In this podcast episode, Kymone Hinds engages in a conversation with Charde Hollins, a licensed clinician and consultant, who has secured over $45 million in grants. Charde shares her journey from social work to grant writing, her passion for prison ministry, and her innovative approach to youth development in a correctional facility. She emphasizes the strategic nature of grant writing and the importance of understanding the culture of those being served. She also discusses the intersection of ministry and professional work, encouraging listeners to recognize ministry within their jobs and utilize grants to support it.

Show Notes

00:00 Intro to the Podcast

[00:00:01] Securing Grants for Ministry and Business Discussion about the guest's experience in securing over $45 million in grants for ministry and business purposes.

[00:01:45] The Intersection of Ministry and Professional Work Exploration of how ministry can be integrated into professional work, using the guest's experience as a licensed clinician and consultant.

[00:05:28] Everyone Can Be Involved in Ministry Discussion on how individuals in various professions can engage in ministry and make a difference in people's lives.

[00:12:51 The journey of becoming a social worker Charde discusses her diverse work experience in different settings, including schools and the prison system.

[00:15:22] Working with incarcerated youth Charde talks about her favorite experience working with young men in a juvenile correctional facility and how it shaped her as a minister and social worker.

[00:21:59] Connecting with incarcerated individuals through culture Hollins explains how she made relevant connections with the young men by understanding and incorporating their culture, including music, movies, and art.

[00:23:41] The impact of words and communication Charde Hollins shares an example of how a radio host came in to teach the kids about the impact of words and the importance of communication.

[00:25:58] Securing grants for ministry and reentry support Hollins discusses how she started applying for grants to provide stipends for volunteers and later expanded to secure larger grants for reentry support for young men leaving prison.

[00:30:13] Using the church as a vehicle for ministry and grants Charde talks about utilizing her church as a vehicle to support her ministry and obtain grants for various programs, including providing reentry resources for young men.

[00:35:28] Crafting proposals that align with funders' expectations Hollins discusses her experience in crafting proposals that align with funders' expectations and how she merges her knowledge as a social worker, grant writer, and funder to create effective proposals.

[00:36:34] Charging for ministry services and overcoming objections Charde Hollins talks about her journey of charging for her ministry services and addresses the common objections and misconceptions about paying for grant writing services, emphasizing the value and expertise that come with professional assistance.

[00:42:24] Investing in oneself to monetize ministry Hollins emphasizes the importance of investing in oneself to monetize ministry, highlighting the need to recognize and compensate others for their expertise and the impact it can have on personal growth and success.