Grant Writing Takeaways I Learned at The Gathering in Bend, Oregon
Reflections on strategy, relationships, and the future of grant funding.
As a creator, it’s not every day you get an invitation to speak at a retreat for grant writers and nonprofit professionals.
Eager to connect, I walked into The Gathering, a sold-out retreat for consultants and freelancers in Bend, Oregon, hosted by Meredith Noble and Alexandra Lustig.
I had no idea what to expect.
But the moment the conversations started, something clicked: we speak the same language.
Grant writers and creators don’t often share the same room, but after The Gathering, I realized we probably should.
Our skills overlap across research, storytelling, and relationship-building.
We just apply them differently.
And the receipts? I apply for grants regularly, have won (6) so far, and curate 100+ funding opportunities each month through Grants For Creators.
So…boom! 😆
From the moment I arrived, the energy was all about:
✨ Growth
✨ Joy and rest
✨ Becoming the best version of ourselves
The Gathering didn’t just deepen my appreciation for grant writing; it expanded what I believe is possible. As a recap, here are the (5) biggest lessons every creator needs to hear to win more grants.
1. Timing Matters More Than Ever
Apply early. More funders are closing applications once they hit capacity. Think max 100 or 500 applicants. Waiting until the deadline often means missing out entirely.
2. Data + Alignment = Stronger Applications
The strongest grant applications:
Use data to back up every claim
Mirror funder language intentionally
Align clearly with funder priorities
Directly answer questions
Before you start writing, do your research.
Attend live information sessions, listen to old podcast interviews, and review past press releases.
The extra effort pays off; this is where good grant writing becomes exceptional.
3. The Relationship Doesn’t End After the Award
Winning a grant is just the beginning.
Think about how you’ll continue building relationships with funders:
A short update email.
A small expression of gratitude.
Sharing progress along the way.
Small acts of gratitude set you apart and go a long way.
The goal here is to be relational (not transactional).
Remember, strong relationships can open future doors.
4. Collaboration is the Future
There’s a growing trend toward:
Partnerships
Shared resources
Collective impact
Especially at the local level.
More funders want to see that you’re not working in isolation, but as part of a larger collective.
Creators who are open to collaboration are already seeing more success.
5. For-Profit Grants Are Prioritizing Scalability
If you’re applying for for-profit funding, funders want to see tangible outcomes.
Not someday. Not theoretically.
They want to understand:
What will actually happen as a result of funding
How will you scale
What proof do you already have
Helpful Tip: More and more, revenue is being used as proof of concept. Why? Well, it shows demand, traction, and momentum.
Grant Writing is a Learnable Skill
I know grant writing can feel intimidating, but as Meredith Noble says, it’s a “learnable skill with repeatable steps.”
Plus, you don’t need a special degree or certification to get started.
What matters is your willingness to learn, practice, and stay consistent.
Over time, things start to click. Your ideas get clearer. Your applications get stronger. And opportunities that once felt out of reach start to feel doable.
The creators who lean into grant writing aren’t just becoming better writers; they’re becoming more strategic.
That’s how we get our ideas funded, again and again.
Grant Writing Resources: Start Here
If you’re brand new to grant writing, Meredith Noble’s book breaks down the most common questions and explains how to pursue grant writing as a viable career option. How To Write a Grant: Become a Grant Writing Unicorn (available in Kindle, paperback, and audiobook)
Want to connect with funders on an emotional level? Grant professional, Melissa Wetzel, CFRE, teaches how to sharpen your storytelling skills in this 60-minute self-paced workshop. Grant Writing 101 For Creators