Episode 28: You Are the Assignment
Grant Writing Made ClearAs we prepare for a summer sabbatical, this powerful episode offers heartfelt encouragement for anyone who has ever doubted their place in the room.Dr. Trenette shares a personal and affirming message that ...
Episode 27: The Power of Strategic Focus
Grant Writing Made ClearIn this episode of Grant Writing Made Clear, Dr. Trenette challenges the culture of constant busyness and explores why strategic focus leads to deeper impact. She breaks down the hidden costs of overcommitting and...
Episode 26: The Power of Consistency: Small Steps but Big Impact
Grant Writing Made ClearIn this episode of Grant Writing Made Clear, we explore consistency and why it matters. If you've ever struggled with staying focused, getting started, or making progress on big goals like grant writing, ...