Right now, grant writing feels more solitary and isolating than ever before in my 28 years of experience. The uncertainty around federal and other grant funding sources has intensified this stress dramatically—with agencies announcing massively shortened deadlines that leave grant writers scrambling and the communities they serve wondering if critical programs will survive. Even for introverts like me who thrive in quiet spaces, this combination of isolation and mounting pressure can become overwhelming.

Here’s the truth: community isn’t just nice to have in the grants profession—it’s essential. When you’re staring at a seemingly impossible proposal requirement at 2 AM, knowing there’s someone who’s been there makes all the difference. Sharing your frustrations about poorly written RFPs, celebrating funding wins, and processing the genuine sadness of meaningful project rejections creates resilience you can’t build alone. For a lot more discussion on this critical topic, check out the latest episode of our Fundraising HayDay Podcast.

The magic happens in unexpected places. That casual conversation about budget narratives transforms into a partnership opportunity. The person venting about the same funder’s contradictory guidelines becomes your go-to sounding board. Community provides perspective when you’re too deep in the weeds to see clearly.

I relearn this every time Amanda and I host a HayDay Gathering like the one we did recently. Tired and sad and anxious, the last thing I felt like doing was opening up for an hour video meeting that was literally titled “Ask Us Anything.”  Any answers I thought I had were hidden away in some undisclosed location.

Of course, I had my fantastic business partner and best bud, Amanda, by my side, and we opened the meeting with a trusted colleague. I wasn’t alone in these challenging times at all. The screen filled with caring, brilliant people who were all feeling the need to come together. We shared, ranted, and learned together. Okay, I may have been the one ranting, but you get what I mean.

Practicing the art of being in community can help us all share what’s happening and what we can do together.

Ready to find your grants tribe?  Here are some good places to start:

• More Than Grant Writers – A supportive community recognizing that grant professionals wear many hats beyond writing, offering networking and professional development resources.
• Crappy Funding Practices on LinkedIn – A volunteer-driven space to call out problematic funder behaviors and advocate for better practices industry-wide.
• HayDay Hot Takes Newsletter – Weekly tips, hot takes, and book reviews each Friday can be yours, along with free Zoom HayDay Gatherings as the spirit moves us.

Your community is waiting. Don’t go it alone.

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Kimberly Hays de Muga

Kimberly Hays de Muga, GPC, is an expert trainer and coach in nonprofit capacity building, grant writing, fundraising, and board development. She brings more than 25 years of fundraising experience that includes raising $100 million from individuals, foundations, corporations, and local, state, and federal funding for nonprofit agencies in the education, health, and human service sectors—from food banks to pediatric hospitals, to state-wide mental health coalitions.

Latest posts by Kimberly Hays de Muga (see all)

• When “Good Enough” is Actually Good Enough - October 23, 2025
• Harnessing The Power of Community for Grant Writing Success - October 16, 2025
• How To: The Real Cost of Fundraising Events - October 2, 2025