For a long time, I struggled with my work as a grant professional. Don’t get me wrong. I loved tackling a challenging federal grant proposal. And I loved it even more when we got an award letter. Managing federal grants was my jam – I loved putting my organizational skills to work and totally geeked out about a well-put-together 3-ring binder.

So, what was my problem? My why. Or lack thereof in this case.

Anytime I met a grant professional in a different industry (nonprofit, education, or hospital, for example), they would gush about the people they served. They often had firsthand experience working and interacting with those who benefitted from grant awards. I would hear about the people they helped feed, clothe, and employ; the puppies they saved; the research they funded; and more.

Sure, my grant awards helped widen roads, improve drainage, and more, but it wasn’t like drivers were stopping by my office exalting their reduced commute times thanks to the new signal timing grant award. The community I served existed, but it seemed more like a composite idea than any actual people.

Then, one day, I had a few hours between picking up my son at daycare and presenting at a city council meeting. I took him to a nearby park, which was constructed thanks to the Land and Water Conservation Fund grant I wrote. Watching my son play on the playground, I noticed many moms sitting on benches, chatting with friends while keeping one eye on their kids. And those kids were playing on swings, slides, and the jungle gym. They were riding bikes around the small, paved trail that encircled the park. They were playing with a soccer ball in the grassy area.

Suddenly, I saw my why. It wasn’t just the “community”, actual people were enjoying the fruits of my labor. From that moment on, I realized that improving a city’s infrastructure improves the lives of so many, in ways we may never see. But lives are improved, nonetheless.

It is the same with the Fundraising HayDay podcast. My cohost Kimberly Hays de Muga and I may never know the full impact of our show on the lives and careers of all grant professionals who listen or watch. But we know the impact is there because a handful of folks are quick to tell us. We are celebrating our show’s fifth anniversary this month (November 2023) with a few words from our listeners. Listen here: https://haydayservices.com/celebrating-5-ye…ndraising-hayday/

We have found our why on the podcast and in our grant work. What is yours?

DH Leonard Consulting & Grant Writing Services, LLC is so excited to be season 6 sponsors for Fundraising HayDay, a podcast about grants and such. Catch up on seasons 1 – 5 and stay up to date on the new season here.

Don’t let grants stress you out, check out the helpful grant writing services our team has to offer here.