A Modern Grant Writer’s Favorite Things
- Melanie Lambert
- 2 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Grant writing isn’t flashy.
It’s quiet, focused work. It’s planning ahead. It’s thinking clearly under deadline.
And it’s a whole lot easier when you’re supported by the right tools.
So in the spirit of the season — and with a gentle nod to a classic song — I’m sharing a short list of my favorite things for modern grant writers. These are practical, well-loved tools that make long writing days more comfortable and grant work more manageable.
No clutter. No overwhelm. Just things that actually help.
☕ Coffee that stays warm (and hands that don’t burn)
Quiet mornings and fresh proposals Deadlines mapped instead of imposed A warm cup that lasts past the first page These are a few of my favorite things
If you’re grabbing coffee on the way into the office or between meetings, JavaSoks are one of those small upgrades that quietly improve your day. They slip onto standard to-go cups, protect your hands, and help keep iced coffee cold longer — which matters when you’re deep in a narrative draft.
✍️ Pens that don’t quit mid-sentence
Grant ideas tend to arrive when you least expect them.
The last thing you need is a pen that stops working halfway through a thought.
A smooth, reliable pen is a small thing — but grant writing is made up of small things done well.
📒 A notebook that’s just for grants
Not meeting notes. Not grocery lists. Just grant thinking.
This is where timelines get sketched, funder notes live, and program ideas take shape before they ever make it into a proposal portal. Keeping this separate helps your brain switch into “grant mode” faster.
📅 A visible desk calendar
Grant deadlines don’t belong only in your inbox.
A simple, visible calendar helps you:
See busy months coming
Plan submissions realistically
Avoid deadline pileups
Digital tools matter — but seeing time laid out physically can change how you plan.
🧠 Instrumentl (for smarter grant research)
If you’ve ever lost an afternoon clicking through foundation websites, you’re not alone.
Instrumentl helps modern grant writers:
Find funders aligned with their mission
Track deadlines automatically
Keep notes and submissions in one place
It’s one of the few tools I consistently recommend because it genuinely saves time and reduces overwhelm.
📁 One simple place to track grants (hello, Asana)
Applications. Deadlines. Attachments. Reports.
When grant information is scattered across emails, spreadsheets, and sticky notes, stress multiplies quickly. Using Asana as a central hub creates clarity — one task per opportunity, clear deadlines, and everything in one place.
It doesn’t need to be fancy. A simple setup is enough to make grant work feel calmer and more manageable.
🎧 Headphones that protect focus
Grant writing is thinking work. Focus is fragile.
Whether it’s instrumental music or quiet, a good pair of headphones helps create the mental boundary needed to actually finish what you start.
🌿 When deadlines stack and stress sneaks in…
When confidence dips and calendars tighten, I come back to good tools, clear systems, and realistic plans — and grant writing feels doable again.
Because modern grant writing isn’t about doing more.
It’s about working smarter and supporting yourself along the way.
If you’d like help setting up grant systems that save time and reduce stress, you’re always welcome to schedule a Free No Obligation Introductory Call to learn more about Just Write Grants. No pressure — just clarity and next steps. Click here and choose "Virtual Coffee Chat" to schedule your call today.
Here’s to warm coffee, clear deadlines, and funded programs in the new year! ☕✨
Just Write Grants helps nonprofits save time, spend less, and raise more through smarter grant writing strategies and flexible support plans.