Melissa Branthaver

Communications professional

Melissa Smith is a freelance communications professional with a passion for educating and inspiring others. From higher education to corporate philanthropy and everything in between, she has more than 10 years of experience helping all to achieve their full potential, land their next funding opportunity, and reach their dreams - whatever they may be.

Melissa has bachelor’s degrees in News-editorial Journalism and English from the University of Illinois and master’s degrees in English and Human-computer Interaction from DePaul University. She currently resides outside Chicago with her husband Joel, daughter Elizabeth, stepchildren Logan, Quinn, and Leo, and fur babies Fitzwilliam and Bingley.

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More from Melissa Branthaver

Nonprofit Fundraising

The Ultimate Guide to Nonprofit Event Planning

Discover the ultimate guide to nonprofit event planning. This step-by-step guide helps you avoid costly mistakes, ensuring your events are well-planned, impactful, and deliver a strong return on investment while celebrating your organization’s community impact.

Grant Prospecting

How to Stand Out and Win Corporate Grants

Learn how to stand out and win corporate grants by showing funders the impact of their investment. This article explains the importance of corporate grants, provides actionable application tips, and demonstrates how Instrumentl can enhance your funding success.

Nonprofit Management

How To Connect Meaningfully with Your Board of Directors

Unlock the full potential of your board of directors with four key strategies for meaningful connection. Learn how to leverage their expertise, build stronger relationships, and tap into their network to drive your nonprofit's success.

Nonprofit Fundraising

How to Evolve Your Mission to Win More Grants

Learn how to evolve your nonprofit mission to attract more grants. This article provides practical tips for updating your mission, including reasons for change, a step-by-step guide, and how to stay focused throughout the process.

Grant Prospecting

How to Find Foundation Grants for Nonprofits In Instrumentl

This article offers a step-by-step guide for nonprofits to find foundation grants using Instrumentl. Discover the platform's benefits to strengthen your case for subscription purchase and enhance your organization's grant-seeking efforts effectively

Grant Management & Collaboration

The Grant Management Checklist For A Growing Nonprofit

Discover a comprehensive checklist for nonprofits to manage grants efficiently as they grow. This guide offers practical tips and steps to streamline grant management, helping organizations handle increased funding and reporting requirements with ease.

Grant Management & Collaboration

Grant Management Software: How 4 Nonprofits Started Winning More Grants with Instrumentl

Discover how nonprofits have boosted their grant funding and efficiency with Instrumentl's grant management software. This article showcases real-life success stories, demonstrating the powerful benefits and impact of using Instrumentl for your organization’s grant management needs.

Grant Prospecting

The Best Types of Grants For Nonprofits and How to Win Them: 7 Grant Professionals Weigh In

Explore the best types of grants for nonprofits and how to win them according to 7 seasoned grant professionals.

Nonprofit Fundraising

Secrets to Securing In-Kind Donations: Advice From An Expert

Discover the secrets of an in-kind donation, and learn how to successfully secure in-kind donations from companies to support fundraising events.

Grant Software Buying Guides

4 Best AmpliFund Alternatives & Competitors [2024]

Explore a detailed comparison of grant management tools, analyzing features, benefits, and pricing to assist grant managers in choosing the most suitable platform for their organizational needs and maximizing efficiency in grant processes.

Grant Management & Collaboration

How to Never Miss a Grant Deadline: 7 Time Management Tips

Discover essential time management tips for grant team leaders to optimize workflows and meet deadlines effectively. Learn how Instrumentl’s calendar feature enhances grant management processes for improved efficiency and success.

Grant Prospecting

How To Search For Grants Without Losing Hours of Your Life

Navigating nonprofit funding opportunities can be time-consuming and uncertain. However, with Instrumentl's curated grant opportunities tailored to your specific needs, the process becomes streamlined. Inspired by Tucker’s House, who saved hours on grant prospecting weekly, we'll guide you through time-saving strategies and tips. Learn to cut through the noise and focus on the best-fit funding opportunities, maximizing your chances of grant success.

Grant Management & Collaboration

Grant Compliance vs. Financial Audits: Understanding the Differences

Grant compliance and financial audits are distinct processes, though they share some similarities. In the article, we'll delve into the nuanced differences between them, providing an overview of each and clarifying their roles in ensuring your organization's success.

Grant Prospecting

The Best Government Grant Search Engines

Discover the holy grail of funding with government grants. Learn how to navigate federal, state, and local levels to find the best-fit opportunities for your nonprofit. Explore the top government grant search engines and maximize your efforts with expert tips. Uncover the keys to securing consistent, long-term funding for your organization.

Grant Prospecting

4 Decision Matrices to Prioritize Grant Opportunities Effectively

Overwhelmed by grant options? Learn how to overcome option paralysis with a decision matrix for grants. Drawing insights from industry expert Stacy Fitzsimmons, discover how to prioritize opportunities and maximize your funding strategy's impact. By the end, you’ll be equipped to make informed decisions and increase your odds of winning funding.

Grant Management & Collaboration

Grant Compliance Checklist: Steps to Stay on Track

Demystify grant compliance with our comprehensive checklist. From navigating complex requirements to ensuring regulatory adherence, we'll guide you through the grant management cycle with ease. By the end, compliance won't seem so intimidating—you'll be equipped to tackle it head-on!

Nonprofit Management

The Nonprofit Worker Shortage (and How to Find Capacity Grants to Help!)

Discover how to tackle the nonprofit workforce crisis head-on. Learn why the shortage exists, how to combat it, and leverage capacity grants with Instrumentl's help. Be proactive and secure funding to meet rising demands

Grant Prospecting

10 Best Practices for Evaluating Different Funders (When You Can't Apply to Every Grant Opportunity)

Unlock success in grant seeking with these 10 funder evaluation best practices. Learn how to choose the right funders and enhance your grant application success.

Grant Writing

Why You Shouldn't Use Deficit Based Language In Your Grant Proposals

Discover the transformative impact of shifting from deficit-based to asset-based language in your nonprofit communication and grant proposals. Learn why this change matters and how to effectively make the transition.

Grant Management & Collaboration

Easy To Use Grant Tracker Spreadsheet

Discover how to use Instrumentl's grant tracking spreadsheet to be more efficient in your grant management.

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