Statement on The 2024 Election
As a mission-driven company with progressive values, today we are grieving the results of the most recent election. This is a grim moment for our democracy and our very survival. We stand with the leaders and visionaries who are working for a brighter future where we can all thrive. While we are taking time today to mourn and process the outcome, we are committed to the work ahead.
Congratulations to:
Atlanta Victim Assistance GA Bar Foundation, Frances Hollis Brain Foundation, Atlanta Foundation
Asia Pacific Institute on Gender-Based Violence Office on Violence Against Women, NFL Foundation
Amani Women Center Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation
Decatur Cooperative Ministry Atlanta Foundation
Domestic Violence Action Center Office for Victims of Crime
Esperanza United Saint Paul and Minnesota Foundation
Good Shepherd Clinic Heritage Community Foundation
Leap Year Atlanta Foundation
National Domestic Workers Alliance The Samuel S. Fels Fund, Meyer Foundation
The Study Hall Detwiler Family Foundation, Atlanta Foundation
Storytelling: Your 2024 Impact Statement
Join our Office Hours event on November 22nd from 9:00-9:55 AM EST to help nonprofits prepare for End-of-Year Impact Statements. Before diving into specific activities like social media posts or promo videos, we’ll guide you in taking a step back to assess the bigger picture of your campaign. Learn how to identify your target audience, set clear goals, track success, and organize your team for maximum impact.
Office Hours Takeaways: Government Grant Readiness
1. Understand Your Costs
A key aspect of grant readiness is a clear understanding of various cost categories, as funders often have specific guidelines for budget structures. Distinguish between operational costs (day-to-day functioning), administrative costs (overheads like office space and utilities), indirect costs (essential but not directly program-related, like accounting), and programmatic costs (expenses directly tied to project goals). Ensure your budget clearly differentiates allowable costs to meet funder requirements and avoid unapproved expenditures.
2. Diversify Funding Sources
Strengthening financial resilience often means securing funds from a diverse array of sources. Explore funding opportunities across federal and state agencies that address intersecting issues such as social determinants of health (SDOH) and public health. Cross-sectoral partnerships—such as working with agencies focused on education, justice, and health services—can add depth to your project, increase competitiveness, and expand community impact.
3. Strategic Partnerships and MOUs
Letters of Support (LOS), Memorandums of Understanding (MOU), and matching contributions can reinforce your proposal. For certain grants, these documents may be required based on the funding opportunity. When evaluating partnership needs, ensure that each partner’s role in the continuum of care is well-defined, showcasing the comprehensive nature of your project and the collaborative contributions to fulfilling your mission.
4. Leverage Data from Previous Awards
Use grants.gov and other databases to search for trends, keywords, and mission alignment. Reviewing past recipients can provide insights into successful proposal structures, common agency priorities, and recurring themes. This knowledge allows you to align your proposal with broader funding goals and address challenges encountered by similar programs, thus improving your application’s competitiveness.
5. Focus on Community Needs and Best Practices
A strong government grant proposal centers on clear, community-driven objectives. Highlight how your program uniquely fills a service gap, addressing complex needs with proven, effective strategies. Government grants often emphasize meeting specific, measurable requirements. By grounding your proposal in best practices across budget management, program design, and community alignment, you demonstrate your capacity to deliver valuable and impactful services.
Each of these strategies strengthens grant readiness, enhances proposal quality, and positions your organization as a reliable partner in advancing public services.
Congratulations to Veronica Kulon
Congratulations to our very own Veronica Kulon for earning her GPC! Veronica recently learned she earned a Grant Professional Certified (GPC) credential from the Grant Professionals Certification Institute. She joins the ranks of 506 other GPCs across the country, including three other GPCs on staff at RIC. We are so proud of her. Way to go, Veronica!
Resource Spotlight
- We’re really into this awesome resource from Blue Avocado, The Ultimate Guide to Nonprofit Fundraising in 2025
- Last week/month, Pinnacle Life Counseling & Consulting proudly launched the CARDINAL Program, a comprehensive initiative aimed at empowering domestic violence advocates and leaders across Georgia. Through peer support, personalized coaching, and professional development, CARDINAL strengthens resilience, leadership, and well-being for those on the frontlines of victim support. Led by Jennifer Thomas, LMSW, Pinnacle Life also offers consulting services to bolster nonprofit operations and financial health. Learn more about CARDINAL’s transformative approach at www.pinnaclelifecounseling.org/cardinal.
