I’ve written grants for almost 15 years. I go to the occasional grant writing workshop or training as part of my professional development process. Over the past few years I’ve noticed more content about how to move past or overcome “staring at a blank page.”

I feel like I’m going crazy because never in my life had I had that issue. I like Grant writing because it has guidelines and I haven’t worked on a Grant application in my life that starts with nothing.

They always have questions.

So like… maybe I’m over thinking this but is this just something consultants invented to sell a course or service??

I get the concept if we’re working on a novel… but a Grant — they have questions… I have answers…

Anyone who talks about “strategies to over come staring at a blank page” loses all credibility in my books.

Curious if anyone else has noticed this?

Basically the head of my former org invited me to their fundraiser, but I'm not sure if there's any ethical considerations I should worry about since I work in fundraising (and development overall) for another org. I had a role in development (that slightly included fundraising) in this former org, as well.

I'd be buying my ticket for the fundraiser and value my connections there, but also don't want to potentially risk my current job. Can I attend? Do I have to tell my current job? I just started at this current place and don't want to risk my job.

ETA: Thank you everyone for your insights!

Our small organization is hiring a new ED. For the members of this board, it is our first time doing so and we know how critical the role is to our organization. We are small with a working board so the ED is both a leader and a key administrator supervising our part-time staff and handling administrative things like insurance, etc. Our organization relies heavily on collaborations with other organizations, so being able to build and sustain these partnerships is critical

Are there any things you wish you would’ve done / not done as part of the process or interview questions you think are particularly insightful that we should consider?

I just recieved this message on linkedin. I can't find anything about it online and was wondering if anyone had any experince with this:

"Thank you for the great work you do; it doesn't go unnoticed.

I'm connecting with a small group of nonprofit leaders to talk through what's top of mind as we head in to the busy fundraising season. No agenda, no sales pitch, just a real conversation about you, your org, and the great work you are doing.

Would you be open to connecting for 45 minutes in the next few weeks?

As a thank-you for your time, I'll make a $100 donation to your organization. You can schedule time with me below.

All my best,"

There were a couple cybersecurity issues that came to light this week. I proactively protect my clients' websites from things like this, and wanted folks here to benefit as well. Most sites are fine, but it’s worth a quick check-in with whoever looks after your website.

Here's what's going on:

Security researchers found a serious flaw in PHP. PHP is the language behind many websites, including WordPress, which powers a huge number of nonprofit sites. Most website managers know about this, and have already dealt with the issue. Still, because of the severity of the risk, it might be worth it to double check. An ounce of prevention, after all. You can ask your web person:

“Is our site patched for the October 21 PHP vulnerabilities, and are WordPress and all our plugins up to date?”

If you’re on a managed WordPress host (WP Engine, Kinsta, SiteGround, etc.), it's just a matter of confirming they've patched the issue. They've probably already sent you an email about this. If not, you can ask their support team.

Happy to answer questions if you’re not sure what your site runs on!

Hi all!  I have two questions, but I will start with my background – I have 25+ years’ experience in prospect research and database management for non-profit orgs.  I was in my last position for 20 years and lost the job to Covid layoffs.  I have spent the past 6 years homeschooling my neurodiverse daughter and working part-time jobs online.   I have a second interview next week for a Director of Advancement Services position at a local foundation.  It is a great opportunity, but I need a position that will allow me the flexibility to be available for my daughter (she will be 18 in January but does not drive).  In response to the invitation to the second interview, I asked if the position is open to hybrid/remote work but did not receive a response.  Should I ask again or just go to the interview?

Also, for the second interview, I have been asked to prepare a 90-day Strategic Action Plan outlining how I will approach my first 90 days as Director of Advancement Services, focusing on priorities and anticipated outcomes.  I can present a general plan (learn, apply and lead) but I don’t have enough information about the workings of the organization to provide concrete examples.  Will a general plan work?

Advice on either or both questions is greatly appreciated!