The Grant GOAT | Willie Finklin, CFRE

Stop Chasing Grants You're Not Ready to Win.

You don't need more passion. You need structure, strategy, and a funding plan that actually works.

$35M+ Funding Secured
15+ Years Experience
500+ Organizations
Willie Finklin, CFRE
The Real Problem

What This Really Costs You

It's not just time. It's momentum. It's credibility. It's burnout.

You Apply for Grants You're Not Qualified For

Training funders to say no to you before you even have a real chance.

You Spend Hours Writing Proposals

That get rejected in the first 60 seconds because the foundation isn't there.

You Burn Through Energy and Budget

Chasing funding that was never a fit in the first place.

You Lose Confidence in Your Mission

Because you think the problem is you. It's not. It's the system you're missing.

There's a Better Way: The Three Pillars of Funding Success

Willie Finklin, The Grant GOAT, is a Certified Fund Raising Executive with over 15 years of experience helping nonprofit founders and small organizations succeed.

01

Build the Foundation First

Before you chase a single dollar, we make sure your nonprofit is grant-ready. That means systems, governance, financials, and a compelling case for support.

02

Create a Funding Strategy That Fits

Not every grant is for you. We help you identify the right funders, the right timing, and the right approach so you stop wasting time on dead ends.

03

Win Funding Consistently

With professional grant writing, strategic positioning, and execution support, we help you secure the funding your mission deserves and build momentum that lasts.

Funding Solutions That Meet You Where You Are

Whether you're still exploring the idea of starting a nonprofit or actively pursuing grants, I have a solution designed for your stage.

Professional Grant Writing

Let me write the grants. You run the mission. You don't have time to become a grant writer. You need someone who already is one and who knows how to win. I write professional, compelling grant proposals that get funded.

For Established Nonprofits

The Six-Grant Commitment

Six grants. One year. Real momentum. Stop applying randomly and start building a funding pipeline. This is a strategic, year-long partnership where I write six high-quality grant proposals tailored to your mission and capacity.

For Scaling Organizations

The Funding Kit

Everything you need to be funding-ready. The all-in-one resource for building a grant-ready nonprofit. Includes templates, frameworks, and step-by-step guidance on creating the documents and systems funders expect to see.

For DIY Founders

The Master Grant Proposal

Your foundation for every future grant. A comprehensive, professionally written narrative that becomes the foundation for every grant you apply for. Once it's done, you'll never start from scratch again.

For Strong Narratives
Willie Finklin, CFRE

Why Trust The Grant GOAT?

I've seen too many good missions die because of bad structure. My name is Willie Finklin. I'm The Grant GOAT and I help nonprofit founders stop guessing and start building the right way.

$35M+ Funding Secured
$30M+ In Grants
15+ Years Experience
  • Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) - The gold standard in fundraising certification
  • 15+ years of nonprofit funding and strategy experience
  • $35+ million in total funding secured for organizations
  • $30+ million in grant funding specifically
  • Founding Principal Consultant of PM3 University
CFRE Certified
Published Expert

I don't teach theory. I teach what works because I've done it, over and over again.

Learn What Funders Actually Want

Education that meets you where you are - whether you're exploring, launching, or scaling.

The Art & Science of
Grant Writing

Professional Course

Master the skills that win funding. This isn't a generic course. It's a deep dive into what makes grant proposals successful - from funder psychology to narrative structure to budget alignment.

  • Understand funder psychology and decision-making
  • Master narrative structure and compelling storytelling
  • Learn budget alignment and financial presentation
  • Use the exact frameworks that secured $30M+ in funding
  • Get real-world examples and templates
Enroll Now

What You'll Learn

The exact frameworks I use to secure millions in funding for my clients. Learn funder psychology, narrative structure, and budget alignment.

Grant Readiness Scorecard

Free Assessment

Find out if you're really ready. Before you apply for another grant, take the Grant Readiness Scorecard. In just a few minutes, you'll get a clear assessment of where you stand and what you need to fix before funders will take you seriously.

  • Identify critical gaps in your funding readiness
  • Get personalized recommendations for improvement
  • Understand what funders look for before saying yes
  • Receive a clear action plan to become grant-ready
  • Takes just 5 minutes to complete
Take the Scorecard

Quick Assessment

Get a clear picture of your organization's funding readiness in just 5 minutes. Identify gaps before funders do.

Aspiring Founder Scorecard

Free Assessment

Should you start a nonprofit? Let's find out. Not every mission needs to be a 501(c)(3). The Aspiring Founder Scorecard helps you assess whether starting a nonprofit is the right move or if there's a better path to impact.

  • Evaluate if nonprofit structure fits your mission
  • Explore alternative paths to creating impact
  • Understand the true commitment required
  • Get honest guidance before you commit
  • Make an informed decision with clarity
Take the Scorecard

Get Clarity First

Not every mission needs to be a 501(c)(3). Find out if starting a nonprofit is the right path for you before you commit.

This Is What Happens When You Build the Right Way

Real organizations. Real funding. Real impact.

"Willie helped our organization receive over $1.5 Million in grant funding. This has helped to expand our programs and our organization is more sustainable."

Tony Zorbaugh The Source
Result: $1.5M+ in grant funding secured

"Willie's grant writing workshop led to their best year yet—more grants awarded, higher-quality applications, and the highest total funding for teacher projects in years."

Dr. Nahshon Nicks Team Nitro MMA
Result: Best year with highest funding total

"Willie made the grant writing process so much easier to understand. His workshop broke everything down in a way that finally made it click—and now I feel confident applying for grants on my own!"

Illame Lews KIPP: Bold City High School
Result: Gained confidence to apply independently

"Willie's grant writing workshop led to their best year yet—more grants awarded, higher-quality applications, and the highest total funding for teacher projects in years."

Dante Jennings Jacksonville Public Education Fund
Result: Highest funding for teacher projects in years

"The Nonprofit Launch gave me the clarity, tools, and materials I needed to bring my vision to life. It aligned perfectly with my business and helped me build a nonprofit that truly reflects my mission. One of the best investments I've ever made!"

Autumn Redding Bridgepoint CD Corp
Result: Successfully launched mission-aligned nonprofit

"I learned so much from taking the Art & Science of Grant Writing. I am looking forward to apply it and help my clients win grants!"

Arnisha J Grant Writing Consultant
Result: Enhanced skills to help clients win grants

Ready to Stop Guessing and Start Winning?

Let's talk about where you are, where you want to go, and how to build a funding strategy that actually works.

Get Started Now