[#GrantNews] From Small Steps to Big Goals

Dear fellow grant pro,

Happy New Year!

As you may already be aware, our team at DH Leonard Consulting is focused on small goals and short time-boxed periods of work to help us focus on improving our work and how we work. That way of working sometimes makes thinking about the BIG goals difficult—well, at least it does for me.

So when it came time to talk about New Year’s Resolutions and my annual practices (learned from Chris Brogan and my business coach Rob Hatch), I found myself struggling to think BIG BIG picture again. I am by nature a “doer” and can already see in front of me the breakdown of work for the first quarter. I know how those smaller tasks connect to our Product Goals for the year. I can see when looking behind us how nearly twenty years of this approach has led to the accomplishments of our team as a whole since I started the firm in 2005.

Last year my three words were Family, Fit, and Fun. These three words served as my filter for all of 2024 helping me to prioritize and make decisions. I had no idea when 2024 started how these three words would be for me during the toughest personal year of my 44 years. I saw them on my calendar each and every day, and while some days I paused to really read them and reflect on how they would influence my plan for the day, and other days I glanced over that calendar reminder knowing what it said, and that it was there. They helped make it, not just a year I was happy to see in the rearview mirror, but rather, a year that when I reflect back on is a year I am SO proud of both personally and professionally and is full of things to celebrate and try to replicate and build upon in 2025.

Now, as I look at 2025, I have decided to use Smiles, Strength, and Sustainability as my words to filter the year ahead. (Note: It was not intentional that two years in a row have alliteration, but as a writer, I’m certainly not mad about it.)

Smiles

A reminder to take actions in my personal and business life every day that make me and those around me smile.

Strength

A reminder to take actions that make me, as well as those around me, stronger mentally and physically.

Sustainability

A reminder to take actions that can be maintained and continued, if appropriate, for a long period of time, not at an exhausted pace.?

I’m curious. Do you set three words as a guide for the year like I do? Do you set one word like Gretchen Rubin suggests? Set a New Year’s Resolution? Or something completely different?

If you’re willing, hit reply and let me know. I’d love to hear!

Best regards,

Diane H. Leonard, GPC, RST

Grant Tip:?

Behind every successful grant proposal is a storyteller—a grant professional who weaves the narrative of an organization’s mission and the lives of its target population. They don’t just write proposals; they create compelling stories that connect with grantmakers on a deeper level, inviting them to be part of the change. Through these stories, they bring to life the vision and needs of those they serve, making it impossible for funders to look away. Every grant is a new chapter in the journey of making a difference. Let’s continue telling these powerful stories!

Hot Off the Press

Drum roll please ....?

We’re thrilled to announce our 2025 list of Top Grant Writing Blogs to Follow! At DH Leonard Consulting & Grant Writing Services, our mission is to help nonprofits create meaningful change in their communities by securing vital grant funding—while making the process less stressful and more effective.

This year’s list highlights our favorite blogs packed with expert tips and practical advice to help you craft compelling LOIs and grant applications. From Grant Professionals Association to Nonprofit AF, these resources will inspire and guide your grant writing journey.

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