Grant Writing & Funding

This week’s episode continues our Nonprofit Strategic Planning series—and it comes at the perfect time. We’re halfway through the year, which makes this the ideal moment to pause, reflect, and get clear on your strategy moving forward.

If you’re looking to strengthen your leadership skills or you’re a consultant (or aspiring one) wanting to expand your services into strategic planning, this episode is for you.

Joining me is Samantha Taitano, Executive Director of Mañe’lu (formerly Big Brothers Big Sisters of Guam), who shares practical and powerful insights on how to rethink fundraising and grow your nonprofit’s impact.

In our conversation, Samantha dives into strategic planning tips, time management for productivity, and creative fundraising pivots that nonprofits can implement right now. We also explore how to build a strong and committed board of directors, why tracking your social media data matters more than just posting content, and how to choose the right platforms for your organization.

Additionally, we discuss branding, hosting effective strategic planning retreats, navigating HR challenges while wearing multiple hats in a small nonprofit, and why now is a great time to apply for grants with potentially less competition.

Samantha also shares her experience transitioning an organization from a national nonprofit model to a locally driven one—along with lessons learned along the way.

If you’re ready to get focused, strategic, and creative with your nonprofit planning and fundraising, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

Samantha Taitano is the Executive Director of Mañe’lu, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering and educating youth and families to create positive change in their lives. Since joining the organization in 2018, she has successfully led its transformation and rebranding from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Guam to Mañe’lu.

Samantha has secured over $500,000 in grant funding, enabling the expansion of programs and services across the organization. Her background includes community development work with the Peace Corps in South Africa, where she supported rural communities, as well as experience in the private sector developing IT solutions.

She is passionate about strengthening local communities, building organizational capacity, and integrating innovative strategies into nonprofit leadership. In her free time, she enjoys connecting with her island home of Guam and exploring new destinations.

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Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.