How to Win Grants with Storytelling and Strategy with DeaRonda Harrison

In this episode of Agents of Nonprofit, I interview experienced grant writer DeaRonda Harrison about the evolving landscape of grant writing. From her early volunteer days to running a professional grant writing practice, DeaRonda shares insights on how nonprofits can stand out in an increasingly competitive funding world. She breaks down the key elements of being "grant ready," the importance of strategic storytelling, the ethical use of compensation models, and how artificial intelligence is reshaping the field. This episode is packed with actionable advice and forward-looking wisdom.

Topics We Cover:

• The story behind DeaRonda Harrison’s journey into grant writing
• What it means to be “grant ready” — the documents and systems nonprofits need in place
• Why storytelling and personalization make or break modern grant proposals
• Common mistakes nonprofits make when writing or outsourcing grant applications
• The rise of fractional grant writers and how retainer models work
• Ethical considerations: Why percentage-based grant fees are problematic
• How AI tools like ChatGPT are transforming — not replacing — grant writing
• A vision for the future: faster, more accessible, and fairer grantmaking systems

To Learn More and Connect with DeaRonda:

June First Firm Website & Grant Checklist

Email DeaRonda

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