Hola, Beloved! I'm Antavia, the face behind the camera.
Welcome to my creative space on the internet where I share with you the joy of creative living. Creativity is a lifestyle and how we expend that creativity is all a part of the journey.
On this cozy side of the internets, you'll find videos of my creative experiments--poetry, writing, vlogs, and my beginner-level skills of painting and drawings. Hopefully, this all inspires you on your own creative journey.
Congratulations on completing your grant writing module!! Also, that's great you caught that about the syrups and have become in tune with your body to prevent those pains. Thanks for sharing! Also, very cool that you're working on a middle grade mystery novel. It's nice that you have your niece keeping you accountable to keep going with it.
Hey!! I'm so glad you liked my video! That's a great question! I studied Writing with a concentration in literature with plans to go into editing/publishing. My degree plan ended up having a Grant Writing 101 course. I also had a minor in youth ministry so I was somewhat already working with local churches and communities, but I always tell people that anyone can start grant writing without directly going to school for non-profit management. I studied poetry, fiction, and ministry development so I encourage anyone to just do grant writing if you feel an inkling towards it. ✨☺️
It's been a hot minute since I've made a video. I'm happy to be back with a Cosy Solo Diaries detailing what I've been up to this summer. As the fall season starts to roll in, I can't wait to share more creative updates and videos with y'all. What are you going to miss the most about this past summer?
Yes! I was surprised when I started seeing it unfold in real-time. I noticed that some people in nonprofit would readily treat communities like commodities, or a means to an end rather than the priority. As in corporate much of the business deals with selling products, ideas, etc., I also think the reality of living in a capitalist society also affects how we run nonprofits too, which is an entirely different (but same) convo.
They're completely free. Weave: The Social Fabric has an online Learning Center dedicated to free resources and the grant writing module is one of the many free courses they offer. ❤
Take the self-paced module now at learning.weavers.org/courses/grant-writing/ Also sign up for one of the live training sessions where you can ask me your questions about all things grants.
Hi Antavia! Thank you for making this video. I'm trying to figure out if i want to pursue grant writing, and you explained eveything in such an eloquent and easy to understand way. Its very encouraging for me. Wishing you continued success!
Hi Mason! Thanks for watching my video! I'm so glad it was easy to understand. I try to make my grant writing vids educational and entertaining. I'm so glad this video was encouraging to you. Thank you for the well wishes, and I wish the same for you!
Congratulations on this new journey!! Last year I lived alone for the first time too. Watching your video just makes my heart reminisce as well as smile for you! <3
Raaayyy! I can't believe you're still awake, lol. Thank you SO much!! It's been such a new experience living alone, but it's awesome, and the natural light is such a plus!
thank you for this! I just graduated with my MSW and I'm trying to find a way to bridge my writing skills with advocacy. I'm starting to go in the direction of grant writing... I feel "behind" but I'm sure the path with open up!
Thank YOU for watching my video! :) No need to feel behind, everyone's journey starts at different times. Congratulations on your MSW!! That's such an amazing feat and I wish you all the best in your journey! Grant writing is such a great way to bridge your advocacy and writing skills!
This is probably one of the longest videos I've made in a while. So, grab your favorite beverage, get cozy, and listen to how I got started in grant writing. I hope you enjoy it! 🥰
I'm trying to find a grant writing course for beginners since this is the direction I'm pivoting in. Thanks for your videos and all the best to you in your continued success.
Hi! I'm so glad you're enjoying the videos! In my latest video I actually make an announcement about a Grant Writing module I have coming up with The Aspen Institute. It's 5 lessons with four live training sessions where you can learn about grant writing and how to get started if you are new to the field. I'll be able to share more info soon! Thank you for your well wishes! I hope the same for you as you pivot into grant writing!
That's cool that you were asked to create lessons on grant writing! Congrats! It goes to show that you're knowledgeable in your skill-set and people feel you're capable of helping others to succeed as well. Thanks for sharing how you got into grant writing. Before I saw your first video, I didn't know about grant writing. So I think it's great that you're sharing this with others who might be interested in exploring this route for their career. It's great that you're able to utilize your writing to help others. Speaking of which, I had two questions. First question: Since you're grant writer and work on other creative projects, how do you maintain a healthy balance where you don't get overwhelmed? In the past I have considered doing a job that requires me to write....but my biggest concern is burnout or getting writer's block. Because when it comes to writing, that takes a lot of brain power. Second question: What would you say is the hardest thing about grant writing and what is the research process like? Thanks in advance and I hope you have a great day! P.S.: I like the yellow head wrap you're wearing in this video! It looks good on you.
Hi!!! Thank you so much for your questions and for watching my video! It means so much!c To answer your first question: I have found that writing on my creative projects is actually easier now that I work from home and on my own schedule. It wasn't so much that I was writing all the time. I found that when I had to exert extra energy to leave my house and then work in a somewhat tumultuous environment at times, I didn't feel like being creative or writing at all. At one point, I felt like I was writing all the time because of work, and then I realized it was moreso that I was so tired from my job that writing didn't feel as exciting, nor did I feel I had the time. I hope that makes sense. For your second question, I would say the hardest thing about grant writing, for me, can be researching for organizations that may not be ready to start submitting grants. Research, although tedious, can be somewhat seamless for well-organized nonprofits. For research prior to new software, I used Google and search engines like GrantWatch, which were usually always paid for by the nonprofits I worked with. Now, I am utilizing a newer software called Instrumentl, which I recommend to everyone! It has made grant researching easier, and it's quite user-friendly for those new to research. I really appreciate your in-depth questions! Thank you for commenting on my headwrap; it's one of my favorites. I hope you continue to enjoy the videos I make!
So excited for this cozy vlog! I can’t believe we’re heading into the FOURTH month of 2024 already. But I hope you enjoy catching up on what I’ve been up to the last few months! 💚
I have a degree in writing with a focus on literature. I took a series of writing/editing classes, one of which happened to be grant writing. I also had a minor in youth ministry so I was already working with churches and organizations by default. After graduating I continued working with nonprofits and then eventually transitioned into writing grants. I honestly feel like a degree isn't needed because all the skills can be learned through online courses/trainings, most of which are free like Fundraising for Good. Is grant writing something you're interested in?
I'm an independent contractor, so I work with nonprofits as a consultant and sometimes on a project basis. I also subcontract with consulting companies as well. I'm hoping to do a video soon explaining it a bit more.
