Grant Professionals Association insights take center stage in this episode of GrantTalk. Grant writers and nonprofit leaders get the rare opportunity to peek behind the curtain and learn about the community and professional support shaping today’s grants landscape. You are invited into this rich conversation that touches on collaboration, credibility, and what it really takes to succeed as a grant professional.
GrantTalk is hosted by Libby Hikind, Founder and CEO of GrantWatch and acclaimed author of The Queen of Grants: From Teacher to Grant Writer to CEO. Known throughout the funding world as the Queen of Grants, Libby brings decades of hands-on experience, candid insights, and real-world advice to each episode. Her passion is to connect listeners with leaders who shape how grants are written, reviewed, and awarded.
As always, Libby encourages listeners to subscribe, share, and stay connected so GrantTalk can continue bringing valuable conversations to the grant community.
Meet Today’s Guest from the Grant Professionals Association
Joining Libby for Episode 53 is Mike Chamberlain, CAE (Certified Association Executive), Chief Executive Officer of the Grant Professionals Association (GPA). Mike represents one of the most respected professional organizations in the field. GPA is dedicated to supporting, educating, and connecting grant professionals across the country.
Headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas, part of the Kansas City metro area, the Grant Professionals Association has called this region home since its founding in 1998.
How the Grant Professionals Association Supports Grant Writers
Founded more than 25 years ago, the Grant Professionals Association meets a critical need. Grant professionals often work alone within their organizations and need both community and standards. One of GPA’s earliest and most enduring contributions is its Code of Ethics. Today, it remains a cornerstone of the association.
Mike explains that GPA offers more than credentials. It provides a professional home. Grant professionals gain access to a trusted peer network, shared knowledge, and practical resources. These tools help members navigate complex applications, especially federal grants and other highly detailed funding opportunities.
The Power of Community and Shared Knowledge
One of the most valuable benefits of GPA membership is its private online community, GrantZone. This members-only space allows grant professionals to ask questions, share templates, compare approaches, and learn from peers who truly understand the language and challenges of grant writing.
As Libby and Mike discuss, even experienced grant writers encounter confusing application questions or repetitive prompts that require a new angle. Having access to a knowledgeable, ethical peer group can mean the difference between rejection and funding.
Membership Benefits and Professional Development
Annual membership in the Grant Professionals Association is $235, with optional local chapter dues averaging about $25. Membership includes:
- Access to GrantZone
- Monthly webinars at no additional cost
- On-demand training through GrantSchool, GPA’s webinar library
- Shared templates, sample language, and best practices from peers
These resources support grant professionals at every stage, from newcomers to seasoned consultants.
GrantSummit and Ongoing Education
GPA’s flagship in-person event, GrantSummit, takes place this year in Baltimore from October 30 through November 2. The multi-day conference brings together grant professionals from across the country for education, networking, and collaboration.
In addition to GrantSummit, GPA hosts events throughout the year, including I Learn Live sessions focused on timely topics such as artificial intelligence, ethics, and data privacy in grant writing.
Ethical Grant Writing, AI, and Relationship Building
A major theme of the episode is the ethical use of AI in grant writing. While AI can be a helpful tool, both Libby and Mike stress the importance of data privacy, organizational capacity, and authenticity, especially as funders increase site visits and accountability measures.
The conversation also reinforces a critical truth: grants are about relationships. Funders are people, not algorithms. Communicating openly, sharing outcomes, and building trust can lead to repeat funding and long-term partnerships.
Why Grant Professionals Rely on GrantWatch
Mike highlights how GPA members frequently use GrantWatch to identify funding opportunities that truly align with their organization’s mission. By filtering out mismatches and providing in-depth grant details, GrantWatch helps professionals focus their time and energy where it matters most. strengthening proposals and improving success rates.
Final Thoughts from GrantTalk Episode 53
This episode of GrantTalk offers a compelling look at how the Grant Professionals Association strengthens the grant writing profession through ethics, education, and community. From preventing burnout to embracing new tools responsibly, the conversation underscores why connection and credibility matter more than ever in the grants world.
Connect with GrantWatch
GrantTalk Episode 53 is a must-listen for anyone serious about grants, professional growth, and making a lasting impact. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to GrantTalk, powered by GrantWatch.
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About GrantWatch
Libby Hikind, author of The Queen of Grants: From Teacher to Grant Writer to CEO, founded GrantWatch.com, the largest advanced grant search engine in the United States. The platform features over 11,000 active, verified, and human-curated grant opportunities in more than 61 funding categories. Additionally, it lists grants for nonprofits, grants for small businesses, grants for government agencies, and grants for Individuals.
GrantWatch also offers innovative funding tools like the AI Grant Writing Tool, AI Grant Searching Tool, and My Grant Calendar, making it easier to find grants, track deadlines, and draft proposals. Members can upgrade to MemberPlus+ for complete grant details, eligibility criteria, and application information. With 21 powerful features, live customer support, and weekly GrantTalk podcast episodes, GrantWatch is the go-to resource for finding grants and turning funding opportunities into awarded grants.
Libby is also the author of several children’
