Grant Writing & Funding Transistor (https://transistor.fm) https://feeds.transistor.fm/grant-writing-funding Quit your toxic nonprofit job and replace your full-time income while writing grants part-time, from home! Join our students in the Freelance Grant Writer Academy to create Financial Stability and Flexibility through writing grants for causes you are passionate about: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy World-renowned grant writing expert and Amazon bestselling author Holly Rustick provides coaching that helps new and experienced grant writers replace their full-time income while writing grants part-time from home (or anywhere they want to live or travel in the world). She coaches changemakers to master grant writing and start to grow 6-figure+ grant writing businesses on part-time hours via her signature group program, “Freelance Grant Writer Academy." As an unapologetic feminist, Holly’s work in coaching female grant writers to master grant writing, find their cause-area niche, and navigate value-based pricing and nonprofit sales is breaking glass ceilings for women all over the world. Every week, she coaches thousands of people through the top-ranking podcast, Grant Writing & Funding, books on grant writing, and inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy. Holly has 20 years of experience in grant writing, and began her freelance grant writing journey back in 2005. While teaching in Kuwait and Indonesia, and then earning a Master’s Degree in International Political Economy in Belgium, Holly saw the light of setting up a virtual-based business in grant writing back in the mid-2000s. Having secured more than $45 million of dollars for nonprofit organizations, and then setting up a multi 6-figure freelance business, Holly has a mission to help female grant writers break out of toxic nonprofit J-O-B-S and create high-level income while freelance grant writing. Inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, students have secured more than $225+ million in grant funding and $4+ million in revenue in their grant writing businesses within two years. To amplify this work, she is past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce and was appointed to the Guam Business Advisory Task Force as an advisor to the first female governor of Guam. Holly lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. If you are interested in replacing your full-time income while writing grants part-time from home (or from anywhere in the world!) join the Freelance Grant Writer Academy! www.grantwritingandfunding.com. All rights reserved 7bfca093-00bc-525e-aad3-6aae1956fd6d no en Fri, 15 May 2026 03:34:43 -0400 Fri, 15 May 2026 03:35:03 -0400 http://www.grantwritingandfunding.com https://img.transistorcdn.com/QtQsL876M6Ih_N_-uWdpSD0SldLLc0ImV0NC59nZiAk/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9mYTY5/MWVmYTNhZWQ2YzFl/ZDlhODJkYjgxOTQ2/MDA0NC5qcGc.jpg Grant Writing & Funding http://www.grantwritingandfunding.com episodic Holly Rustick Quit your toxic nonprofit job and replace your full-time income while writing grants part-time, from home! Join our students in the Freelance Grant Writer Academy to create Financial Stability and Flexibility through writing grants for causes you are passionate about: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy World-renowned grant writing expert and Amazon bestselling author Holly Rustick provides coaching that helps new and experienced grant writers replace their full-time income while writing grants part-time from home (or anywhere they want to live or travel in the world). She coaches changemakers to master grant writing and start to grow 6-figure+ grant writing businesses on part-time hours via her signature group program, “Freelance Grant Writer Academy." As an unapologetic feminist, Holly’s work in coaching female grant writers to master grant writing, find their cause-area niche, and navigate value-based pricing and nonprofit sales is breaking glass ceilings for women all over the world. Every week, she coaches thousands of people through the top-ranking podcast, Grant Writing & Funding, books on grant writing, and inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy. Holly has 20 years of experience in grant writing, and began her freelance grant writing journey back in 2005. While teaching in Kuwait and Indonesia, and then earning a Master’s Degree in International Political Economy in Belgium, Holly saw the light of setting up a virtual-based business in grant writing back in the mid-2000s. Having secured more than $45 million of dollars for nonprofit organizations, and then setting up a multi 6-figure freelance business, Holly has a mission to help female grant writers break out of toxic nonprofit J-O-B-S and create high-level income while freelance grant writing. Inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, students have secured more than $225+ million in grant funding and $4+ million in revenue in their grant writing businesses within two years. To amplify this work, she is past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce and was appointed to the Guam Business Advisory Task Force as an advisor to the first female governor of Guam. Holly lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. If you are interested in replacing your full-time income while writing grants part-time from home (or from anywhere in the world!) join the Freelance Grant Writer Academy! www.grantwritingandfunding.com. Quit your toxic nonprofit job and replace your full-time income while writing grants part-time, from home. grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting Grant Writing & Funding No No Why Boutique Grant Writers Are Winning Right Now (And How to Land Higher-Paying Clients Without Burnout) 453 453 Why Boutique Grant Writers Are Winning Right Now (And How to Land Higher-Paying Clients Without Burnout) full ebe897e9-6d1f-47e2-9eb9-ee4f7f868620 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/why-boutique-grant-writers-are-winning-right-now-and-how-to-land-higher-paying-clients-without-burnout Discover how a boutique consulting firm can outperform large agencies by leaning into relationships, strategy, and high-touch service. In this episode, Dr. Eve McGee shares how she’s secured major wins, built long-term client partnerships, and why grant readiness (not just grant writing) is the real key to funding success.


ABOUT OUR GUEST

Based in Kansas City, Missouri, Dr. Eve McGee is the Owner and CEO of McGee KC Consulting, where she transforms nonprofit vision into sustainable funding. Drawing on three decades of social work practice and executive leadership experience, she guides organizations through the entire funding lifecycle from grant readiness and targeted research to persuasive writing and grant management. Specializing in state and private foundation grants for mental and behavioral health, housing instability, domestic violence, food insecurity, youth development, reentry, and financial literacy, Dr. McGee bridges the gap between community mission and funder priorities, ensuring every project is built for long-term impact.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Website: https://mcgeekcconsulting.com (as referenced in episode)
LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram: McGee KC Consulting

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

  • What it really means to be a boutique consulting firm—and why clients are increasingly choosing this model
  • How Dr. McGee won contracts over large firms by leaning into relationship-based service
  • Why grant readiness—not grant writing—is the first step to funding success
  • The biggest gaps nonprofits face: program design, evaluation, and infrastructure
  • How to build long-term funding strategies instead of chasing one-off grants
  • Why relationships with funders are more important than ever in today’s funding landscape
  • The shift from federal funding to foundation, corporate, and donor funding strategies
  • How boutique firms can scale while maintaining high-touch client relationships
  • The importance of systems, infrastructure, and internal organization (including the “3-click rule”)

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Boutique doesn’t mean small impact. Boutique firms can compete with—and outperform—large agencies by offering personalized, relationship-driven service.
  • Grant readiness is everything. Without strong systems, program design, and measurable outcomes, organizations are not prepared to successfully manage funding.
  • Winning funding isn’t the goal—sustainable implementation is. Organizations must be ready to responsibly manage and execute funded programs.
  • Relationships drive results. Building connections with funders can lead to opportunities coming directly to organizations.
  • Infrastructure enables growth. Strong internal systems allow nonprofits to scale and pursue larger funding opportunities with confidence.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
 https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
 https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
 https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!


Warmly,
Holly Rustick


Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will:

  1. WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and
  2. MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses.

We are on our way already.

]]> Discover how a boutique consulting firm can outperform large agencies by leaning into relationships, strategy, and high-touch service. In this episode, Dr. Eve McGee shares how she’s secured major wins, built long-term client partnerships, and why grant readiness (not just grant writing) is the real key to funding success.


ABOUT OUR GUEST

Based in Kansas City, Missouri, Dr. Eve McGee is the Owner and CEO of McGee KC Consulting, where she transforms nonprofit vision into sustainable funding. Drawing on three decades of social work practice and executive leadership experience, she guides organizations through the entire funding lifecycle from grant readiness and targeted research to persuasive writing and grant management. Specializing in state and private foundation grants for mental and behavioral health, housing instability, domestic violence, food insecurity, youth development, reentry, and financial literacy, Dr. McGee bridges the gap between community mission and funder priorities, ensuring every project is built for long-term impact.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Website: https://mcgeekcconsulting.com (as referenced in episode)
LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram: McGee KC Consulting

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

  • What it really means to be a boutique consulting firm—and why clients are increasingly choosing this model
  • How Dr. McGee won contracts over large firms by leaning into relationship-based service
  • Why grant readiness—not grant writing—is the first step to funding success
  • The biggest gaps nonprofits face: program design, evaluation, and infrastructure
  • How to build long-term funding strategies instead of chasing one-off grants
  • Why relationships with funders are more important than ever in today’s funding landscape
  • The shift from federal funding to foundation, corporate, and donor funding strategies
  • How boutique firms can scale while maintaining high-touch client relationships
  • The importance of systems, infrastructure, and internal organization (including the “3-click rule”)

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Boutique doesn’t mean small impact. Boutique firms can compete with—and outperform—large agencies by offering personalized, relationship-driven service.
  • Grant readiness is everything. Without strong systems, program design, and measurable outcomes, organizations are not prepared to successfully manage funding.
  • Winning funding isn’t the goal—sustainable implementation is. Organizations must be ready to responsibly manage and execute funded programs.
  • Relationships drive results. Building connections with funders can lead to opportunities coming directly to organizations.
  • Infrastructure enables growth. Strong internal systems allow nonprofits to scale and pursue larger funding opportunities with confidence.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
 https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
 https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
 https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!


Warmly,
Holly Rustick


Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will:

  1. WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and
  2. MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses.

We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 12 May 2026 07:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1614 Discover how a boutique consulting firm can outperform large agencies by leaning into relationships, strategy, and high-touch service. In this episode, Dr. Eve McGee shares how she’s secured major wins, built long-term client partnerships, and why grant readiness (not just grant writing) is the real key to funding success.


ABOUT OUR GUEST

Based in Kansas City, Missouri, Dr. Eve McGee is the Owner and CEO of McGee KC Consulting, where she transforms nonprofit vision into sustainable funding. Drawing on three decades of social work practice and executive leadership experience, she guides organizations through the entire funding lifecycle from grant readiness and targeted research to persuasive writing and grant management. Specializing in state and private foundation grants for mental and behavioral health, housing instability, domestic violence, food insecurity, youth development, reentry, and financial literacy, Dr. McGee bridges the gap between community mission and funder priorities, ensuring every project is built for long-term impact.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Website: https://mcgeekcconsulting.com (as referenced in episode)
LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram: McGee KC Consulting

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

  • What it really means to be a boutique consulting firm—and why clients are increasingly choosing this model
  • How Dr. McGee won contracts over large firms by leaning into relationship-based service
  • Why grant readiness—not grant writing—is the first step to funding success
  • The biggest gaps nonprofits face: program design, evaluation, and infrastructure
  • How to build long-term funding strategies instead of chasing one-off grants
  • Why relationships with funders are more important than ever in today’s funding landscape
  • The shift from federal funding to foundation, corporate, and donor funding strategies
  • How boutique firms can scale while maintaining high-touch client relationships
  • The importance of systems, infrastructure, and internal organization (including the “3-click rule”)

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Boutique doesn’t mean small impact. Boutique firms can compete with—and outperform—large agencies by offering personalized, relationship-driven service.
  • Grant readiness is everything. Without strong systems, program design, and measurable outcomes, organizations are not prepared to successfully manage funding.
  • Winning funding isn’t the goal—sustainable implementation is. Organizations must be ready to responsibly manage and execute funded programs.
  • Relationships drive results. Building connections with funders can lead to opportunities coming directly to organizations.
  • Infrastructure enables growth. Strong internal systems allow nonprofits to scale and pursue larger funding opportunities with confidence.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
 https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
 https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
 https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!


Warmly,
Holly Rustick


Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will:

  1. WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and
  2. MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses.

We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Funded Series: How Our Students Broke $10 Million in Grant Writing Businesses 452 452 Funded Series: How Our Students Broke $10 Million in Grant Writing Businesses full 582e28dd-8c41-46ec-b942-f5f9cf951aa5 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/funded-series-how-our-students-broke-10-million-in-grant-writing-businesses This month marked a major milestone inside the grant writing community: over $10 million generated in student grant writing businesses and a collective $278 million in grant funding secured. 

In this episode, we break down exactly what happened in March 2026 in the grant writing industry, what’s working right now in the grant funding landscape, and what these results signal for both freelance grant writers and nonprofit leaders.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

  • The different levels of grant funding being secured right now—from $10K wins to multi-million dollar awards
  • Where funding is actually coming from (and how to position yourself to access it)
  • The key patterns driving consistent grant wins
  • How grant writers are building sustainable, high-revenue businesses
  • The biggest shifts happening in the grant writing industry today

KEY HIGHLIGHTS FROM MARCH 2026

  • A total of $4.3 million in grants won by our Students (just in March)
  • A total of nearly $5 million in revenue in our students grant writing businesses (just in March)

WHERE FUNDING IS FLOWING


Funding is being secured across a diverse ecosystem, including:

  • Community, family, and private foundations
  • State funding programs like the Michigan Invasive Species Program and Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency
  • Corporate and hospital system funding
  • Creative and micro-funding opportunities

WHAT’S DRIVING THESE WINS

  • Coaching that leads to action and submission
  • Grant reviews that strengthen applications and increase competitiveness
  • Proven systems like grant research frameworks, LOI strategies, and structured execution plans

BUSINESS GROWTH FOR GRANT WRITERS


Grant writers are not just winning funding—they are building scalable businesses.


Examples from this month include:

  • $32,400, $45,000, and $42,000 retainers
  • Multiple $15K–$25K contracts
  • Monthly retainers ranging from $2,500–$4,000
  • Expanded service packages and long-term client engagements

SALES & PRICING SHIFTS

  • Transitioning from hourly pricing to value-based packages
  • Stronger positioning as experts and consultants
  • Ethical sales strategies that build trust and close clients

REAL REVENUE NUMBERS

Monthly revenues reported include:

  • $17K
  • $21K
  • $27K
  • Up to $38K months

The biggest challenges are not skill-based, but around consistency in marketing, visibility, and sales activity.


INDUSTRY SHIFT

Grant writers are evolving from freelancers to consultants and agency-style business owners, with services including:

  • Retainers
  • Strategy engagements
  • Subcontracting
  • Executive-level advisory roles

FINAL THOUGHT

This $278 million milestone is more than just a number—it represents a shift in the industry. The demand for grant writers is real, the opportunity is growing, and the business model is proven.


The question is no longer whether opportunity exists, but whether you are building your work like a business.


ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers.


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/


RESOURCES:
Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast for more weekly insights.


Warmly, Holly Rustick


Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement by 2030.

]]> This month marked a major milestone inside the grant writing community: over $10 million generated in student grant writing businesses and a collective $278 million in grant funding secured. 

In this episode, we break down exactly what happened in March 2026 in the grant writing industry, what’s working right now in the grant funding landscape, and what these results signal for both freelance grant writers and nonprofit leaders.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

  • The different levels of grant funding being secured right now—from $10K wins to multi-million dollar awards
  • Where funding is actually coming from (and how to position yourself to access it)
  • The key patterns driving consistent grant wins
  • How grant writers are building sustainable, high-revenue businesses
  • The biggest shifts happening in the grant writing industry today

KEY HIGHLIGHTS FROM MARCH 2026

  • A total of $4.3 million in grants won by our Students (just in March)
  • A total of nearly $5 million in revenue in our students grant writing businesses (just in March)

WHERE FUNDING IS FLOWING


Funding is being secured across a diverse ecosystem, including:

  • Community, family, and private foundations
  • State funding programs like the Michigan Invasive Species Program and Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency
  • Corporate and hospital system funding
  • Creative and micro-funding opportunities

WHAT’S DRIVING THESE WINS

  • Coaching that leads to action and submission
  • Grant reviews that strengthen applications and increase competitiveness
  • Proven systems like grant research frameworks, LOI strategies, and structured execution plans

BUSINESS GROWTH FOR GRANT WRITERS


Grant writers are not just winning funding—they are building scalable businesses.


Examples from this month include:

  • $32,400, $45,000, and $42,000 retainers
  • Multiple $15K–$25K contracts
  • Monthly retainers ranging from $2,500–$4,000
  • Expanded service packages and long-term client engagements

SALES & PRICING SHIFTS

  • Transitioning from hourly pricing to value-based packages
  • Stronger positioning as experts and consultants
  • Ethical sales strategies that build trust and close clients

REAL REVENUE NUMBERS

Monthly revenues reported include:

  • $17K
  • $21K
  • $27K
  • Up to $38K months

The biggest challenges are not skill-based, but around consistency in marketing, visibility, and sales activity.


INDUSTRY SHIFT

Grant writers are evolving from freelancers to consultants and agency-style business owners, with services including:

  • Retainers
  • Strategy engagements
  • Subcontracting
  • Executive-level advisory roles

FINAL THOUGHT

This $278 million milestone is more than just a number—it represents a shift in the industry. The demand for grant writers is real, the opportunity is growing, and the business model is proven.


The question is no longer whether opportunity exists, but whether you are building your work like a business.


ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers.


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/


RESOURCES:
Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast for more weekly insights.


Warmly, Holly Rustick


Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement by 2030.

]]> Tue, 05 May 2026 07:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1613 This month marked a major milestone inside the grant writing community: over $10 million generated in student grant writing businesses and a collective $278 million in grant funding secured. 

In this episode, we break down exactly what happened in March 2026 in the grant writing industry, what’s working right now in the grant funding landscape, and what these results signal for both freelance grant writers and nonprofit leaders.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

  • The different levels of grant funding being secured right now—from $10K wins to multi-million dollar awards
  • Where funding is actually coming from (and how to position yourself to access it)
  • The key patterns driving consistent grant wins
  • How grant writers are building sustainable, high-revenue businesses
  • The biggest shifts happening in the grant writing industry today

KEY HIGHLIGHTS FROM MARCH 2026

  • A total of $4.3 million in grants won by our Students (just in March)
  • A total of nearly $5 million in revenue in our students grant writing businesses (just in March)

WHERE FUNDING IS FLOWING


Funding is being secured across a diverse ecosystem, including:

  • Community, family, and private foundations
  • State funding programs like the Michigan Invasive Species Program and Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency
  • Corporate and hospital system funding
  • Creative and micro-funding opportunities

WHAT’S DRIVING THESE WINS

  • Coaching that leads to action and submission
  • Grant reviews that strengthen applications and increase competitiveness
  • Proven systems like grant research frameworks, LOI strategies, and structured execution plans

BUSINESS GROWTH FOR GRANT WRITERS


Grant writers are not just winning funding—they are building scalable businesses.


Examples from this month include:

  • $32,400, $45,000, and $42,000 retainers
  • Multiple $15K–$25K contracts
  • Monthly retainers ranging from $2,500–$4,000
  • Expanded service packages and long-term client engagements

SALES & PRICING SHIFTS

  • Transitioning from hourly pricing to value-based packages
  • Stronger positioning as experts and consultants
  • Ethical sales strategies that build trust and close clients

REAL REVENUE NUMBERS

Monthly revenues reported include:

  • $17K
  • $21K
  • $27K
  • Up to $38K months

The biggest challenges are not skill-based, but around consistency in marketing, visibility, and sales activity.


INDUSTRY SHIFT

Grant writers are evolving from freelancers to consultants and agency-style business owners, with services including:

  • Retainers
  • Strategy engagements
  • Subcontracting
  • Executive-level advisory roles

FINAL THOUGHT

This $278 million milestone is more than just a number—it represents a shift in the industry. The demand for grant writers is real, the opportunity is growing, and the business model is proven.


The question is no longer whether opportunity exists, but whether you are building your work like a business.


ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers.


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/


RESOURCES:
Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast for more weekly insights.


Warmly, Holly Rustick


Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement by 2030.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No 2026 Federal Funding Changes: What Academic Researchers Must Know Now 451 451 2026 Federal Funding Changes: What Academic Researchers Must Know Now full cb9c0130-7ecd-4057-93d2-cd635aab0940 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/you-need-to-be-a-grant-strategist-not-a-writer In this episode, Holly Rustick shares a real-time update from Guam following a recent super typhoon, and then dives into what every grant writer needs to understand about 2026 federal funding.

If you’ve been hearing that “there’s no more grant money” or that federal funding has been slashed, this episode breaks down what’s actually happening versus what made headlines. Holly unpacks key budget shifts, where research funding is still strong, and how to position your proposals to stay competitive.

Most importantly, she introduces a powerful framework for winning grants right now: diversification, reframing, and alignment. Whether you’re a researcher or a freelance grant writer, this episode will help you adapt your strategy, strengthen your applications, and confidently move forward in today’s funding landscape.


ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/


Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/


Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will
 
1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 
2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. 

We are on our way already.

]]> In this episode, Holly Rustick shares a real-time update from Guam following a recent super typhoon, and then dives into what every grant writer needs to understand about 2026 federal funding.

If you’ve been hearing that “there’s no more grant money” or that federal funding has been slashed, this episode breaks down what’s actually happening versus what made headlines. Holly unpacks key budget shifts, where research funding is still strong, and how to position your proposals to stay competitive.

Most importantly, she introduces a powerful framework for winning grants right now: diversification, reframing, and alignment. Whether you’re a researcher or a freelance grant writer, this episode will help you adapt your strategy, strengthen your applications, and confidently move forward in today’s funding landscape.


ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/


Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/


Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will
 
1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 
2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. 

We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 28 Apr 2026 07:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1606 In this episode, Holly Rustick shares a real-time update from Guam following a recent super typhoon, and then dives into what every grant writer needs to understand about 2026 federal funding.

If you’ve been hearing that “there’s no more grant money” or that federal funding has been slashed, this episode breaks down what’s actually happening versus what made headlines. Holly unpacks key budget shifts, where research funding is still strong, and how to position your proposals to stay competitive.

Most importantly, she introduces a powerful framework for winning grants right now: diversification, reframing, and alignment. Whether you’re a researcher or a freelance grant writer, this episode will help you adapt your strategy, strengthen your applications, and confidently move forward in today’s funding landscape.


ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/


Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/


Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will
 
1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 
2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. 

We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Beyond Freelancing: The Power of Fractional Work in the Nonprofit Sector 450 450 Beyond Freelancing: The Power of Fractional Work in the Nonprofit Sector full e884bb18-04b8-4579-999f-26b07fa94806 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/beyond-freelancing-the-power-of-fractional-work-in-the-nonprofit-sector In this episode of the Grant Writing & Funding podcast, Holly Rustick interviews Cindy Wagman, founder of the Nonprofit Fractional Network, about the growing role of fractional consulting in the nonprofit sector.

Cindy explains how fractional work differs from traditional freelance work by combining strategy, planning, and implementation into one role. This model allows nonprofits to access experienced leadership without hiring full-time staff—making it especially valuable for organizations that have outgrown basic operations but don’t yet have the budget or need for a full-time director.

Cindy shares her journey from working in-house in nonprofit fundraising to launching her own consulting business and eventually creating the Nonprofit Fractional Network to train and support others building fractional consulting businesses.

Holly and Cindy also explore how fractional models provide more stability for consultants through long-term retainers, while helping nonprofits maximize limited resources. They discuss how the grant writing industry is evolving, how consultants can expand beyond project-based work, and how positioning yourself as a strategic funding partner can increase impact and income.


By the end of the episode, Cindy shares how professionals can learn more about fractional consulting and connect with her network supporting nonprofit fractional leaders.

In This Episode You’ll Learn:

• What fractional consulting is and how it differs from freelance work
• Why growing nonprofits benefit from fractional leadership roles
• How fractional consultants combine strategy, planning, and implementation
• The difference between freelance grant writers and fractional grant strategists
• Why retainer-based clients can provide greater stability and predictability
• How grant writers can evolve into broader strategic funding advisors
• Cindy’s journey from nonprofit employee to fractional consulting leader
• How the Nonprofit Fractional Network supports professionals building fractional businesses

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Cindy Wagman helps seasoned nonprofit pros build six-figure consulting businesses—without the burnout. A former in-house leader turned business coach, she’s the founder of the Nonprofit Fractionals Network, and has guided 100+ consultants (over 85 of whom are fractionals) to grow profitable, values-driven practices.


She’s the bestselling author of Raise It!, former co-host of Confessions with Jess and Cindy, and host of Fracture, a private podcast for nonprofit fractional execs ready to stop fixing broken systems and start building something better.


CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Website: https://www.nonprofitfractionals.com


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/


Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/


Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,


Holly Rustick


Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 

1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 
2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. 

We are on our way already.

]]> In this episode of the Grant Writing & Funding podcast, Holly Rustick interviews Cindy Wagman, founder of the Nonprofit Fractional Network, about the growing role of fractional consulting in the nonprofit sector.

Cindy explains how fractional work differs from traditional freelance work by combining strategy, planning, and implementation into one role. This model allows nonprofits to access experienced leadership without hiring full-time staff—making it especially valuable for organizations that have outgrown basic operations but don’t yet have the budget or need for a full-time director.

Cindy shares her journey from working in-house in nonprofit fundraising to launching her own consulting business and eventually creating the Nonprofit Fractional Network to train and support others building fractional consulting businesses.

Holly and Cindy also explore how fractional models provide more stability for consultants through long-term retainers, while helping nonprofits maximize limited resources. They discuss how the grant writing industry is evolving, how consultants can expand beyond project-based work, and how positioning yourself as a strategic funding partner can increase impact and income.


By the end of the episode, Cindy shares how professionals can learn more about fractional consulting and connect with her network supporting nonprofit fractional leaders.

In This Episode You’ll Learn:

• What fractional consulting is and how it differs from freelance work
• Why growing nonprofits benefit from fractional leadership roles
• How fractional consultants combine strategy, planning, and implementation
• The difference between freelance grant writers and fractional grant strategists
• Why retainer-based clients can provide greater stability and predictability
• How grant writers can evolve into broader strategic funding advisors
• Cindy’s journey from nonprofit employee to fractional consulting leader
• How the Nonprofit Fractional Network supports professionals building fractional businesses

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Cindy Wagman helps seasoned nonprofit pros build six-figure consulting businesses—without the burnout. A former in-house leader turned business coach, she’s the founder of the Nonprofit Fractionals Network, and has guided 100+ consultants (over 85 of whom are fractionals) to grow profitable, values-driven practices.


She’s the bestselling author of Raise It!, former co-host of Confessions with Jess and Cindy, and host of Fracture, a private podcast for nonprofit fractional execs ready to stop fixing broken systems and start building something better.


CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Website: https://www.nonprofitfractionals.com


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/


Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/


Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,


Holly Rustick


Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 

1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 
2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. 

We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 21 Apr 2026 07:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1777 In this episode of the Grant Writing & Funding podcast, Holly Rustick interviews Cindy Wagman, founder of the Nonprofit Fractional Network, about the growing role of fractional consulting in the nonprofit sector.

Cindy explains how fractional work differs from traditional freelance work by combining strategy, planning, and implementation into one role. This model allows nonprofits to access experienced leadership without hiring full-time staff—making it especially valuable for organizations that have outgrown basic operations but don’t yet have the budget or need for a full-time director.

Cindy shares her journey from working in-house in nonprofit fundraising to launching her own consulting business and eventually creating the Nonprofit Fractional Network to train and support others building fractional consulting businesses.

Holly and Cindy also explore how fractional models provide more stability for consultants through long-term retainers, while helping nonprofits maximize limited resources. They discuss how the grant writing industry is evolving, how consultants can expand beyond project-based work, and how positioning yourself as a strategic funding partner can increase impact and income.


By the end of the episode, Cindy shares how professionals can learn more about fractional consulting and connect with her network supporting nonprofit fractional leaders.

In This Episode You’ll Learn:

• What fractional consulting is and how it differs from freelance work
• Why growing nonprofits benefit from fractional leadership roles
• How fractional consultants combine strategy, planning, and implementation
• The difference between freelance grant writers and fractional grant strategists
• Why retainer-based clients can provide greater stability and predictability
• How grant writers can evolve into broader strategic funding advisors
• Cindy’s journey from nonprofit employee to fractional consulting leader
• How the Nonprofit Fractional Network supports professionals building fractional businesses

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Cindy Wagman helps seasoned nonprofit pros build six-figure consulting businesses—without the burnout. A former in-house leader turned business coach, she’s the founder of the Nonprofit Fractionals Network, and has guided 100+ consultants (over 85 of whom are fractionals) to grow profitable, values-driven practices.


She’s the bestselling author of Raise It!, former co-host of Confessions with Jess and Cindy, and host of Fracture, a private podcast for nonprofit fractional execs ready to stop fixing broken systems and start building something better.


CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Website: https://www.nonprofitfractionals.com


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/


Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/


Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,


Holly Rustick


Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 

1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 
2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. 

We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Grant Writers Using AI Wrong? The Readiness Problem No One Talks About 449 449 Grant Writers Using AI Wrong? The Readiness Problem No One Talks About full f04b2099-08cc-436d-9cb0-05c79f743e64 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/grant-writers-using-ai-wrong-the-readiness-problem-no-one-talks-about Steve Vick returns to the podcast to unpack what nonprofit leaders and grant professionals need to understand about AI adoption right now. As the founder of Bright Nonprofit and longtime host of the Nonprofit Ally podcast, Steve brings both nonprofit and tech expertise to the conversation and explains why AI is not just a tool issue: it is a governance issue.


In this episode, Holly and Steve dig into AI readiness, source of truth, data integrity, human-in-the-loop review, and why AI often reveals organizational problems instead of fixing them. They also discuss what this means for grant writers, why strategic thinking matters more than ever, and how nonprofits can start using AI responsibly without creating bigger bottlenecks, mission drift, or reporting problems down the line.


If you’ve been wondering how to use AI in grant writing or nonprofit operations without sacrificing quality, accuracy, or oversight, this conversation is a must-listen.


ABOUT OUR GUEST

Steve Vick is the founder of Nonprofit Ally and Bright Nonprofit, where he helps nonprofit leaders navigate governance and organizational change in the age of AI. His work focuses on helping organizations understand the structural challenges AI exposes before they accelerate their organizations with AI.  


CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Website: https://brightnonprofit.com/
YouTube: Bright Nonprofit

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/


Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/


Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,


Holly Rustick


Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Steve Vick returns to the podcast to unpack what nonprofit leaders and grant professionals need to understand about AI adoption right now. As the founder of Bright Nonprofit and longtime host of the Nonprofit Ally podcast, Steve brings both nonprofit and tech expertise to the conversation and explains why AI is not just a tool issue: it is a governance issue.


In this episode, Holly and Steve dig into AI readiness, source of truth, data integrity, human-in-the-loop review, and why AI often reveals organizational problems instead of fixing them. They also discuss what this means for grant writers, why strategic thinking matters more than ever, and how nonprofits can start using AI responsibly without creating bigger bottlenecks, mission drift, or reporting problems down the line.


If you’ve been wondering how to use AI in grant writing or nonprofit operations without sacrificing quality, accuracy, or oversight, this conversation is a must-listen.


ABOUT OUR GUEST

Steve Vick is the founder of Nonprofit Ally and Bright Nonprofit, where he helps nonprofit leaders navigate governance and organizational change in the age of AI. His work focuses on helping organizations understand the structural challenges AI exposes before they accelerate their organizations with AI.  


CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Website: https://brightnonprofit.com/
YouTube: Bright Nonprofit

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/


Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/


Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,


Holly Rustick


Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 14 Apr 2026 07:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2185 Steve Vick returns to the podcast to unpack what nonprofit leaders and grant professionals need to understand about AI adoption right now. As the founder of Bright Nonprofit and longtime host of the Nonprofit Ally podcast, Steve brings both nonprofit and tech expertise to the conversation and explains why AI is not just a tool issue: it is a governance issue.


In this episode, Holly and Steve dig into AI readiness, source of truth, data integrity, human-in-the-loop review, and why AI often reveals organizational problems instead of fixing them. They also discuss what this means for grant writers, why strategic thinking matters more than ever, and how nonprofits can start using AI responsibly without creating bigger bottlenecks, mission drift, or reporting problems down the line.


If you’ve been wondering how to use AI in grant writing or nonprofit operations without sacrificing quality, accuracy, or oversight, this conversation is a must-listen.


ABOUT OUR GUEST

Steve Vick is the founder of Nonprofit Ally and Bright Nonprofit, where he helps nonprofit leaders navigate governance and organizational change in the age of AI. His work focuses on helping organizations understand the structural challenges AI exposes before they accelerate their organizations with AI.  


CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Website: https://brightnonprofit.com/
YouTube: Bright Nonprofit

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/


Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/


Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,


Holly Rustick


Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No [Funded Series] Inside a $1.9M Month 448 448 [Funded Series] Inside a $1.9M Month full 58608e07-0fee-4ce9-8c26-76a3a54bcdf0 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/funded-series-inside-a-1-9m-month In this February 2026 Funded Series episode, we break down what actually changed in just 30 days inside a growing ecosystem of freelance grant writers and why it matters.


This month alone:

  • Over $1.5 million in grant funding was secured
  • Nearly $464,000 in client deals were closed

In this episode, Holly unpacks the exact patterns behind these wins, including:

  • The shift from learning → leveraging
  • Why clarity is outperforming hustle
  • How systems and feedback loops are driving real results
  • And what’s actually working right now to win grants and close clients

If you’ve been working hard but not seeing consistent results, this episode will show you what might be missing—and how to fix it.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/


Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/


Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will

  1. WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and
  2. MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses.

We are on our way already.

]]> In this February 2026 Funded Series episode, we break down what actually changed in just 30 days inside a growing ecosystem of freelance grant writers and why it matters.


This month alone:

  • Over $1.5 million in grant funding was secured
  • Nearly $464,000 in client deals were closed

In this episode, Holly unpacks the exact patterns behind these wins, including:

  • The shift from learning → leveraging
  • Why clarity is outperforming hustle
  • How systems and feedback loops are driving real results
  • And what’s actually working right now to win grants and close clients

If you’ve been working hard but not seeing consistent results, this episode will show you what might be missing—and how to fix it.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/


Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/


Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will

  1. WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and
  2. MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses.

We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 07 Apr 2026 07:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 956 In this February 2026 Funded Series episode, we break down what actually changed in just 30 days inside a growing ecosystem of freelance grant writers and why it matters.


This month alone:

  • Over $1.5 million in grant funding was secured
  • Nearly $464,000 in client deals were closed

In this episode, Holly unpacks the exact patterns behind these wins, including:

  • The shift from learning → leveraging
  • Why clarity is outperforming hustle
  • How systems and feedback loops are driving real results
  • And what’s actually working right now to win grants and close clients

If you’ve been working hard but not seeing consistent results, this episode will show you what might be missing—and how to fix it.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/


Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/


Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will

  1. WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and
  2. MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses.

We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No What Separates a $50K Grant Writer From a $150K Grant Business Owner 447 447 What Separates a $50K Grant Writer From a $150K Grant Business Owner full 202b8211-59c5-41d1-9704-036cd396af1c https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/what-separates-a-50k-grant-writer-from-a-150k-grant-business-owner In this episode of the Grant Writing & Funding Podcast, Holly Rustick breaks down a key shift that separates grant writers earning around $50K per year from those building six-figure grant businesses.


Interestingly, the difference isn’t talent, experience, or even how hard someone works. Many grant writers have similar technical skills:

  • strong proposal writing, 
  • program design knowledge, and 
  • a passion for supporting nonprofit missions.

The real difference lies in how their work is structured as a business.


Holly walks through four major shifts that occur when a grant writer moves from freelancer to grant business owner. From moving beyond hourly pricing to building systems, support teams, and diversified income streams, these changes allow grant professionals to scale their impact and income without burning out.


If you’ve ever wondered how some grant writers grow sustainable six-figure businesses while others stay stuck in reactive client work, this episode will show you exactly where that shift happens—and how you can start thinking like a grant business owner.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/


Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/


Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will

  1. WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and
  2. MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses.

We are on our way already.

]]> In this episode of the Grant Writing & Funding Podcast, Holly Rustick breaks down a key shift that separates grant writers earning around $50K per year from those building six-figure grant businesses.


Interestingly, the difference isn’t talent, experience, or even how hard someone works. Many grant writers have similar technical skills:

  • strong proposal writing, 
  • program design knowledge, and 
  • a passion for supporting nonprofit missions.

The real difference lies in how their work is structured as a business.


Holly walks through four major shifts that occur when a grant writer moves from freelancer to grant business owner. From moving beyond hourly pricing to building systems, support teams, and diversified income streams, these changes allow grant professionals to scale their impact and income without burning out.


If you’ve ever wondered how some grant writers grow sustainable six-figure businesses while others stay stuck in reactive client work, this episode will show you exactly where that shift happens—and how you can start thinking like a grant business owner.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/


Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/


Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will

  1. WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and
  2. MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses.

We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 31 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 869 In this episode of the Grant Writing & Funding Podcast, Holly Rustick breaks down a key shift that separates grant writers earning around $50K per year from those building six-figure grant businesses.


Interestingly, the difference isn’t talent, experience, or even how hard someone works. Many grant writers have similar technical skills:

  • strong proposal writing, 
  • program design knowledge, and 
  • a passion for supporting nonprofit missions.

The real difference lies in how their work is structured as a business.


Holly walks through four major shifts that occur when a grant writer moves from freelancer to grant business owner. From moving beyond hourly pricing to building systems, support teams, and diversified income streams, these changes allow grant professionals to scale their impact and income without burning out.


If you’ve ever wondered how some grant writers grow sustainable six-figure businesses while others stay stuck in reactive client work, this episode will show you exactly where that shift happens—and how you can start thinking like a grant business owner.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/


Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/


Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will

  1. WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and
  2. MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses.

We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No How Alex Built a Scalable Grant Writing Business and Took 2 Weeks Off Without Losing Income How Alex Built a Scalable Grant Writing Business and Took 2 Weeks Off Without Losing Income bonus 751ee465-70a3-4eb1-912a-85affad2ce02 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/how-alexandra-built-a-scalable-grant-writing-business-and-took-2-weeks-off-without-losing-income What does it really take to move from freelancer to CEO—and finally take time off without your business falling apart?

In this special mentorship spotlight episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Alexandra Cohen, founder of ANC Consult, to share her journey of building, refining, and scaling her grant writing business.

Alexandra first joined one of Holly’s earliest programs back in 2022, then rejoined years later to grow and scale her business in a more sustainable way. Since then, she’s streamlined her services, shifted fully into nonprofit work, increased retainer clients, and—perhaps most importantly—built systems that allow her to step away from her business without everything stopping.

If you're ready to grow beyond freelancing, create consistent income, and build a business that supports your life (not the other way around), this episode is for you.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

  • How Alexandra transitioned from freelance consulting to a structured business
  • The mindset shift required to scale your grant writing services
  • Why systems and SOPs are critical for growth (and freedom)
  • How to move into retainer-based clients for more stability
  • The power of community and mastermind support in business growth
  • How Alexandra now confidently takes extended vacations without losing income
  • New ways to expand your services (including training programs and group offers)

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Alexandra helps nonprofits strengthen their fundraising, diversify revenue, and build the operational infrastructure needed for sustainable growth. She works with Executive Directors, development teams, and boards to clarify strategy, streamline systems, and create practical plans that translate ambitious goals into actionable, fundable plans.


Known for blending data with storytelling, Alexandra supports nonprofits in developing competitive grant proposals and donor communications that clearly articulate need, impact, and outcomes. Her work helps organizations translate programs, evaluation data, and financial priorities into compelling narratives that resonate with institutional funders and individual donors alike -strengthening funding relationships and supporting long-term revenue growth.

Before launching ANC Consult, Alexandra spent 15 years as a litigation attorney, developing skills in strategy, communication, and creative problem-solving that now inform her work with mission-driven organizations. She holds degrees from Johns Hopkins University (B.A.), Hofstra University School of Law (J.D.), and the Middlebury Institute of International Studies (MBA/MA in Social Enterprise & Finance and International Policy & Development).


CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Website: https://anc-consult.com

LinkedIn

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


]]> What does it really take to move from freelancer to CEO—and finally take time off without your business falling apart?

In this special mentorship spotlight episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Alexandra Cohen, founder of ANC Consult, to share her journey of building, refining, and scaling her grant writing business.

Alexandra first joined one of Holly’s earliest programs back in 2022, then rejoined years later to grow and scale her business in a more sustainable way. Since then, she’s streamlined her services, shifted fully into nonprofit work, increased retainer clients, and—perhaps most importantly—built systems that allow her to step away from her business without everything stopping.

If you're ready to grow beyond freelancing, create consistent income, and build a business that supports your life (not the other way around), this episode is for you.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

  • How Alexandra transitioned from freelance consulting to a structured business
  • The mindset shift required to scale your grant writing services
  • Why systems and SOPs are critical for growth (and freedom)
  • How to move into retainer-based clients for more stability
  • The power of community and mastermind support in business growth
  • How Alexandra now confidently takes extended vacations without losing income
  • New ways to expand your services (including training programs and group offers)

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Alexandra helps nonprofits strengthen their fundraising, diversify revenue, and build the operational infrastructure needed for sustainable growth. She works with Executive Directors, development teams, and boards to clarify strategy, streamline systems, and create practical plans that translate ambitious goals into actionable, fundable plans.


Known for blending data with storytelling, Alexandra supports nonprofits in developing competitive grant proposals and donor communications that clearly articulate need, impact, and outcomes. Her work helps organizations translate programs, evaluation data, and financial priorities into compelling narratives that resonate with institutional funders and individual donors alike -strengthening funding relationships and supporting long-term revenue growth.

Before launching ANC Consult, Alexandra spent 15 years as a litigation attorney, developing skills in strategy, communication, and creative problem-solving that now inform her work with mission-driven organizations. She holds degrees from Johns Hopkins University (B.A.), Hofstra University School of Law (J.D.), and the Middlebury Institute of International Studies (MBA/MA in Social Enterprise & Finance and International Policy & Development).


CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Website: https://anc-consult.com

LinkedIn

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


]]> Fri, 27 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 896 What does it really take to move from freelancer to CEO—and finally take time off without your business falling apart?

In this special mentorship spotlight episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Alexandra Cohen, founder of ANC Consult, to share her journey of building, refining, and scaling her grant writing business.

Alexandra first joined one of Holly’s earliest programs back in 2022, then rejoined years later to grow and scale her business in a more sustainable way. Since then, she’s streamlined her services, shifted fully into nonprofit work, increased retainer clients, and—perhaps most importantly—built systems that allow her to step away from her business without everything stopping.

If you're ready to grow beyond freelancing, create consistent income, and build a business that supports your life (not the other way around), this episode is for you.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

  • How Alexandra transitioned from freelance consulting to a structured business
  • The mindset shift required to scale your grant writing services
  • Why systems and SOPs are critical for growth (and freedom)
  • How to move into retainer-based clients for more stability
  • The power of community and mastermind support in business growth
  • How Alexandra now confidently takes extended vacations without losing income
  • New ways to expand your services (including training programs and group offers)

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Alexandra helps nonprofits strengthen their fundraising, diversify revenue, and build the operational infrastructure needed for sustainable growth. She works with Executive Directors, development teams, and boards to clarify strategy, streamline systems, and create practical plans that translate ambitious goals into actionable, fundable plans.


Known for blending data with storytelling, Alexandra supports nonprofits in developing competitive grant proposals and donor communications that clearly articulate need, impact, and outcomes. Her work helps organizations translate programs, evaluation data, and financial priorities into compelling narratives that resonate with institutional funders and individual donors alike -strengthening funding relationships and supporting long-term revenue growth.

Before launching ANC Consult, Alexandra spent 15 years as a litigation attorney, developing skills in strategy, communication, and creative problem-solving that now inform her work with mission-driven organizations. She holds degrees from Johns Hopkins University (B.A.), Hofstra University School of Law (J.D.), and the Middlebury Institute of International Studies (MBA/MA in Social Enterprise & Finance and International Policy & Development).


CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Website: https://anc-consult.com

LinkedIn

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No How Emma Went from Overwhelmed to Organized—and Finally Scaled Her Grant Writing Business How Emma Went from Overwhelmed to Organized—and Finally Scaled Her Grant Writing Business bonus ef4c1b9c-1203-4c81-a5f2-13de3fc3e3ab https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/how-emma-went-from-overwhelmed-to-organized-and-finally-scaled-her-grant-writing-business In this bonus episode of the Grant Writing & Funding podcast, Holly Rustick sits down with Emma Krass, Owner and Lead Grant Writer of Grants & Growth, to talk about what it really takes to move from freelancer to CEO.

Emma shares her journey from working at a grant writing firm to building her own business—and the challenges she faced along the way. From underpricing services and taking on the wrong clients to feeling disorganized and overwhelmed, Emma opens up about what wasn’t working and how she turned it around.


Inside the Grant Professional Mentorship, Emma found the structure, systems, and confidence she needed to grow sustainably. She discusses how implementing retainers, hiring her first virtual assistant, and preparing to onboard a grant writer have transformed her business operations and capacity.


If you're a grant writer feeling maxed out, disorganized, or unsure how to scale, this episode offers real talk and practical insight on what to focus on first—and why you don’t have to do everything at once.


What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

  • How Emma transitioned from working at a grant writing firm to running her own business
  • Why taking the wrong clients can stall your growth—and how to fix it
  • The shift from hourly work to retainers (and why it matters for scaling)
  • How hiring a virtual assistant helped Emma get organized and free up time
  • What to focus on first when you feel overwhelmed in your business
  • How to build systems and SOPs to support growth
  • Why you don’t need to do everything at once to scale successfully
  • The mindset shifts required to hire your first team member
  • How Emma is preparing to bring on a grant writer to expand capacity 

ABOUT OUR GUEST

After graduating with her Master's in Social Work, Emma began working as a freelance grant writer to leverage her writing and research skills, and knowledge of human rights frameworks to support non-profits activated around social justice through the arts and community organizing.

In 2023, she founded grants & growth in order to dedicate more time to each individual client and focus intentionally on each non-profit's journey towards growth and stability. Emma has helped non-profits in the arts and culture and social change realm grow their budgets and find more time to focus on their communities' needs! Since 2021, Emma has raised over $5 million for non-profits with budgets under $750,000.

Outside of grants & growth, Emma enjoys playing with her three cats, watching the NBA and WNBA, making films, and organizing against the war machine and for tenants rights in her community.



CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Website

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


]]> In this bonus episode of the Grant Writing & Funding podcast, Holly Rustick sits down with Emma Krass, Owner and Lead Grant Writer of Grants & Growth, to talk about what it really takes to move from freelancer to CEO.

Emma shares her journey from working at a grant writing firm to building her own business—and the challenges she faced along the way. From underpricing services and taking on the wrong clients to feeling disorganized and overwhelmed, Emma opens up about what wasn’t working and how she turned it around.


Inside the Grant Professional Mentorship, Emma found the structure, systems, and confidence she needed to grow sustainably. She discusses how implementing retainers, hiring her first virtual assistant, and preparing to onboard a grant writer have transformed her business operations and capacity.


If you're a grant writer feeling maxed out, disorganized, or unsure how to scale, this episode offers real talk and practical insight on what to focus on first—and why you don’t have to do everything at once.


What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

  • How Emma transitioned from working at a grant writing firm to running her own business
  • Why taking the wrong clients can stall your growth—and how to fix it
  • The shift from hourly work to retainers (and why it matters for scaling)
  • How hiring a virtual assistant helped Emma get organized and free up time
  • What to focus on first when you feel overwhelmed in your business
  • How to build systems and SOPs to support growth
  • Why you don’t need to do everything at once to scale successfully
  • The mindset shifts required to hire your first team member
  • How Emma is preparing to bring on a grant writer to expand capacity 

ABOUT OUR GUEST

After graduating with her Master's in Social Work, Emma began working as a freelance grant writer to leverage her writing and research skills, and knowledge of human rights frameworks to support non-profits activated around social justice through the arts and community organizing.

In 2023, she founded grants & growth in order to dedicate more time to each individual client and focus intentionally on each non-profit's journey towards growth and stability. Emma has helped non-profits in the arts and culture and social change realm grow their budgets and find more time to focus on their communities' needs! Since 2021, Emma has raised over $5 million for non-profits with budgets under $750,000.

Outside of grants & growth, Emma enjoys playing with her three cats, watching the NBA and WNBA, making films, and organizing against the war machine and for tenants rights in her community.



CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Website

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


]]> Fri, 27 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1466 In this bonus episode of the Grant Writing & Funding podcast, Holly Rustick sits down with Emma Krass, Owner and Lead Grant Writer of Grants & Growth, to talk about what it really takes to move from freelancer to CEO.

Emma shares her journey from working at a grant writing firm to building her own business—and the challenges she faced along the way. From underpricing services and taking on the wrong clients to feeling disorganized and overwhelmed, Emma opens up about what wasn’t working and how she turned it around.


Inside the Grant Professional Mentorship, Emma found the structure, systems, and confidence she needed to grow sustainably. She discusses how implementing retainers, hiring her first virtual assistant, and preparing to onboard a grant writer have transformed her business operations and capacity.


If you're a grant writer feeling maxed out, disorganized, or unsure how to scale, this episode offers real talk and practical insight on what to focus on first—and why you don’t have to do everything at once.


What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

  • How Emma transitioned from working at a grant writing firm to running her own business
  • Why taking the wrong clients can stall your growth—and how to fix it
  • The shift from hourly work to retainers (and why it matters for scaling)
  • How hiring a virtual assistant helped Emma get organized and free up time
  • What to focus on first when you feel overwhelmed in your business
  • How to build systems and SOPs to support growth
  • Why you don’t need to do everything at once to scale successfully
  • The mindset shifts required to hire your first team member
  • How Emma is preparing to bring on a grant writer to expand capacity 

ABOUT OUR GUEST

After graduating with her Master's in Social Work, Emma began working as a freelance grant writer to leverage her writing and research skills, and knowledge of human rights frameworks to support non-profits activated around social justice through the arts and community organizing.

In 2023, she founded grants & growth in order to dedicate more time to each individual client and focus intentionally on each non-profit's journey towards growth and stability. Emma has helped non-profits in the arts and culture and social change realm grow their budgets and find more time to focus on their communities' needs! Since 2021, Emma has raised over $5 million for non-profits with budgets under $750,000.

Outside of grants & growth, Emma enjoys playing with her three cats, watching the NBA and WNBA, making films, and organizing against the war machine and for tenants rights in her community.



CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Website

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No How to Scale Your Grant Writing Business Without Burning Out 446 446 How to Scale Your Grant Writing Business Without Burning Out full 50d617df-889c-4186-b557-792f07467c02 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/how-to-scale-your-grant-writing-business-without-burning-out Many successful grant writers eventually reach a moment where their business hits a ceiling, not because there isn’t demand, but because their business relies entirely on their personal capacity.


In this episode, Holly Rustick discusses the transition from operating solely as a freelancer to stepping into the role of CEO of your grant writing business. She explores why burnout often appears when grant writers reach full client capacity and how shifting your mindset, systems, and support structure can create sustainable growth.

Holly shares how grant writers can scale beyond the freelancer model by implementing systems, hiring support, and developing diversified income streams that reduce pressure while increasing revenue potential.

If your grant writing business has momentum but you're starting to feel stretched thin, this episode will help you understand the next stage of growth—and how to move toward it strategically.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE

• Why many successful grant writers eventually hit a capacity ceiling
• The difference between operating as a freelancer and leading as a CEO
• How burnout often develops in high-demand grant writing businesses
• Why systems and support are essential for scaling sustainably
• Practical ways grant writers can expand beyond proposal writing
• How diversified income streams can stabilize and grow your business

KEY TOPICS DISCUSSED

• The freelancer capacity trap
• Transitioning from service provider to business leader
• Hiring support such as virtual assistants and subcontract grant writers
• Creating systems and SOPs for proposal development
• Building additional income streams like training, consulting, and resources
• How scalable structures lead to sustainable growth

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website:
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” – Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/


Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/


Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will:

1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 
2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses.
We are on our way already

]]> Many successful grant writers eventually reach a moment where their business hits a ceiling, not because there isn’t demand, but because their business relies entirely on their personal capacity.


In this episode, Holly Rustick discusses the transition from operating solely as a freelancer to stepping into the role of CEO of your grant writing business. She explores why burnout often appears when grant writers reach full client capacity and how shifting your mindset, systems, and support structure can create sustainable growth.

Holly shares how grant writers can scale beyond the freelancer model by implementing systems, hiring support, and developing diversified income streams that reduce pressure while increasing revenue potential.

If your grant writing business has momentum but you're starting to feel stretched thin, this episode will help you understand the next stage of growth—and how to move toward it strategically.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE

• Why many successful grant writers eventually hit a capacity ceiling
• The difference between operating as a freelancer and leading as a CEO
• How burnout often develops in high-demand grant writing businesses
• Why systems and support are essential for scaling sustainably
• Practical ways grant writers can expand beyond proposal writing
• How diversified income streams can stabilize and grow your business

KEY TOPICS DISCUSSED

• The freelancer capacity trap
• Transitioning from service provider to business leader
• Hiring support such as virtual assistants and subcontract grant writers
• Creating systems and SOPs for proposal development
• Building additional income streams like training, consulting, and resources
• How scalable structures lead to sustainable growth

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website:
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” – Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/


Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/


Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will:

1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 
2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses.
We are on our way already

]]> Tue, 24 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 669 Many successful grant writers eventually reach a moment where their business hits a ceiling, not because there isn’t demand, but because their business relies entirely on their personal capacity.


In this episode, Holly Rustick discusses the transition from operating solely as a freelancer to stepping into the role of CEO of your grant writing business. She explores why burnout often appears when grant writers reach full client capacity and how shifting your mindset, systems, and support structure can create sustainable growth.

Holly shares how grant writers can scale beyond the freelancer model by implementing systems, hiring support, and developing diversified income streams that reduce pressure while increasing revenue potential.

If your grant writing business has momentum but you're starting to feel stretched thin, this episode will help you understand the next stage of growth—and how to move toward it strategically.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE

• Why many successful grant writers eventually hit a capacity ceiling
• The difference between operating as a freelancer and leading as a CEO
• How burnout often develops in high-demand grant writing businesses
• Why systems and support are essential for scaling sustainably
• Practical ways grant writers can expand beyond proposal writing
• How diversified income streams can stabilize and grow your business

KEY TOPICS DISCUSSED

• The freelancer capacity trap
• Transitioning from service provider to business leader
• Hiring support such as virtual assistants and subcontract grant writers
• Creating systems and SOPs for proposal development
• Building additional income streams like training, consulting, and resources
• How scalable structures lead to sustainable growth

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website:
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” – Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/


Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/


Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will:

1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 
2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses.
We are on our way already

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Scaling Smarter: How D Increased Income, Took Vacations, and Reclaimed Their Time Scaling Smarter: How D Increased Income, Took Vacations, and Reclaimed Their Time bonus dda08501-6384-49e5-8069-6effb6714b75 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/scaling-smarter-how-d-increased-income-took-vacations-and-reclaimed-her-time D Abshire of Aim for Funding shares how joining the Grant Professional Mentorship helped them move from burnout and 60–80 hour workweeks to a more sustainable, profitable grant writing business. In this conversation, D opens up about doubling her income with fewer clients, taking her first real vacation in years, and building the systems and boundaries that gave her both business growth and personal freedom.

They also talks about the power of coaching, community, and having a proven framework to follow—especially when you know something needs to change but you are not sure how to change it. D’s story is a powerful reminder that success does not have to happen overnight to be life-changing.


ABOUT OUR GUEST

D Abshire (they/them) is a lifelong learner, community volunteer, nonprofit board member, and Development professional who fell into writing grants during the COVID-19 global pandemic and then fell in love with the process and observable positive impact grant funding had upon community-based organizations.


D has developed expertise in facilitating and implementing strategic steps to get small- to medium-sized nonprofits funded with their first community and foundational grants and has helped to grow all client bottom lines by three hundred to five hundred percent over the past three years.


By utilizing skills developed through a career in technical corporate training and team building, D crafts a blend of Development approaches with organizational leadership to establish diverse revenue streams, enabling nonprofits to focus on what they do best. These organizations have gone from merely surviving to thriving, all utilizing a blend of funding types that fit their needs and the unique expression of their Missions.


OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> D Abshire of Aim for Funding shares how joining the Grant Professional Mentorship helped them move from burnout and 60–80 hour workweeks to a more sustainable, profitable grant writing business. In this conversation, D opens up about doubling her income with fewer clients, taking her first real vacation in years, and building the systems and boundaries that gave her both business growth and personal freedom.

They also talks about the power of coaching, community, and having a proven framework to follow—especially when you know something needs to change but you are not sure how to change it. D’s story is a powerful reminder that success does not have to happen overnight to be life-changing.


ABOUT OUR GUEST

D Abshire (they/them) is a lifelong learner, community volunteer, nonprofit board member, and Development professional who fell into writing grants during the COVID-19 global pandemic and then fell in love with the process and observable positive impact grant funding had upon community-based organizations.


D has developed expertise in facilitating and implementing strategic steps to get small- to medium-sized nonprofits funded with their first community and foundational grants and has helped to grow all client bottom lines by three hundred to five hundred percent over the past three years.


By utilizing skills developed through a career in technical corporate training and team building, D crafts a blend of Development approaches with organizational leadership to establish diverse revenue streams, enabling nonprofits to focus on what they do best. These organizations have gone from merely surviving to thriving, all utilizing a blend of funding types that fit their needs and the unique expression of their Missions.


OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Fri, 20 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1169 D Abshire of Aim for Funding shares how joining the Grant Professional Mentorship helped them move from burnout and 60–80 hour workweeks to a more sustainable, profitable grant writing business. In this conversation, D opens up about doubling her income with fewer clients, taking her first real vacation in years, and building the systems and boundaries that gave her both business growth and personal freedom.

They also talks about the power of coaching, community, and having a proven framework to follow—especially when you know something needs to change but you are not sure how to change it. D’s story is a powerful reminder that success does not have to happen overnight to be life-changing.


ABOUT OUR GUEST

D Abshire (they/them) is a lifelong learner, community volunteer, nonprofit board member, and Development professional who fell into writing grants during the COVID-19 global pandemic and then fell in love with the process and observable positive impact grant funding had upon community-based organizations.


D has developed expertise in facilitating and implementing strategic steps to get small- to medium-sized nonprofits funded with their first community and foundational grants and has helped to grow all client bottom lines by three hundred to five hundred percent over the past three years.


By utilizing skills developed through a career in technical corporate training and team building, D crafts a blend of Development approaches with organizational leadership to establish diverse revenue streams, enabling nonprofits to focus on what they do best. These organizations have gone from merely surviving to thriving, all utilizing a blend of funding types that fit their needs and the unique expression of their Missions.


OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No From Overwhelmed to Confident: How Christine Built a Scalable Grant Writing Business inside The Grant Professional Mentorship From Overwhelmed to Confident: How Christine Built a Scalable Grant Writing Business inside The Grant Professional Mentorship bonus 3ec12e4f-c5be-4669-a5be-96eb7b692203 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/from-overwhelmed-to-confident-how-christine-built-a-scalable-grant-writing-business-inside-the-grant-professional-mentorship What happens when you stop letting your business “just happen” to you—and start building it with intention? In this episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Christine Sakwitz, owner and primary consultant of Kingdom Come Consulting, to share her journey from feeling scattered and reactive in her grant writing business to building clarity, confidence, and consistent revenue.

Christine opens up about how coaching, community, and systems inside the Grant Professional Mentorship transformed the way she shows up as a business owner. From landing $15K in a single month to confidently pricing her services and loving discovery calls, this conversation is packed with real talk and actionable insights for grant writers ready to level up.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, undercharging, or unsure how to grow your business—this episode will show you what’s possible.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

  • How Christine went from unclear services to a focused, scalable offer suite
  • The biggest mindset shift that changed how she approaches pricing and sales
  • Why coaching is the #1 factor in business success (and how it paid off fast)
  • The power of systems, SOPs, and monthly cash flow tracking
  • How community and collaboration can accelerate your growth
  • What it really takes to move from “reactive” to “intentional” in business

ABOUT OUR GUEST


Christine Sakwitz is the owner and primary consultant of Kingdom Come Consulting, where she supports faith-based organizations and churches in securing grant funding and building sustainable programs. With a passion for helping mission-driven organizations thrive, Christine specializes in grant writing and strategic development tailored to nonprofit impact.


CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Website: https://kingdomcomeconsulting.com


OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


]]> What happens when you stop letting your business “just happen” to you—and start building it with intention? In this episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Christine Sakwitz, owner and primary consultant of Kingdom Come Consulting, to share her journey from feeling scattered and reactive in her grant writing business to building clarity, confidence, and consistent revenue.

Christine opens up about how coaching, community, and systems inside the Grant Professional Mentorship transformed the way she shows up as a business owner. From landing $15K in a single month to confidently pricing her services and loving discovery calls, this conversation is packed with real talk and actionable insights for grant writers ready to level up.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, undercharging, or unsure how to grow your business—this episode will show you what’s possible.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

  • How Christine went from unclear services to a focused, scalable offer suite
  • The biggest mindset shift that changed how she approaches pricing and sales
  • Why coaching is the #1 factor in business success (and how it paid off fast)
  • The power of systems, SOPs, and monthly cash flow tracking
  • How community and collaboration can accelerate your growth
  • What it really takes to move from “reactive” to “intentional” in business

ABOUT OUR GUEST


Christine Sakwitz is the owner and primary consultant of Kingdom Come Consulting, where she supports faith-based organizations and churches in securing grant funding and building sustainable programs. With a passion for helping mission-driven organizations thrive, Christine specializes in grant writing and strategic development tailored to nonprofit impact.


CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Website: https://kingdomcomeconsulting.com


OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


]]> Fri, 20 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1058 What happens when you stop letting your business “just happen” to you—and start building it with intention? In this episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Christine Sakwitz, owner and primary consultant of Kingdom Come Consulting, to share her journey from feeling scattered and reactive in her grant writing business to building clarity, confidence, and consistent revenue.

Christine opens up about how coaching, community, and systems inside the Grant Professional Mentorship transformed the way she shows up as a business owner. From landing $15K in a single month to confidently pricing her services and loving discovery calls, this conversation is packed with real talk and actionable insights for grant writers ready to level up.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, undercharging, or unsure how to grow your business—this episode will show you what’s possible.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

  • How Christine went from unclear services to a focused, scalable offer suite
  • The biggest mindset shift that changed how she approaches pricing and sales
  • Why coaching is the #1 factor in business success (and how it paid off fast)
  • The power of systems, SOPs, and monthly cash flow tracking
  • How community and collaboration can accelerate your growth
  • What it really takes to move from “reactive” to “intentional” in business

ABOUT OUR GUEST


Christine Sakwitz is the owner and primary consultant of Kingdom Come Consulting, where she supports faith-based organizations and churches in securing grant funding and building sustainable programs. With a passion for helping mission-driven organizations thrive, Christine specializes in grant writing and strategic development tailored to nonprofit impact.


CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Website: https://kingdomcomeconsulting.com


OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No How Marshan Built a Six-Figure Grant Writing Business Without Working All the Time How Marshan Built a Six-Figure Grant Writing Business Without Working All the Time bonus a57a85e9-b6ce-4dd0-8711-61afc9c7732f https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/how-marshan-built-a-six-figure-grant-writing-business-without-working-all-the-time Marshan Marick shares how niching into public health grants, building stronger systems, and shifting her mindset helped her grow a sustainable six-figure grant writing business. In this episode, she talks about moving from doing everything manually to creating repeatable processes, defining growth on her own terms, and building a business that supports both her income goals and her family life.


What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

  • How Marshan transitioned from an experienced grant writer to a systems-driven business owner

  • Why niching down into public health made her business more sustainable and profitable

  • The difference between grant writing skills vs. running a grant writing business

  • How building systems helped her scale without working more hours

  • The mindset shifts that helped her move beyond “just replacing income” to growing real wealth

  • How she created a 30-hour workweek while increasing revenue

  • Why community and mentorship were key to navigating uncertainty and growth


ABOUT OUR GUEST

Dr. Marshan Marick, is the founder of Health Integrated Solutions, a small business helping nonprofits reach their mission through strategic grant strategies and nonprofit consulting. She has been a grant writer for over 15 years, and has enjoyed supporting the work of a wide array of nonprofit organizations. Marshan specializes in health focused initiatives, and has been successful in helping organizations fund their programs and support their mission through government and philanthropic grants.

Marshan is passionate about helping organizations make a difference in their communities, and works to equip organizations with the skills and tools needed to become successful and sustainable. Marshan also has extensive experience in nonprofit leadership, training, strategic planning, and community engagement.

Marshan received her DrPH in Health Administration and Policy, with an emphasis in Public Health Leadership from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, and also teaches as an adjunct professor at Oklahoma State University. Her focus on public health has resulted in a successful career in academia, research, evaluation, and community engagement.



CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Website: www.hisconsulting.org


OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.



]]> Marshan Marick shares how niching into public health grants, building stronger systems, and shifting her mindset helped her grow a sustainable six-figure grant writing business. In this episode, she talks about moving from doing everything manually to creating repeatable processes, defining growth on her own terms, and building a business that supports both her income goals and her family life.


What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

  • How Marshan transitioned from an experienced grant writer to a systems-driven business owner

  • Why niching down into public health made her business more sustainable and profitable

  • The difference between grant writing skills vs. running a grant writing business

  • How building systems helped her scale without working more hours

  • The mindset shifts that helped her move beyond “just replacing income” to growing real wealth

  • How she created a 30-hour workweek while increasing revenue

  • Why community and mentorship were key to navigating uncertainty and growth


ABOUT OUR GUEST

Dr. Marshan Marick, is the founder of Health Integrated Solutions, a small business helping nonprofits reach their mission through strategic grant strategies and nonprofit consulting. She has been a grant writer for over 15 years, and has enjoyed supporting the work of a wide array of nonprofit organizations. Marshan specializes in health focused initiatives, and has been successful in helping organizations fund their programs and support their mission through government and philanthropic grants.

Marshan is passionate about helping organizations make a difference in their communities, and works to equip organizations with the skills and tools needed to become successful and sustainable. Marshan also has extensive experience in nonprofit leadership, training, strategic planning, and community engagement.

Marshan received her DrPH in Health Administration and Policy, with an emphasis in Public Health Leadership from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, and also teaches as an adjunct professor at Oklahoma State University. Her focus on public health has resulted in a successful career in academia, research, evaluation, and community engagement.



CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Website: www.hisconsulting.org


OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.



]]> Fri, 20 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1675 Marshan Marick shares how niching into public health grants, building stronger systems, and shifting her mindset helped her grow a sustainable six-figure grant writing business. In this episode, she talks about moving from doing everything manually to creating repeatable processes, defining growth on her own terms, and building a business that supports both her income goals and her family life.


What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

  • How Marshan transitioned from an experienced grant writer to a systems-driven business owner

  • Why niching down into public health made her business more sustainable and profitable

  • The difference between grant writing skills vs. running a grant writing business

  • How building systems helped her scale without working more hours

  • The mindset shifts that helped her move beyond “just replacing income” to growing real wealth

  • How she created a 30-hour workweek while increasing revenue

  • Why community and mentorship were key to navigating uncertainty and growth


ABOUT OUR GUEST

Dr. Marshan Marick, is the founder of Health Integrated Solutions, a small business helping nonprofits reach their mission through strategic grant strategies and nonprofit consulting. She has been a grant writer for over 15 years, and has enjoyed supporting the work of a wide array of nonprofit organizations. Marshan specializes in health focused initiatives, and has been successful in helping organizations fund their programs and support their mission through government and philanthropic grants.

Marshan is passionate about helping organizations make a difference in their communities, and works to equip organizations with the skills and tools needed to become successful and sustainable. Marshan also has extensive experience in nonprofit leadership, training, strategic planning, and community engagement.

Marshan received her DrPH in Health Administration and Policy, with an emphasis in Public Health Leadership from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, and also teaches as an adjunct professor at Oklahoma State University. Her focus on public health has resulted in a successful career in academia, research, evaluation, and community engagement.



CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Website: www.hisconsulting.org


OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.



]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No How Freelance Grant Writers Can Build Retirement Wealth (Even Starting From Zero) 445 445 How Freelance Grant Writers Can Build Retirement Wealth (Even Starting From Zero) full feac4420-689f-4454-af7a-600002cb5ae0 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/how-freelance-grant-writers-can-build-retirement-wealth-even-starting-from-zero In this episode, Holly Rustick discusses why freelance grant writing is one of the most powerful and recession-resistant skill sets nonprofit professionals can develop. She explains how building a stable freelance grant writing business allows you to take control of your financial future instead of relying on a single employer for retirement.


Holly walks through the common financial challenges nonprofit professionals face, how to start thinking like a CEO with your freelance income, and the retirement investment options available to self-employed grant writers. She also shares strategies for creating predictable income through retainers, diversifying income streams, and protecting your time so you can build a sustainable grant writing business that supports both your present and your future.

If you’ve ever wondered how freelance grant writing can lead to financial freedom and long-term security, this episode will show you how to start building toward that future today.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, and serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-rustick-0765b817/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrantWritingandFunding
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollyrustick 

RESOURCES


Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid”
Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review.

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something.”
If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing the show.

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick


Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> In this episode, Holly Rustick discusses why freelance grant writing is one of the most powerful and recession-resistant skill sets nonprofit professionals can develop. She explains how building a stable freelance grant writing business allows you to take control of your financial future instead of relying on a single employer for retirement.


Holly walks through the common financial challenges nonprofit professionals face, how to start thinking like a CEO with your freelance income, and the retirement investment options available to self-employed grant writers. She also shares strategies for creating predictable income through retainers, diversifying income streams, and protecting your time so you can build a sustainable grant writing business that supports both your present and your future.

If you’ve ever wondered how freelance grant writing can lead to financial freedom and long-term security, this episode will show you how to start building toward that future today.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, and serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-rustick-0765b817/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrantWritingandFunding
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollyrustick 

RESOURCES


Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid”
Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review.

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something.”
If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing the show.

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick


Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 17 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1300 In this episode, Holly Rustick discusses why freelance grant writing is one of the most powerful and recession-resistant skill sets nonprofit professionals can develop. She explains how building a stable freelance grant writing business allows you to take control of your financial future instead of relying on a single employer for retirement.


Holly walks through the common financial challenges nonprofit professionals face, how to start thinking like a CEO with your freelance income, and the retirement investment options available to self-employed grant writers. She also shares strategies for creating predictable income through retainers, diversifying income streams, and protecting your time so you can build a sustainable grant writing business that supports both your present and your future.

If you’ve ever wondered how freelance grant writing can lead to financial freedom and long-term security, this episode will show you how to start building toward that future today.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, and serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-rustick-0765b817/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrantWritingandFunding
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollyrustick 

RESOURCES


Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid”
Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review.

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something.”
If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing the show.

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick


Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No How Sara Fixed Her Pricing After 20 Years in Grant Writing How Sara Fixed Her Pricing After 20 Years in Grant Writing bonus 88da9e79-e20a-4a54-a365-c03d3109cc84 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/how-sara-fixed-her-pricing-after-20-years-in-grant-writing Sara Cohen shares what it looks like to level up a grant writing business after 10 years of experience. In this conversation, she opens up about leaving nonprofit dysfunction behind, building a business through word of mouth, and reaching a point where she knew it was time to refine her systems, pricing, and boundaries.

Sara talks candidly about a major mindset shift she experienced inside the Grant Professional Mentorship: moving away from hourly-based retainers and toward a more sustainable consultant model built on deliverables and clear boundaries. She also shares how tools like SOPs and the Master Grant Application are helping her create more structure, streamline her workflow, and prepare for future growth.

If you’re an experienced grant professional who knows how to do the work but wants to run a stronger, more scalable business, this episode is full of insight and encouragement.

ABOUT OUR GUEST
Sara Cohen began her consulting business in September 2014 after 15 years in various fundraising positions at several nonprofits. Over her 25-year nonprofit career, she has raised over $70,000,000 for the organizations she represented. She has successfully written foundation, corporate, county, state, and federal grants in the areas of secondary education, early childhood education and early intervention, youth behavioral health, disabilities, the arts (primarily music, dance, and theater), workforce development, museums, and human services. Sara is committed to constant self-improvement and has acquired the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) and the Grant Professionals Certified (GPC) certifications.

She is very open and collaborative with her clients and their staff. Additionally, her past experience in the corporate sector strengthened her analytical and problem-solving skills, which she has been able to draw on when working with clients.

When Sara is not working with her inspiring clients, she can be found with her nose in a book, out running or walking, enjoying Chicago's cultural and culinary splendor, or spending time with friends, family, and her adorable mutt.


CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST
LinkedIn

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


]]> Sara Cohen shares what it looks like to level up a grant writing business after 10 years of experience. In this conversation, she opens up about leaving nonprofit dysfunction behind, building a business through word of mouth, and reaching a point where she knew it was time to refine her systems, pricing, and boundaries.

Sara talks candidly about a major mindset shift she experienced inside the Grant Professional Mentorship: moving away from hourly-based retainers and toward a more sustainable consultant model built on deliverables and clear boundaries. She also shares how tools like SOPs and the Master Grant Application are helping her create more structure, streamline her workflow, and prepare for future growth.

If you’re an experienced grant professional who knows how to do the work but wants to run a stronger, more scalable business, this episode is full of insight and encouragement.

ABOUT OUR GUEST
Sara Cohen began her consulting business in September 2014 after 15 years in various fundraising positions at several nonprofits. Over her 25-year nonprofit career, she has raised over $70,000,000 for the organizations she represented. She has successfully written foundation, corporate, county, state, and federal grants in the areas of secondary education, early childhood education and early intervention, youth behavioral health, disabilities, the arts (primarily music, dance, and theater), workforce development, museums, and human services. Sara is committed to constant self-improvement and has acquired the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) and the Grant Professionals Certified (GPC) certifications.

She is very open and collaborative with her clients and their staff. Additionally, her past experience in the corporate sector strengthened her analytical and problem-solving skills, which she has been able to draw on when working with clients.

When Sara is not working with her inspiring clients, she can be found with her nose in a book, out running or walking, enjoying Chicago's cultural and culinary splendor, or spending time with friends, family, and her adorable mutt.


CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST
LinkedIn

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


]]> Sun, 15 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 908 Sara Cohen shares what it looks like to level up a grant writing business after 10 years of experience. In this conversation, she opens up about leaving nonprofit dysfunction behind, building a business through word of mouth, and reaching a point where she knew it was time to refine her systems, pricing, and boundaries.

Sara talks candidly about a major mindset shift she experienced inside the Grant Professional Mentorship: moving away from hourly-based retainers and toward a more sustainable consultant model built on deliverables and clear boundaries. She also shares how tools like SOPs and the Master Grant Application are helping her create more structure, streamline her workflow, and prepare for future growth.

If you’re an experienced grant professional who knows how to do the work but wants to run a stronger, more scalable business, this episode is full of insight and encouragement.

ABOUT OUR GUEST
Sara Cohen began her consulting business in September 2014 after 15 years in various fundraising positions at several nonprofits. Over her 25-year nonprofit career, she has raised over $70,000,000 for the organizations she represented. She has successfully written foundation, corporate, county, state, and federal grants in the areas of secondary education, early childhood education and early intervention, youth behavioral health, disabilities, the arts (primarily music, dance, and theater), workforce development, museums, and human services. Sara is committed to constant self-improvement and has acquired the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) and the Grant Professionals Certified (GPC) certifications.

She is very open and collaborative with her clients and their staff. Additionally, her past experience in the corporate sector strengthened her analytical and problem-solving skills, which she has been able to draw on when working with clients.

When Sara is not working with her inspiring clients, she can be found with her nose in a book, out running or walking, enjoying Chicago's cultural and culinary splendor, or spending time with friends, family, and her adorable mutt.


CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST
LinkedIn

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No The Systems That Helped Amy Krigsman Double Her Grant Writing Business The Systems That Helped Amy Krigsman Double Her Grant Writing Business bonus 08400c89-d417-4cd6-b856-f074386feaf0 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/the-systems-that-helped-amy-krigsman-double-her-grant-writing-business Amy Krigsman shares how she doubled her revenue in 2025, reached her first six-figure year, and began scaling ARK Nonprofit Consulting with the support of the Grant Professional Mentorship.

In this case study episode, she talks candidly about moving through the messy middle of business growth, reinvesting in targeted support, building a trusted team, and creating more space in her business by hiring subcontractors and a business development manager. Amy also reflects on why she wishes she had joined mentorship sooner and how one-on-one coaching, peer support, and better business systems helped her grow with more confidence and less stress.


ABOUT OUR GUEST
Amy Krigsman is the Founder, CEO, and Principal Grant Strategist of ARK Nonprofit Consulting. She is passionate about helping nonprofits raise critical funds from institutional partners to ensure their long-term sustainability. My work focuses on creating effective grants strategies, crafting compelling narratives, and building relationships with funders. I offer full grant lifecycle management from research through reporting, including identifying funding opportunities, developing powerful proposals, developing relationships with funders on your behalf, and submitting follow-up reporting for awarded grants. I have worked with a variety of causes including health equity, the arts, and youth development. Ideal clients are nonprofit organizations anywhere in the U.S. with budgets of between $1M and $15M without a dedicated grants manager.


CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST
Website: https://www.arknonprofitconsulting.com/
Linkedin:www.linkedin.com/in/amykrigsman/


OTHER RESOURCES:
Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


]]> Amy Krigsman shares how she doubled her revenue in 2025, reached her first six-figure year, and began scaling ARK Nonprofit Consulting with the support of the Grant Professional Mentorship.

In this case study episode, she talks candidly about moving through the messy middle of business growth, reinvesting in targeted support, building a trusted team, and creating more space in her business by hiring subcontractors and a business development manager. Amy also reflects on why she wishes she had joined mentorship sooner and how one-on-one coaching, peer support, and better business systems helped her grow with more confidence and less stress.


ABOUT OUR GUEST
Amy Krigsman is the Founder, CEO, and Principal Grant Strategist of ARK Nonprofit Consulting. She is passionate about helping nonprofits raise critical funds from institutional partners to ensure their long-term sustainability. My work focuses on creating effective grants strategies, crafting compelling narratives, and building relationships with funders. I offer full grant lifecycle management from research through reporting, including identifying funding opportunities, developing powerful proposals, developing relationships with funders on your behalf, and submitting follow-up reporting for awarded grants. I have worked with a variety of causes including health equity, the arts, and youth development. Ideal clients are nonprofit organizations anywhere in the U.S. with budgets of between $1M and $15M without a dedicated grants manager.


CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST
Website: https://www.arknonprofitconsulting.com/
Linkedin:www.linkedin.com/in/amykrigsman/


OTHER RESOURCES:
Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


]]> Sun, 15 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1027 Amy Krigsman shares how she doubled her revenue in 2025, reached her first six-figure year, and began scaling ARK Nonprofit Consulting with the support of the Grant Professional Mentorship.

In this case study episode, she talks candidly about moving through the messy middle of business growth, reinvesting in targeted support, building a trusted team, and creating more space in her business by hiring subcontractors and a business development manager. Amy also reflects on why she wishes she had joined mentorship sooner and how one-on-one coaching, peer support, and better business systems helped her grow with more confidence and less stress.


ABOUT OUR GUEST
Amy Krigsman is the Founder, CEO, and Principal Grant Strategist of ARK Nonprofit Consulting. She is passionate about helping nonprofits raise critical funds from institutional partners to ensure their long-term sustainability. My work focuses on creating effective grants strategies, crafting compelling narratives, and building relationships with funders. I offer full grant lifecycle management from research through reporting, including identifying funding opportunities, developing powerful proposals, developing relationships with funders on your behalf, and submitting follow-up reporting for awarded grants. I have worked with a variety of causes including health equity, the arts, and youth development. Ideal clients are nonprofit organizations anywhere in the U.S. with budgets of between $1M and $15M without a dedicated grants manager.


CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST
Website: https://www.arknonprofitconsulting.com/
Linkedin:www.linkedin.com/in/amykrigsman/


OTHER RESOURCES:
Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No How Nekaysha Built a Grant Membership for Small Businesses Inside the Mentorship How Nekaysha Built a Grant Membership for Small Businesses Inside the Mentorship bonus a303a8c0-bfa3-4ebe-b787-c74a0f32de7d https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/how-nekaysha-built-a-grant-membership-for-small-businesses-inside-the-mentorship In this episode, Holly Rustick talks with Nekaycha Cavil, Founder and Lead Consultant of Connected Haven, about how she refined her consulting business and created a scalable offer inside the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Nekaycha shares how she moved from being a broad generalist to gaining clarity in her services and positioning. With the mentorship support, she transformed a growing database of grant opportunities into a structured membership designed to help small businesses access funding opportunities and understand how grants actually work.

She also discusses the mindset shifts required to move from survival mode to building a thriving consulting business, why execution matters more than perfection, and how investing in mentorship can accelerate growth and confidence.

Nekaycha also shares her perspective on the importance of inclusive business communities where entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds feel supported, understood, and empowered to grow.

If you’re a grant professional or consultant looking to scale your services, refine your positioning, or create new revenue streams beyond traditional grant writing, this episode offers practical insights and inspiration.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Nekaycha Cavil is the Founder and Lead Consultant of Connected Haven, a circular systems consulting firm focused on governance, policy, funding strategy, and racial equity. Her work supports entrepreneurs, organizations, and communities by helping them navigate complex systems related to funding, economic development, and policy.

Through her consulting and educational resources, Nekaycha helps small businesses understand grant opportunities, funding structures, and strategic positioning so they can access capital without relying solely on loans.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

LinkedIn: Nekaycha Cavil
Website: Connected Haven Consulting


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
 https://grantwritingandfunding.com/


Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
 https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/


Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
 https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,
Holly Rustick


Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will

  1. WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and
  2. MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses.

We are on our way already.

]]> In this episode, Holly Rustick talks with Nekaycha Cavil, Founder and Lead Consultant of Connected Haven, about how she refined her consulting business and created a scalable offer inside the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Nekaycha shares how she moved from being a broad generalist to gaining clarity in her services and positioning. With the mentorship support, she transformed a growing database of grant opportunities into a structured membership designed to help small businesses access funding opportunities and understand how grants actually work.

She also discusses the mindset shifts required to move from survival mode to building a thriving consulting business, why execution matters more than perfection, and how investing in mentorship can accelerate growth and confidence.

Nekaycha also shares her perspective on the importance of inclusive business communities where entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds feel supported, understood, and empowered to grow.

If you’re a grant professional or consultant looking to scale your services, refine your positioning, or create new revenue streams beyond traditional grant writing, this episode offers practical insights and inspiration.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Nekaycha Cavil is the Founder and Lead Consultant of Connected Haven, a circular systems consulting firm focused on governance, policy, funding strategy, and racial equity. Her work supports entrepreneurs, organizations, and communities by helping them navigate complex systems related to funding, economic development, and policy.

Through her consulting and educational resources, Nekaycha helps small businesses understand grant opportunities, funding structures, and strategic positioning so they can access capital without relying solely on loans.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

LinkedIn: Nekaycha Cavil
Website: Connected Haven Consulting


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
 https://grantwritingandfunding.com/


Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
 https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/


Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
 https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,
Holly Rustick


Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will

  1. WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and
  2. MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses.

We are on our way already.

]]> Sun, 15 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1470 In this episode, Holly Rustick talks with Nekaycha Cavil, Founder and Lead Consultant of Connected Haven, about how she refined her consulting business and created a scalable offer inside the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Nekaycha shares how she moved from being a broad generalist to gaining clarity in her services and positioning. With the mentorship support, she transformed a growing database of grant opportunities into a structured membership designed to help small businesses access funding opportunities and understand how grants actually work.

She also discusses the mindset shifts required to move from survival mode to building a thriving consulting business, why execution matters more than perfection, and how investing in mentorship can accelerate growth and confidence.

Nekaycha also shares her perspective on the importance of inclusive business communities where entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds feel supported, understood, and empowered to grow.

If you’re a grant professional or consultant looking to scale your services, refine your positioning, or create new revenue streams beyond traditional grant writing, this episode offers practical insights and inspiration.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Nekaycha Cavil is the Founder and Lead Consultant of Connected Haven, a circular systems consulting firm focused on governance, policy, funding strategy, and racial equity. Her work supports entrepreneurs, organizations, and communities by helping them navigate complex systems related to funding, economic development, and policy.

Through her consulting and educational resources, Nekaycha helps small businesses understand grant opportunities, funding structures, and strategic positioning so they can access capital without relying solely on loans.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

LinkedIn: Nekaycha Cavil
Website: Connected Haven Consulting


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
 https://grantwritingandfunding.com/


Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
 https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/


Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
 https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,
Holly Rustick


Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will

  1. WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and
  2. MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses.

We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No From Grant Writer to CEO: How Guy Broke $100K and Scaled Beyond 1:1 Client Work 444 444 From Grant Writer to CEO: How Guy Broke $100K and Scaled Beyond 1:1 Client Work full 2e4f1f72-17b6-414d-bdbd-cd9633eb5f06 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/from-grant-writer-to-ceo-how-guy-broke-100k-and-scaled-beyond-1-1-client-work What happens when you stop thinking like a technician and start thinking like a CEO?


In this powerful case study interview, Holly sits down with mentorship student Guy A. Holley to unpack the mindset, systems, and strategic shifts that helped him break through his long-standing revenue ceiling and surpass his first $100K year by an additional $15K–$20K.

Guy shares how moving from ad-hoc grant projects to scalable systems, implementing SOPs, setting firm boundaries, and aligning his business with his core values completely transformed both his income and his family life.

If you’re ready to stop hitting revenue plateaus and start building a grant writing business that creates time freedom, this episode is for you.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Guy A. Holley is a grant professional, mentor student inside the Grant Professional Mentorship, and former 4-H leader who scaled a local youth program from 0 to 2,200 students through strategic grant funding.


Growing up watching his mother write grants for 4-H planted early seeds, but it wasn’t until discovering the Grant Writing & Funding podcast while pursuing his master’s degree that he realized grant writing could become a scalable business model.


Today, Guy has transitioned from one-off subcontracting and ad-hoc projects to building systems, workshops, and scalable offers — all while protecting time with his wife and four young children.


CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guyaholley/ 

In This Episode, We Discuss:

  • How Guy surpassed his $100K revenue goal by an additional $15K–$20K
  • The CEO mindset shift that unlocked his breakthrough year
  • Moving from “technician mode” to strategic business owner
  • Why documenting SOPs was the key to scalability and hiring
  • How mentorship provided a “third side of the coin” perspective
  • Clarifying his Ideal Customer Profile through core values alignment
  • Setting non-negotiable boundaries (no evening calls!) to protect family time
  • Replacing a 90-minute client call with a 30-minute AI-powered system
  • How community “possibility models” accelerate belief and action

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/


Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/


Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> What happens when you stop thinking like a technician and start thinking like a CEO?


In this powerful case study interview, Holly sits down with mentorship student Guy A. Holley to unpack the mindset, systems, and strategic shifts that helped him break through his long-standing revenue ceiling and surpass his first $100K year by an additional $15K–$20K.

Guy shares how moving from ad-hoc grant projects to scalable systems, implementing SOPs, setting firm boundaries, and aligning his business with his core values completely transformed both his income and his family life.

If you’re ready to stop hitting revenue plateaus and start building a grant writing business that creates time freedom, this episode is for you.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Guy A. Holley is a grant professional, mentor student inside the Grant Professional Mentorship, and former 4-H leader who scaled a local youth program from 0 to 2,200 students through strategic grant funding.


Growing up watching his mother write grants for 4-H planted early seeds, but it wasn’t until discovering the Grant Writing & Funding podcast while pursuing his master’s degree that he realized grant writing could become a scalable business model.


Today, Guy has transitioned from one-off subcontracting and ad-hoc projects to building systems, workshops, and scalable offers — all while protecting time with his wife and four young children.


CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guyaholley/ 

In This Episode, We Discuss:

  • How Guy surpassed his $100K revenue goal by an additional $15K–$20K
  • The CEO mindset shift that unlocked his breakthrough year
  • Moving from “technician mode” to strategic business owner
  • Why documenting SOPs was the key to scalability and hiring
  • How mentorship provided a “third side of the coin” perspective
  • Clarifying his Ideal Customer Profile through core values alignment
  • Setting non-negotiable boundaries (no evening calls!) to protect family time
  • Replacing a 90-minute client call with a 30-minute AI-powered system
  • How community “possibility models” accelerate belief and action

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/


Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/


Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 10 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1937 What happens when you stop thinking like a technician and start thinking like a CEO?


In this powerful case study interview, Holly sits down with mentorship student Guy A. Holley to unpack the mindset, systems, and strategic shifts that helped him break through his long-standing revenue ceiling and surpass his first $100K year by an additional $15K–$20K.

Guy shares how moving from ad-hoc grant projects to scalable systems, implementing SOPs, setting firm boundaries, and aligning his business with his core values completely transformed both his income and his family life.

If you’re ready to stop hitting revenue plateaus and start building a grant writing business that creates time freedom, this episode is for you.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Guy A. Holley is a grant professional, mentor student inside the Grant Professional Mentorship, and former 4-H leader who scaled a local youth program from 0 to 2,200 students through strategic grant funding.


Growing up watching his mother write grants for 4-H planted early seeds, but it wasn’t until discovering the Grant Writing & Funding podcast while pursuing his master’s degree that he realized grant writing could become a scalable business model.


Today, Guy has transitioned from one-off subcontracting and ad-hoc projects to building systems, workshops, and scalable offers — all while protecting time with his wife and four young children.


CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guyaholley/ 

In This Episode, We Discuss:

  • How Guy surpassed his $100K revenue goal by an additional $15K–$20K
  • The CEO mindset shift that unlocked his breakthrough year
  • Moving from “technician mode” to strategic business owner
  • Why documenting SOPs was the key to scalability and hiring
  • How mentorship provided a “third side of the coin” perspective
  • Clarifying his Ideal Customer Profile through core values alignment
  • Setting non-negotiable boundaries (no evening calls!) to protect family time
  • Replacing a 90-minute client call with a 30-minute AI-powered system
  • How community “possibility models” accelerate belief and action

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/


Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/


Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Fielding Lost $100K in One Week: How This Federal Grant Writer Rebuilt Her Business for 2026 Fielding Lost $100K in One Week: How This Federal Grant Writer Rebuilt Her Business for 2026 bonus 08c99d8f-7d9b-489c-83c7-c9172b3331e8 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/fielding-lost-100k-in-one-week-how-this-federal-grant-writer-rebuilt-her-business-for-2026 Fielding Lost $100K in One Week: How This Federal Grant Writer Rebuilt Her Business for 2026
What does it look like to move from fully booked grant writer… to true CEO?

In this powerful mentorship case study, Holly sits down with Fielding Jezreel, CEO of Jezreel Consulting and founder of the Federal Grants Accelerator, to unpack what changed when she decided to stop operating like a contractor and start thinking like a business owner.

After nearly a decade in business, and seven years before joining the Grant Professional Mentorship, Fielding had already navigated the messy middle. She was referral-based, fully booked, and successful on paper. But she knew something needed to shift.

From doubling her revenue in year one…
To losing $100,000 in contracts in a single week…
To launching a brand-new federal grants program and community…

Fielding shares how pricing strategy, systems, accountability, and a growth-minded community helped her not just survive disruption — but build something even stronger.


If you’re an experienced grant writer ready to step fully into your role as CEO, this episode is for you.


ABOUT OUR GUEST
Fielding Jezreel is the CEO of Jezreel Consulting and founder of the Federal Grants Accelerator. A federal grant specialist, she has been in business since 2016 and built a thriving referral-based consulting firm before expanding into training and community-based education.

After years of operating without even a website, Fielding launched an in-person federal grants training that later evolved into the Federal Grants Accelerator — an online curriculum and community designed to help grant professionals confidently navigate federal funding.

She is known for her thought leadership in the federal grants space, her candid conversations about money and business ownership, and her active presence on LinkedIn where she engages in meaningful discussions about the nonprofit and funding landscape.


CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

LinkedIn: Connect with Fielding Jezreel https://www.linkedin.com/in/fieldingjezreel/ 

Federal Grants Accelerator: https://www.federalgrantsaccelerator.com 

In This Episode, We Discuss:

  • What prompted Fielding to join the mentorship after 7 years in business
  • The mental shift from “contract grant writer” to “business owner”
  • Why being in a growth-minded peer space matters at higher revenue levels
  • The importance of unapologetically discussing money in the grant profession
  • How fixing pricing doubled her revenue in year one
  • Streamlining service delivery to eliminate overwhelm and increase capacity
  • Why systems matter — even if you don’t want to build a large firm
  • Losing $100,000 in revenue in one week — and how she navigated it
  • Building business savings and financial runway for stability
  • Pivoting from in-person training to launching the Federal Grants Accelerator
  • Launch strategy, sales confidence, and coaching support
  • The power of accountability and community over three years in mentorship
  • Why coaching is critical when you’re ready to level up as a CEO


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/


Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/


Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Fielding Lost $100K in One Week: How This Federal Grant Writer Rebuilt Her Business for 2026
What does it look like to move from fully booked grant writer… to true CEO?

In this powerful mentorship case study, Holly sits down with Fielding Jezreel, CEO of Jezreel Consulting and founder of the Federal Grants Accelerator, to unpack what changed when she decided to stop operating like a contractor and start thinking like a business owner.

After nearly a decade in business, and seven years before joining the Grant Professional Mentorship, Fielding had already navigated the messy middle. She was referral-based, fully booked, and successful on paper. But she knew something needed to shift.

From doubling her revenue in year one…
To losing $100,000 in contracts in a single week…
To launching a brand-new federal grants program and community…

Fielding shares how pricing strategy, systems, accountability, and a growth-minded community helped her not just survive disruption — but build something even stronger.


If you’re an experienced grant writer ready to step fully into your role as CEO, this episode is for you.


ABOUT OUR GUEST
Fielding Jezreel is the CEO of Jezreel Consulting and founder of the Federal Grants Accelerator. A federal grant specialist, she has been in business since 2016 and built a thriving referral-based consulting firm before expanding into training and community-based education.

After years of operating without even a website, Fielding launched an in-person federal grants training that later evolved into the Federal Grants Accelerator — an online curriculum and community designed to help grant professionals confidently navigate federal funding.

She is known for her thought leadership in the federal grants space, her candid conversations about money and business ownership, and her active presence on LinkedIn where she engages in meaningful discussions about the nonprofit and funding landscape.


CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

LinkedIn: Connect with Fielding Jezreel https://www.linkedin.com/in/fieldingjezreel/ 

Federal Grants Accelerator: https://www.federalgrantsaccelerator.com 

In This Episode, We Discuss:

  • What prompted Fielding to join the mentorship after 7 years in business
  • The mental shift from “contract grant writer” to “business owner”
  • Why being in a growth-minded peer space matters at higher revenue levels
  • The importance of unapologetically discussing money in the grant profession
  • How fixing pricing doubled her revenue in year one
  • Streamlining service delivery to eliminate overwhelm and increase capacity
  • Why systems matter — even if you don’t want to build a large firm
  • Losing $100,000 in revenue in one week — and how she navigated it
  • Building business savings and financial runway for stability
  • Pivoting from in-person training to launching the Federal Grants Accelerator
  • Launch strategy, sales confidence, and coaching support
  • The power of accountability and community over three years in mentorship
  • Why coaching is critical when you’re ready to level up as a CEO


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/


Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/


Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 10 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1271 Fielding Lost $100K in One Week: How This Federal Grant Writer Rebuilt Her Business for 2026
What does it look like to move from fully booked grant writer… to true CEO?

In this powerful mentorship case study, Holly sits down with Fielding Jezreel, CEO of Jezreel Consulting and founder of the Federal Grants Accelerator, to unpack what changed when she decided to stop operating like a contractor and start thinking like a business owner.

After nearly a decade in business, and seven years before joining the Grant Professional Mentorship, Fielding had already navigated the messy middle. She was referral-based, fully booked, and successful on paper. But she knew something needed to shift.

From doubling her revenue in year one…
To losing $100,000 in contracts in a single week…
To launching a brand-new federal grants program and community…

Fielding shares how pricing strategy, systems, accountability, and a growth-minded community helped her not just survive disruption — but build something even stronger.


If you’re an experienced grant writer ready to step fully into your role as CEO, this episode is for you.


ABOUT OUR GUEST
Fielding Jezreel is the CEO of Jezreel Consulting and founder of the Federal Grants Accelerator. A federal grant specialist, she has been in business since 2016 and built a thriving referral-based consulting firm before expanding into training and community-based education.

After years of operating without even a website, Fielding launched an in-person federal grants training that later evolved into the Federal Grants Accelerator — an online curriculum and community designed to help grant professionals confidently navigate federal funding.

She is known for her thought leadership in the federal grants space, her candid conversations about money and business ownership, and her active presence on LinkedIn where she engages in meaningful discussions about the nonprofit and funding landscape.


CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

LinkedIn: Connect with Fielding Jezreel https://www.linkedin.com/in/fieldingjezreel/ 

Federal Grants Accelerator: https://www.federalgrantsaccelerator.com 

In This Episode, We Discuss:

  • What prompted Fielding to join the mentorship after 7 years in business
  • The mental shift from “contract grant writer” to “business owner”
  • Why being in a growth-minded peer space matters at higher revenue levels
  • The importance of unapologetically discussing money in the grant profession
  • How fixing pricing doubled her revenue in year one
  • Streamlining service delivery to eliminate overwhelm and increase capacity
  • Why systems matter — even if you don’t want to build a large firm
  • Losing $100,000 in revenue in one week — and how she navigated it
  • Building business savings and financial runway for stability
  • Pivoting from in-person training to launching the Federal Grants Accelerator
  • Launch strategy, sales confidence, and coaching support
  • The power of accountability and community over three years in mentorship
  • Why coaching is critical when you’re ready to level up as a CEO


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/


Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/


Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No How Gwen Built a $200K Grant Writing Business and Now Out-Earns Her Husband How Gwen Built a $200K Grant Writing Business and Now Out-Earns Her Husband bonus 0a373d01-469b-410f-8c9d-6a4a43423b3a https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/how-gwen-built-a-200k-grant-writing-business-and-now-out-earns-her-husband Securing over $23 million in grant funding in just 24 months is no small feat, and today’s guest has done exactly that.

In this episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Gwen Valentino, a New Mexico-based grant strategist who specializes in navigating complex federal and state funding streams. From DOT to LWCF to Healthy Food Financing Initiative awards, Gwen shares what it really takes to manage high-stakes proposals, stay compliant with federal regulations, and build strong municipal partnerships.

If you’ve ever felt intimidated by federal grants, overwhelmed by compliance, or unsure how to position yourself for larger awards — this episode breaks it down with practical insight and real-world experience.


In this episode, you’ll discover:


• How Gwen secured $23M+ in funding in just 24 months
• What it really means to manage the full grant lifecycle
• How to navigate federal compliance and Uniform Guidance with confidence
• The importance of cost estimation and advanced Excel skills in grant budgeting
• Strategies for winning competitive state and federal grants
• How to support municipalities and local governments effectively
• The mindset shift required to move from smaller grants to high-stakes funding

This episode is a must-listen for freelance grant writers ready to expand into federal funding, municipal contracts, and larger awards.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Since 2018, Gwen Valentino has helped New Mexico nonprofits and local governments turn “red tape into green lights.” She specializes in the full grant lifecycle — navigating the intricate world of state, federal, and foundation funding.


Gwen has won $23M in funding secured for clients in the last 24 months ($12M in 2024; $11M in 2025) including:

• U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
• Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)
• Healthy Food Financing Initiative (HFFI)
• State of New Mexico Capital Outlay & Legislative Grants


She provides dedicated grant administration and strategy for the Cities of Socorro and Truth or Consequences (T or C), the Village of Magdalena, Polvadera, Socorro County, and the South Central Council of Governments (SCCOG). Gwen brings a high degree of professionalism and judgment to every project, whether working independently or as part of a municipal team.


CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gwen-valentino-90a8b42b5/


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!


Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


]]> Securing over $23 million in grant funding in just 24 months is no small feat, and today’s guest has done exactly that.

In this episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Gwen Valentino, a New Mexico-based grant strategist who specializes in navigating complex federal and state funding streams. From DOT to LWCF to Healthy Food Financing Initiative awards, Gwen shares what it really takes to manage high-stakes proposals, stay compliant with federal regulations, and build strong municipal partnerships.

If you’ve ever felt intimidated by federal grants, overwhelmed by compliance, or unsure how to position yourself for larger awards — this episode breaks it down with practical insight and real-world experience.


In this episode, you’ll discover:


• How Gwen secured $23M+ in funding in just 24 months
• What it really means to manage the full grant lifecycle
• How to navigate federal compliance and Uniform Guidance with confidence
• The importance of cost estimation and advanced Excel skills in grant budgeting
• Strategies for winning competitive state and federal grants
• How to support municipalities and local governments effectively
• The mindset shift required to move from smaller grants to high-stakes funding

This episode is a must-listen for freelance grant writers ready to expand into federal funding, municipal contracts, and larger awards.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Since 2018, Gwen Valentino has helped New Mexico nonprofits and local governments turn “red tape into green lights.” She specializes in the full grant lifecycle — navigating the intricate world of state, federal, and foundation funding.


Gwen has won $23M in funding secured for clients in the last 24 months ($12M in 2024; $11M in 2025) including:

• U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
• Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)
• Healthy Food Financing Initiative (HFFI)
• State of New Mexico Capital Outlay & Legislative Grants


She provides dedicated grant administration and strategy for the Cities of Socorro and Truth or Consequences (T or C), the Village of Magdalena, Polvadera, Socorro County, and the South Central Council of Governments (SCCOG). Gwen brings a high degree of professionalism and judgment to every project, whether working independently or as part of a municipal team.


CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gwen-valentino-90a8b42b5/


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!


Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


]]> Tue, 10 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1158 Securing over $23 million in grant funding in just 24 months is no small feat, and today’s guest has done exactly that.

In this episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Gwen Valentino, a New Mexico-based grant strategist who specializes in navigating complex federal and state funding streams. From DOT to LWCF to Healthy Food Financing Initiative awards, Gwen shares what it really takes to manage high-stakes proposals, stay compliant with federal regulations, and build strong municipal partnerships.

If you’ve ever felt intimidated by federal grants, overwhelmed by compliance, or unsure how to position yourself for larger awards — this episode breaks it down with practical insight and real-world experience.


In this episode, you’ll discover:


• How Gwen secured $23M+ in funding in just 24 months
• What it really means to manage the full grant lifecycle
• How to navigate federal compliance and Uniform Guidance with confidence
• The importance of cost estimation and advanced Excel skills in grant budgeting
• Strategies for winning competitive state and federal grants
• How to support municipalities and local governments effectively
• The mindset shift required to move from smaller grants to high-stakes funding

This episode is a must-listen for freelance grant writers ready to expand into federal funding, municipal contracts, and larger awards.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Since 2018, Gwen Valentino has helped New Mexico nonprofits and local governments turn “red tape into green lights.” She specializes in the full grant lifecycle — navigating the intricate world of state, federal, and foundation funding.


Gwen has won $23M in funding secured for clients in the last 24 months ($12M in 2024; $11M in 2025) including:

• U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
• Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)
• Healthy Food Financing Initiative (HFFI)
• State of New Mexico Capital Outlay & Legislative Grants


She provides dedicated grant administration and strategy for the Cities of Socorro and Truth or Consequences (T or C), the Village of Magdalena, Polvadera, Socorro County, and the South Central Council of Governments (SCCOG). Gwen brings a high degree of professionalism and judgment to every project, whether working independently or as part of a municipal team.


CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gwen-valentino-90a8b42b5/


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!


Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No [Funded Series] 37 Grants. $6 Million. One Month. Here’s What’s Working 443 443 [Funded Series] 37 Grants. $6 Million. One Month. Here’s What’s Working full 96bc952c-a60a-46a5-ad59-88cb2a6412da https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/funded-series-37-grants-6-million-one-month-here-s-what-s-working In this episode, Holly Rustick breaks down the evolving landscape of grant writing in 2026, sharing powerful insights from January’s funding data and what it signals for the nonprofit sector and freelance grant writers.


With $6 million in grants secured in January alone — 84% from family foundations — Holly unpacks what this means for funding trends, strategic positioning, and revenue growth opportunities.


You’ll hear why relationship building with foundations is now the differentiator, how nonprofits are increasingly investing in freelance grant writers and consultants, and why strategic pricing beats hourly rates in today’s maturing grant writing ecosystem.

If you want to better understand where funding is moving, how to align your nonprofit for larger grant awards, and how to grow a sustainable consulting business in the nonprofit sector, this episode is for you.


TAKEAWAYS

  • $6 million in grants secured in January alone.
  • 84% of those grants came from family foundations.
  • Private philanthropy is the most responsive funding channel.
  • Alignment is the differentiator for nonprofits.
  • Nonprofits are investing in freelancers and consultants.
  • The era of the freelancers is here.
  • Foundations give massive grant awards.
  • Strategic pricing beats hourly rates.
  • Grant writing is no longer transactional; it's strategic.
  • Understanding funding movement is strategy.


ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/


Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,
Holly Rustick


Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> In this episode, Holly Rustick breaks down the evolving landscape of grant writing in 2026, sharing powerful insights from January’s funding data and what it signals for the nonprofit sector and freelance grant writers.


With $6 million in grants secured in January alone — 84% from family foundations — Holly unpacks what this means for funding trends, strategic positioning, and revenue growth opportunities.


You’ll hear why relationship building with foundations is now the differentiator, how nonprofits are increasingly investing in freelance grant writers and consultants, and why strategic pricing beats hourly rates in today’s maturing grant writing ecosystem.

If you want to better understand where funding is moving, how to align your nonprofit for larger grant awards, and how to grow a sustainable consulting business in the nonprofit sector, this episode is for you.


TAKEAWAYS

  • $6 million in grants secured in January alone.
  • 84% of those grants came from family foundations.
  • Private philanthropy is the most responsive funding channel.
  • Alignment is the differentiator for nonprofits.
  • Nonprofits are investing in freelancers and consultants.
  • The era of the freelancers is here.
  • Foundations give massive grant awards.
  • Strategic pricing beats hourly rates.
  • Grant writing is no longer transactional; it's strategic.
  • Understanding funding movement is strategy.


ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/


Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,
Holly Rustick


Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 03 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1112 In this episode, Holly Rustick breaks down the evolving landscape of grant writing in 2026, sharing powerful insights from January’s funding data and what it signals for the nonprofit sector and freelance grant writers.


With $6 million in grants secured in January alone — 84% from family foundations — Holly unpacks what this means for funding trends, strategic positioning, and revenue growth opportunities.


You’ll hear why relationship building with foundations is now the differentiator, how nonprofits are increasingly investing in freelance grant writers and consultants, and why strategic pricing beats hourly rates in today’s maturing grant writing ecosystem.

If you want to better understand where funding is moving, how to align your nonprofit for larger grant awards, and how to grow a sustainable consulting business in the nonprofit sector, this episode is for you.


TAKEAWAYS

  • $6 million in grants secured in January alone.
  • 84% of those grants came from family foundations.
  • Private philanthropy is the most responsive funding channel.
  • Alignment is the differentiator for nonprofits.
  • Nonprofits are investing in freelancers and consultants.
  • The era of the freelancers is here.
  • Foundations give massive grant awards.
  • Strategic pricing beats hourly rates.
  • Grant writing is no longer transactional; it's strategic.
  • Understanding funding movement is strategy.


ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/


Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,
Holly Rustick


Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No How Nonprofit Leaders Can Prevent Burnout and Build a Thriving Organizational Culture with Marcia Beckner 442 442 How Nonprofit Leaders Can Prevent Burnout and Build a Thriving Organizational Culture with Marcia Beckner full 66692843-c0d9-43aa-a7a6-3bc9cf71adb7 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/how-nonprofit-leaders-can-prevent-burnout-and-build-a-thriving-organizational-culture-with-marcia-beckner Nonprofits exist to do good in the world—but what happens when the people doing that work are burned out, overwhelmed, and working inside unhealthy cultures?


In today’s episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Marcia Beckner, nonprofit founder and culture transformation strategist, to talk about one of the most overlooked drivers of impact: organizational culture.

After founding My Lifeline Cancer Foundation and serving as Executive Director for 10 years, Marcia saw firsthand how stress, staff turnover, and toxic workplace environments were quietly undermining nonprofit missions everywhere. That realization led her to create Culture CARES Global, where she now helps nonprofit leaders build thriving, inclusive, and empowering workplaces.

If you’re a nonprofit leader, grant writer, or consultant working with mission-driven organizations, this conversation will shift how you think about impact from the inside out.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Marcia Beckner is the founder of My Lifeline Cancer Foundation, which she launched in 2007 to support cancer patients through a digital community platform. She served as Executive Director for 10 years before merging the organization into a larger cancer nonprofit in 2018 to expand its reach and sustainability.

After decades in the nonprofit sector, Marcia recognized widespread patterns of burnout, toxic work environments, and unsustainable leadership practices. She founded Culture CARES Global to help nonprofit organizations build healthy, inclusive cultures where staff feel valued, respected, appreciated, engaged, and safe.

Through her CARES framework—Commitment, Appreciation, Respect, Engagement, and Safety—Marcia works with nonprofit leaders to transform internal culture so their teams can thrive while advancing their missions.


Connect with Marcia Beckner:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marciabeckner/
Website: https://culturecares.com/

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

]]> Nonprofits exist to do good in the world—but what happens when the people doing that work are burned out, overwhelmed, and working inside unhealthy cultures?


In today’s episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Marcia Beckner, nonprofit founder and culture transformation strategist, to talk about one of the most overlooked drivers of impact: organizational culture.

After founding My Lifeline Cancer Foundation and serving as Executive Director for 10 years, Marcia saw firsthand how stress, staff turnover, and toxic workplace environments were quietly undermining nonprofit missions everywhere. That realization led her to create Culture CARES Global, where she now helps nonprofit leaders build thriving, inclusive, and empowering workplaces.

If you’re a nonprofit leader, grant writer, or consultant working with mission-driven organizations, this conversation will shift how you think about impact from the inside out.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Marcia Beckner is the founder of My Lifeline Cancer Foundation, which she launched in 2007 to support cancer patients through a digital community platform. She served as Executive Director for 10 years before merging the organization into a larger cancer nonprofit in 2018 to expand its reach and sustainability.

After decades in the nonprofit sector, Marcia recognized widespread patterns of burnout, toxic work environments, and unsustainable leadership practices. She founded Culture CARES Global to help nonprofit organizations build healthy, inclusive cultures where staff feel valued, respected, appreciated, engaged, and safe.

Through her CARES framework—Commitment, Appreciation, Respect, Engagement, and Safety—Marcia works with nonprofit leaders to transform internal culture so their teams can thrive while advancing their missions.


Connect with Marcia Beckner:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marciabeckner/
Website: https://culturecares.com/

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

]]> Tue, 24 Feb 2026 07:00:00 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2018 Nonprofits exist to do good in the world—but what happens when the people doing that work are burned out, overwhelmed, and working inside unhealthy cultures?


In today’s episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Marcia Beckner, nonprofit founder and culture transformation strategist, to talk about one of the most overlooked drivers of impact: organizational culture.

After founding My Lifeline Cancer Foundation and serving as Executive Director for 10 years, Marcia saw firsthand how stress, staff turnover, and toxic workplace environments were quietly undermining nonprofit missions everywhere. That realization led her to create Culture CARES Global, where she now helps nonprofit leaders build thriving, inclusive, and empowering workplaces.

If you’re a nonprofit leader, grant writer, or consultant working with mission-driven organizations, this conversation will shift how you think about impact from the inside out.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Marcia Beckner is the founder of My Lifeline Cancer Foundation, which she launched in 2007 to support cancer patients through a digital community platform. She served as Executive Director for 10 years before merging the organization into a larger cancer nonprofit in 2018 to expand its reach and sustainability.

After decades in the nonprofit sector, Marcia recognized widespread patterns of burnout, toxic work environments, and unsustainable leadership practices. She founded Culture CARES Global to help nonprofit organizations build healthy, inclusive cultures where staff feel valued, respected, appreciated, engaged, and safe.

Through her CARES framework—Commitment, Appreciation, Respect, Engagement, and Safety—Marcia works with nonprofit leaders to transform internal culture so their teams can thrive while advancing their missions.


Connect with Marcia Beckner:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marciabeckner/
Website: https://culturecares.com/

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No When Nonprofits Should Consider Both Grant Writing & Individual Donor Giving Campaigns 441 441 When Nonprofits Should Consider Both Grant Writing & Individual Donor Giving Campaigns full becba87f-d208-4ca5-ba03-48f0099c37e6 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/when-nonprofits-should-consider-both-grant-writing-individual-donor-giving-campaigns When Nonprofits Should Consider Both Grant Writing & Individual Donor Giving Campaigns


In this conversation, Holly Rustick interviews Alex Cohen, CEO of ANC Consult, about her journey from law to nonprofit consulting, the challenges faced in the nonprofit sector in 2026, and the importance of adapting services to meet the evolving needs of nonprofits. 


Alex discusses her expansion from grant writing to include donor engagement, emphasizing the significance of storytelling in fundraising and the necessity for nonprofits to diversify their funding streams. 


Alex also shares, as a grant consultant, when to add another service offering to your business so you aren’t overwhelmed.


ABOUT OUR GUEST


ADD BIO


Alexandra N. Cohen is the founder of ANC Consult, helping nonprofits strengthen their fundraising, diversify revenue, and build the operational infrastructure needed for sustainable growth. She works with Executive Directors, development teams, and boards to design and implement fundraising plans that advance mission and impact. 

With a deep commitment to nonprofit effectiveness, Alex utilizes data and storytelling to distill complex challenges into clear, compelling messages that drive donor understanding and community engagement. 

Before launching ANC Consult, Alex spent 15 years as a litigation attorney, developing skills in strategy, communication, and problem-solving that now inform her work with mission-driven organizations. She holds degrees from Johns Hopkins University (B.A.), Hofstra University School of Law (J.D.), and the Middlebury Institute of International Studies (MBA/MA in International Policy & Development).


CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST


Any links here LinkedIn | Book a Call  


OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> When Nonprofits Should Consider Both Grant Writing & Individual Donor Giving Campaigns


In this conversation, Holly Rustick interviews Alex Cohen, CEO of ANC Consult, about her journey from law to nonprofit consulting, the challenges faced in the nonprofit sector in 2026, and the importance of adapting services to meet the evolving needs of nonprofits. 


Alex discusses her expansion from grant writing to include donor engagement, emphasizing the significance of storytelling in fundraising and the necessity for nonprofits to diversify their funding streams. 


Alex also shares, as a grant consultant, when to add another service offering to your business so you aren’t overwhelmed.


ABOUT OUR GUEST


ADD BIO


Alexandra N. Cohen is the founder of ANC Consult, helping nonprofits strengthen their fundraising, diversify revenue, and build the operational infrastructure needed for sustainable growth. She works with Executive Directors, development teams, and boards to design and implement fundraising plans that advance mission and impact. 

With a deep commitment to nonprofit effectiveness, Alex utilizes data and storytelling to distill complex challenges into clear, compelling messages that drive donor understanding and community engagement. 

Before launching ANC Consult, Alex spent 15 years as a litigation attorney, developing skills in strategy, communication, and problem-solving that now inform her work with mission-driven organizations. She holds degrees from Johns Hopkins University (B.A.), Hofstra University School of Law (J.D.), and the Middlebury Institute of International Studies (MBA/MA in International Policy & Development).


CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST


Any links here LinkedIn | Book a Call  


OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 17 Feb 2026 07:00:00 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1721 When Nonprofits Should Consider Both Grant Writing & Individual Donor Giving Campaigns


In this conversation, Holly Rustick interviews Alex Cohen, CEO of ANC Consult, about her journey from law to nonprofit consulting, the challenges faced in the nonprofit sector in 2026, and the importance of adapting services to meet the evolving needs of nonprofits. 


Alex discusses her expansion from grant writing to include donor engagement, emphasizing the significance of storytelling in fundraising and the necessity for nonprofits to diversify their funding streams. 


Alex also shares, as a grant consultant, when to add another service offering to your business so you aren’t overwhelmed.


ABOUT OUR GUEST


ADD BIO


Alexandra N. Cohen is the founder of ANC Consult, helping nonprofits strengthen their fundraising, diversify revenue, and build the operational infrastructure needed for sustainable growth. She works with Executive Directors, development teams, and boards to design and implement fundraising plans that advance mission and impact. 

With a deep commitment to nonprofit effectiveness, Alex utilizes data and storytelling to distill complex challenges into clear, compelling messages that drive donor understanding and community engagement. 

Before launching ANC Consult, Alex spent 15 years as a litigation attorney, developing skills in strategy, communication, and problem-solving that now inform her work with mission-driven organizations. She holds degrees from Johns Hopkins University (B.A.), Hofstra University School of Law (J.D.), and the Middlebury Institute of International Studies (MBA/MA in International Policy & Development).


CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST


Any links here LinkedIn | Book a Call  


OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Is Grant Writing Worth It? My Honest Answer 440 440 Is Grant Writing Worth It? My Honest Answer full c8b2dd9e-e5b5-4731-8481-257222ee6c36 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/is-grant-writing-worth-it-my-honest-answer Is Grant Writing Worth It? My Honest Answer

Is grant writing actually worth it? In this episode, Holly Rustick is breaking down the honest truth about what grant writing really is, who it’s for, and whether it can realistically turn into a paid skill or career. If you’re new to grant writing, thinking about freelancing, or wondering if this path makes sense for you, this episode will help you understand the learning curve, the income potential, and what most people don’t realize before getting started. No hype — just clarity, context, and what to expect as a beginner.


ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————


This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> Is Grant Writing Worth It? My Honest Answer

Is grant writing actually worth it? In this episode, Holly Rustick is breaking down the honest truth about what grant writing really is, who it’s for, and whether it can realistically turn into a paid skill or career. If you’re new to grant writing, thinking about freelancing, or wondering if this path makes sense for you, this episode will help you understand the learning curve, the income potential, and what most people don’t realize before getting started. No hype — just clarity, context, and what to expect as a beginner.


ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————


This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> Tue, 10 Feb 2026 07:00:00 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 817 Is Grant Writing Worth It? My Honest Answer

Is grant writing actually worth it? In this episode, Holly Rustick is breaking down the honest truth about what grant writing really is, who it’s for, and whether it can realistically turn into a paid skill or career. If you’re new to grant writing, thinking about freelancing, or wondering if this path makes sense for you, this episode will help you understand the learning curve, the income potential, and what most people don’t realize before getting started. No hype — just clarity, context, and what to expect as a beginner.


ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————


This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No [Funded Series] Is Grant Funding Drying Up? December 2025 Grant Market Report 439 439 [Funded Series] Is Grant Funding Drying Up? December 2025 Grant Market Report full dd14a75d-935f-454e-9680-ca993280ef7a https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/funded-series-is-grant-funding-drying-up-december-2025-grant-market-report December 2025 shows what happens when grant writers stop scrambling and start operating with systems.


December results:

  • $5.01M in grant funding secured
  • 45 grants awarded
  • Median grant around $25K
  • $422,000+ earned in grant writing businesses

    What got funded:
    General operating support, state and local funding, and capital/development grants: awarded to prepared organizations with clear narratives and budgets.

What worked to win grants:

  • Master Grant Applications
  • unlimited grant reviews
  • reusing feedback

What worked to get clients:

  • pricing confidence
  • monthly retainers

Want results like this?
 → Academy for winning grants with systems and reviews
→ Mentorship for higher rates, retainers, and ongoing coaching

🔔 Subscribe for monthly Funded reports
 🌐 Learn more: https://grantwritingandfunding.com
 📧 Questions or feedback? team@grantwritingandfunding.com

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.  https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST
Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

———————————————————————————
This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!
This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 
———————————————————————————

]]> December 2025 shows what happens when grant writers stop scrambling and start operating with systems.


December results:

  • $5.01M in grant funding secured
  • 45 grants awarded
  • Median grant around $25K
  • $422,000+ earned in grant writing businesses

    What got funded:
    General operating support, state and local funding, and capital/development grants: awarded to prepared organizations with clear narratives and budgets.

What worked to win grants:

  • Master Grant Applications
  • unlimited grant reviews
  • reusing feedback

What worked to get clients:

  • pricing confidence
  • monthly retainers

Want results like this?
 → Academy for winning grants with systems and reviews
→ Mentorship for higher rates, retainers, and ongoing coaching

🔔 Subscribe for monthly Funded reports
 🌐 Learn more: https://grantwritingandfunding.com
 📧 Questions or feedback? team@grantwritingandfunding.com

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.  https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST
Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

———————————————————————————
This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!
This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 
———————————————————————————

]]> Tue, 03 Feb 2026 07:00:00 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1140 December 2025 shows what happens when grant writers stop scrambling and start operating with systems.


December results:

  • $5.01M in grant funding secured
  • 45 grants awarded
  • Median grant around $25K
  • $422,000+ earned in grant writing businesses

    What got funded:
    General operating support, state and local funding, and capital/development grants: awarded to prepared organizations with clear narratives and budgets.

What worked to win grants:

  • Master Grant Applications
  • unlimited grant reviews
  • reusing feedback

What worked to get clients:

  • pricing confidence
  • monthly retainers

Want results like this?
 → Academy for winning grants with systems and reviews
→ Mentorship for higher rates, retainers, and ongoing coaching

🔔 Subscribe for monthly Funded reports
 🌐 Learn more: https://grantwritingandfunding.com
 📧 Questions or feedback? team@grantwritingandfunding.com

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.  https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST
Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

———————————————————————————
This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!
This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 
———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No What Grant Reviewers Won’t Tell You — But Score You On 438 438 What Grant Reviewers Won’t Tell You — But Score You On full a6d928e5-e3d8-4e2b-8a69-e135e5a0cbbd https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/what-grant-reviewers-won-t-tell-you-but-score-you-on Join Holly Rustick as she shares insider secrets from her decade of experience as a federal grant reviewer. Discover why even well-thought-out grant proposals can get rejected and learn strategies to ensure your proposals rise to the top. Holly discusses the importance of clarity, credibility, and alignment between your narrative and budget. Plus, find out about the resources available through the Freelance Grant Writer Academy to help you secure more grants and build a flexible income. Don't miss these vital tips and start writing better grant proposals today!

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.  https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST
Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

———————————————————————————
This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!
This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 
———————————————————————————

]]> Join Holly Rustick as she shares insider secrets from her decade of experience as a federal grant reviewer. Discover why even well-thought-out grant proposals can get rejected and learn strategies to ensure your proposals rise to the top. Holly discusses the importance of clarity, credibility, and alignment between your narrative and budget. Plus, find out about the resources available through the Freelance Grant Writer Academy to help you secure more grants and build a flexible income. Don't miss these vital tips and start writing better grant proposals today!

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.  https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST
Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

———————————————————————————
This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!
This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 
———————————————————————————

]]> Tue, 27 Jan 2026 07:00:00 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 767 Join Holly Rustick as she shares insider secrets from her decade of experience as a federal grant reviewer. Discover why even well-thought-out grant proposals can get rejected and learn strategies to ensure your proposals rise to the top. Holly discusses the importance of clarity, credibility, and alignment between your narrative and budget. Plus, find out about the resources available through the Freelance Grant Writer Academy to help you secure more grants and build a flexible income. Don't miss these vital tips and start writing better grant proposals today!

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.  https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST
Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

———————————————————————————
This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!
This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 
———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Case Study: How Theresa Moved States Without Losing Clients (and Grew Her Grant Firefighter Business) Case Study: How Theresa Moved States Without Losing Clients (and Grew Her Grant Firefighter Business) bonus e861b19d-a352-4acd-9cc2-a85f2f076086 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/bonus-ep-how-theresa-moved-states-without-losing-clients-and-grew-her-grant-firefighter-business In this engaging interview, Holly Rustick talks with Theresa Fowler about her extensive experience in grant writing and consulting. Theresa shares her journey from working full-time in California to becoming a consultant in Texas, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and family commitments. 


They discuss the benefits of the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, including templates and coaching calls, and Theresa's passion for helping organizations improve their grant success and systems.


ABOUT OUR GUEST


Theresa Fowler, MA, GPC, is an experienced grant professional who has worked in every part of the grant lifecycle and is the founder of GrantsTeam Coaching & Consulting. Theresa has a passion for guiding organizations through their grant journeys, helping them enhance their capacity and amplify their impact.

As a seasoned grant professional with over 24 years of experience in the field, Theresa has secured over $165 million in grant funding from various local, state, and federal sources. Theresa has worked both as a staff member and consultant, collaborating with a wide range of organizations including nonprofits, youth development organizations, K-12 school districts, county offices of education, police departments, volunteer fire departments, and government agencies. Theresa has comprehensive expertise across the entire grant cycle, from initial planning to successful implementation and reporting.

Since 2019, Theresa has been an active member of Grant Professional Association (GPA) serving on the program and mentoring committees and in the South East Texas and Inland Empire Chapters. She has an MA from CSU Long Beach and earned her Grant Professional Certified (GPC) in 2021. Theresa enjoys working with organizations to help them increase their capacity and impact in their communities through sustainable grant funding.


CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST


Linkedin



OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.  https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship 

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> In this engaging interview, Holly Rustick talks with Theresa Fowler about her extensive experience in grant writing and consulting. Theresa shares her journey from working full-time in California to becoming a consultant in Texas, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and family commitments. 


They discuss the benefits of the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, including templates and coaching calls, and Theresa's passion for helping organizations improve their grant success and systems.


ABOUT OUR GUEST


Theresa Fowler, MA, GPC, is an experienced grant professional who has worked in every part of the grant lifecycle and is the founder of GrantsTeam Coaching & Consulting. Theresa has a passion for guiding organizations through their grant journeys, helping them enhance their capacity and amplify their impact.

As a seasoned grant professional with over 24 years of experience in the field, Theresa has secured over $165 million in grant funding from various local, state, and federal sources. Theresa has worked both as a staff member and consultant, collaborating with a wide range of organizations including nonprofits, youth development organizations, K-12 school districts, county offices of education, police departments, volunteer fire departments, and government agencies. Theresa has comprehensive expertise across the entire grant cycle, from initial planning to successful implementation and reporting.

Since 2019, Theresa has been an active member of Grant Professional Association (GPA) serving on the program and mentoring committees and in the South East Texas and Inland Empire Chapters. She has an MA from CSU Long Beach and earned her Grant Professional Certified (GPC) in 2021. Theresa enjoys working with organizations to help them increase their capacity and impact in their communities through sustainable grant funding.


CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST


Linkedin



OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.  https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship 

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Sat, 24 Jan 2026 07:00:00 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1913 In this engaging interview, Holly Rustick talks with Theresa Fowler about her extensive experience in grant writing and consulting. Theresa shares her journey from working full-time in California to becoming a consultant in Texas, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and family commitments. 


They discuss the benefits of the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, including templates and coaching calls, and Theresa's passion for helping organizations improve their grant success and systems.


ABOUT OUR GUEST


Theresa Fowler, MA, GPC, is an experienced grant professional who has worked in every part of the grant lifecycle and is the founder of GrantsTeam Coaching & Consulting. Theresa has a passion for guiding organizations through their grant journeys, helping them enhance their capacity and amplify their impact.

As a seasoned grant professional with over 24 years of experience in the field, Theresa has secured over $165 million in grant funding from various local, state, and federal sources. Theresa has worked both as a staff member and consultant, collaborating with a wide range of organizations including nonprofits, youth development organizations, K-12 school districts, county offices of education, police departments, volunteer fire departments, and government agencies. Theresa has comprehensive expertise across the entire grant cycle, from initial planning to successful implementation and reporting.

Since 2019, Theresa has been an active member of Grant Professional Association (GPA) serving on the program and mentoring committees and in the South East Texas and Inland Empire Chapters. She has an MA from CSU Long Beach and earned her Grant Professional Certified (GPC) in 2021. Theresa enjoys working with organizations to help them increase their capacity and impact in their communities through sustainable grant funding.


CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST


Linkedin



OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.  https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship 

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Case Study: How Dr. Melvin has made more than $80K by going to the Doctor, Dentist, and Parties Case Study: How Dr. Melvin has made more than $80K by going to the Doctor, Dentist, and Parties bonus 8b463ee4-a1de-4c38-b858-35f4df7cdf88 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/bonus-ep-how-dr-melvin-has-made-more-than-80k-by-going-to-the-doctor-dentist-and-parties In this conversation, Dr. Melvin Musick shares his journey from a traditional consultancy to a thriving grant writing business, emphasizing the importance of discipline, relationships, and creative thinking. He discusses how joining the Academy transformed his approach to grant writing and consultancy, leading to significant financial success and personal growth. Dr. Musick highlights the value of networking and finding clients in everyday situations, showcasing how personal interactions can lead to fruitful professional relationships. He concludes with advice for aspiring grant writers, encouraging them to embrace the learning process and leverage their existing networks.


ABOUT OUR GUEST


Melvin L Musick functions as a grants strategist to nonprofit organizations and governments that fund programs for positive youth development throughout Greater Los Angeles.


Convenes and maintains funding relationships with the ARCO Foundation, the Los

Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), United Way of Greater Los Angeles, the Los

Angeles Times Mirror Foundation, the Los Angeles City Mayor&#39;s Office, Los Angeles

County Departments of Mental Health, Probation, and Public Social Services, and the

Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). Responsible for financial compliance and

reporting.


Provides units of government, foundations, and non-profit organizations with

management training, strategic planning, technical assistance, program evaluation, and

organizational development services as an external consultant.


Prepares studies and reports for elected officials and the public audience to promote the

adoption of the concept of youth advocacy and participation as a pragmatic approach to

youth development and community building in Los Angeles neighborhoods.


Education

Ed.D. Organization Change – Pepperdine University

M. S. Community Development / Policy Analysis – CSULA

B. A. Political Science / Education – Hamline University


Special Training

Class II Leadership Southern California (CORO)

Arts Inc. Leadership Training Fellow

United Way of America – National Academy for Management Training


Honors

Elected by CSULA faculty to Phi Kappa Phi Honorary Society

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST


Website


OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


]]> In this conversation, Dr. Melvin Musick shares his journey from a traditional consultancy to a thriving grant writing business, emphasizing the importance of discipline, relationships, and creative thinking. He discusses how joining the Academy transformed his approach to grant writing and consultancy, leading to significant financial success and personal growth. Dr. Musick highlights the value of networking and finding clients in everyday situations, showcasing how personal interactions can lead to fruitful professional relationships. He concludes with advice for aspiring grant writers, encouraging them to embrace the learning process and leverage their existing networks.


ABOUT OUR GUEST


Melvin L Musick functions as a grants strategist to nonprofit organizations and governments that fund programs for positive youth development throughout Greater Los Angeles.


Convenes and maintains funding relationships with the ARCO Foundation, the Los

Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), United Way of Greater Los Angeles, the Los

Angeles Times Mirror Foundation, the Los Angeles City Mayor&#39;s Office, Los Angeles

County Departments of Mental Health, Probation, and Public Social Services, and the

Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). Responsible for financial compliance and

reporting.


Provides units of government, foundations, and non-profit organizations with

management training, strategic planning, technical assistance, program evaluation, and

organizational development services as an external consultant.


Prepares studies and reports for elected officials and the public audience to promote the

adoption of the concept of youth advocacy and participation as a pragmatic approach to

youth development and community building in Los Angeles neighborhoods.


Education

Ed.D. Organization Change – Pepperdine University

M. S. Community Development / Policy Analysis – CSULA

B. A. Political Science / Education – Hamline University


Special Training

Class II Leadership Southern California (CORO)

Arts Inc. Leadership Training Fellow

United Way of America – National Academy for Management Training


Honors

Elected by CSULA faculty to Phi Kappa Phi Honorary Society

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST


Website


OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


]]> Sat, 24 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1852 In this conversation, Dr. Melvin Musick shares his journey from a traditional consultancy to a thriving grant writing business, emphasizing the importance of discipline, relationships, and creative thinking. He discusses how joining the Academy transformed his approach to grant writing and consultancy, leading to significant financial success and personal growth. Dr. Musick highlights the value of networking and finding clients in everyday situations, showcasing how personal interactions can lead to fruitful professional relationships. He concludes with advice for aspiring grant writers, encouraging them to embrace the learning process and leverage their existing networks.


ABOUT OUR GUEST


Melvin L Musick functions as a grants strategist to nonprofit organizations and governments that fund programs for positive youth development throughout Greater Los Angeles.


Convenes and maintains funding relationships with the ARCO Foundation, the Los

Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), United Way of Greater Los Angeles, the Los

Angeles Times Mirror Foundation, the Los Angeles City Mayor&#39;s Office, Los Angeles

County Departments of Mental Health, Probation, and Public Social Services, and the

Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). Responsible for financial compliance and

reporting.


Provides units of government, foundations, and non-profit organizations with

management training, strategic planning, technical assistance, program evaluation, and

organizational development services as an external consultant.


Prepares studies and reports for elected officials and the public audience to promote the

adoption of the concept of youth advocacy and participation as a pragmatic approach to

youth development and community building in Los Angeles neighborhoods.


Education

Ed.D. Organization Change – Pepperdine University

M. S. Community Development / Policy Analysis – CSULA

B. A. Political Science / Education – Hamline University


Special Training

Class II Leadership Southern California (CORO)

Arts Inc. Leadership Training Fellow

United Way of America – National Academy for Management Training


Honors

Elected by CSULA faculty to Phi Kappa Phi Honorary Society

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST


Website


OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Why “Stable” Jobs Don’t Feel Safe Anymore 437 437 Why “Stable” Jobs Don’t Feel Safe Anymore full 094ea118-67ed-459d-a17a-e4cbbda1bc0a https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/why-stable-jobs-don-t-feel-safe-anymore Why “Stable” Jobs Don’t Feel Safe Anymore


In uncertain times, many “stable” jobs don’t feel so stable anymore.

In this episode, Holly Rustick, CEO of the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, unpacks the illusion of fixed income and why relying on a single employer, whether in nonprofits, government, or corporate roles, can create a false sense of security. As costs rise and economic conditions shift, salaries often fail to keep pace, leaving many people quietly stressed, overworked, and afraid to speak up or make changes.


Drawing from her personal story of leaving a toxic nonprofit grant writing role as a single mom, and her experience teaching over 1,000 grant writers how to build flexible income, Holly explains why skill-based, flexible income offers more control, stability, and peace of mind than traditional employment. She also explores why this conversation matters deeply for women and parents, especially in an industry where 82% of freelance grant writers are female.


This episode reframes financial security away from job titles and toward self-reliance, adaptable skills, and income you control: even during volatile times.


In this episode, you’ll learn:

  • Why “stable” jobs can create hidden financial stress
  • How fixed income fails to keep up with rising costs of living
  • What flexible, skill-based income really looks like
  • Why women and parents benefit most from income flexibility
  • How redefining stability can change your work, health, and family life

Whether you’re in a 9–5, freelancing on the side, or thinking about a bigger change, this episode will help you rethink what real stability means — and how to build it on your own terms.


ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————


This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> Why “Stable” Jobs Don’t Feel Safe Anymore


In uncertain times, many “stable” jobs don’t feel so stable anymore.

In this episode, Holly Rustick, CEO of the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, unpacks the illusion of fixed income and why relying on a single employer, whether in nonprofits, government, or corporate roles, can create a false sense of security. As costs rise and economic conditions shift, salaries often fail to keep pace, leaving many people quietly stressed, overworked, and afraid to speak up or make changes.


Drawing from her personal story of leaving a toxic nonprofit grant writing role as a single mom, and her experience teaching over 1,000 grant writers how to build flexible income, Holly explains why skill-based, flexible income offers more control, stability, and peace of mind than traditional employment. She also explores why this conversation matters deeply for women and parents, especially in an industry where 82% of freelance grant writers are female.


This episode reframes financial security away from job titles and toward self-reliance, adaptable skills, and income you control: even during volatile times.


In this episode, you’ll learn:

  • Why “stable” jobs can create hidden financial stress
  • How fixed income fails to keep up with rising costs of living
  • What flexible, skill-based income really looks like
  • Why women and parents benefit most from income flexibility
  • How redefining stability can change your work, health, and family life

Whether you’re in a 9–5, freelancing on the side, or thinking about a bigger change, this episode will help you rethink what real stability means — and how to build it on your own terms.


ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————


This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> Tue, 20 Jan 2026 07:00:00 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1026 Why “Stable” Jobs Don’t Feel Safe Anymore


In uncertain times, many “stable” jobs don’t feel so stable anymore.

In this episode, Holly Rustick, CEO of the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, unpacks the illusion of fixed income and why relying on a single employer, whether in nonprofits, government, or corporate roles, can create a false sense of security. As costs rise and economic conditions shift, salaries often fail to keep pace, leaving many people quietly stressed, overworked, and afraid to speak up or make changes.


Drawing from her personal story of leaving a toxic nonprofit grant writing role as a single mom, and her experience teaching over 1,000 grant writers how to build flexible income, Holly explains why skill-based, flexible income offers more control, stability, and peace of mind than traditional employment. She also explores why this conversation matters deeply for women and parents, especially in an industry where 82% of freelance grant writers are female.


This episode reframes financial security away from job titles and toward self-reliance, adaptable skills, and income you control: even during volatile times.


In this episode, you’ll learn:

  • Why “stable” jobs can create hidden financial stress
  • How fixed income fails to keep up with rising costs of living
  • What flexible, skill-based income really looks like
  • Why women and parents benefit most from income flexibility
  • How redefining stability can change your work, health, and family life

Whether you’re in a 9–5, freelancing on the side, or thinking about a bigger change, this episode will help you rethink what real stability means — and how to build it on your own terms.


ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————


This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

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]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No What Grant Writers Need To Know About Major Gifts And Donor Relationships 436 436 What Grant Writers Need To Know About Major Gifts And Donor Relationships full 33147810-1f1c-442a-9e7f-3faa55f95973 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/what-grant-writers-need-to-know-about-major-gifts-and-donor-relationships Grant funding doesn’t happen in a vacuum. In this episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Jeff Schreifels of Veritus Group to unpack why relationships—not just strong proposals—drive funding decisions, donor loyalty, and long-term financial resilience. A must-listen for grant writers navigating today’s shifting funding landscape.


ABOUT OUR GUEST

With over 30 years in the nonprofit sector, Jeff is a pioneer of

relationship-centered fundraising. Under his leadership, since 2009

Veritus has helped increase mid and major gift revenue and decrease

donor value attrition for hundreds of non-profits worldwide that have

adopted the “Veritus Way” of mid and major gifts.


CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Veritus Groupwww.veritusgroup.com
Check out our Blog!  And our twice-monthly podcast!
Read our book to learn how It's Not JUST About the Money.


OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————


This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> Grant funding doesn’t happen in a vacuum. In this episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Jeff Schreifels of Veritus Group to unpack why relationships—not just strong proposals—drive funding decisions, donor loyalty, and long-term financial resilience. A must-listen for grant writers navigating today’s shifting funding landscape.


ABOUT OUR GUEST

With over 30 years in the nonprofit sector, Jeff is a pioneer of

relationship-centered fundraising. Under his leadership, since 2009

Veritus has helped increase mid and major gift revenue and decrease

donor value attrition for hundreds of non-profits worldwide that have

adopted the “Veritus Way” of mid and major gifts.


CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Veritus Groupwww.veritusgroup.com
Check out our Blog!  And our twice-monthly podcast!
Read our book to learn how It's Not JUST About the Money.


OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————


This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> Tue, 13 Jan 2026 07:00:00 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2585 Grant funding doesn’t happen in a vacuum. In this episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Jeff Schreifels of Veritus Group to unpack why relationships—not just strong proposals—drive funding decisions, donor loyalty, and long-term financial resilience. A must-listen for grant writers navigating today’s shifting funding landscape.


ABOUT OUR GUEST

With over 30 years in the nonprofit sector, Jeff is a pioneer of

relationship-centered fundraising. Under his leadership, since 2009

Veritus has helped increase mid and major gift revenue and decrease

donor value attrition for hundreds of non-profits worldwide that have

adopted the “Veritus Way” of mid and major gifts.


CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Veritus Groupwww.veritusgroup.com
Check out our Blog!  And our twice-monthly podcast!
Read our book to learn how It's Not JUST About the Money.


OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————


This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No November 2025 Report: $3.4M In Grants + $526K Earned 435 435 November 2025 Report: $3.4M In Grants + $526K Earned full 4127e984-c8a1-4d8f-8743-659b94ef623a https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/november-2025-report-3-4m-in-grants-526k-earned
Funded: $3.4 Million in Grants + $525K+ Earned | November 2025


In this episode of Funded, we break down what actually happened in grant writing in November 2025 using real data from grant writers inside our programs.


Here’s what you’ll learn:

  • How much grant funding was secured in one month
  • How much freelance grant writers earned in their businesses
  • What types of grants were awarded (foundation, state, federal)
  • What offers and strategies helped grant writers earn income
  • What this means if you’re considering grant writing or freelancing

    ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

    Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship. 

    Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

    CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

    Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

    RESOURCES:

    Weekly Newsletter:     “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.  https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

    Freelance Grant Writer Academy:     Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

    Grant Professional Mentorship:     Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

    RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST
    Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

    This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

    “Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

    Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

    Thanks for listening!

    Warmly,
    Holly Rustick
    Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

    ———————————————————————————
    This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!
    This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 
    ———————————————————————————

]]>
Funded: $3.4 Million in Grants + $525K+ Earned | November 2025


In this episode of Funded, we break down what actually happened in grant writing in November 2025 using real data from grant writers inside our programs.


Here’s what you’ll learn:

  • How much grant funding was secured in one month
  • How much freelance grant writers earned in their businesses
  • What types of grants were awarded (foundation, state, federal)
  • What offers and strategies helped grant writers earn income
  • What this means if you’re considering grant writing or freelancing

    ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

    Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship. 

    Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

    CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

    Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

    RESOURCES:

    Weekly Newsletter:     “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.  https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

    Freelance Grant Writer Academy:     Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

    Grant Professional Mentorship:     Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

    RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST
    Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

    This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

    “Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

    Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

    Thanks for listening!

    Warmly,
    Holly Rustick
    Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

    ———————————————————————————
    This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!
    This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 
    ———————————————————————————

]]> Tue, 06 Jan 2026 07:00:00 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1423
Funded: $3.4 Million in Grants + $525K+ Earned | November 2025


In this episode of Funded, we break down what actually happened in grant writing in November 2025 using real data from grant writers inside our programs.


Here’s what you’ll learn:

  • How much grant funding was secured in one month
  • How much freelance grant writers earned in their businesses
  • What types of grants were awarded (foundation, state, federal)
  • What offers and strategies helped grant writers earn income
  • What this means if you’re considering grant writing or freelancing

    ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

    Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship. 

    Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

    CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

    Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

    RESOURCES:

    Weekly Newsletter:     “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.  https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

    Freelance Grant Writer Academy:     Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

    Grant Professional Mentorship:     Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

    RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST
    Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

    This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

    “Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

    Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

    Thanks for listening!

    Warmly,
    Holly Rustick
    Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

    ———————————————————————————
    This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!
    This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 
    ———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No 11 Trends Every Freelance Grant Writer Needs To Know In 2026 434 434 11 Trends Every Freelance Grant Writer Needs To Know In 2026 full 1f49cc03-20a1-4ea0-9a3c-ad01ba18f6de https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/11-trends-every-freelance-grant-writer-needs-to-know-in-2026 In this episode, Holly breaks down the top 11 trends freelance grant writers must lean into in 2026. From funder relationships and AI tools to flexibility, movement-centered grant writing, trigger words, diversified funding, and stepping into thought leadership — this is your roadmap for staying ahead in the rapidly shifting grant writing world.

You’ll learn:

  • Why funder relationships matter more than ever
  • How to position your freelance business for growth
  • The role of AI in modern grant writing
  • How to align your language with funders
  • Why flexibility is essential in 2026
  • The power of becoming movement-driven
  • How trainings help you expand influence + revenue
  • And so much more

If you want to elevate your grant writing in 2026, this is the episode to bookmark.

Resources Mentioned:

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 


Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:


Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.  https://grantwritingandfunding.com/


Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/


Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship 


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> In this episode, Holly breaks down the top 11 trends freelance grant writers must lean into in 2026. From funder relationships and AI tools to flexibility, movement-centered grant writing, trigger words, diversified funding, and stepping into thought leadership — this is your roadmap for staying ahead in the rapidly shifting grant writing world.

You’ll learn:

  • Why funder relationships matter more than ever
  • How to position your freelance business for growth
  • The role of AI in modern grant writing
  • How to align your language with funders
  • Why flexibility is essential in 2026
  • The power of becoming movement-driven
  • How trainings help you expand influence + revenue
  • And so much more

If you want to elevate your grant writing in 2026, this is the episode to bookmark.

Resources Mentioned:

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 


Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:


Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.  https://grantwritingandfunding.com/


Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/


Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship 


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> Tue, 30 Dec 2025 07:00:00 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1792 In this episode, Holly breaks down the top 11 trends freelance grant writers must lean into in 2026. From funder relationships and AI tools to flexibility, movement-centered grant writing, trigger words, diversified funding, and stepping into thought leadership — this is your roadmap for staying ahead in the rapidly shifting grant writing world.

You’ll learn:

  • Why funder relationships matter more than ever
  • How to position your freelance business for growth
  • The role of AI in modern grant writing
  • How to align your language with funders
  • Why flexibility is essential in 2026
  • The power of becoming movement-driven
  • How trainings help you expand influence + revenue
  • And so much more

If you want to elevate your grant writing in 2026, this is the episode to bookmark.

Resources Mentioned:

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 


Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:


Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.  https://grantwritingandfunding.com/


Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/


Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship 


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No “Is It Even Worth Applying?”… and Other Big Federal Grant Questions Answered 433 433 “Is It Even Worth Applying?”… and Other Big Federal Grant Questions Answered full 31022d00-1e2b-424b-ba90-dcbe4c7e0f21 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/is-it-even-worth-applying-and-other-big-federal-grant-questions-answered In this episode, Holly Rustick from Grant Writing and Funding interviews Fielding Jezreel, CEO of Jezreel Consulting, about the evolving landscape of federal grants. They discuss the challenges and strategies for nonprofits in adapting to new federal grant requirements, the importance of preparation, and the role of DEI in grant writing. Fielding shares insights on how organizations can position themselves for future opportunities and the significance of training in federal grant writing.


ABOUT OUR GUEST


Fielding Jezreel is an accomplished federal grants professional who provides federal grant readiness and grant writing services to St. Louis area nonprofit organizations and local government agencies. Across the country, she trains grant consultants to assess and build their clients' federal grant readiness. 

Fielding has a strong reputation for crafting compelling federal grant proposals and supporting organizations pursuing their first federal grant award. She has secured over $85 million with clients focusing on providing underserved St. Louis communities with high-quality and equitable health, behavioral health, education, and economic development.


CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Federal Grants Accelerator: https://www.federalgrantsaccelerator.com/ 

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/fieldingjezreel 

Website: http://jezreelconsulting.com/

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————


This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> In this episode, Holly Rustick from Grant Writing and Funding interviews Fielding Jezreel, CEO of Jezreel Consulting, about the evolving landscape of federal grants. They discuss the challenges and strategies for nonprofits in adapting to new federal grant requirements, the importance of preparation, and the role of DEI in grant writing. Fielding shares insights on how organizations can position themselves for future opportunities and the significance of training in federal grant writing.


ABOUT OUR GUEST


Fielding Jezreel is an accomplished federal grants professional who provides federal grant readiness and grant writing services to St. Louis area nonprofit organizations and local government agencies. Across the country, she trains grant consultants to assess and build their clients' federal grant readiness. 

Fielding has a strong reputation for crafting compelling federal grant proposals and supporting organizations pursuing their first federal grant award. She has secured over $85 million with clients focusing on providing underserved St. Louis communities with high-quality and equitable health, behavioral health, education, and economic development.


CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Federal Grants Accelerator: https://www.federalgrantsaccelerator.com/ 

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/fieldingjezreel 

Website: http://jezreelconsulting.com/

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————


This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> Tue, 23 Dec 2025 07:00:00 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1836 In this episode, Holly Rustick from Grant Writing and Funding interviews Fielding Jezreel, CEO of Jezreel Consulting, about the evolving landscape of federal grants. They discuss the challenges and strategies for nonprofits in adapting to new federal grant requirements, the importance of preparation, and the role of DEI in grant writing. Fielding shares insights on how organizations can position themselves for future opportunities and the significance of training in federal grant writing.


ABOUT OUR GUEST


Fielding Jezreel is an accomplished federal grants professional who provides federal grant readiness and grant writing services to St. Louis area nonprofit organizations and local government agencies. Across the country, she trains grant consultants to assess and build their clients' federal grant readiness. 

Fielding has a strong reputation for crafting compelling federal grant proposals and supporting organizations pursuing their first federal grant award. She has secured over $85 million with clients focusing on providing underserved St. Louis communities with high-quality and equitable health, behavioral health, education, and economic development.


CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Federal Grants Accelerator: https://www.federalgrantsaccelerator.com/ 

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/fieldingjezreel 

Website: http://jezreelconsulting.com/

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————


This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Inside Our $20K Madrid Retreat: The Strategy That Will Fuel A $1B Movement 432 432 Inside Our $20K Madrid Retreat: The Strategy That Will Fuel A $1B Movement full b3fc654f-06d9-4837-8751-f50dacbb8aa2 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/inside-our-20k-madrid-retreat-the-strategy-that-will-fuel-a-1b-movement In this episode of the Grant Writing and Funding Podcast, host Holly Rustic shares an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at a recent team retreat in Madrid, Spain, that cost $20,000. Holly discusses the strategic decisions, deep work, and innovative approaches taken during the retreat, which have already shifted the trajectory of their grant writing and funding movement. Learn about the intense planning, the creation of new curriculum pathways, and the alignment that will support their goal of securing $1 billion in grants and generating $30 million for grant writing businesses by 2030. Holly also shares insights on the importance of investing in your mission, stepping into leadership, and building a supportive, results-driven community.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————


This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> In this episode of the Grant Writing and Funding Podcast, host Holly Rustic shares an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at a recent team retreat in Madrid, Spain, that cost $20,000. Holly discusses the strategic decisions, deep work, and innovative approaches taken during the retreat, which have already shifted the trajectory of their grant writing and funding movement. Learn about the intense planning, the creation of new curriculum pathways, and the alignment that will support their goal of securing $1 billion in grants and generating $30 million for grant writing businesses by 2030. Holly also shares insights on the importance of investing in your mission, stepping into leadership, and building a supportive, results-driven community.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————


This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> Tue, 16 Dec 2025 07:00:00 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1780 In this episode of the Grant Writing and Funding Podcast, host Holly Rustic shares an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at a recent team retreat in Madrid, Spain, that cost $20,000. Holly discusses the strategic decisions, deep work, and innovative approaches taken during the retreat, which have already shifted the trajectory of their grant writing and funding movement. Learn about the intense planning, the creation of new curriculum pathways, and the alignment that will support their goal of securing $1 billion in grants and generating $30 million for grant writing businesses by 2030. Holly also shares insights on the importance of investing in your mission, stepping into leadership, and building a supportive, results-driven community.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————


This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No [Funded Series] What’s Actually Getting Funded? Real Grant Data from Hundreds of Students 431 431 [Funded Series] What’s Actually Getting Funded? Real Grant Data from Hundreds of Students full d6a52bf4-dede-435b-a9ea-f78a0abb364f https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/funded-series-what-s-actually-getting-funded-real-grant-data-from-hundreds-of-students In this new subseries 'Funded.' Learn about the massive movement to secure $1 billion in grants and $30 million for grant writing businesses by 2030. Holly shares success stories, real data, and insights into what's working in grant writing and funding today. Discover practical tips, how to navigate economic and political shifts, and the innovative strategies of their signature programs. Plus, hear from real students about their achievements and experiences in the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 


Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.  https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship 

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————


This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> In this new subseries 'Funded.' Learn about the massive movement to secure $1 billion in grants and $30 million for grant writing businesses by 2030. Holly shares success stories, real data, and insights into what's working in grant writing and funding today. Discover practical tips, how to navigate economic and political shifts, and the innovative strategies of their signature programs. Plus, hear from real students about their achievements and experiences in the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 


Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.  https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship 

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————


This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> Tue, 09 Dec 2025 07:00:00 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1904 In this new subseries 'Funded.' Learn about the massive movement to secure $1 billion in grants and $30 million for grant writing businesses by 2030. Holly shares success stories, real data, and insights into what's working in grant writing and funding today. Discover practical tips, how to navigate economic and political shifts, and the innovative strategies of their signature programs. Plus, hear from real students about their achievements and experiences in the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 


Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.  https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship 

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————


This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Funded by Melinda French Gates: Inside the $60M Innovation Grant Challenge 430 430 Funded by Melinda French Gates: Inside the $60M Innovation Grant Challenge full 5fddfd01-91a1-4694-b0a8-0fa7e8273c4b https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/funded-by-melinda-french-gates-inside-the-60m-innovation-grant-challenge Welcome to the Grant Writing & Funding Podcast! In this episode, host Holly Rustick sits down with Clare Bresnahan English, Senior Director of the Workplace Innovation Now (WIN) Challenge at the Aspen Institute, to break down a massive $60 million grant opportunity for U.S. nonprofits.


Tune in today to listen to this podcast.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE WIN CHALLENGE GRANT

  • Total Grant Monies: $60 Million ($20 million for each Opportunity)
  • How Many Application Opportunities: 3 (Culture and Practices, AI, and Narratives). Yes, you can submit 3 different applications if your nonprofit has programs for all.
  • Eligibility: 501c(3) Nonprofit in the US or Territories (they need to be a lead at least. If you are a different 501 or business, you need a 501c3 who will be the lead)
  • Initial Registration Due Date: Dec. 11th at 5 pm EST. This is a quick registration ONLY and just takes a few minutes.
  • Full Grant Due Date: Each Opportunity has a different due date in January 2026, but only for folks who registered.
  • What the Fund is looking for: Innovative ways to change the workplace culture & practices, making AI more accessible for women in the workplace, and reshaping the narrative for women in the workplace (not us making it worse, NY Times!)
  • More Info: This competition is part of Melinda French Gates’ broader $150 million commitment to tackle the biggest barriers and maximize the opportunities available in quickly evolving workplaces. 
  • Why? Because when women succeed, it benefits all society. Melinda French Gates recently released a short video announcing the effort, emphasizing "When women get what they need to succeed, we all win.”
  • WIN Challenge Website: https://www.winchallenge.org/


Listen to the full podcast to get more information about this grant opportunity if your nonprofit, or your clients, may be eligible.


Extra notes: 

  • Even if your grant doesn’t get awarded, they are getting more investors on board and will share the entire list of ideas for other funders to invest.
  • Even if you aren’t sure if you will apply, REGISTER by Dec. 11th, 2025 at 5 pm EST to be considered.


ABOUT OUR GUEST

Clare Bresnahan English is the Senior Director, Workplace Innovation Now (WIN) Challenge. In this role, she advances innovative, high impact, actionable solutions that lower barriers for women in the workplace, and help women thrive to the benefit of themselves, their families, the economy, and the community at large. Clare has uplifted women’s leadership across government, media, civil society, and the private sector for over 15 years. Before joining The Aspen Institute, she served as CEO for New Leaders Council, a national nonprofit connecting and training local leaders representing a diversity of identities, industries, and issue areas. 

As the former Executive Director She Should Run, Clare helped spark a national movement that supports thousands of women and girls in owning their leadership path and to run for office. A 40 Under 40 Honoree with the Center for Leadership Excellence, Clare’s impact has been recognized as a Fellow with the American Council of Young Political Leaders, New Profit Civic Lab, and Aspen Ideas Festival. She serves on the Board of the Washington English Center, which provides English literacy and workforce development trainings for adult immigrants and refugees. She graduated magna cum laude with a Masters in Public Management from Johns Hopkins University and earned a B.A. in Communications, Law, Economics, and Government from American University.


OTHER RESOURCES:


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————


This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> Welcome to the Grant Writing & Funding Podcast! In this episode, host Holly Rustick sits down with Clare Bresnahan English, Senior Director of the Workplace Innovation Now (WIN) Challenge at the Aspen Institute, to break down a massive $60 million grant opportunity for U.S. nonprofits.


Tune in today to listen to this podcast.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE WIN CHALLENGE GRANT

  • Total Grant Monies: $60 Million ($20 million for each Opportunity)
  • How Many Application Opportunities: 3 (Culture and Practices, AI, and Narratives). Yes, you can submit 3 different applications if your nonprofit has programs for all.
  • Eligibility: 501c(3) Nonprofit in the US or Territories (they need to be a lead at least. If you are a different 501 or business, you need a 501c3 who will be the lead)
  • Initial Registration Due Date: Dec. 11th at 5 pm EST. This is a quick registration ONLY and just takes a few minutes.
  • Full Grant Due Date: Each Opportunity has a different due date in January 2026, but only for folks who registered.
  • What the Fund is looking for: Innovative ways to change the workplace culture & practices, making AI more accessible for women in the workplace, and reshaping the narrative for women in the workplace (not us making it worse, NY Times!)
  • More Info: This competition is part of Melinda French Gates’ broader $150 million commitment to tackle the biggest barriers and maximize the opportunities available in quickly evolving workplaces. 
  • Why? Because when women succeed, it benefits all society. Melinda French Gates recently released a short video announcing the effort, emphasizing "When women get what they need to succeed, we all win.”
  • WIN Challenge Website: https://www.winchallenge.org/


Listen to the full podcast to get more information about this grant opportunity if your nonprofit, or your clients, may be eligible.


Extra notes: 

  • Even if your grant doesn’t get awarded, they are getting more investors on board and will share the entire list of ideas for other funders to invest.
  • Even if you aren’t sure if you will apply, REGISTER by Dec. 11th, 2025 at 5 pm EST to be considered.


ABOUT OUR GUEST

Clare Bresnahan English is the Senior Director, Workplace Innovation Now (WIN) Challenge. In this role, she advances innovative, high impact, actionable solutions that lower barriers for women in the workplace, and help women thrive to the benefit of themselves, their families, the economy, and the community at large. Clare has uplifted women’s leadership across government, media, civil society, and the private sector for over 15 years. Before joining The Aspen Institute, she served as CEO for New Leaders Council, a national nonprofit connecting and training local leaders representing a diversity of identities, industries, and issue areas. 

As the former Executive Director She Should Run, Clare helped spark a national movement that supports thousands of women and girls in owning their leadership path and to run for office. A 40 Under 40 Honoree with the Center for Leadership Excellence, Clare’s impact has been recognized as a Fellow with the American Council of Young Political Leaders, New Profit Civic Lab, and Aspen Ideas Festival. She serves on the Board of the Washington English Center, which provides English literacy and workforce development trainings for adult immigrants and refugees. She graduated magna cum laude with a Masters in Public Management from Johns Hopkins University and earned a B.A. in Communications, Law, Economics, and Government from American University.


OTHER RESOURCES:


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————


This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> Tue, 02 Dec 2025 07:00:00 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2378 Welcome to the Grant Writing & Funding Podcast! In this episode, host Holly Rustick sits down with Clare Bresnahan English, Senior Director of the Workplace Innovation Now (WIN) Challenge at the Aspen Institute, to break down a massive $60 million grant opportunity for U.S. nonprofits.


Tune in today to listen to this podcast.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE WIN CHALLENGE GRANT

  • Total Grant Monies: $60 Million ($20 million for each Opportunity)
  • How Many Application Opportunities: 3 (Culture and Practices, AI, and Narratives). Yes, you can submit 3 different applications if your nonprofit has programs for all.
  • Eligibility: 501c(3) Nonprofit in the US or Territories (they need to be a lead at least. If you are a different 501 or business, you need a 501c3 who will be the lead)
  • Initial Registration Due Date: Dec. 11th at 5 pm EST. This is a quick registration ONLY and just takes a few minutes.
  • Full Grant Due Date: Each Opportunity has a different due date in January 2026, but only for folks who registered.
  • What the Fund is looking for: Innovative ways to change the workplace culture & practices, making AI more accessible for women in the workplace, and reshaping the narrative for women in the workplace (not us making it worse, NY Times!)
  • More Info: This competition is part of Melinda French Gates’ broader $150 million commitment to tackle the biggest barriers and maximize the opportunities available in quickly evolving workplaces. 
  • Why? Because when women succeed, it benefits all society. Melinda French Gates recently released a short video announcing the effort, emphasizing "When women get what they need to succeed, we all win.”
  • WIN Challenge Website: https://www.winchallenge.org/


Listen to the full podcast to get more information about this grant opportunity if your nonprofit, or your clients, may be eligible.


Extra notes: 

  • Even if your grant doesn’t get awarded, they are getting more investors on board and will share the entire list of ideas for other funders to invest.
  • Even if you aren’t sure if you will apply, REGISTER by Dec. 11th, 2025 at 5 pm EST to be considered.


ABOUT OUR GUEST

Clare Bresnahan English is the Senior Director, Workplace Innovation Now (WIN) Challenge. In this role, she advances innovative, high impact, actionable solutions that lower barriers for women in the workplace, and help women thrive to the benefit of themselves, their families, the economy, and the community at large. Clare has uplifted women’s leadership across government, media, civil society, and the private sector for over 15 years. Before joining The Aspen Institute, she served as CEO for New Leaders Council, a national nonprofit connecting and training local leaders representing a diversity of identities, industries, and issue areas. 

As the former Executive Director She Should Run, Clare helped spark a national movement that supports thousands of women and girls in owning their leadership path and to run for office. A 40 Under 40 Honoree with the Center for Leadership Excellence, Clare’s impact has been recognized as a Fellow with the American Council of Young Political Leaders, New Profit Civic Lab, and Aspen Ideas Festival. She serves on the Board of the Washington English Center, which provides English literacy and workforce development trainings for adult immigrants and refugees. She graduated magna cum laude with a Masters in Public Management from Johns Hopkins University and earned a B.A. in Communications, Law, Economics, and Government from American University.


OTHER RESOURCES:


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————


This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No How to Stop Caving When Clients Ask for "Just One More Thing" 429 429 How to Stop Caving When Clients Ask for "Just One More Thing" full 4cf31bfa-9ba1-4f16-b123-fb33411f8ac9 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/how-to-stop-caving-when-clients-ask-for-just-one-more-thing Join host Holly Rustick on the Grant Writing and Funding Podcast as she delves into the essential topic of setting boundaries as a freelance grant writer. Learn how to professionally handle client requests that fall outside the scope of work while maintaining good relationships and avoiding burnout. Holly shares practical advice, including key phrases and strategies, to ensure that freelance grant writers can protect their time, deliver quality work, and run a sustainable business.

Tune in today to listen to this podcast.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————


This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> Join host Holly Rustick on the Grant Writing and Funding Podcast as she delves into the essential topic of setting boundaries as a freelance grant writer. Learn how to professionally handle client requests that fall outside the scope of work while maintaining good relationships and avoiding burnout. Holly shares practical advice, including key phrases and strategies, to ensure that freelance grant writers can protect their time, deliver quality work, and run a sustainable business.

Tune in today to listen to this podcast.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————


This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> Tue, 25 Nov 2025 07:00:00 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 865 Join host Holly Rustick on the Grant Writing and Funding Podcast as she delves into the essential topic of setting boundaries as a freelance grant writer. Learn how to professionally handle client requests that fall outside the scope of work while maintaining good relationships and avoiding burnout. Holly shares practical advice, including key phrases and strategies, to ensure that freelance grant writers can protect their time, deliver quality work, and run a sustainable business.

Tune in today to listen to this podcast.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————


This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Reclaiming Your Worth — What Money Mindset Has to Do with Grant Writing 428 428 Reclaiming Your Worth — What Money Mindset Has to Do with Grant Writing full dcd71afb-e8e0-4707-ac2f-c68b2e7923c3 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/reclaiming-your-worth-what-money-mindset-has-to-do-with-grant-writing Welcome to the Grant Writing & Funding Podcast. In this episode, Holly Rustick explores the importance of money mindset in the nonprofit and freelance grant writing sectors. She shares her personal experiences growing up in poverty and how it influenced her career and pricing strategies


YOU'LL LEARN
-How to reframe your worth as a grant writer
-The difference between charging for time vs. transformation
-Why undercharging hurts both you and your clients
-How to use value-based pricing in your freelance business
-Real success stories from grant writers who tripled their income


This is the episode every grant writer needs to hear — especially if you’ve ever felt guilty about charging what you’re worth.

Tune in today to listen to this podcast.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————


This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> Welcome to the Grant Writing & Funding Podcast. In this episode, Holly Rustick explores the importance of money mindset in the nonprofit and freelance grant writing sectors. She shares her personal experiences growing up in poverty and how it influenced her career and pricing strategies


YOU'LL LEARN
-How to reframe your worth as a grant writer
-The difference between charging for time vs. transformation
-Why undercharging hurts both you and your clients
-How to use value-based pricing in your freelance business
-Real success stories from grant writers who tripled their income


This is the episode every grant writer needs to hear — especially if you’ve ever felt guilty about charging what you’re worth.

Tune in today to listen to this podcast.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————


This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> Tue, 18 Nov 2025 07:00:00 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 707 Welcome to the Grant Writing & Funding Podcast. In this episode, Holly Rustick explores the importance of money mindset in the nonprofit and freelance grant writing sectors. She shares her personal experiences growing up in poverty and how it influenced her career and pricing strategies


YOU'LL LEARN
-How to reframe your worth as a grant writer
-The difference between charging for time vs. transformation
-Why undercharging hurts both you and your clients
-How to use value-based pricing in your freelance business
-Real success stories from grant writers who tripled their income


This is the episode every grant writer needs to hear — especially if you’ve ever felt guilty about charging what you’re worth.

Tune in today to listen to this podcast.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————


This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No The Hidden Path to Invite-Only Grants: Relationship Strategies from a Nonprofit's $1M+ Funding Model 427 427 The Hidden Path to Invite-Only Grants: Relationship Strategies from a Nonprofit's $1M+ Funding Model full 175d8420-0ec4-4ddf-b3c5-a7b70210d13c https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/the-hidden-path-to-invite-only-grants-relationship-strategies-from-a-nonprofits-1m-funding-model Want to land invite-only grants and corporate sponsorships? Hear how Surge for Water built trust-based relationships that unlocked over $1M in funding. Founder Shilpa Alva shares actionable strategies for grant writers and nonprofit leaders to move from cold outreach to long-term funder partnerships, boost corporate support, and secure sustainable funding for water access, menstrual health, and community-led solutions. 


Most grant writers never get access to invite-only funding…but Surge for Water cracked the code. In this episode, founder shares how building trust and transparency helped the nonprofit unlock over $1.7 million in foundation and corporate funding. You’ll learn how relationship-building, cultural sensitivity, and community ownership can position your nonprofit for exclusive funder invitations — not just open calls.

Key Takeaways:
-How Surge for Water earned funder trust before ever applying
-Turning reports into relationship tools
-Steps to get noticed by invite-only grant funders and corporate sponsors
-How community ownership fuels sustainable solutions

Connect with Surge for Water
https://surgeforwater.org/


RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.  https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship 


Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts


Favor, please?

If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!
This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 
———————————————————————————

]]> Want to land invite-only grants and corporate sponsorships? Hear how Surge for Water built trust-based relationships that unlocked over $1M in funding. Founder Shilpa Alva shares actionable strategies for grant writers and nonprofit leaders to move from cold outreach to long-term funder partnerships, boost corporate support, and secure sustainable funding for water access, menstrual health, and community-led solutions. 


Most grant writers never get access to invite-only funding…but Surge for Water cracked the code. In this episode, founder shares how building trust and transparency helped the nonprofit unlock over $1.7 million in foundation and corporate funding. You’ll learn how relationship-building, cultural sensitivity, and community ownership can position your nonprofit for exclusive funder invitations — not just open calls.

Key Takeaways:
-How Surge for Water earned funder trust before ever applying
-Turning reports into relationship tools
-Steps to get noticed by invite-only grant funders and corporate sponsors
-How community ownership fuels sustainable solutions

Connect with Surge for Water
https://surgeforwater.org/


RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.  https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship 


Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts


Favor, please?

If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!
This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 
———————————————————————————

]]> Tue, 11 Nov 2025 07:00:00 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2596 Want to land invite-only grants and corporate sponsorships? Hear how Surge for Water built trust-based relationships that unlocked over $1M in funding. Founder Shilpa Alva shares actionable strategies for grant writers and nonprofit leaders to move from cold outreach to long-term funder partnerships, boost corporate support, and secure sustainable funding for water access, menstrual health, and community-led solutions. 


Most grant writers never get access to invite-only funding…but Surge for Water cracked the code. In this episode, founder shares how building trust and transparency helped the nonprofit unlock over $1.7 million in foundation and corporate funding. You’ll learn how relationship-building, cultural sensitivity, and community ownership can position your nonprofit for exclusive funder invitations — not just open calls.

Key Takeaways:
-How Surge for Water earned funder trust before ever applying
-Turning reports into relationship tools
-Steps to get noticed by invite-only grant funders and corporate sponsors
-How community ownership fuels sustainable solutions

Connect with Surge for Water
https://surgeforwater.org/


RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.  https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship 


Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts


Favor, please?

If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!
This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 
———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Is Marketing and Branding Important for Your Nonprofit? 426 426 Is Marketing and Branding Important for Your Nonprofit? full b5b092e9-f7a7-4a1e-9434-8d55a9e42c25 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/is-marketing-and-branding-important-for-your-nonprofit In this episode, Holly Rustick interviews Marivi V. Bryant, founder of Home Agency, discussing the critical role of marketing and storytelling for nonprofits. They explore how effective branding and a polished online presence can enhance a nonprofit's credibility and attract funding. 

Marivi emphasizes the importance of utilizing social media, creating engaging content, and leveraging available resources, including board members and interns, to build a strategic roadmap for success. The conversation highlights practical steps nonprofits can take to improve their marketing efforts and effectively communicate their mission.


ABOUT OUR GUEST

Marivi Bryant is the Founder and President of HOME Agency, a people-first marketing, branding, and communications firm with clients and team members nationwide. With nearly 25 years of experience across in-house and agency leadership, she built HOME on a simple belief: that marketing done with purpose and humanity can create measurable impact.

Under her leadership, HOME partners with mission-driven organizations, consumer brands, and cultural institutions to deliver strategy, creative, and storytelling that connect brands to people in meaningful ways. Her experience includes guiding marketing strategy, brand development, and community engagement for organizations such as the Phoenix Suns, NASCAR Foundation, State Farm, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and national brands including New Balance, Giant Foods, and Girl Scouts of America.

A native of Venezuela, Marivi came to the United States alone at age 13 to pursue tennis, later earning a Division I scholarship. That early experience taught her perseverance and independence, qualities that continue to shape her leadership today. She is passionate about community building and arts advocacy, serving on the boards of Slow Burn Theatre Company in Fort Lauderdale and Old Town Playhouse in Traverse City. Her past service includes leadership roles with the Blumenthal Center for the Performing Arts, Levine Museum of the New South, Arena Stage, and The Salvation Army of South Florida.

In 2025, she launched the Values in Action Award, a $100,000 pro bono initiative supporting non-profits through strategic marketing and storytelling. The program reflects her commitment to using business as a force for good and creating opportunities for collaboration, growth, and lasting impact.

Marivi continues to champion creativity, equity, and connection in both her professional and personal life. She lives in Michigan with her husband, Mathew, and their children, Logan and Lyla.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

LINKS MENTIONED

RESOURCES:


Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts
Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! 


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!
This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 
———————————————————————————

]]> In this episode, Holly Rustick interviews Marivi V. Bryant, founder of Home Agency, discussing the critical role of marketing and storytelling for nonprofits. They explore how effective branding and a polished online presence can enhance a nonprofit's credibility and attract funding. 

Marivi emphasizes the importance of utilizing social media, creating engaging content, and leveraging available resources, including board members and interns, to build a strategic roadmap for success. The conversation highlights practical steps nonprofits can take to improve their marketing efforts and effectively communicate their mission.


ABOUT OUR GUEST

Marivi Bryant is the Founder and President of HOME Agency, a people-first marketing, branding, and communications firm with clients and team members nationwide. With nearly 25 years of experience across in-house and agency leadership, she built HOME on a simple belief: that marketing done with purpose and humanity can create measurable impact.

Under her leadership, HOME partners with mission-driven organizations, consumer brands, and cultural institutions to deliver strategy, creative, and storytelling that connect brands to people in meaningful ways. Her experience includes guiding marketing strategy, brand development, and community engagement for organizations such as the Phoenix Suns, NASCAR Foundation, State Farm, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and national brands including New Balance, Giant Foods, and Girl Scouts of America.

A native of Venezuela, Marivi came to the United States alone at age 13 to pursue tennis, later earning a Division I scholarship. That early experience taught her perseverance and independence, qualities that continue to shape her leadership today. She is passionate about community building and arts advocacy, serving on the boards of Slow Burn Theatre Company in Fort Lauderdale and Old Town Playhouse in Traverse City. Her past service includes leadership roles with the Blumenthal Center for the Performing Arts, Levine Museum of the New South, Arena Stage, and The Salvation Army of South Florida.

In 2025, she launched the Values in Action Award, a $100,000 pro bono initiative supporting non-profits through strategic marketing and storytelling. The program reflects her commitment to using business as a force for good and creating opportunities for collaboration, growth, and lasting impact.

Marivi continues to champion creativity, equity, and connection in both her professional and personal life. She lives in Michigan with her husband, Mathew, and their children, Logan and Lyla.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

LINKS MENTIONED

RESOURCES:


Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts
Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! 


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!
This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 
———————————————————————————

]]> Tue, 04 Nov 2025 07:00:00 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1614 In this episode, Holly Rustick interviews Marivi V. Bryant, founder of Home Agency, discussing the critical role of marketing and storytelling for nonprofits. They explore how effective branding and a polished online presence can enhance a nonprofit's credibility and attract funding. 

Marivi emphasizes the importance of utilizing social media, creating engaging content, and leveraging available resources, including board members and interns, to build a strategic roadmap for success. The conversation highlights practical steps nonprofits can take to improve their marketing efforts and effectively communicate their mission.


ABOUT OUR GUEST

Marivi Bryant is the Founder and President of HOME Agency, a people-first marketing, branding, and communications firm with clients and team members nationwide. With nearly 25 years of experience across in-house and agency leadership, she built HOME on a simple belief: that marketing done with purpose and humanity can create measurable impact.

Under her leadership, HOME partners with mission-driven organizations, consumer brands, and cultural institutions to deliver strategy, creative, and storytelling that connect brands to people in meaningful ways. Her experience includes guiding marketing strategy, brand development, and community engagement for organizations such as the Phoenix Suns, NASCAR Foundation, State Farm, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and national brands including New Balance, Giant Foods, and Girl Scouts of America.

A native of Venezuela, Marivi came to the United States alone at age 13 to pursue tennis, later earning a Division I scholarship. That early experience taught her perseverance and independence, qualities that continue to shape her leadership today. She is passionate about community building and arts advocacy, serving on the boards of Slow Burn Theatre Company in Fort Lauderdale and Old Town Playhouse in Traverse City. Her past service includes leadership roles with the Blumenthal Center for the Performing Arts, Levine Museum of the New South, Arena Stage, and The Salvation Army of South Florida.

In 2025, she launched the Values in Action Award, a $100,000 pro bono initiative supporting non-profits through strategic marketing and storytelling. The program reflects her commitment to using business as a force for good and creating opportunities for collaboration, growth, and lasting impact.

Marivi continues to champion creativity, equity, and connection in both her professional and personal life. She lives in Michigan with her husband, Mathew, and their children, Logan and Lyla.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

LINKS MENTIONED

RESOURCES:


Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts
Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! 


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!
This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 
———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No From Nonprofit Service to Securing $1M+ in Grants: Veronica’s Journey to Advocacy and Freedom 425 425 From Nonprofit Service to Securing $1M+ in Grants: Veronica’s Journey to Advocacy and Freedom full 8fd0230b-5d97-408f-b0eb-ef0a52303098 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/from-nonprofit-service-to-securing-1m-in-grants-veronica-s-journey-to-advocacy-and-freedom-b9e52ca9-53e9-4d66-b253-566181c0f9e7 Veronica Kulon, CEO of VK Empowerment Solutions, shares her journey from starting a business to becoming an advocate for her clients after joining the Freelance Grant Writer Academy. 


She had been full-time with her business (and working part-time at a job) but she still wasn’t tapping into her financial goals. It wasn’t until she joined the Academy, and got some mindset coaching, that she was then able to secure $1 Million in grants for her clients and $42K in her grant writing business - in just three short months.


She even started law school while in the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, so she can advocate for her social justice nonprofit clients even more. 


Veronica is truly a beacon of nonprofit light in 2025!


ABOUT OUR GUEST

Veronica Kulon, MNM, GPC, began her career as a grant professional in 2012 after obtaining her Master's in Nonprofit Management. With 14 years of experience in the field of grants, she has raised over $22 million from foundations, corporations, and government funders for nonprofits in the areas of poverty alleviation, homelessness, education, workforce development, community development, mental health services, and social justice initiatives. Her mission is to grow the capacity of organizations to meet the needs of underserved communities. 


As Founder and Principal Consultant of VK Empowerment Solutions LLC, Veronica partners with nonprofits, businesses, educational institutions, and public sector agencies to build capacity, secure funding, and drive systemic change. She has also held Grants Manager positions with well-established nonprofits in Atlanta's human services sector and served as a Grant Writer in the Office of Research at Kennesaw State University, where she supported institutional diversity, equity, and inclusion goals through external funding. In addition to her consulting work, Veronica began law school this year at Atlanta's John Marshall Law School to further her commitment to advancing justice and equity. She continues to mentor emerging grant professionals and volunteers with nonprofits advocating for individuals and communities impacted by systemic racism. Veronica holds the Grant Professional Certified (GPC) credential, is a member of the Grant Professionals Association, and currently serves as Vice President of the Georgia Chapter.


CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Veronica's Website

Tune in today to listen to this podcast.
OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————


This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————


]]> Veronica Kulon, CEO of VK Empowerment Solutions, shares her journey from starting a business to becoming an advocate for her clients after joining the Freelance Grant Writer Academy. 


She had been full-time with her business (and working part-time at a job) but she still wasn’t tapping into her financial goals. It wasn’t until she joined the Academy, and got some mindset coaching, that she was then able to secure $1 Million in grants for her clients and $42K in her grant writing business - in just three short months.


She even started law school while in the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, so she can advocate for her social justice nonprofit clients even more. 


Veronica is truly a beacon of nonprofit light in 2025!


ABOUT OUR GUEST

Veronica Kulon, MNM, GPC, began her career as a grant professional in 2012 after obtaining her Master's in Nonprofit Management. With 14 years of experience in the field of grants, she has raised over $22 million from foundations, corporations, and government funders for nonprofits in the areas of poverty alleviation, homelessness, education, workforce development, community development, mental health services, and social justice initiatives. Her mission is to grow the capacity of organizations to meet the needs of underserved communities. 


As Founder and Principal Consultant of VK Empowerment Solutions LLC, Veronica partners with nonprofits, businesses, educational institutions, and public sector agencies to build capacity, secure funding, and drive systemic change. She has also held Grants Manager positions with well-established nonprofits in Atlanta's human services sector and served as a Grant Writer in the Office of Research at Kennesaw State University, where she supported institutional diversity, equity, and inclusion goals through external funding. In addition to her consulting work, Veronica began law school this year at Atlanta's John Marshall Law School to further her commitment to advancing justice and equity. She continues to mentor emerging grant professionals and volunteers with nonprofits advocating for individuals and communities impacted by systemic racism. Veronica holds the Grant Professional Certified (GPC) credential, is a member of the Grant Professionals Association, and currently serves as Vice President of the Georgia Chapter.


CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Veronica's Website

Tune in today to listen to this podcast.
OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————


This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————


]]> Tue, 28 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1823 Veronica Kulon, CEO of VK Empowerment Solutions, shares her journey from starting a business to becoming an advocate for her clients after joining the Freelance Grant Writer Academy. 


She had been full-time with her business (and working part-time at a job) but she still wasn’t tapping into her financial goals. It wasn’t until she joined the Academy, and got some mindset coaching, that she was then able to secure $1 Million in grants for her clients and $42K in her grant writing business - in just three short months.


She even started law school while in the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, so she can advocate for her social justice nonprofit clients even more. 


Veronica is truly a beacon of nonprofit light in 2025!


ABOUT OUR GUEST

Veronica Kulon, MNM, GPC, began her career as a grant professional in 2012 after obtaining her Master's in Nonprofit Management. With 14 years of experience in the field of grants, she has raised over $22 million from foundations, corporations, and government funders for nonprofits in the areas of poverty alleviation, homelessness, education, workforce development, community development, mental health services, and social justice initiatives. Her mission is to grow the capacity of organizations to meet the needs of underserved communities. 


As Founder and Principal Consultant of VK Empowerment Solutions LLC, Veronica partners with nonprofits, businesses, educational institutions, and public sector agencies to build capacity, secure funding, and drive systemic change. She has also held Grants Manager positions with well-established nonprofits in Atlanta's human services sector and served as a Grant Writer in the Office of Research at Kennesaw State University, where she supported institutional diversity, equity, and inclusion goals through external funding. In addition to her consulting work, Veronica began law school this year at Atlanta's John Marshall Law School to further her commitment to advancing justice and equity. She continues to mentor emerging grant professionals and volunteers with nonprofits advocating for individuals and communities impacted by systemic racism. Veronica holds the Grant Professional Certified (GPC) credential, is a member of the Grant Professionals Association, and currently serves as Vice President of the Georgia Chapter.


CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Veronica's Website

Tune in today to listen to this podcast.
OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————


This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————


]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Student Panel "First $100K in the Academy" and Open House "Is the Academy For Me?" Bonus Pop-Up Podcast Student Panel "First $100K in the Academy" and Open House "Is the Academy For Me?" Bonus Pop-Up Podcast bonus e0fead37-ce82-4852-946b-0c10f39df991 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/student-panel-first-100k-in-the-academy-and-open-house-is-the-academy-for-me-bonus-pop-up-podcast This is a POP-UP Bonus Podcast, meaning it WILL disappear soon! It's a replay from our Student Panel, "First $100K in the Academy" and Open House "Is the Academy for Me?"

]]> This is a POP-UP Bonus Podcast, meaning it WILL disappear soon! It's a replay from our Student Panel, "First $100K in the Academy" and Open House "Is the Academy for Me?"

]]> Thu, 23 Oct 2025 06:23:09 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 8215 This is a POP-UP Bonus Podcast, meaning it WILL disappear soon! It's a replay from our Student Panel, "First $100K in the Academy" and Open House "Is the Academy for Me?"

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No How a Social Worker made $149,000 in her Freelance Grant Writing Business in 90 days 423 423 How a Social Worker made $149,000 in her Freelance Grant Writing Business in 90 days full 46a285fe-f926-41e3-9e32-1fea403dcb2e https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/how-a-social-worker-made-149-000-in-her-freelance-grant-writing-business-in-90-days Dr. Eve McGee shares her inspiring journey from the social work sector to more than doubling her revenue and impact as a freelance grant writer.  She went from a draining job to starting her own grant writing business. 


The first year in her own business, with no support was isolating and hard, though. 


So she joined the Freelance Grant Writer Academy.


Within 9 months, she went from earning $1,050 in her business (in ONE year) to nine months later going to $149,000. She also was able to secure $294,500 for her social service clients.


Tune in today to see how she did this! (spoiler alert: she binged the Academy’s CEO mindset videos, got help from me and our coaches on her packages and pricing, and got her grants reviewed with our unlimited grant reviews).



About Dr. Eve McGee

Dr. Eve McGee has dedicated her career to advancing social change. With a background in social work practice and nonprofit leadership, she has a deep understanding of the challenges faced by social service nonprofits, navigating limited resources, securing sustainable funding, and delivering impactful programs to vulnerable communities.


As a seasoned social worker with three decades of direct practice experience, Dr. McGee has worked in community-based organizations, nonprofits, and academic institutions. She has held multiple nonprofit leadership positions and specializes in program design, implementation, and grants management.


Dr. McGee is an advocate, strategist, and problem solver. She holds a doctorate in social work from the University of Missouri-Columbia and a master's degree in social work from the University of Kansas. She also serves on the boards of directors for the Research College of Nursing, the Community Mental Health Fund, and Eitas.

Connect with Dr. Eve McGee

Tune in today to listen to this podcast.
To learn more about the podcast episodes go to https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-writing-podcast/

"Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

Favor, please?

If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Coaches new and experienced grant writers to earn high 5-6 figure incomes writing grants from home!

Get Freelance Grant Writing Spicy Tips when you Join the weekly newsletter series “Write Grants. Get Paid”  https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/
———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!
This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 
———————————————————————————

]]> Dr. Eve McGee shares her inspiring journey from the social work sector to more than doubling her revenue and impact as a freelance grant writer.  She went from a draining job to starting her own grant writing business. 


The first year in her own business, with no support was isolating and hard, though. 


So she joined the Freelance Grant Writer Academy.


Within 9 months, she went from earning $1,050 in her business (in ONE year) to nine months later going to $149,000. She also was able to secure $294,500 for her social service clients.


Tune in today to see how she did this! (spoiler alert: she binged the Academy’s CEO mindset videos, got help from me and our coaches on her packages and pricing, and got her grants reviewed with our unlimited grant reviews).



About Dr. Eve McGee

Dr. Eve McGee has dedicated her career to advancing social change. With a background in social work practice and nonprofit leadership, she has a deep understanding of the challenges faced by social service nonprofits, navigating limited resources, securing sustainable funding, and delivering impactful programs to vulnerable communities.


As a seasoned social worker with three decades of direct practice experience, Dr. McGee has worked in community-based organizations, nonprofits, and academic institutions. She has held multiple nonprofit leadership positions and specializes in program design, implementation, and grants management.


Dr. McGee is an advocate, strategist, and problem solver. She holds a doctorate in social work from the University of Missouri-Columbia and a master's degree in social work from the University of Kansas. She also serves on the boards of directors for the Research College of Nursing, the Community Mental Health Fund, and Eitas.

Connect with Dr. Eve McGee

Tune in today to listen to this podcast.
To learn more about the podcast episodes go to https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-writing-podcast/

"Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

Favor, please?

If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Coaches new and experienced grant writers to earn high 5-6 figure incomes writing grants from home!

Get Freelance Grant Writing Spicy Tips when you Join the weekly newsletter series “Write Grants. Get Paid”  https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/
———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!
This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 
———————————————————————————

]]> Tue, 21 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1386 Dr. Eve McGee shares her inspiring journey from the social work sector to more than doubling her revenue and impact as a freelance grant writer.  She went from a draining job to starting her own grant writing business. 


The first year in her own business, with no support was isolating and hard, though. 


So she joined the Freelance Grant Writer Academy.


Within 9 months, she went from earning $1,050 in her business (in ONE year) to nine months later going to $149,000. She also was able to secure $294,500 for her social service clients.


Tune in today to see how she did this! (spoiler alert: she binged the Academy’s CEO mindset videos, got help from me and our coaches on her packages and pricing, and got her grants reviewed with our unlimited grant reviews).



About Dr. Eve McGee

Dr. Eve McGee has dedicated her career to advancing social change. With a background in social work practice and nonprofit leadership, she has a deep understanding of the challenges faced by social service nonprofits, navigating limited resources, securing sustainable funding, and delivering impactful programs to vulnerable communities.


As a seasoned social worker with three decades of direct practice experience, Dr. McGee has worked in community-based organizations, nonprofits, and academic institutions. She has held multiple nonprofit leadership positions and specializes in program design, implementation, and grants management.


Dr. McGee is an advocate, strategist, and problem solver. She holds a doctorate in social work from the University of Missouri-Columbia and a master's degree in social work from the University of Kansas. She also serves on the boards of directors for the Research College of Nursing, the Community Mental Health Fund, and Eitas.

Connect with Dr. Eve McGee

Tune in today to listen to this podcast.
To learn more about the podcast episodes go to https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-writing-podcast/

"Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

Favor, please?

If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Coaches new and experienced grant writers to earn high 5-6 figure incomes writing grants from home!

Get Freelance Grant Writing Spicy Tips when you Join the weekly newsletter series “Write Grants. Get Paid”  https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/
———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!
This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 
———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Academy FAQ Series #5: Should I Join the Academy if I don't have a Network? Academy FAQ Series #5: Should I Join the Academy if I don't have a Network? bonus 32601f7a-8136-46c3-88cc-503b8a42df63 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/academy-faq-series-5-should-i-join-the-academy-if-i-dont-have-a-network You may be wondering if you can get grant writing clients if you don't have a network, email list, or social media following. YES. Our Academy students get clients without websites, email lists, or on social media.  The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is a 12-Month Group Coaching, Curriculum, and Community program to help aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home.


Doors close to the Academy on Friday, Oct. 24th at 11:59 pm EST. This is the final time doors will be open in 2025. 

https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/


]]> You may be wondering if you can get grant writing clients if you don't have a network, email list, or social media following. YES. Our Academy students get clients without websites, email lists, or on social media.  The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is a 12-Month Group Coaching, Curriculum, and Community program to help aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home.


Doors close to the Academy on Friday, Oct. 24th at 11:59 pm EST. This is the final time doors will be open in 2025. 

https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/


]]> Sun, 19 Oct 2025 11:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 210 You may be wondering if you can get grant writing clients if you don't have a network, email list, or social media following. YES. Our Academy students get clients without websites, email lists, or on social media.  The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is a 12-Month Group Coaching, Curriculum, and Community program to help aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home.


Doors close to the Academy on Friday, Oct. 24th at 11:59 pm EST. This is the final time doors will be open in 2025. 

https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/


]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Academy FAQ Series #6: How Do I Pay Off the Academy or Get an ROI? 1 1 Academy FAQ Series #6: How Do I Pay Off the Academy or Get an ROI? bonus 26bcddbf-d501-4398-953b-1e46eb578297 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/academy-faq-series-6-how-do-i-pay-off-the-academy-or-get-an-roi You may be wanting to join the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, but are wondering HOW to pay for it. Find out with these 8 ways. The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is  a 12-Month Group Coaching, Curriculum, and Community program to help aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home.


Doors close to the Academy on Friday, Oct. 24th at 11:59 pm EST. This is the final time doors will be open in 2025. 

https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/


]]> You may be wanting to join the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, but are wondering HOW to pay for it. Find out with these 8 ways. The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is  a 12-Month Group Coaching, Curriculum, and Community program to help aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home.


Doors close to the Academy on Friday, Oct. 24th at 11:59 pm EST. This is the final time doors will be open in 2025. 

https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/


]]> Sun, 19 Oct 2025 11:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1118 You may be wanting to join the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, but are wondering HOW to pay for it. Find out with these 8 ways. The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is  a 12-Month Group Coaching, Curriculum, and Community program to help aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home.


Doors close to the Academy on Friday, Oct. 24th at 11:59 pm EST. This is the final time doors will be open in 2025. 

https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/


]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Academy FAQ Series #7: Should I Join the Academy if I already Have a Freelance Grant Writing Business? 1 1 Academy FAQ Series #7: Should I Join the Academy if I already Have a Freelance Grant Writing Business? bonus 912e742e-882e-4e94-b41e-c729865d7a8d https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/academy-faq-series-7-should-i-join-the-academy-if-i-already-have-a-freelance-grant-writing-business You may be interested in joining the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, but aren't sure if it's for you since you already have a freelance grant writing business. If you don't have recurring income, filled out your client pipeline, or are still confused about your offers, marketing, or sales... then yes. The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is a 12-Month Group Coaching, Curriculum, and Community program to help aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home.


Doors close to the Academy on Friday, Oct. 24th at 11:59 pm EST. This is the final time doors will be open in 2025. 

https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/


]]> You may be interested in joining the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, but aren't sure if it's for you since you already have a freelance grant writing business. If you don't have recurring income, filled out your client pipeline, or are still confused about your offers, marketing, or sales... then yes. The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is a 12-Month Group Coaching, Curriculum, and Community program to help aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home.


Doors close to the Academy on Friday, Oct. 24th at 11:59 pm EST. This is the final time doors will be open in 2025. 

https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/


]]> Sun, 19 Oct 2025 11:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 625 You may be interested in joining the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, but aren't sure if it's for you since you already have a freelance grant writing business. If you don't have recurring income, filled out your client pipeline, or are still confused about your offers, marketing, or sales... then yes. The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is a 12-Month Group Coaching, Curriculum, and Community program to help aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home.


Doors close to the Academy on Friday, Oct. 24th at 11:59 pm EST. This is the final time doors will be open in 2025. 

https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/


]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Academy FAQ Series #1: Is Grant Writing a Shiny Object Academy FAQ Series #1: Is Grant Writing a Shiny Object bonus 8c11fde3-0ab9-4322-98b2-f1e4ad0c5a3f https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/academy-faq-series-1-is-grant-writing-a-shiny-object You may be wondering if grant writing is a shiny object this year. I'm here to say NO. Grant writing is needed. The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is also NOT a shiny object as it's a 12-Month Group Coaching, Curriculum, and Community program to help aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home.

Doors close to the Academy on Friday, Oct. 24th at 11:59 pm EST. This the final times doors will be open in 2025. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

]]> You may be wondering if grant writing is a shiny object this year. I'm here to say NO. Grant writing is needed. The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is also NOT a shiny object as it's a 12-Month Group Coaching, Curriculum, and Community program to help aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home.

Doors close to the Academy on Friday, Oct. 24th at 11:59 pm EST. This the final times doors will be open in 2025. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

]]> Sun, 19 Oct 2025 11:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 890 You may be wondering if grant writing is a shiny object this year. I'm here to say NO. Grant writing is needed. The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is also NOT a shiny object as it's a 12-Month Group Coaching, Curriculum, and Community program to help aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home.

Doors close to the Academy on Friday, Oct. 24th at 11:59 pm EST. This the final times doors will be open in 2025. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Academy FAQ Series #4: Can I Join the Academy if I Have NO Grant Writing Experience? 1 1 Academy FAQ Series #4: Can I Join the Academy if I Have NO Grant Writing Experience? bonus 5855432e-65a1-412f-921b-ea5b81fd92a0 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/academy-faq-series-4-can-i-join-the-academy-if-i-have-no-grant-writing-experience You may be wanting to join the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, but have no grant writing experience. That is FINE. Changemakers who have never seen a grant before all the way to seasoned 20+year grant writers get value inside the Academy. You learn grant writing and business acumen in our #1 in the Industry program. The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is a 12-Month Group Coaching, Curriculum, and Community program to help aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home.


Doors close to the Academy on Friday, Oct. 24th at 11:59 pm EST. This is the final time doors will be open in 2025. 

https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/


]]> You may be wanting to join the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, but have no grant writing experience. That is FINE. Changemakers who have never seen a grant before all the way to seasoned 20+year grant writers get value inside the Academy. You learn grant writing and business acumen in our #1 in the Industry program. The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is a 12-Month Group Coaching, Curriculum, and Community program to help aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home.


Doors close to the Academy on Friday, Oct. 24th at 11:59 pm EST. This is the final time doors will be open in 2025. 

https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/


]]> Sun, 19 Oct 2025 11:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 487 You may be wanting to join the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, but have no grant writing experience. That is FINE. Changemakers who have never seen a grant before all the way to seasoned 20+year grant writers get value inside the Academy. You learn grant writing and business acumen in our #1 in the Industry program. The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is a 12-Month Group Coaching, Curriculum, and Community program to help aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home.


Doors close to the Academy on Friday, Oct. 24th at 11:59 pm EST. This is the final time doors will be open in 2025. 

https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/


]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Academy FAQ Series #2: Is Now a Good Time to Become a Grant Writer? Academy FAQ Series #2: Is Now a Good Time to Become a Grant Writer? bonus ca623c29-6b20-4187-bcf2-ac29d75cf391 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/academy-faq-series-2-is-now-a-good-time-to-become-a-grant-writer You may be curious if 2025 is a good time to be a grant writer. YES! Nonprofits need you NOW more than ever and are streamlining their budgets to hire freelance grant writers vs. staff grant writers.  The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is a 12-Month Group Coaching, Curriculum, and Community program to help aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home.


Doors close to the Academy on Friday, Oct. 24th at 11:59 pm EST. This is the final time doors will be open in 2025. 

https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/


]]> You may be curious if 2025 is a good time to be a grant writer. YES! Nonprofits need you NOW more than ever and are streamlining their budgets to hire freelance grant writers vs. staff grant writers.  The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is a 12-Month Group Coaching, Curriculum, and Community program to help aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home.


Doors close to the Academy on Friday, Oct. 24th at 11:59 pm EST. This is the final time doors will be open in 2025. 

https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/


]]> Sun, 19 Oct 2025 11:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 575 You may be curious if 2025 is a good time to be a grant writer. YES! Nonprofits need you NOW more than ever and are streamlining their budgets to hire freelance grant writers vs. staff grant writers.  The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is a 12-Month Group Coaching, Curriculum, and Community program to help aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home.


Doors close to the Academy on Friday, Oct. 24th at 11:59 pm EST. This is the final time doors will be open in 2025. 

https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/


]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Academy FAQ Series #3: How Much Time Does it Take in the Academy to Learn Grant Writing and Get Clients? Academy FAQ Series #3: How Much Time Does it Take in the Academy to Learn Grant Writing and Get Clients? bonus 1740f8d0-b71c-42ab-866f-3196192d381e https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/academy-faq-series-3-how-much-time-does-it-take-in-the-academy-to-learn-grant-writing-and-get-clients You may be wondering how long it takes to learn grant writing and to get a paying client in the Freelance Grant Writer Academy. You can do it within 90 days.  The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is a 12-Month Group Coaching, Curriculum, and Community program to help aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home.


Doors close to the Academy on Friday, Oct. 24th at 11:59 pm EST. This is the final time doors will be open in 2025. 

https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/


]]> You may be wondering how long it takes to learn grant writing and to get a paying client in the Freelance Grant Writer Academy. You can do it within 90 days.  The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is a 12-Month Group Coaching, Curriculum, and Community program to help aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home.


Doors close to the Academy on Friday, Oct. 24th at 11:59 pm EST. This is the final time doors will be open in 2025. 

https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/


]]> Sun, 19 Oct 2025 11:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 569 You may be wondering how long it takes to learn grant writing and to get a paying client in the Freelance Grant Writer Academy. You can do it within 90 days.  The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is a 12-Month Group Coaching, Curriculum, and Community program to help aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home.


Doors close to the Academy on Friday, Oct. 24th at 11:59 pm EST. This is the final time doors will be open in 2025. 

https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/


]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No From Freelance Grant Writing on her own to joining the Academy and Earning $40,200 in 30 Days From Freelance Grant Writing on her own to joining the Academy and Earning $40,200 in 30 Days bonus eaf830ce-c46a-4324-8874-0ae3d442382e https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/from-nonprofit-service-to-securing-1m-in-grants-veronica-s-journey-to-advocacy-and-freedom Thu, 16 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1715 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No From FT Job to Laid Off to $7K in Grant Writing in 3 Months 422 422 From FT Job to Laid Off to $7K in Grant Writing in 3 Months full bf820052-8fb9-4719-a81f-f64ea5d684b2 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/from-ft-job-to-laid-off-to-7k-in-grant-writing-in-3-months If you got caught in getting laid off in Academics, Health, or Research in 2025 have you considered being a freelance grant writer? This is what Caitlin did and it paid off.


In this episode, Holly Rustick chats with Caitlin Doran, a student in the Academy and the brains behind Katydid Communications. Caitlin opens up about her leap from getting laid off from a large academic medical center to the world of freelance grant writing. 


Caitlin shares how crucial networking and leaning on her connections were in landing clients. Plus, she talks about how the coaching calls in the Academy, and the community itself, have been game-changers in getting such a huge ROI in her business quickly.


About:

Caitlin Doran is the founder of Katydid Communications, a strategic communications consultancy specializing in health and science. She previously led communications for a $48M NIH-funded research center at a large academic medical center. 

Now she helps nonprofits, scientists, health advocates, and entrepreneurs translate complex health and science topics into messaging that secures funding and sustains their work.

Connect with Caitlin Doran

-Website

-Email
-LinkedIn

Tune in today to listen to this podcast.
To learn more about the podcast episodes go to https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-writing-podcast/

"Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

Favor, please?

If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Coaches new and experienced grant writers to earn high 5-6 figure incomes writing grants from home!

Get Freelance Grant Writing Spicy Tips when you Join the weekly newsletter series “Write Grants. Get Paid”  https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/
———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!
This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 
———————————————————————————

]]> If you got caught in getting laid off in Academics, Health, or Research in 2025 have you considered being a freelance grant writer? This is what Caitlin did and it paid off.


In this episode, Holly Rustick chats with Caitlin Doran, a student in the Academy and the brains behind Katydid Communications. Caitlin opens up about her leap from getting laid off from a large academic medical center to the world of freelance grant writing. 


Caitlin shares how crucial networking and leaning on her connections were in landing clients. Plus, she talks about how the coaching calls in the Academy, and the community itself, have been game-changers in getting such a huge ROI in her business quickly.


About:

Caitlin Doran is the founder of Katydid Communications, a strategic communications consultancy specializing in health and science. She previously led communications for a $48M NIH-funded research center at a large academic medical center. 

Now she helps nonprofits, scientists, health advocates, and entrepreneurs translate complex health and science topics into messaging that secures funding and sustains their work.

Connect with Caitlin Doran

-Website

-Email
-LinkedIn

Tune in today to listen to this podcast.
To learn more about the podcast episodes go to https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-writing-podcast/

"Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

Favor, please?

If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Coaches new and experienced grant writers to earn high 5-6 figure incomes writing grants from home!

Get Freelance Grant Writing Spicy Tips when you Join the weekly newsletter series “Write Grants. Get Paid”  https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/
———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!
This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 
———————————————————————————

]]> Tue, 14 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1751 If you got caught in getting laid off in Academics, Health, or Research in 2025 have you considered being a freelance grant writer? This is what Caitlin did and it paid off.


In this episode, Holly Rustick chats with Caitlin Doran, a student in the Academy and the brains behind Katydid Communications. Caitlin opens up about her leap from getting laid off from a large academic medical center to the world of freelance grant writing. 


Caitlin shares how crucial networking and leaning on her connections were in landing clients. Plus, she talks about how the coaching calls in the Academy, and the community itself, have been game-changers in getting such a huge ROI in her business quickly.


About:

Caitlin Doran is the founder of Katydid Communications, a strategic communications consultancy specializing in health and science. She previously led communications for a $48M NIH-funded research center at a large academic medical center. 

Now she helps nonprofits, scientists, health advocates, and entrepreneurs translate complex health and science topics into messaging that secures funding and sustains their work.

Connect with Caitlin Doran

-Website

-Email
-LinkedIn

Tune in today to listen to this podcast.
To learn more about the podcast episodes go to https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-writing-podcast/

"Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

Favor, please?

If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Coaches new and experienced grant writers to earn high 5-6 figure incomes writing grants from home!

Get Freelance Grant Writing Spicy Tips when you Join the weekly newsletter series “Write Grants. Get Paid”  https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/
———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!
This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 
———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Government Shutdown 2025: How is it Impacting Grant Funding? Government Shutdown 2025: How is it Impacting Grant Funding? bonus 53f20414-7d1e-4420-b79a-174cbca49ce3 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/government-shutdown-2025-how-is-it-impacting-grant-funding Welcome to this episode of Grant Writing & Funding with your host Holly Rustick and special guest Rachel Werner, CEO of RBW Strategy Consulting and principal of My Fed Trainer. In this insightful conversation, Holly and Rachel break down the complexities around the 2025 government shutdown and its direct impact on federal grants, nonprofits, and grant writers.
#grantwriting #grantwriter #government #governmentshutdown #federalgrants #nonprofitfunding #nonprofit #grantfunding 
#trumpadministration 

✅ How the current government shutdown is affecting grant applications, drawdowns, and reporting
✅The real-time impact on nonprofit cash flow, reporting deadlines, and staffing
✅Major regulatory changes and executive orders influencing eligibility and compliance for federal grants
✅The increased need for "grant strategy" over just "grant writing"
✅Practical risk planning and collaboration tips for organizations navigating uncertain funding
✅How the future federal budget may shape grant program priorities—expect major shifts toward workforce development, rural areas, and technology/infrastructure

🔔 Subscribe for more grant writing and nonprofit strategy tips!

➡️ Get My BOOK The Beginner's Guide to Grant Writing: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/book

🌐 Grant Writing & Funding Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com

Connect with Rachel Werner on LinkedIn for real-time updates and expert advice: Rachel Werner on LinkedIn

Explore training and resources tailored for grant professionals at myfedtrainer.com

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell to keep up with all our grant writing & funding episodes.

]]> Welcome to this episode of Grant Writing & Funding with your host Holly Rustick and special guest Rachel Werner, CEO of RBW Strategy Consulting and principal of My Fed Trainer. In this insightful conversation, Holly and Rachel break down the complexities around the 2025 government shutdown and its direct impact on federal grants, nonprofits, and grant writers.
#grantwriting #grantwriter #government #governmentshutdown #federalgrants #nonprofitfunding #nonprofit #grantfunding 
#trumpadministration 

✅ How the current government shutdown is affecting grant applications, drawdowns, and reporting
✅The real-time impact on nonprofit cash flow, reporting deadlines, and staffing
✅Major regulatory changes and executive orders influencing eligibility and compliance for federal grants
✅The increased need for "grant strategy" over just "grant writing"
✅Practical risk planning and collaboration tips for organizations navigating uncertain funding
✅How the future federal budget may shape grant program priorities—expect major shifts toward workforce development, rural areas, and technology/infrastructure

🔔 Subscribe for more grant writing and nonprofit strategy tips!

➡️ Get My BOOK The Beginner's Guide to Grant Writing: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/book

🌐 Grant Writing & Funding Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com

Connect with Rachel Werner on LinkedIn for real-time updates and expert advice: Rachel Werner on LinkedIn

Explore training and resources tailored for grant professionals at myfedtrainer.com

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell to keep up with all our grant writing & funding episodes.

]]> Fri, 10 Oct 2025 08:14:58 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2140 Welcome to this episode of Grant Writing & Funding with your host Holly Rustick and special guest Rachel Werner, CEO of RBW Strategy Consulting and principal of My Fed Trainer. In this insightful conversation, Holly and Rachel break down the complexities around the 2025 government shutdown and its direct impact on federal grants, nonprofits, and grant writers.
#grantwriting #grantwriter #government #governmentshutdown #federalgrants #nonprofitfunding #nonprofit #grantfunding 
#trumpadministration 

✅ How the current government shutdown is affecting grant applications, drawdowns, and reporting
✅The real-time impact on nonprofit cash flow, reporting deadlines, and staffing
✅Major regulatory changes and executive orders influencing eligibility and compliance for federal grants
✅The increased need for "grant strategy" over just "grant writing"
✅Practical risk planning and collaboration tips for organizations navigating uncertain funding
✅How the future federal budget may shape grant program priorities—expect major shifts toward workforce development, rural areas, and technology/infrastructure

🔔 Subscribe for more grant writing and nonprofit strategy tips!

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Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell to keep up with all our grant writing & funding episodes.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Get Clients as a Grant Writer 5-Part Series: #5 Stop Basing Your Success on Grants Won Get Clients as a Grant Writer 5-Part Series: #5 Stop Basing Your Success on Grants Won bonus 20141acb-6a80-400f-a94e-690324489d70 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/get-clients-as-a-grant-writer-5-part-series-5-stop-basing-your-success-on-grants-won A lot of grant writers feel like they are in an impossible situation when asked about their ‘grant writing success rate’. As if the only measurement of your success as a grant writer is based on the grants you have won.


Some places on the internet state that there are ‘good’ percentage win rates for grant writers. 


Honestly, ‘grant writer success rates’ are crap. 

  • If you are working with start-up nonprofits, chances are your wins could be less than working with larger, established nonprofits that already receive grant funding. 
  • If you are working with certain cause areas, it might not be as ‘sexy’ to fund the cause area during these times as funding another cause area. 
  • If you are working in certain geographic areas, it may not be as easy to win grants for that area vs. other areas.

There are so many reasons outside of a grant writer's control that make ‘grant success rates’ bogus.

Not convinced yet? Let’s flip it on its head. 

Holly has only ever written one grant and it gets awarded for $500.

Jonathan wrote 100 grants and got 70 awarded for a total of $13 million. 

Holly has a 100% grant success rate vs. Jonathan with a 70% grant success rate.

See how this can be flippant?

What is a better measurement of success are your deliverables.

1. Helping nonprofits develop and build relationships with funders

Because of the work that our students have done with helping their nonprofit clients develop relationships with funders, in 2025 those funders reached directly out to their clients and offered more money or unrestricted funding (without the nonprofit even asking).

One student said “My equity-focused client had a Foundation reach out to them to award an emergency $100K grant with NO action needed to receive it (no application!) just because of the political climate, recognizing that now is the time they need support.”

2. Developing Master Grant Templates that help the organization get clarity

When you are creating Master Grant Templates for your clients, this will help ground a visionary Executive Director and engage the board in more effective ways. 


This is VERY valuable,  even if you never write grants for the organization, because you help the organization stop mission drifting and burning everyone out. 


The board also gets clear on what needs to get done, how much funding is actually needed (instead of ambiguous figures), and they become more involved.

3. Getting things organized to preserve institutional knowledge

What does this mean? Well, you get all the documents organized (or developed) that nonprofits need when submitting grants. I can’t tell you how many nonprofits don’t know where their IRS Tax Exemption letter is, haven’t developed a budget for a program, or have bios for their board members.

Even if they do, chances are it is all on one person’s computer, in folders only that one person can understand, and if that person leaves (or their old computer crashes) everything is lost.

4. Creating a grant prospecting calendar with aligned funders

Having a strategy to submit to 15-20 aligned funders over a period of time vs. 100 applications over a weekend is a surer strategy to get funding.


This is hugely valuable to know how to find funders that align and will be competitive to get funding.

5. Not burning out the entire Executive Director with (last minute) grant writing 

Having a grant writer, actually write grants, instead of an Executive Director working an entire weekend is VERY valuable. Even if all of your grants don’t get awarded, you are doing the work so they don’t have to. 

When you go into a Sales Call as a grant writer, you need to emphasize the other value of work (not just grant wins). 

Remember, you are not just a grant writer. You are a grant strategist. Even if you never win a grant (which many organizations won’t get in their first year), you are building the capacity for grants, and other types of funding, for the nonprofit. They will be READY to receive any type of funding and be able to manage and implement it.


Find out more about the Freelance Grant Writer Academy: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/


]]> A lot of grant writers feel like they are in an impossible situation when asked about their ‘grant writing success rate’. As if the only measurement of your success as a grant writer is based on the grants you have won.


Some places on the internet state that there are ‘good’ percentage win rates for grant writers. 


Honestly, ‘grant writer success rates’ are crap. 

  • If you are working with start-up nonprofits, chances are your wins could be less than working with larger, established nonprofits that already receive grant funding. 
  • If you are working with certain cause areas, it might not be as ‘sexy’ to fund the cause area during these times as funding another cause area. 
  • If you are working in certain geographic areas, it may not be as easy to win grants for that area vs. other areas.

There are so many reasons outside of a grant writer's control that make ‘grant success rates’ bogus.

Not convinced yet? Let’s flip it on its head. 

Holly has only ever written one grant and it gets awarded for $500.

Jonathan wrote 100 grants and got 70 awarded for a total of $13 million. 

Holly has a 100% grant success rate vs. Jonathan with a 70% grant success rate.

See how this can be flippant?

What is a better measurement of success are your deliverables.

1. Helping nonprofits develop and build relationships with funders

Because of the work that our students have done with helping their nonprofit clients develop relationships with funders, in 2025 those funders reached directly out to their clients and offered more money or unrestricted funding (without the nonprofit even asking).

One student said “My equity-focused client had a Foundation reach out to them to award an emergency $100K grant with NO action needed to receive it (no application!) just because of the political climate, recognizing that now is the time they need support.”

2. Developing Master Grant Templates that help the organization get clarity

When you are creating Master Grant Templates for your clients, this will help ground a visionary Executive Director and engage the board in more effective ways. 


This is VERY valuable,  even if you never write grants for the organization, because you help the organization stop mission drifting and burning everyone out. 


The board also gets clear on what needs to get done, how much funding is actually needed (instead of ambiguous figures), and they become more involved.

3. Getting things organized to preserve institutional knowledge

What does this mean? Well, you get all the documents organized (or developed) that nonprofits need when submitting grants. I can’t tell you how many nonprofits don’t know where their IRS Tax Exemption letter is, haven’t developed a budget for a program, or have bios for their board members.

Even if they do, chances are it is all on one person’s computer, in folders only that one person can understand, and if that person leaves (or their old computer crashes) everything is lost.

4. Creating a grant prospecting calendar with aligned funders

Having a strategy to submit to 15-20 aligned funders over a period of time vs. 100 applications over a weekend is a surer strategy to get funding.


This is hugely valuable to know how to find funders that align and will be competitive to get funding.

5. Not burning out the entire Executive Director with (last minute) grant writing 

Having a grant writer, actually write grants, instead of an Executive Director working an entire weekend is VERY valuable. Even if all of your grants don’t get awarded, you are doing the work so they don’t have to. 

When you go into a Sales Call as a grant writer, you need to emphasize the other value of work (not just grant wins). 

Remember, you are not just a grant writer. You are a grant strategist. Even if you never win a grant (which many organizations won’t get in their first year), you are building the capacity for grants, and other types of funding, for the nonprofit. They will be READY to receive any type of funding and be able to manage and implement it.


Find out more about the Freelance Grant Writer Academy: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/


]]> Thu, 09 Oct 2025 04:19:17 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 875 A lot of grant writers feel like they are in an impossible situation when asked about their ‘grant writing success rate’. As if the only measurement of your success as a grant writer is based on the grants you have won.


Some places on the internet state that there are ‘good’ percentage win rates for grant writers. 


Honestly, ‘grant writer success rates’ are crap. 

  • If you are working with start-up nonprofits, chances are your wins could be less than working with larger, established nonprofits that already receive grant funding. 
  • If you are working with certain cause areas, it might not be as ‘sexy’ to fund the cause area during these times as funding another cause area. 
  • If you are working in certain geographic areas, it may not be as easy to win grants for that area vs. other areas.

There are so many reasons outside of a grant writer's control that make ‘grant success rates’ bogus.

Not convinced yet? Let’s flip it on its head. 

Holly has only ever written one grant and it gets awarded for $500.

Jonathan wrote 100 grants and got 70 awarded for a total of $13 million. 

Holly has a 100% grant success rate vs. Jonathan with a 70% grant success rate.

See how this can be flippant?

What is a better measurement of success are your deliverables.

1. Helping nonprofits develop and build relationships with funders

Because of the work that our students have done with helping their nonprofit clients develop relationships with funders, in 2025 those funders reached directly out to their clients and offered more money or unrestricted funding (without the nonprofit even asking).

One student said “My equity-focused client had a Foundation reach out to them to award an emergency $100K grant with NO action needed to receive it (no application!) just because of the political climate, recognizing that now is the time they need support.”

2. Developing Master Grant Templates that help the organization get clarity

When you are creating Master Grant Templates for your clients, this will help ground a visionary Executive Director and engage the board in more effective ways. 


This is VERY valuable,  even if you never write grants for the organization, because you help the organization stop mission drifting and burning everyone out. 


The board also gets clear on what needs to get done, how much funding is actually needed (instead of ambiguous figures), and they become more involved.

3. Getting things organized to preserve institutional knowledge

What does this mean? Well, you get all the documents organized (or developed) that nonprofits need when submitting grants. I can’t tell you how many nonprofits don’t know where their IRS Tax Exemption letter is, haven’t developed a budget for a program, or have bios for their board members.

Even if they do, chances are it is all on one person’s computer, in folders only that one person can understand, and if that person leaves (or their old computer crashes) everything is lost.

4. Creating a grant prospecting calendar with aligned funders

Having a strategy to submit to 15-20 aligned funders over a period of time vs. 100 applications over a weekend is a surer strategy to get funding.


This is hugely valuable to know how to find funders that align and will be competitive to get funding.

5. Not burning out the entire Executive Director with (last minute) grant writing 

Having a grant writer, actually write grants, instead of an Executive Director working an entire weekend is VERY valuable. Even if all of your grants don’t get awarded, you are doing the work so they don’t have to. 

When you go into a Sales Call as a grant writer, you need to emphasize the other value of work (not just grant wins). 

Remember, you are not just a grant writer. You are a grant strategist. Even if you never win a grant (which many organizations won’t get in their first year), you are building the capacity for grants, and other types of funding, for the nonprofit. They will be READY to receive any type of funding and be able to manage and implement it.


Find out more about the Freelance Grant Writer Academy: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/


]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Get Clients as a Grant Writer 5-Part Series: #4 Stop Overpricing in 2025 Get Clients as a Grant Writer 5-Part Series: #4 Stop Overpricing in 2025 bonus 1a9966ef-17bc-47d5-8b3e-1084768c861f https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/get-clients-as-a-grant-writer-5-part-series-4-stop-overpricing-in-2025 A concept that I have been talking about this year is doing the MVP. Now you may have heard the term MVP before, with the acronym standing for Minimum Viable Product. 


But my MVP concept stands for Minimum VALUE Product.


You want to deliver something more than just a ‘viable’ product, hence the word ‘VALUE’.


What I have seen after working with more than 300 freelance grant writers in 2025 (and literally more than 1,000 over the last 10 years) is that many of you are all adding fluff to your contracts thinking it will help sell, BUT IT ONLY MAKES YOU OVERPRICED.


This is an important note, especially in 2025 when streamlining is the word for every organization.


In 2025 and 2026, nonprofits and organizations want:

  • grant funding 
  • to know the ways to get them to that funding
  • to be updated on what is going on in the grant funding world.

You need to do the work that will DRIVE forward the MOST VALUE for your client, without fluff. 

  1. Figure out what is the minimum you can do to GET VALUABLE Results. 
  2. Cut out the fluff from your contracts. 
  3. Price appropriately.
  4. Stop delivering more than what you are getting paid to do.

Now, I am not saying to take out what is important, but I am asking you to examine what needs to get done now and to what depth.


Overpitching right now doesn’t make sense. And it probably makes you overpriced.

  • If you can get results by writing 15 grants, stop pitching to write 35 grants.
  • If that full-on Nonprofit Wellness Audit can be cut down to a DIY (vs. Done-For-You), then do it.
  • If finding 25 grant funding prospects vs. 50 grant funding prospects makes sense, do it.
  • If weekly meetings can be cut to monthly, do it.
  • If live meetings can be turned into loom wrap-up videos you send over, do it.

Cut the work down for you so you can do the MINIMUM VALUE PRODUCT for your clients right now.

To find out more about how hundreds of freelance grant writers determine their Minimum Value Product, join the Freelance Grant Writer Academy: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

]]> A concept that I have been talking about this year is doing the MVP. Now you may have heard the term MVP before, with the acronym standing for Minimum Viable Product. 


But my MVP concept stands for Minimum VALUE Product.


You want to deliver something more than just a ‘viable’ product, hence the word ‘VALUE’.


What I have seen after working with more than 300 freelance grant writers in 2025 (and literally more than 1,000 over the last 10 years) is that many of you are all adding fluff to your contracts thinking it will help sell, BUT IT ONLY MAKES YOU OVERPRICED.


This is an important note, especially in 2025 when streamlining is the word for every organization.


In 2025 and 2026, nonprofits and organizations want:

  • grant funding 
  • to know the ways to get them to that funding
  • to be updated on what is going on in the grant funding world.

You need to do the work that will DRIVE forward the MOST VALUE for your client, without fluff. 

  1. Figure out what is the minimum you can do to GET VALUABLE Results. 
  2. Cut out the fluff from your contracts. 
  3. Price appropriately.
  4. Stop delivering more than what you are getting paid to do.

Now, I am not saying to take out what is important, but I am asking you to examine what needs to get done now and to what depth.


Overpitching right now doesn’t make sense. And it probably makes you overpriced.

  • If you can get results by writing 15 grants, stop pitching to write 35 grants.
  • If that full-on Nonprofit Wellness Audit can be cut down to a DIY (vs. Done-For-You), then do it.
  • If finding 25 grant funding prospects vs. 50 grant funding prospects makes sense, do it.
  • If weekly meetings can be cut to monthly, do it.
  • If live meetings can be turned into loom wrap-up videos you send over, do it.

Cut the work down for you so you can do the MINIMUM VALUE PRODUCT for your clients right now.

To find out more about how hundreds of freelance grant writers determine their Minimum Value Product, join the Freelance Grant Writer Academy: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

]]> Thu, 09 Oct 2025 04:16:21 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 577 A concept that I have been talking about this year is doing the MVP. Now you may have heard the term MVP before, with the acronym standing for Minimum Viable Product. 


But my MVP concept stands for Minimum VALUE Product.


You want to deliver something more than just a ‘viable’ product, hence the word ‘VALUE’.


What I have seen after working with more than 300 freelance grant writers in 2025 (and literally more than 1,000 over the last 10 years) is that many of you are all adding fluff to your contracts thinking it will help sell, BUT IT ONLY MAKES YOU OVERPRICED.


This is an important note, especially in 2025 when streamlining is the word for every organization.


In 2025 and 2026, nonprofits and organizations want:

  • grant funding 
  • to know the ways to get them to that funding
  • to be updated on what is going on in the grant funding world.

You need to do the work that will DRIVE forward the MOST VALUE for your client, without fluff. 

  1. Figure out what is the minimum you can do to GET VALUABLE Results. 
  2. Cut out the fluff from your contracts. 
  3. Price appropriately.
  4. Stop delivering more than what you are getting paid to do.

Now, I am not saying to take out what is important, but I am asking you to examine what needs to get done now and to what depth.


Overpitching right now doesn’t make sense. And it probably makes you overpriced.

  • If you can get results by writing 15 grants, stop pitching to write 35 grants.
  • If that full-on Nonprofit Wellness Audit can be cut down to a DIY (vs. Done-For-You), then do it.
  • If finding 25 grant funding prospects vs. 50 grant funding prospects makes sense, do it.
  • If weekly meetings can be cut to monthly, do it.
  • If live meetings can be turned into loom wrap-up videos you send over, do it.

Cut the work down for you so you can do the MINIMUM VALUE PRODUCT for your clients right now.

To find out more about how hundreds of freelance grant writers determine their Minimum Value Product, join the Freelance Grant Writer Academy: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Get Clients as a Grant Writer 5-Part Series: #3 Stop Overworking Get Clients as a Grant Writer 5-Part Series: #3 Stop Overworking bonus 5da4c746-99ca-4f5f-80fa-1f8171e1be83 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/get-clients-as-a-grant-writer-5-part-series-3-stop-overworking You may be thinking about learning how to write grants and you think it will take too much time OR you may be a freelance grant writer and be stuck in client work.

What I have seen after working with more than 500 freelance grant writers in the last two years (and literally thousands over the last 10 years), is that many of you are overworking yourselves.

Why are you doing this? Well, let me know if this sounds familiar:

  • You are taking the ‘employee’ mentality into your freelance grant writing business AND ARE scope-creeping, i.e. doing work OUTSIDE of your deliverables.

Your client also has a tipping point of value from you. 

If you deliver the value you both agreed to delivering (i.e. X number of grants in X timeframe for $X) then they should be happy.

But…

  • You want your client to ‘like’ you, so you overwork
  • You feel bad a grant didn’t get awarded so you ‘work for free’ on one

You think this overworking makes them value you, but here’s what happens:

  • Your clients feel weird because they aren’t sure if they should pay you more
  • Or worse yet, they may expect you to overwork in the future. 

Then this results:

  • You feel bitter at the client because you set them up with an unsustainable expectation.

Stay within the bounds of your contract. Put together a scope of work that will get them results AND STAY WITHIN IT.


They agreed to the price and deliverables. You agreed to doing them.


This is GOLDEN and it’s why most people join the Academy who have existing freelance grant writing businesses. 

You can run a streamlined and neutral business that delivers value and makes your clients happy. 

You can feel and BE appreciated for your scope of work.

Find out more about the Freelance Grant Writer Academy: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/


]]> You may be thinking about learning how to write grants and you think it will take too much time OR you may be a freelance grant writer and be stuck in client work.

What I have seen after working with more than 500 freelance grant writers in the last two years (and literally thousands over the last 10 years), is that many of you are overworking yourselves.

Why are you doing this? Well, let me know if this sounds familiar:

  • You are taking the ‘employee’ mentality into your freelance grant writing business AND ARE scope-creeping, i.e. doing work OUTSIDE of your deliverables.

Your client also has a tipping point of value from you. 

If you deliver the value you both agreed to delivering (i.e. X number of grants in X timeframe for $X) then they should be happy.

But…

  • You want your client to ‘like’ you, so you overwork
  • You feel bad a grant didn’t get awarded so you ‘work for free’ on one

You think this overworking makes them value you, but here’s what happens:

  • Your clients feel weird because they aren’t sure if they should pay you more
  • Or worse yet, they may expect you to overwork in the future. 

Then this results:

  • You feel bitter at the client because you set them up with an unsustainable expectation.

Stay within the bounds of your contract. Put together a scope of work that will get them results AND STAY WITHIN IT.


They agreed to the price and deliverables. You agreed to doing them.


This is GOLDEN and it’s why most people join the Academy who have existing freelance grant writing businesses. 

You can run a streamlined and neutral business that delivers value and makes your clients happy. 

You can feel and BE appreciated for your scope of work.

Find out more about the Freelance Grant Writer Academy: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/


]]> Thu, 09 Oct 2025 04:13:22 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 558 You may be thinking about learning how to write grants and you think it will take too much time OR you may be a freelance grant writer and be stuck in client work.

What I have seen after working with more than 500 freelance grant writers in the last two years (and literally thousands over the last 10 years), is that many of you are overworking yourselves.

Why are you doing this? Well, let me know if this sounds familiar:

  • You are taking the ‘employee’ mentality into your freelance grant writing business AND ARE scope-creeping, i.e. doing work OUTSIDE of your deliverables.

Your client also has a tipping point of value from you. 

If you deliver the value you both agreed to delivering (i.e. X number of grants in X timeframe for $X) then they should be happy.

But…

  • You want your client to ‘like’ you, so you overwork
  • You feel bad a grant didn’t get awarded so you ‘work for free’ on one

You think this overworking makes them value you, but here’s what happens:

  • Your clients feel weird because they aren’t sure if they should pay you more
  • Or worse yet, they may expect you to overwork in the future. 

Then this results:

  • You feel bitter at the client because you set them up with an unsustainable expectation.

Stay within the bounds of your contract. Put together a scope of work that will get them results AND STAY WITHIN IT.


They agreed to the price and deliverables. You agreed to doing them.


This is GOLDEN and it’s why most people join the Academy who have existing freelance grant writing businesses. 

You can run a streamlined and neutral business that delivers value and makes your clients happy. 

You can feel and BE appreciated for your scope of work.

Find out more about the Freelance Grant Writer Academy: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/


]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Get Clients as a Grant Writer 5-Part Series: #2 Stop Calling Yourself a Grant Writer Get Clients as a Grant Writer 5-Part Series: #2 Stop Calling Yourself a Grant Writer bonus 523d36f6-50d7-457b-8454-742c1620d1ae https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/get-clients-as-a-grant-writer-5-part-series-2-stop-calling-yourself-a-grant-writer You don’t just write grants. You are a grant strategist. 

You just aren’t positioning yourself as one.

We are seeing that Academy students who are leaning into positioning themselves as a Grant Strategist vs. Grant Writer are doing BETTER this year in booking out their businesses.

What a Grant Strategist Does in 2025-2026

  • Stays on top of changes in grants (at least in your cause area: i.e., DOE grants, etc.)
  • Attends new webinars for grants and makes ‘go or no-go decisions’ on grants for nonprofits
  • Meets monthly with clients and lets them know of updates, tasks, etc.
  • Prospects for grant funding
  • Creates strategies for their clients to develop relationships with funders (can be easy as a script)
  • Writes grants after talking through budgets, priorities, and work plans with nonprofits
  • And more…

If you already are a grant writer, you have already done the above. You just haven’t marketed yourself with the above OR given yourself the permission to take a beat from the writing and lean into the above more (even though you know it’s vital).

Here’s your permission.

Organizations need to focus on running their nonprofits/organizations. They need you to pay attention to the grant funding side. 

AND Nonprofits and organizations are PAYING grant writers to be grant strategists in 2025 and for the foreseeable future.


We got the receipts. 

It’s no surprise that overall our students (like any sizable sample size of grant writers in 2025) raised LESS grant money as compared to 2024 (obvi, with all the grant freezes, etc.).

  • 2024, our students won: $138million in grants
  • 2025 (to date), our students won: $48million in grants

That’s a huge difference and it makes sense with all the pauses at the beginning of the year. This is NO surprise as this hit across the sector. While some grant writers saw no impact, many federal grant writers got hit at the beginning of the year.

AND IT’S STILL A LOT OF MONEY THAT WE WERE ABLE TO WIN!

Literally millions of dollars. 🤯

BUT what’s super interesting here is the money student MADE in their freelance grant writing businesses, i.e. clients paid them:

  • 2024, our students made: $4.1million money in their businesses
  • 2025 (to date), our students made: $3.4+million in their businesses

This is MIND BLOWING as it proves that dollar signs are NOT the only reason organizations are hiring you!

We are ON TRACK for students to MAKE MORE MONEY in their businesses in 2025 vs. 2024!

Organizations need your mind as a grant strategist in 2025, and for the rest of time. 

Find out more about the Freelance Grant Writer Academy: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/academy


]]> You don’t just write grants. You are a grant strategist. 

You just aren’t positioning yourself as one.

We are seeing that Academy students who are leaning into positioning themselves as a Grant Strategist vs. Grant Writer are doing BETTER this year in booking out their businesses.

What a Grant Strategist Does in 2025-2026

  • Stays on top of changes in grants (at least in your cause area: i.e., DOE grants, etc.)
  • Attends new webinars for grants and makes ‘go or no-go decisions’ on grants for nonprofits
  • Meets monthly with clients and lets them know of updates, tasks, etc.
  • Prospects for grant funding
  • Creates strategies for their clients to develop relationships with funders (can be easy as a script)
  • Writes grants after talking through budgets, priorities, and work plans with nonprofits
  • And more…

If you already are a grant writer, you have already done the above. You just haven’t marketed yourself with the above OR given yourself the permission to take a beat from the writing and lean into the above more (even though you know it’s vital).

Here’s your permission.

Organizations need to focus on running their nonprofits/organizations. They need you to pay attention to the grant funding side. 

AND Nonprofits and organizations are PAYING grant writers to be grant strategists in 2025 and for the foreseeable future.


We got the receipts. 

It’s no surprise that overall our students (like any sizable sample size of grant writers in 2025) raised LESS grant money as compared to 2024 (obvi, with all the grant freezes, etc.).

  • 2024, our students won: $138million in grants
  • 2025 (to date), our students won: $48million in grants

That’s a huge difference and it makes sense with all the pauses at the beginning of the year. This is NO surprise as this hit across the sector. While some grant writers saw no impact, many federal grant writers got hit at the beginning of the year.

AND IT’S STILL A LOT OF MONEY THAT WE WERE ABLE TO WIN!

Literally millions of dollars. 🤯

BUT what’s super interesting here is the money student MADE in their freelance grant writing businesses, i.e. clients paid them:

  • 2024, our students made: $4.1million money in their businesses
  • 2025 (to date), our students made: $3.4+million in their businesses

This is MIND BLOWING as it proves that dollar signs are NOT the only reason organizations are hiring you!

We are ON TRACK for students to MAKE MORE MONEY in their businesses in 2025 vs. 2024!

Organizations need your mind as a grant strategist in 2025, and for the rest of time. 

Find out more about the Freelance Grant Writer Academy: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/academy


]]> Thu, 09 Oct 2025 04:10:33 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 818 You don’t just write grants. You are a grant strategist. 

You just aren’t positioning yourself as one.

We are seeing that Academy students who are leaning into positioning themselves as a Grant Strategist vs. Grant Writer are doing BETTER this year in booking out their businesses.

What a Grant Strategist Does in 2025-2026

  • Stays on top of changes in grants (at least in your cause area: i.e., DOE grants, etc.)
  • Attends new webinars for grants and makes ‘go or no-go decisions’ on grants for nonprofits
  • Meets monthly with clients and lets them know of updates, tasks, etc.
  • Prospects for grant funding
  • Creates strategies for their clients to develop relationships with funders (can be easy as a script)
  • Writes grants after talking through budgets, priorities, and work plans with nonprofits
  • And more…

If you already are a grant writer, you have already done the above. You just haven’t marketed yourself with the above OR given yourself the permission to take a beat from the writing and lean into the above more (even though you know it’s vital).

Here’s your permission.

Organizations need to focus on running their nonprofits/organizations. They need you to pay attention to the grant funding side. 

AND Nonprofits and organizations are PAYING grant writers to be grant strategists in 2025 and for the foreseeable future.


We got the receipts. 

It’s no surprise that overall our students (like any sizable sample size of grant writers in 2025) raised LESS grant money as compared to 2024 (obvi, with all the grant freezes, etc.).

  • 2024, our students won: $138million in grants
  • 2025 (to date), our students won: $48million in grants

That’s a huge difference and it makes sense with all the pauses at the beginning of the year. This is NO surprise as this hit across the sector. While some grant writers saw no impact, many federal grant writers got hit at the beginning of the year.

AND IT’S STILL A LOT OF MONEY THAT WE WERE ABLE TO WIN!

Literally millions of dollars. 🤯

BUT what’s super interesting here is the money student MADE in their freelance grant writing businesses, i.e. clients paid them:

  • 2024, our students made: $4.1million money in their businesses
  • 2025 (to date), our students made: $3.4+million in their businesses

This is MIND BLOWING as it proves that dollar signs are NOT the only reason organizations are hiring you!

We are ON TRACK for students to MAKE MORE MONEY in their businesses in 2025 vs. 2024!

Organizations need your mind as a grant strategist in 2025, and for the rest of time. 

Find out more about the Freelance Grant Writer Academy: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/academy


]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Get Clients as a Grant Writer 5-Part Series: #1 Stop Writing Grants Get Clients as a Grant Writer 5-Part Series: #1 Stop Writing Grants bonus 561dd0ef-25cb-4127-b7f2-bdd2ca0a285e https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/get-clients-as-a-grant-writer-5-part-series-1-stop-writing-grants
Changemakers in the Academy have made $3,470,242 (and growing every day) in their grant writing businesses so far in 2025. 🔥

They’ve also secured more than $48 million in funding for their clients. 🤑

How are they doing it?

They are utilizing our Grant and Funding frameworks built on 20+ years of experience.

One mantra that I have always had is, “Don’t be 100% reliant on grant funding.”

I might be known as the grant writing girlie, but I’ve actually helped organizations get a lot of diverse funding.

And I’m doing that today, and teaching others how to do it.

With the number of grants going out over the last four years, it was easy for us grant writers to lean into just writing grants. 

But it hasn’t always been like that. I’ve helped nonprofits with:

  • Corporate solicitations
  • Individual donor campaigns
  • Giving Tuesday campaigns
  • Social media and newsletters
  • Website copy
  • Presentations
  • Fundraising events
  • Consultations
  • And more

We have added these trainings into the Academy this year. 

And students have diversified their services for nonprofit clients. 

They aren’t just writing grants. They are doing other things.

These are called Funding Assets.

When you take your Master Grant Application and repurpose it into a Corporate Solicitation Letter, this is now a Funding Asset.

So for many Academy members, they are getting more clients this year because they take our Funding Asset training (and templates and resources) and then integrate them into their services.

Starting in November, we have our 6-Week Live Master Grant Template training where Academy members will learn how to create a Master Grant Template and how to repurpose it into other funding assets for their clients.

For more about the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, go to: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/academy


]]>
Changemakers in the Academy have made $3,470,242 (and growing every day) in their grant writing businesses so far in 2025. 🔥

They’ve also secured more than $48 million in funding for their clients. 🤑

How are they doing it?

They are utilizing our Grant and Funding frameworks built on 20+ years of experience.

One mantra that I have always had is, “Don’t be 100% reliant on grant funding.”

I might be known as the grant writing girlie, but I’ve actually helped organizations get a lot of diverse funding.

And I’m doing that today, and teaching others how to do it.

With the number of grants going out over the last four years, it was easy for us grant writers to lean into just writing grants. 

But it hasn’t always been like that. I’ve helped nonprofits with:

  • Corporate solicitations
  • Individual donor campaigns
  • Giving Tuesday campaigns
  • Social media and newsletters
  • Website copy
  • Presentations
  • Fundraising events
  • Consultations
  • And more

We have added these trainings into the Academy this year. 

And students have diversified their services for nonprofit clients. 

They aren’t just writing grants. They are doing other things.

These are called Funding Assets.

When you take your Master Grant Application and repurpose it into a Corporate Solicitation Letter, this is now a Funding Asset.

So for many Academy members, they are getting more clients this year because they take our Funding Asset training (and templates and resources) and then integrate them into their services.

Starting in November, we have our 6-Week Live Master Grant Template training where Academy members will learn how to create a Master Grant Template and how to repurpose it into other funding assets for their clients.

For more about the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, go to: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/academy


]]> Thu, 09 Oct 2025 04:08:03 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 948
Changemakers in the Academy have made $3,470,242 (and growing every day) in their grant writing businesses so far in 2025. 🔥

They’ve also secured more than $48 million in funding for their clients. 🤑

How are they doing it?

They are utilizing our Grant and Funding frameworks built on 20+ years of experience.

One mantra that I have always had is, “Don’t be 100% reliant on grant funding.”

I might be known as the grant writing girlie, but I’ve actually helped organizations get a lot of diverse funding.

And I’m doing that today, and teaching others how to do it.

With the number of grants going out over the last four years, it was easy for us grant writers to lean into just writing grants. 

But it hasn’t always been like that. I’ve helped nonprofits with:

  • Corporate solicitations
  • Individual donor campaigns
  • Giving Tuesday campaigns
  • Social media and newsletters
  • Website copy
  • Presentations
  • Fundraising events
  • Consultations
  • And more

We have added these trainings into the Academy this year. 

And students have diversified their services for nonprofit clients. 

They aren’t just writing grants. They are doing other things.

These are called Funding Assets.

When you take your Master Grant Application and repurpose it into a Corporate Solicitation Letter, this is now a Funding Asset.

So for many Academy members, they are getting more clients this year because they take our Funding Asset training (and templates and resources) and then integrate them into their services.

Starting in November, we have our 6-Week Live Master Grant Template training where Academy members will learn how to create a Master Grant Template and how to repurpose it into other funding assets for their clients.

For more about the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, go to: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/academy


]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Earn an Extra $10K in 90 Days Writing Grants from Home Earn an Extra $10K in 90 Days Writing Grants from Home bonus 4ed37563-7da7-40f4-9b25-642a5a962c08 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/earn-an-extra-10k-in-90-days-writing-grants-from-home Join Holly to hear how you can earn an extra $10,000 in 90 days writing grants from home. She will give you case studies on what freelance grant writer students (inside the Academy and Mentorship) are doing to secure grants and clients in 2025, why nonprofits have money in 2025 to hire you as a freelance grant writer, and 3 steps to make extra money writing grants (even if you are new to grants).

Tune in today!

]]> Join Holly to hear how you can earn an extra $10,000 in 90 days writing grants from home. She will give you case studies on what freelance grant writer students (inside the Academy and Mentorship) are doing to secure grants and clients in 2025, why nonprofits have money in 2025 to hire you as a freelance grant writer, and 3 steps to make extra money writing grants (even if you are new to grants).

Tune in today!

]]> Wed, 08 Oct 2025 06:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2267 Join Holly to hear how you can earn an extra $10,000 in 90 days writing grants from home. She will give you case studies on what freelance grant writer students (inside the Academy and Mentorship) are doing to secure grants and clients in 2025, why nonprofits have money in 2025 to hire you as a freelance grant writer, and 3 steps to make extra money writing grants (even if you are new to grants).

Tune in today!

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No How Dr. Annise Mabry Secured $2.7M in Grants 421 421 How Dr. Annise Mabry Secured $2.7M in Grants full 45d749f2-4eed-4f7d-8b2f-93494e6db518 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/how-dr-annise-mabry-secured-2-7m-in-grants Today on Grant Writing & Funding, Holly Rustick sits down with Dr. Annise Mabry bestselling author, and multi-stream revenue builder. We dive into how she’s secured $2.7M+ in grants while in the Academy, landed multi-million-dollar rural infrastructure wins, balanced a nonprofit with a grant services business, priced her services with confidence.


Tune in today to listen to this podcast.
To learn more about the podcast episodes go to https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-writing-podcast/

"Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

Favor, please?

If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Coaches new and experienced grant writers to earn high 5-6 figure incomes writing grants from home!

Get Freelance Grant Writing Spicy Tips when you Join the weekly newsletter series “Write Grants. Get Paid”  https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/
———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!
This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 
———————————————————————————

]]> Today on Grant Writing & Funding, Holly Rustick sits down with Dr. Annise Mabry bestselling author, and multi-stream revenue builder. We dive into how she’s secured $2.7M+ in grants while in the Academy, landed multi-million-dollar rural infrastructure wins, balanced a nonprofit with a grant services business, priced her services with confidence.


Tune in today to listen to this podcast.
To learn more about the podcast episodes go to https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-writing-podcast/

"Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

Favor, please?

If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Coaches new and experienced grant writers to earn high 5-6 figure incomes writing grants from home!

Get Freelance Grant Writing Spicy Tips when you Join the weekly newsletter series “Write Grants. Get Paid”  https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/
———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!
This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 
———————————————————————————

]]> Tue, 07 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2491 Today on Grant Writing & Funding, Holly Rustick sits down with Dr. Annise Mabry bestselling author, and multi-stream revenue builder. We dive into how she’s secured $2.7M+ in grants while in the Academy, landed multi-million-dollar rural infrastructure wins, balanced a nonprofit with a grant services business, priced her services with confidence.


Tune in today to listen to this podcast.
To learn more about the podcast episodes go to https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-writing-podcast/

"Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

Favor, please?

If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Coaches new and experienced grant writers to earn high 5-6 figure incomes writing grants from home!

Get Freelance Grant Writing Spicy Tips when you Join the weekly newsletter series “Write Grants. Get Paid”  https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/
———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!
This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 
———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Should Freelance Grant Writers Submit Grants on Behalf of Your Clients? 421 421 Should Freelance Grant Writers Submit Grants on Behalf of Your Clients? full 624aa8a6-363e-49cc-b887-ce9ba22908a8 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/should-freelance-grant-writers-submit-grants-on-behalf-of-your-clients In this episode, Holly Rustick dives into a nuanced topic that many freelance grant writers grapple with: Should you, as a freelancer, submit grants directly on behalf of your clients, or should your clients always be the ones submitting? Holly unpacks the different approaches, shares best practices, and explores the implications for liability, client capacity-building, and business strategy.

 Tune in today to listen to this podcast.
To learn more about the podcast episodes go to https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-writing-podcast/

"Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

Favor, please?

If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Coaches new and experienced grant writers to earn high 5-6 figure incomes writing grants from home!

Get Freelance Grant Writing Spicy Tips when you Join the weekly newsletter series “Write Grants. Get Paid”  https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/
———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!
This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 
———————————————————————————

]]> In this episode, Holly Rustick dives into a nuanced topic that many freelance grant writers grapple with: Should you, as a freelancer, submit grants directly on behalf of your clients, or should your clients always be the ones submitting? Holly unpacks the different approaches, shares best practices, and explores the implications for liability, client capacity-building, and business strategy.

 Tune in today to listen to this podcast.
To learn more about the podcast episodes go to https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-writing-podcast/

"Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

Favor, please?

If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Coaches new and experienced grant writers to earn high 5-6 figure incomes writing grants from home!

Get Freelance Grant Writing Spicy Tips when you Join the weekly newsletter series “Write Grants. Get Paid”  https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/
———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!
This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 
———————————————————————————

]]> Tue, 30 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1570 In this episode, Holly Rustick dives into a nuanced topic that many freelance grant writers grapple with: Should you, as a freelancer, submit grants directly on behalf of your clients, or should your clients always be the ones submitting? Holly unpacks the different approaches, shares best practices, and explores the implications for liability, client capacity-building, and business strategy.

 Tune in today to listen to this podcast.
To learn more about the podcast episodes go to https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-writing-podcast/

"Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

Favor, please?

If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Coaches new and experienced grant writers to earn high 5-6 figure incomes writing grants from home!

Get Freelance Grant Writing Spicy Tips when you Join the weekly newsletter series “Write Grants. Get Paid”  https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/
———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!
This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 
———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Reframing Grant Rejection 420 420 Reframing Grant Rejection full 0eec2848-347c-4cad-a8cf-d7854c805fc6 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/reframing-grant-rejection In this heartfelt episode, Holly dives deep into the topic every grant writer faces but rarely wants to talk about—grant rejections. She reminds us that denials are a natural (and frequent!) part of the grant writing world, often for reasons outside your control, like shifting funder priorities or geographic focus. Holly shares her own experiences, how even seasoned grant writers get rejected, and why your worth is not tied to every grant outcome.


You’ll also get practical tips on navigating those tough feelings, setting client expectations, and why your work is valuable—even when a grant isn't awarded. Holly covers why it’s essential to learn from feedback (if you get it), how to set boundaries and timelines with clients, and the importance of persistence in the face of nos.


There’s also an important discussion on the role of AI in grant writing and why learning the craft remains vital, even with new tech tools on the scene.


Tune in today to listen to this podcast.
To learn more about the podcast episodes go to https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-writing-podcast/

"Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

Favor, please?

If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Coaches new and experienced grant writers to earn high 5-6 figure incomes writing grants from home!

Get Freelance Grant Writing Spicy Tips when you Join the weekly newsletter series “Write Grants. Get Paid”  https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/
———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!
This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 
———————————————————————————

]]> In this heartfelt episode, Holly dives deep into the topic every grant writer faces but rarely wants to talk about—grant rejections. She reminds us that denials are a natural (and frequent!) part of the grant writing world, often for reasons outside your control, like shifting funder priorities or geographic focus. Holly shares her own experiences, how even seasoned grant writers get rejected, and why your worth is not tied to every grant outcome.


You’ll also get practical tips on navigating those tough feelings, setting client expectations, and why your work is valuable—even when a grant isn't awarded. Holly covers why it’s essential to learn from feedback (if you get it), how to set boundaries and timelines with clients, and the importance of persistence in the face of nos.


There’s also an important discussion on the role of AI in grant writing and why learning the craft remains vital, even with new tech tools on the scene.


Tune in today to listen to this podcast.
To learn more about the podcast episodes go to https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-writing-podcast/

"Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

Favor, please?

If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Coaches new and experienced grant writers to earn high 5-6 figure incomes writing grants from home!

Get Freelance Grant Writing Spicy Tips when you Join the weekly newsletter series “Write Grants. Get Paid”  https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/
———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!
This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 
———————————————————————————

]]> Tue, 23 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1435 In this heartfelt episode, Holly dives deep into the topic every grant writer faces but rarely wants to talk about—grant rejections. She reminds us that denials are a natural (and frequent!) part of the grant writing world, often for reasons outside your control, like shifting funder priorities or geographic focus. Holly shares her own experiences, how even seasoned grant writers get rejected, and why your worth is not tied to every grant outcome.


You’ll also get practical tips on navigating those tough feelings, setting client expectations, and why your work is valuable—even when a grant isn't awarded. Holly covers why it’s essential to learn from feedback (if you get it), how to set boundaries and timelines with clients, and the importance of persistence in the face of nos.


There’s also an important discussion on the role of AI in grant writing and why learning the craft remains vital, even with new tech tools on the scene.


Tune in today to listen to this podcast.
To learn more about the podcast episodes go to https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-writing-podcast/

"Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

Favor, please?

If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Coaches new and experienced grant writers to earn high 5-6 figure incomes writing grants from home!

Get Freelance Grant Writing Spicy Tips when you Join the weekly newsletter series “Write Grants. Get Paid”  https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/
———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!
This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 
———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Mastering Grant Prospecting: Free & Paid Tools for Success 419 419 Mastering Grant Prospecting: Free & Paid Tools for Success full 7dff02c0-22e4-4889-822c-8ce9fc677154 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/mastering-grant-prospecting-free-paid-tools-for-success We dive into the essentials of grant prospecting, covering both free and paid tools. Learn how to find funders, understand RFPs, and utilize top software like Grants.gov, Instrumental, and Foundation Directory Online to secure grants for your organization. Whether you're a seasoned grant writer or a newbie nonprofit, discover insights and strategies to enhance your grant-seeking process.

Tune in today to listen to this podcast.
To learn more about the podcast episodes go to https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-writing-podcast/

"Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

Favor, please?

If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Coaches new and experienced grant writers to earn high 5-6 figure incomes writing grants from home!

Get Freelance Grant Writing Spicy Tips when you Join the weekly newsletter series “Write Grants. Get Paid”  https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/
———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!
This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 
———————————————————————————

]]> We dive into the essentials of grant prospecting, covering both free and paid tools. Learn how to find funders, understand RFPs, and utilize top software like Grants.gov, Instrumental, and Foundation Directory Online to secure grants for your organization. Whether you're a seasoned grant writer or a newbie nonprofit, discover insights and strategies to enhance your grant-seeking process.

Tune in today to listen to this podcast.
To learn more about the podcast episodes go to https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-writing-podcast/

"Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

Favor, please?

If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Coaches new and experienced grant writers to earn high 5-6 figure incomes writing grants from home!

Get Freelance Grant Writing Spicy Tips when you Join the weekly newsletter series “Write Grants. Get Paid”  https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/
———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!
This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 
———————————————————————————

]]> Tue, 16 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 566 We dive into the essentials of grant prospecting, covering both free and paid tools. Learn how to find funders, understand RFPs, and utilize top software like Grants.gov, Instrumental, and Foundation Directory Online to secure grants for your organization. Whether you're a seasoned grant writer or a newbie nonprofit, discover insights and strategies to enhance your grant-seeking process.

Tune in today to listen to this podcast.
To learn more about the podcast episodes go to https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-writing-podcast/

"Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

Favor, please?

If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Coaches new and experienced grant writers to earn high 5-6 figure incomes writing grants from home!

Get Freelance Grant Writing Spicy Tips when you Join the weekly newsletter series “Write Grants. Get Paid”  https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/
———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!
This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 
———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No What Saves Grant Writers Hours Every Week (it's not AI) 418 418 What Saves Grant Writers Hours Every Week (it's not AI) full 9513b902-8a43-4c29-aa5b-cdcf14348c7d https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/what-saves-grant-writers-hours-every-week-its-not-ai Freelance grant writing comes with freedom—and a lot of moving parts. If you’re juggling multiple clients, deadlines, and reporting requirements, you need more than a spreadsheet. You need a system that saves time without adding complexity.

Join us for this live panel replay where fellow freelance grant professionals share how they use Grant Management Made Easy to stay organized, meet deadlines, and keep clients happy—without burning out.

You’ll hear directly from 4 amazing grant professionals staff who made the switch from overwhelm to organized—and are now saving hours each week.

Visit www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems to book a free demo and save 10%. 

Thank you to our sponsor GEMS for lovingly sponsoring this podcast episode!


]]> Freelance grant writing comes with freedom—and a lot of moving parts. If you’re juggling multiple clients, deadlines, and reporting requirements, you need more than a spreadsheet. You need a system that saves time without adding complexity.

Join us for this live panel replay where fellow freelance grant professionals share how they use Grant Management Made Easy to stay organized, meet deadlines, and keep clients happy—without burning out.

You’ll hear directly from 4 amazing grant professionals staff who made the switch from overwhelm to organized—and are now saving hours each week.

Visit www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems to book a free demo and save 10%. 

Thank you to our sponsor GEMS for lovingly sponsoring this podcast episode!


]]> Tue, 09 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 5256 Freelance grant writing comes with freedom—and a lot of moving parts. If you’re juggling multiple clients, deadlines, and reporting requirements, you need more than a spreadsheet. You need a system that saves time without adding complexity.

Join us for this live panel replay where fellow freelance grant professionals share how they use Grant Management Made Easy to stay organized, meet deadlines, and keep clients happy—without burning out.

You’ll hear directly from 4 amazing grant professionals staff who made the switch from overwhelm to organized—and are now saving hours each week.

Visit www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems to book a free demo and save 10%. 

Thank you to our sponsor GEMS for lovingly sponsoring this podcast episode!


]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No What Is Grant Writing? 417 417 What Is Grant Writing? full ad5b93e0-f910-443f-b3aa-5cb42cf4b94d https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/what-is-grant-writing Ever wondered what grant writing actually is and how you can start even without a degree, certification, or years of experience?


In this video, Holly Rustick, CEO of Freelance Grant Writer Academy and Grant Professional Mentorship, breaks down grant writing in its simplest form: connecting mission and money.

Tune in today to listen to this podcast.
To learn more about the podcast episodes go to https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-writing-podcast/

"Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

Favor, please?

If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Coaches new and experienced grant writers to earn high 5-6 figure incomes writing grants from home!

Get Freelance Grant Writing Spicy Tips when you Join the weekly newsletter series “Write Grants. Get Paid”  https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/
———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!
This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 
———————————————————————————

]]> Ever wondered what grant writing actually is and how you can start even without a degree, certification, or years of experience?


In this video, Holly Rustick, CEO of Freelance Grant Writer Academy and Grant Professional Mentorship, breaks down grant writing in its simplest form: connecting mission and money.

Tune in today to listen to this podcast.
To learn more about the podcast episodes go to https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-writing-podcast/

"Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

Favor, please?

If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Coaches new and experienced grant writers to earn high 5-6 figure incomes writing grants from home!

Get Freelance Grant Writing Spicy Tips when you Join the weekly newsletter series “Write Grants. Get Paid”  https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/
———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!
This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 
———————————————————————————

]]> Tue, 02 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 838 Ever wondered what grant writing actually is and how you can start even without a degree, certification, or years of experience?


In this video, Holly Rustick, CEO of Freelance Grant Writer Academy and Grant Professional Mentorship, breaks down grant writing in its simplest form: connecting mission and money.

Tune in today to listen to this podcast.
To learn more about the podcast episodes go to https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-writing-podcast/

"Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

Favor, please?

If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Coaches new and experienced grant writers to earn high 5-6 figure incomes writing grants from home!

Get Freelance Grant Writing Spicy Tips when you Join the weekly newsletter series “Write Grants. Get Paid”  https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/
———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!
This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 
———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No 90 Days Off Per Year and $17K More Money: The Math of Freelance Grant Writing 416 416 90 Days Off Per Year and $17K More Money: The Math of Freelance Grant Writing full 4699e11b-6e64-4938-aef3-459b8a8248ee https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/90-days-off-per-year-and-17k-more-money-the-math-of-freelance-grant-writing Discover how you can earn significantly more and work less as a freelance grant writer compared to a full-time nonprofit job. Join Holly Rustic, owner of the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, as she breaks down the math, showing you how freelancing can result in higher earnings and more free time. Learn about potential incomes, expenses, and the benefits of freelancing, including greater flexibility and vacations. Explore additional resources to improve your grant writing skills, set up your business, and transition to a fulfilling freelance career.

Tune in today to listen to this podcast.
To learn more about the podcast episodes go to https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-writing-podcast/

"Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

Favor, please?

If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Coaches new and experienced grant writers to earn high 5-6 figure incomes writing grants from home!

Get Freelance Grant Writing Spicy Tips when you Join the weekly newsletter series “Write Grants. Get Paid”  https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/
———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!
This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 
———————————————————————————

]]> Discover how you can earn significantly more and work less as a freelance grant writer compared to a full-time nonprofit job. Join Holly Rustic, owner of the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, as she breaks down the math, showing you how freelancing can result in higher earnings and more free time. Learn about potential incomes, expenses, and the benefits of freelancing, including greater flexibility and vacations. Explore additional resources to improve your grant writing skills, set up your business, and transition to a fulfilling freelance career.

Tune in today to listen to this podcast.
To learn more about the podcast episodes go to https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-writing-podcast/

"Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

Favor, please?

If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Coaches new and experienced grant writers to earn high 5-6 figure incomes writing grants from home!

Get Freelance Grant Writing Spicy Tips when you Join the weekly newsletter series “Write Grants. Get Paid”  https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/
———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!
This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 
———————————————————————————

]]> Tue, 26 Aug 2025 07:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 564 Discover how you can earn significantly more and work less as a freelance grant writer compared to a full-time nonprofit job. Join Holly Rustic, owner of the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, as she breaks down the math, showing you how freelancing can result in higher earnings and more free time. Learn about potential incomes, expenses, and the benefits of freelancing, including greater flexibility and vacations. Explore additional resources to improve your grant writing skills, set up your business, and transition to a fulfilling freelance career.

Tune in today to listen to this podcast.
To learn more about the podcast episodes go to https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-writing-podcast/

"Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

Favor, please?

If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Coaches new and experienced grant writers to earn high 5-6 figure incomes writing grants from home!

Get Freelance Grant Writing Spicy Tips when you Join the weekly newsletter series “Write Grants. Get Paid”  https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/
———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!
This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 
———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No How to Get Corporate Sponsors for your Nonprofit 415 415 How to Get Corporate Sponsors for your Nonprofit full 980f8973-5c6d-411d-af12-6361c951d2e7 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/how-to-get-corporate-sponsors-for-your-nonprofit-cynthia-currents-interview In this episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Cynthia Currence, author of Beyond Checks and Halos, to explore how nonprofits can build impactful, long-term partnerships with corporations to increase funding, expand reach, and boost community impact. 

Cynthia shares real-world strategies for creating win-win collaborations between nonprofits and for-profits, moving beyond transactional sponsorships to meaningful, mission-aligned relationships. Together, they discuss how nonprofits can position themselves as valuable partners, align goals with corporate stakeholders, and create partnerships that deliver lasting value for both organizations and the communities they serve.


ABOUT OUR GUEST

Cynthia Currence is the author of Beyond Checks and Halos and an expert in nonprofit and corporate partnerships. With extensive experience helping organizations build strategic collaborations, Cynthia specializes in creating win-win relationships between nonprofits and businesses that go beyond traditional funding models. Her work focuses on helping organizations increase impact, strengthen partnerships, and develop sustainable funding strategies through corporate engagement.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems

———————————————————————————

]]> In this episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Cynthia Currence, author of Beyond Checks and Halos, to explore how nonprofits can build impactful, long-term partnerships with corporations to increase funding, expand reach, and boost community impact. 

Cynthia shares real-world strategies for creating win-win collaborations between nonprofits and for-profits, moving beyond transactional sponsorships to meaningful, mission-aligned relationships. Together, they discuss how nonprofits can position themselves as valuable partners, align goals with corporate stakeholders, and create partnerships that deliver lasting value for both organizations and the communities they serve.


ABOUT OUR GUEST

Cynthia Currence is the author of Beyond Checks and Halos and an expert in nonprofit and corporate partnerships. With extensive experience helping organizations build strategic collaborations, Cynthia specializes in creating win-win relationships between nonprofits and businesses that go beyond traditional funding models. Her work focuses on helping organizations increase impact, strengthen partnerships, and develop sustainable funding strategies through corporate engagement.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems

———————————————————————————

]]> Tue, 19 Aug 2025 07:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1500 In this episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Cynthia Currence, author of Beyond Checks and Halos, to explore how nonprofits can build impactful, long-term partnerships with corporations to increase funding, expand reach, and boost community impact. 

Cynthia shares real-world strategies for creating win-win collaborations between nonprofits and for-profits, moving beyond transactional sponsorships to meaningful, mission-aligned relationships. Together, they discuss how nonprofits can position themselves as valuable partners, align goals with corporate stakeholders, and create partnerships that deliver lasting value for both organizations and the communities they serve.


ABOUT OUR GUEST

Cynthia Currence is the author of Beyond Checks and Halos and an expert in nonprofit and corporate partnerships. With extensive experience helping organizations build strategic collaborations, Cynthia specializes in creating win-win relationships between nonprofits and businesses that go beyond traditional funding models. Her work focuses on helping organizations increase impact, strengthen partnerships, and develop sustainable funding strategies through corporate engagement.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems

———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Grants Beyond Borders: How Sophie Grew Her Grant Writing Team from Her Home in South Africa Grants Beyond Borders: How Sophie Grew Her Grant Writing Team from Her Home in South Africa bonus 318ee381-a26e-4c0d-b541-3b99629ab5e9 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/grants-beyond-borders-how-sophie-grew-her-grant-writing-team-from-her-home-in-south-africa In this conversation, Holly Rustick interviews Sophie Olivier, the CEO and founder of Flourish Fundraising, who shares her journey in grant writing and fundraising from South Africa. Sophie discusses the unique challenges and opportunities in the South African nonprofit sector, the importance of understanding different grant types, and the value of templates and adaptability in grant writing. 

She emphasizes the significance of grant readiness, building client relationships, and the impact of global changes on local funding. Sophie also reflects on her growth as a business owner, the importance of community support, and the rewarding nature of a career in fundraising.

Sophie also discusses how the Grant Professional Mentorship has helped her 1) hire the right team, 2) take her first laptop-free vacation in 8 years, 3) grow her revenue, and 4) have support from an amazing group of peers.

To find out more about Sophie, visit here: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/sophie

To find out more about the Grant Professional Mentorship, visit here: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

]]> In this conversation, Holly Rustick interviews Sophie Olivier, the CEO and founder of Flourish Fundraising, who shares her journey in grant writing and fundraising from South Africa. Sophie discusses the unique challenges and opportunities in the South African nonprofit sector, the importance of understanding different grant types, and the value of templates and adaptability in grant writing. 

She emphasizes the significance of grant readiness, building client relationships, and the impact of global changes on local funding. Sophie also reflects on her growth as a business owner, the importance of community support, and the rewarding nature of a career in fundraising.

Sophie also discusses how the Grant Professional Mentorship has helped her 1) hire the right team, 2) take her first laptop-free vacation in 8 years, 3) grow her revenue, and 4) have support from an amazing group of peers.

To find out more about Sophie, visit here: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/sophie

To find out more about the Grant Professional Mentorship, visit here: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

]]> Fri, 15 Aug 2025 06:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1845 In this conversation, Holly Rustick interviews Sophie Olivier, the CEO and founder of Flourish Fundraising, who shares her journey in grant writing and fundraising from South Africa. Sophie discusses the unique challenges and opportunities in the South African nonprofit sector, the importance of understanding different grant types, and the value of templates and adaptability in grant writing. 

She emphasizes the significance of grant readiness, building client relationships, and the impact of global changes on local funding. Sophie also reflects on her growth as a business owner, the importance of community support, and the rewarding nature of a career in fundraising.

Sophie also discusses how the Grant Professional Mentorship has helped her 1) hire the right team, 2) take her first laptop-free vacation in 8 years, 3) grow her revenue, and 4) have support from an amazing group of peers.

To find out more about Sophie, visit here: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/sophie

To find out more about the Grant Professional Mentorship, visit here: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No My Superpower? Turning Every ‘No’ Into a ‘Yes’ with Grants, Sales Calls, and the Mentorship 1 1 My Superpower? Turning Every ‘No’ Into a ‘Yes’ with Grants, Sales Calls, and the Mentorship bonus 7f2b1be7-db20-453c-81a1-0044001dab3a https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/my-superpower-turning-every-no-into-a-yes-with-grants-sales-calls-and-the-mentorship Learn about my super power - turning a no into a yes: from winning grants, to securing nonprofit clients, to having changemakers join the Grant Professional Mentorship. See this in action, as not knowing how to do this is hurting your grant wins and holding you back from getting clients.

]]> Learn about my super power - turning a no into a yes: from winning grants, to securing nonprofit clients, to having changemakers join the Grant Professional Mentorship. See this in action, as not knowing how to do this is hurting your grant wins and holding you back from getting clients.

]]> Thu, 14 Aug 2025 09:05:15 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2671 Learn about my super power - turning a no into a yes: from winning grants, to securing nonprofit clients, to having changemakers join the Grant Professional Mentorship. See this in action, as not knowing how to do this is hurting your grant wins and holding you back from getting clients.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Mindset & Strategy Behind Growing Your Grant Writing Business in 2025 Mindset & Strategy Behind Growing Your Grant Writing Business in 2025 bonus 4b7aea61-c7be-43a7-88de-83778f6f514b https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/mindset-strategy-behind-growing-your-grant-writing-business-in-2025 The word for grant writers to embrace in 2025 is current. This can be used in many ways, but one is that of following a current in a river. There might be rocks in the way, and sometimes it feels like a strong current, but remembering there is flow and change is vital. And currents aren't a bad thing, either! We need them so the waters aren't stagnant. Tune in today to be inspired by everything grant consulting in today's new world of grant writing.

]]> The word for grant writers to embrace in 2025 is current. This can be used in many ways, but one is that of following a current in a river. There might be rocks in the way, and sometimes it feels like a strong current, but remembering there is flow and change is vital. And currents aren't a bad thing, either! We need them so the waters aren't stagnant. Tune in today to be inspired by everything grant consulting in today's new world of grant writing.

]]> Thu, 14 Aug 2025 04:21:16 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1256 The word for grant writers to embrace in 2025 is current. This can be used in many ways, but one is that of following a current in a river. There might be rocks in the way, and sometimes it feels like a strong current, but remembering there is flow and change is vital. And currents aren't a bad thing, either! We need them so the waters aren't stagnant. Tune in today to be inspired by everything grant consulting in today's new world of grant writing.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Kia Created Systems to Hire a VA and start a Blog in her Grant Writing Business Kia Created Systems to Hire a VA and start a Blog in her Grant Writing Business bonus 3724bf91-ab27-4627-a19b-19a2407b45a0 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/kia-created-systems-to-hire-a-va-and-start-a-blog-in-her-grant-writing-business In this inspiring episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Kia Chatmon, founder of Heart for the Community Consulting, to explore her journey from working in the nonprofit sector to building a thriving grant writing and consulting business.

Kia opens up about the diverse cause areas she serves—ranging from health and education to youth development—and shares the exact systems she’s put in place to streamline operations, improve client onboarding, and free up her time.

From the power of networking and word-of-mouth referrals to the game-changing decision to hire a virtual assistant, Kia reveals how intentional delegation and clear processes have transformed her business. She also dives into her new blog strategy for generating leads and providing value, plus gives a sneak peek into her upcoming LinkedIn Live series supporting Black-led organizations.

Whether you’re a new freelance grant writer or a seasoned pro looking to scale, this conversation is packed with practical tips and motivation to help you work smarter—not harder.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ How Kia transitioned from nonprofit staffer to successful grant writing consultant
✅ The importance of grant readiness for nonprofit clients
✅ Why networking and referrals are still the most powerful growth tools
✅ How mentorship programs can accelerate your business journey
✅ The systems Kia uses for onboarding, follow-up, and client retention
✅ The benefits of hiring and delegating tasks effectively
✅ How blogging can position you as a trusted expert in your field
✅ Insights into Kia’s LinkedIn Live series for Black-led organizations

Chapters:
01:01 – Kia's Journey into Grant Writing
04:39 – Niche Services and Grant Readiness
08:48 – Starting the Business and Networking
11:58 – Joining the Grant Professional Mentorship Program
14:22 – Comparing Business Training Programs
16:30 – Elevating Business Communication
21:00 – Leveraging Digital Platforms for Growth
25:58 – Streamlining Operations and Hiring
28:57 – Enhancing Client Relationships and Retention
32:05 – Empowering Communities Through Nonprofit Leadership

Resources & Links Mentioned:
🔔 Subscribe for more grant writing and nonprofit strategy tips!
📚 The Beginner's Guide to Grant Writing – Get the Book
🎓 Freelance Grant Writer Academy – Join Here
🤝 Grant Professional Mentorship – Learn More
🌐 Visit Holly’s Website – Grant Writing & Funding

]]> In this inspiring episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Kia Chatmon, founder of Heart for the Community Consulting, to explore her journey from working in the nonprofit sector to building a thriving grant writing and consulting business.

Kia opens up about the diverse cause areas she serves—ranging from health and education to youth development—and shares the exact systems she’s put in place to streamline operations, improve client onboarding, and free up her time.

From the power of networking and word-of-mouth referrals to the game-changing decision to hire a virtual assistant, Kia reveals how intentional delegation and clear processes have transformed her business. She also dives into her new blog strategy for generating leads and providing value, plus gives a sneak peek into her upcoming LinkedIn Live series supporting Black-led organizations.

Whether you’re a new freelance grant writer or a seasoned pro looking to scale, this conversation is packed with practical tips and motivation to help you work smarter—not harder.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ How Kia transitioned from nonprofit staffer to successful grant writing consultant
✅ The importance of grant readiness for nonprofit clients
✅ Why networking and referrals are still the most powerful growth tools
✅ How mentorship programs can accelerate your business journey
✅ The systems Kia uses for onboarding, follow-up, and client retention
✅ The benefits of hiring and delegating tasks effectively
✅ How blogging can position you as a trusted expert in your field
✅ Insights into Kia’s LinkedIn Live series for Black-led organizations

Chapters:
01:01 – Kia's Journey into Grant Writing
04:39 – Niche Services and Grant Readiness
08:48 – Starting the Business and Networking
11:58 – Joining the Grant Professional Mentorship Program
14:22 – Comparing Business Training Programs
16:30 – Elevating Business Communication
21:00 – Leveraging Digital Platforms for Growth
25:58 – Streamlining Operations and Hiring
28:57 – Enhancing Client Relationships and Retention
32:05 – Empowering Communities Through Nonprofit Leadership

Resources & Links Mentioned:
🔔 Subscribe for more grant writing and nonprofit strategy tips!
📚 The Beginner's Guide to Grant Writing – Get the Book
🎓 Freelance Grant Writer Academy – Join Here
🤝 Grant Professional Mentorship – Learn More
🌐 Visit Holly’s Website – Grant Writing & Funding

]]> Wed, 13 Aug 2025 07:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1990 In this inspiring episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Kia Chatmon, founder of Heart for the Community Consulting, to explore her journey from working in the nonprofit sector to building a thriving grant writing and consulting business.

Kia opens up about the diverse cause areas she serves—ranging from health and education to youth development—and shares the exact systems she’s put in place to streamline operations, improve client onboarding, and free up her time.

From the power of networking and word-of-mouth referrals to the game-changing decision to hire a virtual assistant, Kia reveals how intentional delegation and clear processes have transformed her business. She also dives into her new blog strategy for generating leads and providing value, plus gives a sneak peek into her upcoming LinkedIn Live series supporting Black-led organizations.

Whether you’re a new freelance grant writer or a seasoned pro looking to scale, this conversation is packed with practical tips and motivation to help you work smarter—not harder.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ How Kia transitioned from nonprofit staffer to successful grant writing consultant
✅ The importance of grant readiness for nonprofit clients
✅ Why networking and referrals are still the most powerful growth tools
✅ How mentorship programs can accelerate your business journey
✅ The systems Kia uses for onboarding, follow-up, and client retention
✅ The benefits of hiring and delegating tasks effectively
✅ How blogging can position you as a trusted expert in your field
✅ Insights into Kia’s LinkedIn Live series for Black-led organizations

Chapters:
01:01 – Kia's Journey into Grant Writing
04:39 – Niche Services and Grant Readiness
08:48 – Starting the Business and Networking
11:58 – Joining the Grant Professional Mentorship Program
14:22 – Comparing Business Training Programs
16:30 – Elevating Business Communication
21:00 – Leveraging Digital Platforms for Growth
25:58 – Streamlining Operations and Hiring
28:57 – Enhancing Client Relationships and Retention
32:05 – Empowering Communities Through Nonprofit Leadership

Resources & Links Mentioned:
🔔 Subscribe for more grant writing and nonprofit strategy tips!
📚 The Beginner's Guide to Grant Writing – Get the Book
🎓 Freelance Grant Writer Academy – Join Here
🤝 Grant Professional Mentorship – Learn More
🌐 Visit Holly’s Website – Grant Writing & Funding

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ginny Secured $3.5 Million in Grants 18 Months When She Left Her Fundraising Job Ginny Secured $3.5 Million in Grants 18 Months When She Left Her Fundraising Job bonus a9bfa3c7-4ade-4c2f-9aa1-a42c644b6b80 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ginny-secured-3-5-million-in-grants-18-months-when-she-left-her-fundraising-job In this inspiring conversation, Holly Rustick sits down with Dr. Ginny Blankenship, founder of Lightmaker Grants and Strategy, to explore her unexpected path into grant writing and how she built a thriving business from the ground up. Ginny opens up about the challenges and opportunities in today’s grant landscape, the power of community and mentorship, and the lessons she’s learned about growing strategically while staying true to her mission.

Whether you’re just starting your grant writing journey or looking to scale your consulting business, this episode is packed with actionable advice, real-world strategies, and uplifting reminders that you don’t have to do it all alone.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

  • Why so many successful grant writers “fall into” the field — and how to embrace it.
  • How claiming a clear niche can help you attract your ideal clients.
  • Key differences between federal and private foundation grant strategies.
  • The critical role of relationship-building in finding opportunities.
  • Why time tracking is essential for running a sustainable business.
  • How community and mentorship can break the isolation of remote work.
  • The importance of setting boundaries and hiring help for growth.

About Dr. Ginny Blankenship, CRFE

Ginny Blankenship is the Founder and Lead Strategist of Lightmaker Grants & Strategy, one of
the only agencies in the country dedicated to grant writing and fundraising for education,
youth, and workforce development programs.

She brings over 20 years of experience across the nonprofit, education, and public policy
sectors. A recovering policy wonk turned grant whisperer, Ginny began her career as a
communications director in the U.S. House of Representatives during 9/11 — a baptism by fire
that sparked her passion for public service, education equity, and systems change.

She went on to earn a doctorate in education policy from The George Washington University
and has since led successful advocacy campaigns and secured more than $9 million in grant
funding for mission-driven organizations across the country. As a Certified Fund Raising
Executive (CFRE), she holds one of the highest credentials in the nonprofit sector.

Ginny lives in Little Rock, Arkansas, with her husband, son, two rescue cats (Cleo and Minnie
Pearl), and one wild Weimaraner named Juice.

Connect with Dr. Ginny Blankenship:

Links Mentioned:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> In this inspiring conversation, Holly Rustick sits down with Dr. Ginny Blankenship, founder of Lightmaker Grants and Strategy, to explore her unexpected path into grant writing and how she built a thriving business from the ground up. Ginny opens up about the challenges and opportunities in today’s grant landscape, the power of community and mentorship, and the lessons she’s learned about growing strategically while staying true to her mission.

Whether you’re just starting your grant writing journey or looking to scale your consulting business, this episode is packed with actionable advice, real-world strategies, and uplifting reminders that you don’t have to do it all alone.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

  • Why so many successful grant writers “fall into” the field — and how to embrace it.
  • How claiming a clear niche can help you attract your ideal clients.
  • Key differences between federal and private foundation grant strategies.
  • The critical role of relationship-building in finding opportunities.
  • Why time tracking is essential for running a sustainable business.
  • How community and mentorship can break the isolation of remote work.
  • The importance of setting boundaries and hiring help for growth.

About Dr. Ginny Blankenship, CRFE

Ginny Blankenship is the Founder and Lead Strategist of Lightmaker Grants & Strategy, one of
the only agencies in the country dedicated to grant writing and fundraising for education,
youth, and workforce development programs.

She brings over 20 years of experience across the nonprofit, education, and public policy
sectors. A recovering policy wonk turned grant whisperer, Ginny began her career as a
communications director in the U.S. House of Representatives during 9/11 — a baptism by fire
that sparked her passion for public service, education equity, and systems change.

She went on to earn a doctorate in education policy from The George Washington University
and has since led successful advocacy campaigns and secured more than $9 million in grant
funding for mission-driven organizations across the country. As a Certified Fund Raising
Executive (CFRE), she holds one of the highest credentials in the nonprofit sector.

Ginny lives in Little Rock, Arkansas, with her husband, son, two rescue cats (Cleo and Minnie
Pearl), and one wild Weimaraner named Juice.

Connect with Dr. Ginny Blankenship:

Links Mentioned:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> Wed, 13 Aug 2025 07:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2092 In this inspiring conversation, Holly Rustick sits down with Dr. Ginny Blankenship, founder of Lightmaker Grants and Strategy, to explore her unexpected path into grant writing and how she built a thriving business from the ground up. Ginny opens up about the challenges and opportunities in today’s grant landscape, the power of community and mentorship, and the lessons she’s learned about growing strategically while staying true to her mission.

Whether you’re just starting your grant writing journey or looking to scale your consulting business, this episode is packed with actionable advice, real-world strategies, and uplifting reminders that you don’t have to do it all alone.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

  • Why so many successful grant writers “fall into” the field — and how to embrace it.
  • How claiming a clear niche can help you attract your ideal clients.
  • Key differences between federal and private foundation grant strategies.
  • The critical role of relationship-building in finding opportunities.
  • Why time tracking is essential for running a sustainable business.
  • How community and mentorship can break the isolation of remote work.
  • The importance of setting boundaries and hiring help for growth.

About Dr. Ginny Blankenship, CRFE

Ginny Blankenship is the Founder and Lead Strategist of Lightmaker Grants & Strategy, one of
the only agencies in the country dedicated to grant writing and fundraising for education,
youth, and workforce development programs.

She brings over 20 years of experience across the nonprofit, education, and public policy
sectors. A recovering policy wonk turned grant whisperer, Ginny began her career as a
communications director in the U.S. House of Representatives during 9/11 — a baptism by fire
that sparked her passion for public service, education equity, and systems change.

She went on to earn a doctorate in education policy from The George Washington University
and has since led successful advocacy campaigns and secured more than $9 million in grant
funding for mission-driven organizations across the country. As a Certified Fund Raising
Executive (CFRE), she holds one of the highest credentials in the nonprofit sector.

Ginny lives in Little Rock, Arkansas, with her husband, son, two rescue cats (Cleo and Minnie
Pearl), and one wild Weimaraner named Juice.

Connect with Dr. Ginny Blankenship:

Links Mentioned:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Grant Writing is Not Dead in 2025 414 414 Grant Writing is Not Dead in 2025 full 294ad0e6-4759-479a-b886-875945dc6f06 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/grant-writing-is-not-dead-in-2025 Is grant writing still a viable business in 2025? YES—and here’s the proof.
 In this episode of the Grant Writing & Funding podcast, Holly Rustick breaks down what’s happening in the U.S. federal grant landscape in 2025 and how freelance grant writers are still building thriving, high-income businesses even during times of funding uncertainty.

Tune in today to listen to this podcast.
To learn more about the podcast episodes go to https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-writing-podcast/

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> Is grant writing still a viable business in 2025? YES—and here’s the proof.
 In this episode of the Grant Writing & Funding podcast, Holly Rustick breaks down what’s happening in the U.S. federal grant landscape in 2025 and how freelance grant writers are still building thriving, high-income businesses even during times of funding uncertainty.

Tune in today to listen to this podcast.
To learn more about the podcast episodes go to https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-writing-podcast/

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> Tue, 12 Aug 2025 07:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 745 Is grant writing still a viable business in 2025? YES—and here’s the proof.
 In this episode of the Grant Writing & Funding podcast, Holly Rustick breaks down what’s happening in the U.S. federal grant landscape in 2025 and how freelance grant writers are still building thriving, high-income businesses even during times of funding uncertainty.

Tune in today to listen to this podcast.
To learn more about the podcast episodes go to https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-writing-podcast/

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Lydia moved to Germany—and raised $2.5M for Environmental Justice in 2025 for For-Profits 1 1 Lydia moved to Germany—and raised $2.5M for Environmental Justice in 2025 for For-Profits bonus b45a623a-ac94-4e02-914a-55be11aef79a https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/lydia-moved-to-germany-and-raised-2-5m-for-environmental-justice-in-2025-for-for-profits In this bonus episode, Holly Rustick interviews Lydia Vollmann, founder of Grant Our Community, discussing her transition from federal grants to for-profit opportunities, the integration of AI into her work, and the decision to move to Germany.


Lydia shares insights on environmental justice, the importance of mentorship, and her recent move to Germany, highlighting the flexibility and independence her career has afforded her. The conversation emphasizes the value of networking and collaboration within the grant writing community.


Takeaways

  • Lydia has over 18 years of experience in federal grant writing.
  • She transitioned to for-profit clients, integrating AI into her work.
  • Environmental justice remains a key focus in her grant writing.
  • AI helps simplify complex grant regulations and processes.
  • How the Grant Professional Mentorship has played a crucial role in her professional growth.
  • Lydia moved to Germany, allowing her to work independently.
  • Networking within the grant writing community is essential.
  • She emphasizes the importance of adapting language in grant applications.
  • Lydia has won over $2.5 million in grants in the past six months.
  • She encourages others to keep an open mind and embrace new ideas.

About Lydia Vollmann

Lydia Vollmann is a nationally recognized leader in grants management and the founder of two mission‑driven organizations: Grant Our Community, a nonprofit that equips changemakers with the strategies, tools, and training to secure equitable funding, and LV Growth Solutions, a consulting firm that helps nonprofits and small businesses streamline operations, stay competitive, and integrate practical AI solutions into their work.

With over 18 years of experience overseeing more than $17.9 billion in federal, state, and local grant programs, Lydia has been at the front lines of disaster recovery, compliance monitoring, and multi‑grant project management—including her tenure as the Disaster Grants Branch Chief at FEMA Region 6. Today, she serves as a trusted advisor to public agencies, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs, helping them become grant‑ready, audit‑proof, and future‑focused.

Through LVGS and GOC, Lydia teaches professionals how to use AI responsibly to simplify grant compliance, build bulletproof processes, and avoid the costly pitfalls that can jeopardize funding. Her systems‑based approach turns complex regulations into clear action steps—empowering organizations to work smarter, scale faster, and lead with confidence in a rapidly changing funding landscape.

Connect with Lydia Vollmann

Links Mentioned

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> In this bonus episode, Holly Rustick interviews Lydia Vollmann, founder of Grant Our Community, discussing her transition from federal grants to for-profit opportunities, the integration of AI into her work, and the decision to move to Germany.


Lydia shares insights on environmental justice, the importance of mentorship, and her recent move to Germany, highlighting the flexibility and independence her career has afforded her. The conversation emphasizes the value of networking and collaboration within the grant writing community.


Takeaways

  • Lydia has over 18 years of experience in federal grant writing.
  • She transitioned to for-profit clients, integrating AI into her work.
  • Environmental justice remains a key focus in her grant writing.
  • AI helps simplify complex grant regulations and processes.
  • How the Grant Professional Mentorship has played a crucial role in her professional growth.
  • Lydia moved to Germany, allowing her to work independently.
  • Networking within the grant writing community is essential.
  • She emphasizes the importance of adapting language in grant applications.
  • Lydia has won over $2.5 million in grants in the past six months.
  • She encourages others to keep an open mind and embrace new ideas.

About Lydia Vollmann

Lydia Vollmann is a nationally recognized leader in grants management and the founder of two mission‑driven organizations: Grant Our Community, a nonprofit that equips changemakers with the strategies, tools, and training to secure equitable funding, and LV Growth Solutions, a consulting firm that helps nonprofits and small businesses streamline operations, stay competitive, and integrate practical AI solutions into their work.

With over 18 years of experience overseeing more than $17.9 billion in federal, state, and local grant programs, Lydia has been at the front lines of disaster recovery, compliance monitoring, and multi‑grant project management—including her tenure as the Disaster Grants Branch Chief at FEMA Region 6. Today, she serves as a trusted advisor to public agencies, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs, helping them become grant‑ready, audit‑proof, and future‑focused.

Through LVGS and GOC, Lydia teaches professionals how to use AI responsibly to simplify grant compliance, build bulletproof processes, and avoid the costly pitfalls that can jeopardize funding. Her systems‑based approach turns complex regulations into clear action steps—empowering organizations to work smarter, scale faster, and lead with confidence in a rapidly changing funding landscape.

Connect with Lydia Vollmann

Links Mentioned

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> Fri, 08 Aug 2025 07:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1801 In this bonus episode, Holly Rustick interviews Lydia Vollmann, founder of Grant Our Community, discussing her transition from federal grants to for-profit opportunities, the integration of AI into her work, and the decision to move to Germany.


Lydia shares insights on environmental justice, the importance of mentorship, and her recent move to Germany, highlighting the flexibility and independence her career has afforded her. The conversation emphasizes the value of networking and collaboration within the grant writing community.


Takeaways

  • Lydia has over 18 years of experience in federal grant writing.
  • She transitioned to for-profit clients, integrating AI into her work.
  • Environmental justice remains a key focus in her grant writing.
  • AI helps simplify complex grant regulations and processes.
  • How the Grant Professional Mentorship has played a crucial role in her professional growth.
  • Lydia moved to Germany, allowing her to work independently.
  • Networking within the grant writing community is essential.
  • She emphasizes the importance of adapting language in grant applications.
  • Lydia has won over $2.5 million in grants in the past six months.
  • She encourages others to keep an open mind and embrace new ideas.

About Lydia Vollmann

Lydia Vollmann is a nationally recognized leader in grants management and the founder of two mission‑driven organizations: Grant Our Community, a nonprofit that equips changemakers with the strategies, tools, and training to secure equitable funding, and LV Growth Solutions, a consulting firm that helps nonprofits and small businesses streamline operations, stay competitive, and integrate practical AI solutions into their work.

With over 18 years of experience overseeing more than $17.9 billion in federal, state, and local grant programs, Lydia has been at the front lines of disaster recovery, compliance monitoring, and multi‑grant project management—including her tenure as the Disaster Grants Branch Chief at FEMA Region 6. Today, she serves as a trusted advisor to public agencies, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs, helping them become grant‑ready, audit‑proof, and future‑focused.

Through LVGS and GOC, Lydia teaches professionals how to use AI responsibly to simplify grant compliance, build bulletproof processes, and avoid the costly pitfalls that can jeopardize funding. Her systems‑based approach turns complex regulations into clear action steps—empowering organizations to work smarter, scale faster, and lead with confidence in a rapidly changing funding landscape.

Connect with Lydia Vollmann

Links Mentioned

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Work Smarter, Not Harder: How to Hire Help and Streamline Your Grant Writing Business in 2025 Work Smarter, Not Harder: How to Hire Help and Streamline Your Grant Writing Business in 2025 bonus b51ec3a8-fb5e-4316-8fb1-958da46de662 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/work-smarter-not-harder-how-to-hire-help-and-streamline-your-grant-writing-business-in-2025 Tune into the Replay Training: "Work Smarter, Not Harder: How to Hire Help and Streamline Your Grant Writing Business in 2025."


]]> Tune into the Replay Training: "Work Smarter, Not Harder: How to Hire Help and Streamline Your Grant Writing Business in 2025."


]]> Wed, 06 Aug 2025 10:24:14 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 8700 Tune into the Replay Training: "Work Smarter, Not Harder: How to Hire Help and Streamline Your Grant Writing Business in 2025."


]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No I've Spent $97,403 On Freelancers For My Grant Writing Business : Here's What I learned 413 413 I've Spent $97,403 On Freelancers For My Grant Writing Business : Here's What I learned full 557f73e7-6629-4c32-a246-260827ec861f https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ive-spent-97-403-on-freelancers-for-my-grant-writing-business-heres-what-i-learned In this episode, we delve into the crucial lessons learned from spending over $97,403 on hiring freelancers and agencies for a grant writing business. Discover the importance of developing the right hiring mindset, knowing which roles to hire for and when, setting clear job descriptions, and using test projects to find the best candidates. Join us for actionable tips and insights to enhance your hiring process and drive your business forward.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> In this episode, we delve into the crucial lessons learned from spending over $97,403 on hiring freelancers and agencies for a grant writing business. Discover the importance of developing the right hiring mindset, knowing which roles to hire for and when, setting clear job descriptions, and using test projects to find the best candidates. Join us for actionable tips and insights to enhance your hiring process and drive your business forward.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> Tue, 05 Aug 2025 07:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1079 In this episode, we delve into the crucial lessons learned from spending over $97,403 on hiring freelancers and agencies for a grant writing business. Discover the importance of developing the right hiring mindset, knowing which roles to hire for and when, setting clear job descriptions, and using test projects to find the best candidates. Join us for actionable tips and insights to enhance your hiring process and drive your business forward.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Courtney Left Her Job, Hired Her Husband & Mom, and Now Helps Arts Orgs Fund Big Dreams Courtney Left Her Job, Hired Her Husband & Mom, and Now Helps Arts Orgs Fund Big Dreams bonus f388d346-c78b-40cc-8027-ec778de574ad https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/courtney-left-her-job-hired-her-husband-mom-and-now-helps-arts-orgs-fund-big-dreams In this conversation, Holly Rustick interviews Courtney Oliphant, CEO and founder of Coastal Nonprofit Consulting. Courtney shares her journey from working at a performing arts small nonprofit to starting her own consulting business. 

She discusses how she added services (and hired her husband full-time and her mom) to help performing arts nonprofits and organizations impacted by 2025 grant changes, the importance of being inside the Grant Professional Mentorship when hiring help, and how her business has evolved to be a grant and funding agency. 

Takeaways:

  • Courtney’s journey began in the nonprofit sector, leading her to grant writing.
  • She transitioned to consulting to create more flexibility in her life.
  • The first year of business was focused on reaching $100K in revenue.
  • Hiring contractors was essential to manage workload and prevent burnout.
  • Joining the Grant Professional Mentorship program helped her overcome mental blocks and set appropriate rates.
  • The business has expanded to include comprehensive fundraising plans.
  • Collaboration among nonprofits is becoming increasingly important for funding.
  • Foundations are pooling resources to support organizations facing funding challenges.
  • Building deeper relationships with existing donors is key to increasing donations.
  • The mentorship program provided valuable resources and community support for growth.

About Courtney Oliphant

Courtney Oliphant, GPC (CliftonStrengths: Strategic, Futuristic, Achiever, Relator, Self-Assurance) is a nonprofit grant strategist and founder of Coastal Nonprofit Consulting. With over 12 years of experience in grant writing and management, she has helped mission-driven organizations secure more than $8 million in funding—focusing on under-resourced communities and highly aligned, strategic growth.

Courtney began her career in nonprofit bookkeeping and niched into grants after spending seven years as a Managing Director, where she oversaw fundraising, programming, and operations. She previously served as a coach for The Prep Institute, supporting 15 grassroots, BIPOC- and minority-led nonprofits in raising over $1.5 million in FY25 through institutional fundraising strategy and grant development.

She serves as the Treasurer of the Board for the Grant Professionals Association San Diego County Chapter and is a member of the Board of Directors for the Growth Incubator for Social Solutions (GISS). Courtney holds certifications in nonprofit finance, grant writing with AI, nonprofit management, and more.Storytelling runs through all of Courtney’s work—from grant strategy to creative expression. Outside of client work, she co-produces and co-writes the Lagralane Spirits podcast, creates social justice-themed short films, and writes fantasy and speculative YA fiction. She lives in San Diego with her partner, two young kids, and three very sandy, dog-beach-loving dogs.

Connect with Courtney Oliphant:

Links Mentioned:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> In this conversation, Holly Rustick interviews Courtney Oliphant, CEO and founder of Coastal Nonprofit Consulting. Courtney shares her journey from working at a performing arts small nonprofit to starting her own consulting business. 

She discusses how she added services (and hired her husband full-time and her mom) to help performing arts nonprofits and organizations impacted by 2025 grant changes, the importance of being inside the Grant Professional Mentorship when hiring help, and how her business has evolved to be a grant and funding agency. 

Takeaways:

  • Courtney’s journey began in the nonprofit sector, leading her to grant writing.
  • She transitioned to consulting to create more flexibility in her life.
  • The first year of business was focused on reaching $100K in revenue.
  • Hiring contractors was essential to manage workload and prevent burnout.
  • Joining the Grant Professional Mentorship program helped her overcome mental blocks and set appropriate rates.
  • The business has expanded to include comprehensive fundraising plans.
  • Collaboration among nonprofits is becoming increasingly important for funding.
  • Foundations are pooling resources to support organizations facing funding challenges.
  • Building deeper relationships with existing donors is key to increasing donations.
  • The mentorship program provided valuable resources and community support for growth.

About Courtney Oliphant

Courtney Oliphant, GPC (CliftonStrengths: Strategic, Futuristic, Achiever, Relator, Self-Assurance) is a nonprofit grant strategist and founder of Coastal Nonprofit Consulting. With over 12 years of experience in grant writing and management, she has helped mission-driven organizations secure more than $8 million in funding—focusing on under-resourced communities and highly aligned, strategic growth.

Courtney began her career in nonprofit bookkeeping and niched into grants after spending seven years as a Managing Director, where she oversaw fundraising, programming, and operations. She previously served as a coach for The Prep Institute, supporting 15 grassroots, BIPOC- and minority-led nonprofits in raising over $1.5 million in FY25 through institutional fundraising strategy and grant development.

She serves as the Treasurer of the Board for the Grant Professionals Association San Diego County Chapter and is a member of the Board of Directors for the Growth Incubator for Social Solutions (GISS). Courtney holds certifications in nonprofit finance, grant writing with AI, nonprofit management, and more.Storytelling runs through all of Courtney’s work—from grant strategy to creative expression. Outside of client work, she co-produces and co-writes the Lagralane Spirits podcast, creates social justice-themed short films, and writes fantasy and speculative YA fiction. She lives in San Diego with her partner, two young kids, and three very sandy, dog-beach-loving dogs.

Connect with Courtney Oliphant:

Links Mentioned:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> Tue, 05 Aug 2025 07:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1644 In this conversation, Holly Rustick interviews Courtney Oliphant, CEO and founder of Coastal Nonprofit Consulting. Courtney shares her journey from working at a performing arts small nonprofit to starting her own consulting business. 

She discusses how she added services (and hired her husband full-time and her mom) to help performing arts nonprofits and organizations impacted by 2025 grant changes, the importance of being inside the Grant Professional Mentorship when hiring help, and how her business has evolved to be a grant and funding agency. 

Takeaways:

  • Courtney’s journey began in the nonprofit sector, leading her to grant writing.
  • She transitioned to consulting to create more flexibility in her life.
  • The first year of business was focused on reaching $100K in revenue.
  • Hiring contractors was essential to manage workload and prevent burnout.
  • Joining the Grant Professional Mentorship program helped her overcome mental blocks and set appropriate rates.
  • The business has expanded to include comprehensive fundraising plans.
  • Collaboration among nonprofits is becoming increasingly important for funding.
  • Foundations are pooling resources to support organizations facing funding challenges.
  • Building deeper relationships with existing donors is key to increasing donations.
  • The mentorship program provided valuable resources and community support for growth.

About Courtney Oliphant

Courtney Oliphant, GPC (CliftonStrengths: Strategic, Futuristic, Achiever, Relator, Self-Assurance) is a nonprofit grant strategist and founder of Coastal Nonprofit Consulting. With over 12 years of experience in grant writing and management, she has helped mission-driven organizations secure more than $8 million in funding—focusing on under-resourced communities and highly aligned, strategic growth.

Courtney began her career in nonprofit bookkeeping and niched into grants after spending seven years as a Managing Director, where she oversaw fundraising, programming, and operations. She previously served as a coach for The Prep Institute, supporting 15 grassroots, BIPOC- and minority-led nonprofits in raising over $1.5 million in FY25 through institutional fundraising strategy and grant development.

She serves as the Treasurer of the Board for the Grant Professionals Association San Diego County Chapter and is a member of the Board of Directors for the Growth Incubator for Social Solutions (GISS). Courtney holds certifications in nonprofit finance, grant writing with AI, nonprofit management, and more.Storytelling runs through all of Courtney’s work—from grant strategy to creative expression. Outside of client work, she co-produces and co-writes the Lagralane Spirits podcast, creates social justice-themed short films, and writes fantasy and speculative YA fiction. She lives in San Diego with her partner, two young kids, and three very sandy, dog-beach-loving dogs.

Connect with Courtney Oliphant:

Links Mentioned:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Proven Steps to Book Out Your Freelance Grant Writing Business 412 412 Proven Steps to Book Out Your Freelance Grant Writing Business full c193977e-212d-4888-a0e8-024580880413 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/proven-steps-to-book-out-your-freelance-grant-writing-business In this episode of the Grant Writing and Funding podcast, host Holly Rustic shares proven strategies to help freelance grant writers find and secure clients. Holly discusses the importance of short-term, medium-term, and long-term lead generation methods, including leveraging personal and professional networks, social media, and hosting training events. She also provides insights into the benefits of creating a newsletter, investing in ads, and using SEO to scale up your grant writing business. Whether you're just starting out or looking to grow your business, this episode offers valuable tips to help you succeed.

Tune in today to listen to this podcast.
To learn more about the podcast episodes go to https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-writing-podcast/

"Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

Favor, please?

If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Coaches new and experienced grant writers to earn high 5-6 figure incomes writing grants from home!

Get Freelance Grant Writing Spicy Tips when you Join the weekly newsletter series “Write Grants. Get Paid”  https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/
———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!
This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 
———————————————————————————

]]> In this episode of the Grant Writing and Funding podcast, host Holly Rustic shares proven strategies to help freelance grant writers find and secure clients. Holly discusses the importance of short-term, medium-term, and long-term lead generation methods, including leveraging personal and professional networks, social media, and hosting training events. She also provides insights into the benefits of creating a newsletter, investing in ads, and using SEO to scale up your grant writing business. Whether you're just starting out or looking to grow your business, this episode offers valuable tips to help you succeed.

Tune in today to listen to this podcast.
To learn more about the podcast episodes go to https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-writing-podcast/

"Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

Favor, please?

If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Coaches new and experienced grant writers to earn high 5-6 figure incomes writing grants from home!

Get Freelance Grant Writing Spicy Tips when you Join the weekly newsletter series “Write Grants. Get Paid”  https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/
———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!
This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 
———————————————————————————

]]> Tue, 29 Jul 2025 07:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1723 In this episode of the Grant Writing and Funding podcast, host Holly Rustic shares proven strategies to help freelance grant writers find and secure clients. Holly discusses the importance of short-term, medium-term, and long-term lead generation methods, including leveraging personal and professional networks, social media, and hosting training events. She also provides insights into the benefits of creating a newsletter, investing in ads, and using SEO to scale up your grant writing business. Whether you're just starting out or looking to grow your business, this episode offers valuable tips to help you succeed.

Tune in today to listen to this podcast.
To learn more about the podcast episodes go to https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-writing-podcast/

"Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

Favor, please?

If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Coaches new and experienced grant writers to earn high 5-6 figure incomes writing grants from home!

Get Freelance Grant Writing Spicy Tips when you Join the weekly newsletter series “Write Grants. Get Paid”  https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/
———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!
This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 
———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Mastering Grant Writing Pricing Models 411 411 Mastering Grant Writing Pricing Models full b0ce13b8-dc5e-4f79-9c90-61298f63e3df https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/mastering-grant-writing-pricing-models Holly shares her expertise in grant writing and nonprofit sales strategies to help freelance grant writers create stable incomes and flexible schedules. Holly discusses the challenges of pricing grant writing services accurately and introduces the three primary pricing models: hourly, retainer, and packaging. She emphasizes the importance of value-based pricing and offers steps to determine fair pricing.

Tune in today to listen to this podcast.
To learn more about the podcast episodes go to https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-writing-podcast/

"Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

Favor, please?

If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Coaches new and experienced grant writers to earn high 5-6 figure incomes writing grants from home!

Get Freelance Grant Writing Spicy Tips when you Join the weekly newsletter series “Write Grants. Get Paid”  https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/
———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!
This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 
———————————————————————————

]]> Holly shares her expertise in grant writing and nonprofit sales strategies to help freelance grant writers create stable incomes and flexible schedules. Holly discusses the challenges of pricing grant writing services accurately and introduces the three primary pricing models: hourly, retainer, and packaging. She emphasizes the importance of value-based pricing and offers steps to determine fair pricing.

Tune in today to listen to this podcast.
To learn more about the podcast episodes go to https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-writing-podcast/

"Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

Favor, please?

If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Coaches new and experienced grant writers to earn high 5-6 figure incomes writing grants from home!

Get Freelance Grant Writing Spicy Tips when you Join the weekly newsletter series “Write Grants. Get Paid”  https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/
———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!
This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 
———————————————————————————

]]> Tue, 22 Jul 2025 07:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 963 Holly shares her expertise in grant writing and nonprofit sales strategies to help freelance grant writers create stable incomes and flexible schedules. Holly discusses the challenges of pricing grant writing services accurately and introduces the three primary pricing models: hourly, retainer, and packaging. She emphasizes the importance of value-based pricing and offers steps to determine fair pricing.

Tune in today to listen to this podcast.
To learn more about the podcast episodes go to https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-writing-podcast/

"Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

Favor, please?

If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Coaches new and experienced grant writers to earn high 5-6 figure incomes writing grants from home!

Get Freelance Grant Writing Spicy Tips when you Join the weekly newsletter series “Write Grants. Get Paid”  https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/
———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!
This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 
———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Grant Writing Pricing Models Explained: Hourly, Package & Retainer 410 410 Grant Writing Pricing Models Explained: Hourly, Package & Retainer full 4e54e07a-8db4-400e-b997-0fd9336d7b92 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/grant-writing-pricing-models-explained-hourly-package-retainer In this episode Holly delves into the various pricing models for freelance grant writers, emphasizing the importance of tracking time to accurately estimate pricing. She discusses the drawbacks of charging on commission and explains why it is against best practices. Holly presents three core pricing models: hourly, package, and retainer, outlining the pros and cons of each. She shares tips on setting up effective retainer agreements for consistent cash flow and highlights the importance of valuing one's services. This episode is a comprehensive guide for grant writers looking to optimize their pricing strategies.

Tune in today to listen to this podcast.
To learn more about the podcast episodes go to https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-writing-podcast/

"Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

Favor, please?

If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Coaches new and experienced grant writers to earn high 5-6 figure incomes writing grants from home!

Get Freelance Grant Writing Spicy Tips when you Join the weekly newsletter series “Write Grants. Get Paid”  https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/
———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!
This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 
———————————————————————————

]]> In this episode Holly delves into the various pricing models for freelance grant writers, emphasizing the importance of tracking time to accurately estimate pricing. She discusses the drawbacks of charging on commission and explains why it is against best practices. Holly presents three core pricing models: hourly, package, and retainer, outlining the pros and cons of each. She shares tips on setting up effective retainer agreements for consistent cash flow and highlights the importance of valuing one's services. This episode is a comprehensive guide for grant writers looking to optimize their pricing strategies.

Tune in today to listen to this podcast.
To learn more about the podcast episodes go to https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-writing-podcast/

"Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

Favor, please?

If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Coaches new and experienced grant writers to earn high 5-6 figure incomes writing grants from home!

Get Freelance Grant Writing Spicy Tips when you Join the weekly newsletter series “Write Grants. Get Paid”  https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/
———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!
This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 
———————————————————————————

]]> Tue, 15 Jul 2025 07:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1134 In this episode Holly delves into the various pricing models for freelance grant writers, emphasizing the importance of tracking time to accurately estimate pricing. She discusses the drawbacks of charging on commission and explains why it is against best practices. Holly presents three core pricing models: hourly, package, and retainer, outlining the pros and cons of each. She shares tips on setting up effective retainer agreements for consistent cash flow and highlights the importance of valuing one's services. This episode is a comprehensive guide for grant writers looking to optimize their pricing strategies.

Tune in today to listen to this podcast.
To learn more about the podcast episodes go to https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-writing-podcast/

"Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

Favor, please?

If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Coaches new and experienced grant writers to earn high 5-6 figure incomes writing grants from home!

Get Freelance Grant Writing Spicy Tips when you Join the weekly newsletter series “Write Grants. Get Paid”  https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/
———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!
This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 
———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No The Future of Philanthropy: 2025 Trends and Insights 409 409 The Future of Philanthropy: 2025 Trends and Insights full b4c00bdf-6955-476d-84ab-955ed30671b0 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/the-future-of-philanthropy-2025-trends-and-insights Explore how cause-driven giving, advocacy, and innovation are reshaping nonprofits in 2025 and beyond. Tune in to listen to Micheal Thatcher from Charity Navigator.


In this conversation, Holly Rustick speaks with Michael Thatcher, CEO of Charity Navigator, about the evolving landscape of nonprofit evaluation and philanthropy. They discuss the launch of new funds, trends in giving, and the importance of advocacy in the nonprofit sector. 


Michael shares insights on how giving patterns are changing, particularly among younger generations, and the impact of recent legislative changes on nonprofits. 


The conversation emphasizes the need for community engagement and the critical role of nonprofits in addressing societal needs.


Holly and Michael also discuss how to work with Charity Navigator for developing a free will and how to create a legacy with your assets to nonprofits. 


Takeaways

  • Charity Navigator evaluates over 240,000 nonprofits.
  • The platform helps donors find the best nonprofits for their causes.
  • Younger generations prioritize causes over organization names.
  • The launch of Causeway allows donors to contribute to specific causes.
  • Anonymous donations are increasing, making donor engagement challenging.
  • Advocacy is crucial for the nonprofit sector’s survival.
  • Legislative changes are impacting nonprofit funding and operations.
  • Community engagement enhances the effectiveness of philanthropy.
  • The need for nonprofit services is growing, not diminishing.
  • Nonprofits play a vital role in the social safety net.

About Micheal Thatcher

Michael leads Charity Navigator in its efforts to make impactful philanthropy easier for all by increasing the breadth and depth of evaluation methodologies to facilitate ratings coverage of substantially larger numbers of charities and expand how the information engages new and existing audiences. Prior to joining Charity Navigator Michael spent more than fifteen years with Microsoft, the last ten of which, as their Public-Sector Chief Technology Officer responsible for technology policy initiatives and engagements with governments and academic leaders in Asia, the Middle-East and Africa. Michael’s eclectic background includes years at sea conducting oceanographic research with Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, composing music and dancing internationally as the co-founder and co-director of Dance Music Light. He has held various board positions within the nonprofit and tech sector, holds several patents in enterprise systems management and has a degree in Music from Columbia University in New York. 

His guiding mantra: Follow your heart – Use your head – Make a difference

Connect with Micheal Thatcher

Links Mentioned

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————
This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!
This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 
———————————————————————————

]]> Explore how cause-driven giving, advocacy, and innovation are reshaping nonprofits in 2025 and beyond. Tune in to listen to Micheal Thatcher from Charity Navigator.


In this conversation, Holly Rustick speaks with Michael Thatcher, CEO of Charity Navigator, about the evolving landscape of nonprofit evaluation and philanthropy. They discuss the launch of new funds, trends in giving, and the importance of advocacy in the nonprofit sector. 


Michael shares insights on how giving patterns are changing, particularly among younger generations, and the impact of recent legislative changes on nonprofits. 


The conversation emphasizes the need for community engagement and the critical role of nonprofits in addressing societal needs.


Holly and Michael also discuss how to work with Charity Navigator for developing a free will and how to create a legacy with your assets to nonprofits. 


Takeaways

  • Charity Navigator evaluates over 240,000 nonprofits.
  • The platform helps donors find the best nonprofits for their causes.
  • Younger generations prioritize causes over organization names.
  • The launch of Causeway allows donors to contribute to specific causes.
  • Anonymous donations are increasing, making donor engagement challenging.
  • Advocacy is crucial for the nonprofit sector’s survival.
  • Legislative changes are impacting nonprofit funding and operations.
  • Community engagement enhances the effectiveness of philanthropy.
  • The need for nonprofit services is growing, not diminishing.
  • Nonprofits play a vital role in the social safety net.

About Micheal Thatcher

Michael leads Charity Navigator in its efforts to make impactful philanthropy easier for all by increasing the breadth and depth of evaluation methodologies to facilitate ratings coverage of substantially larger numbers of charities and expand how the information engages new and existing audiences. Prior to joining Charity Navigator Michael spent more than fifteen years with Microsoft, the last ten of which, as their Public-Sector Chief Technology Officer responsible for technology policy initiatives and engagements with governments and academic leaders in Asia, the Middle-East and Africa. Michael’s eclectic background includes years at sea conducting oceanographic research with Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, composing music and dancing internationally as the co-founder and co-director of Dance Music Light. He has held various board positions within the nonprofit and tech sector, holds several patents in enterprise systems management and has a degree in Music from Columbia University in New York. 

His guiding mantra: Follow your heart – Use your head – Make a difference

Connect with Micheal Thatcher

Links Mentioned

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————
This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!
This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 
———————————————————————————

]]> Tue, 08 Jul 2025 07:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2265 Explore how cause-driven giving, advocacy, and innovation are reshaping nonprofits in 2025 and beyond. Tune in to listen to Micheal Thatcher from Charity Navigator.


In this conversation, Holly Rustick speaks with Michael Thatcher, CEO of Charity Navigator, about the evolving landscape of nonprofit evaluation and philanthropy. They discuss the launch of new funds, trends in giving, and the importance of advocacy in the nonprofit sector. 


Michael shares insights on how giving patterns are changing, particularly among younger generations, and the impact of recent legislative changes on nonprofits. 


The conversation emphasizes the need for community engagement and the critical role of nonprofits in addressing societal needs.


Holly and Michael also discuss how to work with Charity Navigator for developing a free will and how to create a legacy with your assets to nonprofits. 


Takeaways

  • Charity Navigator evaluates over 240,000 nonprofits.
  • The platform helps donors find the best nonprofits for their causes.
  • Younger generations prioritize causes over organization names.
  • The launch of Causeway allows donors to contribute to specific causes.
  • Anonymous donations are increasing, making donor engagement challenging.
  • Advocacy is crucial for the nonprofit sector’s survival.
  • Legislative changes are impacting nonprofit funding and operations.
  • Community engagement enhances the effectiveness of philanthropy.
  • The need for nonprofit services is growing, not diminishing.
  • Nonprofits play a vital role in the social safety net.

About Micheal Thatcher

Michael leads Charity Navigator in its efforts to make impactful philanthropy easier for all by increasing the breadth and depth of evaluation methodologies to facilitate ratings coverage of substantially larger numbers of charities and expand how the information engages new and existing audiences. Prior to joining Charity Navigator Michael spent more than fifteen years with Microsoft, the last ten of which, as their Public-Sector Chief Technology Officer responsible for technology policy initiatives and engagements with governments and academic leaders in Asia, the Middle-East and Africa. Michael’s eclectic background includes years at sea conducting oceanographic research with Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, composing music and dancing internationally as the co-founder and co-director of Dance Music Light. He has held various board positions within the nonprofit and tech sector, holds several patents in enterprise systems management and has a degree in Music from Columbia University in New York. 

His guiding mantra: Follow your heart – Use your head – Make a difference

Connect with Micheal Thatcher

Links Mentioned

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————
This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!
This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 
———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Bridging Divides: Connecting for Impact in Today's Fundraising Landscape 408 408 Bridging Divides: Connecting for Impact in Today's Fundraising Landscape full eb20db01-4695-4081-b2b0-776d2e7979f2 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/bridging-divides-connecting-for-impact-in-todays-fundraising-landscape Navigating political divides in fundraising—learn how connection, storytelling, and strategy can drive nonprofit success.

In this conversation, Holly Rustick and Kamy Akhavan discuss the intersection of politics and fundraising, emphasizing the importance of human connection in nonprofit work. 


They explore how social division impacts community engagement and fundraising efforts, while also highlighting opportunities that arise from chaos. The discussion underscores the need for emotional storytelling and relationship building in the nonprofit sector, particularly in grant writing and fundraising strategies.


Takeaways


  • Politics today influences fundraising efforts significantly
  • The shrinking public square leads to increased isolation
  • Conversations are essential for fostering change and understanding
  • Building trust is crucial for effective communication in nonprofits
  • Networking should be approached with genuine curiosity
  • Creating relationships takes time but is essential for long-term success

    Connect with Kamy Akhavan:
    LinkedIn
    Instagram

    Tune in today to listen to this podcast.
    To learn more about the podcast episodes go to https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-writing-podcast/

    "Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

    Favor, please?

    If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

    This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

    “Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

    Thanks for listening!

    Warmly,
    Holly Rustick
    Coaches new and experienced grant writers to earn high 5-6 figure incomes writing grants from home!

    Get Freelance Grant Writing Spicy Tips when you Join the weekly newsletter series “Write Grants. Get Paid”  https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

    Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
    https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/
    ———————————————————————————

    This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!
    This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 
    ———————————————————————————

]]> Navigating political divides in fundraising—learn how connection, storytelling, and strategy can drive nonprofit success.

In this conversation, Holly Rustick and Kamy Akhavan discuss the intersection of politics and fundraising, emphasizing the importance of human connection in nonprofit work. 


They explore how social division impacts community engagement and fundraising efforts, while also highlighting opportunities that arise from chaos. The discussion underscores the need for emotional storytelling and relationship building in the nonprofit sector, particularly in grant writing and fundraising strategies.


Takeaways


  • Politics today influences fundraising efforts significantly
  • The shrinking public square leads to increased isolation
  • Conversations are essential for fostering change and understanding
  • Building trust is crucial for effective communication in nonprofits
  • Networking should be approached with genuine curiosity
  • Creating relationships takes time but is essential for long-term success

    Connect with Kamy Akhavan:
    LinkedIn
    Instagram

    Tune in today to listen to this podcast.
    To learn more about the podcast episodes go to https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-writing-podcast/

    "Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

    Favor, please?

    If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

    This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

    “Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

    Thanks for listening!

    Warmly,
    Holly Rustick
    Coaches new and experienced grant writers to earn high 5-6 figure incomes writing grants from home!

    Get Freelance Grant Writing Spicy Tips when you Join the weekly newsletter series “Write Grants. Get Paid”  https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

    Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
    https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/
    ———————————————————————————

    This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!
    This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 
    ———————————————————————————

]]> Tue, 01 Jul 2025 07:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1508 Navigating political divides in fundraising—learn how connection, storytelling, and strategy can drive nonprofit success.

In this conversation, Holly Rustick and Kamy Akhavan discuss the intersection of politics and fundraising, emphasizing the importance of human connection in nonprofit work. 


They explore how social division impacts community engagement and fundraising efforts, while also highlighting opportunities that arise from chaos. The discussion underscores the need for emotional storytelling and relationship building in the nonprofit sector, particularly in grant writing and fundraising strategies.


Takeaways


  • Politics today influences fundraising efforts significantly
  • The shrinking public square leads to increased isolation
  • Conversations are essential for fostering change and understanding
  • Building trust is crucial for effective communication in nonprofits
  • Networking should be approached with genuine curiosity
  • Creating relationships takes time but is essential for long-term success

    Connect with Kamy Akhavan:
    LinkedIn
    Instagram

    Tune in today to listen to this podcast.
    To learn more about the podcast episodes go to https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-writing-podcast/

    "Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

    Favor, please?

    If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

    This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

    “Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

    Thanks for listening!

    Warmly,
    Holly Rustick
    Coaches new and experienced grant writers to earn high 5-6 figure incomes writing grants from home!

    Get Freelance Grant Writing Spicy Tips when you Join the weekly newsletter series “Write Grants. Get Paid”  https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

    Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
    https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/
    ———————————————————————————

    This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!
    This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 
    ———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Find out What Freelance Grant Writers Charged for their Services in 2024 407 407 Find out What Freelance Grant Writers Charged for their Services in 2024 full c6626c69-ca4b-427a-9017-c1ee737e0fb9 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/find-out-what-freelance-grant-writers-charged-for-their-services-in-2024 Go behind the scenes with Global Development Solutions and their 2024 Freelance Grant Writer Pricing Survey!

Rachel Waterman and her team have done a 3rd annual Pricing Report! We love everything about this!

Find out what freelance grant writers are pricing their grant writing surveys. 

About Rachel Waterman, GPC, CFRE

Rachel Waterman is a thinker, published author, award winning researcher, professional artist and mother of  two with over 25 years of community development and  grant writing experience. Rachel is Grant Professional  Certified (GPC), a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), a  Grant Professionals Association (GPA) Approved Trainer,  and CEO of Global Development Solutions – also known as  GDS Grants – a grant consulting and research firm offering a  gold standard level of service to organizations both in the  US and abroad. 

She holds a master’s degree in community and economic  development with a concentration in applied social research from Illinois State University, a bachelor’s degree in international studies from Barry University, and speaks Spanish and Portuguese fluently. Her career has  

encompassed a broad spectrum of professional experiences,  including serving three years as a Peace Corps Volunteer in the Dominican Republic, to her work as a nonprofit executive director, city master planner, consultant, coach and Mayor of the city of Lake Worth  Beach, Florida. 

Rachel is an expert grant writer, outcomes analyst, and has conducted numerous community,  social, and economic impact analyses for local nonprofits and municipalities including Miami  Dade College, Miami Book Fair (the largest literary festival in the country), SunFest (Florida’s  largest waterfront music and art festival), Palm Beach County HeadStart, and Leesburg  

BikeFest to name a few.  

She travels the world speaking and doing social research, nonprofit training and grant writing  seminars where she shares her proven strategies for successful grant writing and grant management. Rachel has conducted seminars with the Carengie Corporation in New York City,  National Peace Corps Association in Washington DC, Projet Chela in Los Angeles, the Greater  Miami Festivals & Events Association in Miami, City of Hope in St. Marc, Haiti, and the Otter  Project in Armacao, Brasil, among others. Now that learning has gone virtual, Rachel has  formally launched online Professional Development opportunities accessible to everyone,  including internships for beginner grant writers, fellowships for college students registered in  accredited universities and mentorships for nonprofit professionals looking for support  reaching their grant goals. 

Connect with Rachel Waterman

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> Go behind the scenes with Global Development Solutions and their 2024 Freelance Grant Writer Pricing Survey!

Rachel Waterman and her team have done a 3rd annual Pricing Report! We love everything about this!

Find out what freelance grant writers are pricing their grant writing surveys. 

About Rachel Waterman, GPC, CFRE

Rachel Waterman is a thinker, published author, award winning researcher, professional artist and mother of  two with over 25 years of community development and  grant writing experience. Rachel is Grant Professional  Certified (GPC), a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), a  Grant Professionals Association (GPA) Approved Trainer,  and CEO of Global Development Solutions – also known as  GDS Grants – a grant consulting and research firm offering a  gold standard level of service to organizations both in the  US and abroad. 

She holds a master’s degree in community and economic  development with a concentration in applied social research from Illinois State University, a bachelor’s degree in international studies from Barry University, and speaks Spanish and Portuguese fluently. Her career has  

encompassed a broad spectrum of professional experiences,  including serving three years as a Peace Corps Volunteer in the Dominican Republic, to her work as a nonprofit executive director, city master planner, consultant, coach and Mayor of the city of Lake Worth  Beach, Florida. 

Rachel is an expert grant writer, outcomes analyst, and has conducted numerous community,  social, and economic impact analyses for local nonprofits and municipalities including Miami  Dade College, Miami Book Fair (the largest literary festival in the country), SunFest (Florida’s  largest waterfront music and art festival), Palm Beach County HeadStart, and Leesburg  

BikeFest to name a few.  

She travels the world speaking and doing social research, nonprofit training and grant writing  seminars where she shares her proven strategies for successful grant writing and grant management. Rachel has conducted seminars with the Carengie Corporation in New York City,  National Peace Corps Association in Washington DC, Projet Chela in Los Angeles, the Greater  Miami Festivals & Events Association in Miami, City of Hope in St. Marc, Haiti, and the Otter  Project in Armacao, Brasil, among others. Now that learning has gone virtual, Rachel has  formally launched online Professional Development opportunities accessible to everyone,  including internships for beginner grant writers, fellowships for college students registered in  accredited universities and mentorships for nonprofit professionals looking for support  reaching their grant goals. 

Connect with Rachel Waterman

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> Tue, 24 Jun 2025 07:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 3153 Go behind the scenes with Global Development Solutions and their 2024 Freelance Grant Writer Pricing Survey!

Rachel Waterman and her team have done a 3rd annual Pricing Report! We love everything about this!

Find out what freelance grant writers are pricing their grant writing surveys. 

About Rachel Waterman, GPC, CFRE

Rachel Waterman is a thinker, published author, award winning researcher, professional artist and mother of  two with over 25 years of community development and  grant writing experience. Rachel is Grant Professional  Certified (GPC), a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), a  Grant Professionals Association (GPA) Approved Trainer,  and CEO of Global Development Solutions – also known as  GDS Grants – a grant consulting and research firm offering a  gold standard level of service to organizations both in the  US and abroad. 

She holds a master’s degree in community and economic  development with a concentration in applied social research from Illinois State University, a bachelor’s degree in international studies from Barry University, and speaks Spanish and Portuguese fluently. Her career has  

encompassed a broad spectrum of professional experiences,  including serving three years as a Peace Corps Volunteer in the Dominican Republic, to her work as a nonprofit executive director, city master planner, consultant, coach and Mayor of the city of Lake Worth  Beach, Florida. 

Rachel is an expert grant writer, outcomes analyst, and has conducted numerous community,  social, and economic impact analyses for local nonprofits and municipalities including Miami  Dade College, Miami Book Fair (the largest literary festival in the country), SunFest (Florida’s  largest waterfront music and art festival), Palm Beach County HeadStart, and Leesburg  

BikeFest to name a few.  

She travels the world speaking and doing social research, nonprofit training and grant writing  seminars where she shares her proven strategies for successful grant writing and grant management. Rachel has conducted seminars with the Carengie Corporation in New York City,  National Peace Corps Association in Washington DC, Projet Chela in Los Angeles, the Greater  Miami Festivals & Events Association in Miami, City of Hope in St. Marc, Haiti, and the Otter  Project in Armacao, Brasil, among others. Now that learning has gone virtual, Rachel has  formally launched online Professional Development opportunities accessible to everyone,  including internships for beginner grant writers, fellowships for college students registered in  accredited universities and mentorships for nonprofit professionals looking for support  reaching their grant goals. 

Connect with Rachel Waterman

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Gabrielle Quit Her Job When Pregnant & Built a $12K Per Month Grant Writing Business Gabrielle Quit Her Job When Pregnant & Built a $12K Per Month Grant Writing Business bonus d8f2e326-5b22-4917-9e6b-c2e7ffe6c096 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/gabrielle-quit-her-job-when-pregnant-built-a-12k-per-month-grant-writing-business In this conversation, Holly Rustick interviews Gabrielle Perry, a successful grant writer who shares her journey of transitioning from a 9-5 job to running her own grant writing business. Gabrielle discusses the challenges she faced, the importance of community and mentorship, and how she has achieved significant financial success through value-based pricing and building a strong brand.

She emphasizes the personal transformation she has experienced, gaining confidence and freedom in her professional and personal life, and highlights the importance of structured education in her growth.

About Gabrielle Perry

Gabrielle Perry is the founder of Grants by Gabrielle, a grant writing and consulting firm dedicated to creating positive change through the written word. With a strong track record of securing and managing over $2.5 million in funding for public agencies, tribal governments, and nonprofit organizations, Gabrielle brings a deep understanding of both the strategy and compliance required for successful grant development.


Her expertise includes federal and state grants, law enforcement and victim services funding, and health-focused initiatives. She also offers strategic planning and financial compliance support—including SEFA reporting—for agencies looking to strengthen their grant infrastructure.


Gabrielle’s work is rooted in a passion for equity, sustainability, and helping mission-driven organizations transform their vision into actionable, fundable plans. As a working mom and former public servant, she brings a unique blend of lived experience and professional expertise to every project she takes on.

Connect with Gabrielle Perry

Links Mentioned

Takeaways

  • Gabrielle secured $232,784 in grants in 2025.
  • She quit her 9-5 job to thrive in her business.
  • Community and mentorship were crucial for her growth.
  • Overcoming imposter syndrome was a significant challenge.
  • She transitioned from one client to $12,000 a month.
  • Value-based pricing transformed her business.
  • Confidence gained from the Academy was invaluable.
  • She enjoys more freedom and time with her children.
  • Streamlined processes improved her efficiency.
  • Structured education is essential for success.

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> In this conversation, Holly Rustick interviews Gabrielle Perry, a successful grant writer who shares her journey of transitioning from a 9-5 job to running her own grant writing business. Gabrielle discusses the challenges she faced, the importance of community and mentorship, and how she has achieved significant financial success through value-based pricing and building a strong brand.

She emphasizes the personal transformation she has experienced, gaining confidence and freedom in her professional and personal life, and highlights the importance of structured education in her growth.

About Gabrielle Perry

Gabrielle Perry is the founder of Grants by Gabrielle, a grant writing and consulting firm dedicated to creating positive change through the written word. With a strong track record of securing and managing over $2.5 million in funding for public agencies, tribal governments, and nonprofit organizations, Gabrielle brings a deep understanding of both the strategy and compliance required for successful grant development.


Her expertise includes federal and state grants, law enforcement and victim services funding, and health-focused initiatives. She also offers strategic planning and financial compliance support—including SEFA reporting—for agencies looking to strengthen their grant infrastructure.


Gabrielle’s work is rooted in a passion for equity, sustainability, and helping mission-driven organizations transform their vision into actionable, fundable plans. As a working mom and former public servant, she brings a unique blend of lived experience and professional expertise to every project she takes on.

Connect with Gabrielle Perry

Links Mentioned

Takeaways

  • Gabrielle secured $232,784 in grants in 2025.
  • She quit her 9-5 job to thrive in her business.
  • Community and mentorship were crucial for her growth.
  • Overcoming imposter syndrome was a significant challenge.
  • She transitioned from one client to $12,000 a month.
  • Value-based pricing transformed her business.
  • Confidence gained from the Academy was invaluable.
  • She enjoys more freedom and time with her children.
  • Streamlined processes improved her efficiency.
  • Structured education is essential for success.

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> Fri, 20 Jun 2025 03:20:59 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1450 In this conversation, Holly Rustick interviews Gabrielle Perry, a successful grant writer who shares her journey of transitioning from a 9-5 job to running her own grant writing business. Gabrielle discusses the challenges she faced, the importance of community and mentorship, and how she has achieved significant financial success through value-based pricing and building a strong brand.

She emphasizes the personal transformation she has experienced, gaining confidence and freedom in her professional and personal life, and highlights the importance of structured education in her growth.

About Gabrielle Perry

Gabrielle Perry is the founder of Grants by Gabrielle, a grant writing and consulting firm dedicated to creating positive change through the written word. With a strong track record of securing and managing over $2.5 million in funding for public agencies, tribal governments, and nonprofit organizations, Gabrielle brings a deep understanding of both the strategy and compliance required for successful grant development.


Her expertise includes federal and state grants, law enforcement and victim services funding, and health-focused initiatives. She also offers strategic planning and financial compliance support—including SEFA reporting—for agencies looking to strengthen their grant infrastructure.


Gabrielle’s work is rooted in a passion for equity, sustainability, and helping mission-driven organizations transform their vision into actionable, fundable plans. As a working mom and former public servant, she brings a unique blend of lived experience and professional expertise to every project she takes on.

Connect with Gabrielle Perry

Links Mentioned

Takeaways

  • Gabrielle secured $232,784 in grants in 2025.
  • She quit her 9-5 job to thrive in her business.
  • Community and mentorship were crucial for her growth.
  • Overcoming imposter syndrome was a significant challenge.
  • She transitioned from one client to $12,000 a month.
  • Value-based pricing transformed her business.
  • Confidence gained from the Academy was invaluable.
  • She enjoys more freedom and time with her children.
  • Streamlined processes improved her efficiency.
  • Structured education is essential for success.

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No First $100K as a Freelance Grant Writer: What These 3 Academy Students Did First $100K as a Freelance Grant Writer: What These 3 Academy Students Did bonus 6efe76ab-c83a-4dc4-9866-caf5e64fbc08 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/first-100k-as-a-freelance-grant-writer-what-these-3-academy-students-did Join Payton, Dr. Lauren, and Daphney to discover how they made their first $100,000 inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy. 

Find out more about the Academy: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/academy

]]> Join Payton, Dr. Lauren, and Daphney to discover how they made their first $100,000 inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy. 

Find out more about the Academy: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/academy

]]> Thu, 19 Jun 2025 07:41:40 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 4567 Join Payton, Dr. Lauren, and Daphney to discover how they made their first $100,000 inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy. 

Find out more about the Academy: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/academy

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No First Grant & First Client: 3 Stories Inside the Academy First Grant & First Client: 3 Stories Inside the Academy bonus dfa3e594-0334-4be1-b740-44125e648234 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/first-grant-first-client-3-stories-inside-the-academy Listen to how Gabrielle, Christina, and Eowyn all got their first grants or clients inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy.

]]> Listen to how Gabrielle, Christina, and Eowyn all got their first grants or clients inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy.

]]> Thu, 19 Jun 2025 07:40:06 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2473 Listen to how Gabrielle, Christina, and Eowyn all got their first grants or clients inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Transformations from the Academy: From Stay-at-Home Mom to Making More Than Her Husband and Relocating to Spain 406 406 Transformations from the Academy: From Stay-at-Home Mom to Making More Than Her Husband and Relocating to Spain full 6ab87a21-d5fe-4bb1-8141-b7c77af72725 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/transformations-from-the-academy-from-stay-at-home-mom-to-making-more-than-her-husband-and-relocating-to-spain This episode is from the Freelance Grant Writer Academy “Cultivating Community: Peer Spotlights and Networking” with our very own co-coaches - Gwen Valentino and D Abshire!


They share about how they got into grant writing, what their biggest challenges have been, what has been useful in changing their lives in the Academy, and what they see students doing inside the Academy that get the most results!


Takeaways - they both now have FREEDOM and Choices!


Gwen shares how she has 13X the amount of revenue she has - now out-performing her husband who is at the top rank of his 22 year job. She talks about how she has options and can now be a sponsor for her kids and so much more!


D has literally moved from California to Spain in 2025 now that she has a virtual stable job! They have been able to go from volunteering as a board member to helping - and getting paid - as a grant and funding consultant to help smaller nonprofit organizations.


This is SO good!

Connect with Gwen Valentino:

Connect with D Abshire:

Links Mentioned:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> This episode is from the Freelance Grant Writer Academy “Cultivating Community: Peer Spotlights and Networking” with our very own co-coaches - Gwen Valentino and D Abshire!


They share about how they got into grant writing, what their biggest challenges have been, what has been useful in changing their lives in the Academy, and what they see students doing inside the Academy that get the most results!


Takeaways - they both now have FREEDOM and Choices!


Gwen shares how she has 13X the amount of revenue she has - now out-performing her husband who is at the top rank of his 22 year job. She talks about how she has options and can now be a sponsor for her kids and so much more!


D has literally moved from California to Spain in 2025 now that she has a virtual stable job! They have been able to go from volunteering as a board member to helping - and getting paid - as a grant and funding consultant to help smaller nonprofit organizations.


This is SO good!

Connect with Gwen Valentino:

Connect with D Abshire:

Links Mentioned:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> Tue, 17 Jun 2025 05:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 3205 This episode is from the Freelance Grant Writer Academy “Cultivating Community: Peer Spotlights and Networking” with our very own co-coaches - Gwen Valentino and D Abshire!


They share about how they got into grant writing, what their biggest challenges have been, what has been useful in changing their lives in the Academy, and what they see students doing inside the Academy that get the most results!


Takeaways - they both now have FREEDOM and Choices!


Gwen shares how she has 13X the amount of revenue she has - now out-performing her husband who is at the top rank of his 22 year job. She talks about how she has options and can now be a sponsor for her kids and so much more!


D has literally moved from California to Spain in 2025 now that she has a virtual stable job! They have been able to go from volunteering as a board member to helping - and getting paid - as a grant and funding consultant to help smaller nonprofit organizations.


This is SO good!

Connect with Gwen Valentino:

Connect with D Abshire:

Links Mentioned:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No 5 Reasons to Join the Academy in This Round 5 Reasons to Join the Academy in This Round bonus 48f0e0ce-f7cf-4c8f-8bc2-369c8af07051 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/5-reasons-to-join-the-academy-in-this-round Here are 5 reasons you should join the Freelance Grant Writer Academy in this Round (i.e. before the doors close on June 22nd).


#1) Live Discovery Sales Call Day Lab: Learn, Practice, Convert 

Happening on Tuesday, June 24th at 2:30 pm  - 5pm EST (replay available)

We will have a LIVE SALES CALL DAY for Academy students. This will be part of our annual live trainings!

  • #1 - I’ll do a Sales Call training (my 5-Step Proven Process to have high-converting calls)
  • #2 - We have mock sales calls (to show you how to do things right and wrong)
  • #3 - Breakout rooms so you can practice sales calls!

You will get an ethical sales process that doesn’t feel salesy at all, and that is curated to do sales with nonprofits for grant writing services (for-profit sales is different!). 


You will build confidence so you actually go MARKET and don’t feel weird on sales calls again, or give discounts!  Learn how to overcome all the objections in an ethical way.

Amazing! AND we won’t be offering this Live training again until next year.


#2) We have Quit Your Job Training in late July.

This will be another LIVE training for those of you looking to quit your job. We will show you:

  • How much money to set aside before quitting your job
  • Transition your 9-5 into an anchor client
  • Quickly get a client to build some savings
  • A Script on how to have the ‘quit your job conversation’ with your boss
  • How to start treating your 9-5 like a client NOW
  • A Timeline to quit your job safely and responsibly

#3) It’s Mid-Year

Oftentimes people overestimate what they can do in a year, but underestimate what they can do in 6 months. 

What’s great about making a goal mid-year is that you still have time to do A LOT and have impact. 

In fact, it’s easier mid-year to meet your goal (vs beginning of the year), because the time doesn’t feel so vast. You know you have limited time. But you know you have enough time to learn a new skill, start a business, or get clients. 

You might just need help meeting that goal you made in January. And with everything with grants and change this year, you might not have hit the goals so far that you wanted to.

2025 is a quarter of the way through the century.

2025 can still be your milestone year if you resolve to have a goal NOW.


#4) Earn More Money Today for Your Retirement

Retirement might feel far away or it might be around the corner.

You might be a young mom in your 20s and thinking about what retirement will look like one day.

Or you might be ready to retire this year.

In either case, when you become a freelance grant writer, you will learn how to increase income for your retirement.

That might mean you can start adding more into your social security NOW because your revenue will increase. Another year of adding into that retirement could ESPECIALLY mean a LOT if you are younger because of compound interest.

Or it could mean that you are now set up to retire this year as a freelance grant writer and earn some more money into your golden years, without having the pressure of working a full-time job.

When you start TODAY that will add to your retirement starting today.


5) Join tonight to get the BEST Bonuses!

If you are on the fence, you should just go ahead and make the investment tonight. Why?

Because you still have another 9 days before the doors actually close the Academy.

Since you are on my newsletter list, you joined because you were interested in grant writing or freelance grant writing. In the Academy, we have BOTH.

You will get more emails over the next 9 days. We will share all components of how people just like you are changing their entire lives by writing grants from home.

It's possible.

If you don't join tonight, chances are you will join before the doors close on June 22nd...

But you won't be able to have access to these AMAZING BONSUES. 

In fact, Bonus #2 is happening before the doors even close. 

  • You won’t get a Done-For-You Grant Writing Business Plan
  • You won’t get a Grant Writing Package and Pricing Outlined for You.
  • You won’t get a Grant Writing Retainer and Pricing developed for you.
  • You won’t get a 12-Month Marketing Plan curated for YOU.
  • You won't get a customized list of 25 nonprofit leads.
  • You won't get a personalized system of how to make $10K in 90 days in the program.
  • You won't get a Checklist (you can start next week!) to quit your job.
  • You won't get a Checklist to write a grant.
  • You won't get a checklist to create a 6-figure business.
  • You won't get 2.5 hours in a small coaching group with me where I will hear about your specific situation.

If you are on the fence of joining, join by Friday, June 13th so you can be sure to get these BEST Bonuses. They are not included inside the Program.

You could have momentum now. Instead of kicking yourself for not joining earlier.

2025 is already a year like no other in the Academy. We have EXTRA support and tons of live training and peer sharing this year.


BONUS #1 ***NEW BONUS: Done-4-You Freelance Grant Writer Business Plan

  • Get your Ideal Client identified based on your skills and experience - even if you are new to grant writing
  • Get 1 Customized Package and 1 Customized Retainer Offer Outlined with Pricing 
  • Get a Customized 12-month Easy-Lift Marketing Plan


BONUS #2: VIP Group Strategy Session “YOUR FIRST $10K IN THE ACADEMY & A 25 NONPROFIT LEAD LIST ”

  • Create a List of 25+ Nonprofit Clients Leads (during the call!)
  • 3-Step Strategy to Get Your First $10K (and get feedback)
  • Getting Started Checklist to Quit Your Job
  • Checklist to Write a Grant Template
  • Checklist on 6-figure Business Systems
  • Case Studies: How Academy Students Made $50K+ Within a Year
  • Meet other VIP students!

Join the Freelance Grant Writer Academy today: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/academy

]]> Here are 5 reasons you should join the Freelance Grant Writer Academy in this Round (i.e. before the doors close on June 22nd).


#1) Live Discovery Sales Call Day Lab: Learn, Practice, Convert 

Happening on Tuesday, June 24th at 2:30 pm  - 5pm EST (replay available)

We will have a LIVE SALES CALL DAY for Academy students. This will be part of our annual live trainings!

  • #1 - I’ll do a Sales Call training (my 5-Step Proven Process to have high-converting calls)
  • #2 - We have mock sales calls (to show you how to do things right and wrong)
  • #3 - Breakout rooms so you can practice sales calls!

You will get an ethical sales process that doesn’t feel salesy at all, and that is curated to do sales with nonprofits for grant writing services (for-profit sales is different!). 


You will build confidence so you actually go MARKET and don’t feel weird on sales calls again, or give discounts!  Learn how to overcome all the objections in an ethical way.

Amazing! AND we won’t be offering this Live training again until next year.


#2) We have Quit Your Job Training in late July.

This will be another LIVE training for those of you looking to quit your job. We will show you:

  • How much money to set aside before quitting your job
  • Transition your 9-5 into an anchor client
  • Quickly get a client to build some savings
  • A Script on how to have the ‘quit your job conversation’ with your boss
  • How to start treating your 9-5 like a client NOW
  • A Timeline to quit your job safely and responsibly

#3) It’s Mid-Year

Oftentimes people overestimate what they can do in a year, but underestimate what they can do in 6 months. 

What’s great about making a goal mid-year is that you still have time to do A LOT and have impact. 

In fact, it’s easier mid-year to meet your goal (vs beginning of the year), because the time doesn’t feel so vast. You know you have limited time. But you know you have enough time to learn a new skill, start a business, or get clients. 

You might just need help meeting that goal you made in January. And with everything with grants and change this year, you might not have hit the goals so far that you wanted to.

2025 is a quarter of the way through the century.

2025 can still be your milestone year if you resolve to have a goal NOW.


#4) Earn More Money Today for Your Retirement

Retirement might feel far away or it might be around the corner.

You might be a young mom in your 20s and thinking about what retirement will look like one day.

Or you might be ready to retire this year.

In either case, when you become a freelance grant writer, you will learn how to increase income for your retirement.

That might mean you can start adding more into your social security NOW because your revenue will increase. Another year of adding into that retirement could ESPECIALLY mean a LOT if you are younger because of compound interest.

Or it could mean that you are now set up to retire this year as a freelance grant writer and earn some more money into your golden years, without having the pressure of working a full-time job.

When you start TODAY that will add to your retirement starting today.


5) Join tonight to get the BEST Bonuses!

If you are on the fence, you should just go ahead and make the investment tonight. Why?

Because you still have another 9 days before the doors actually close the Academy.

Since you are on my newsletter list, you joined because you were interested in grant writing or freelance grant writing. In the Academy, we have BOTH.

You will get more emails over the next 9 days. We will share all components of how people just like you are changing their entire lives by writing grants from home.

It's possible.

If you don't join tonight, chances are you will join before the doors close on June 22nd...

But you won't be able to have access to these AMAZING BONSUES. 

In fact, Bonus #2 is happening before the doors even close. 

  • You won’t get a Done-For-You Grant Writing Business Plan
  • You won’t get a Grant Writing Package and Pricing Outlined for You.
  • You won’t get a Grant Writing Retainer and Pricing developed for you.
  • You won’t get a 12-Month Marketing Plan curated for YOU.
  • You won't get a customized list of 25 nonprofit leads.
  • You won't get a personalized system of how to make $10K in 90 days in the program.
  • You won't get a Checklist (you can start next week!) to quit your job.
  • You won't get a Checklist to write a grant.
  • You won't get a checklist to create a 6-figure business.
  • You won't get 2.5 hours in a small coaching group with me where I will hear about your specific situation.

If you are on the fence of joining, join by Friday, June 13th so you can be sure to get these BEST Bonuses. They are not included inside the Program.

You could have momentum now. Instead of kicking yourself for not joining earlier.

2025 is already a year like no other in the Academy. We have EXTRA support and tons of live training and peer sharing this year.


BONUS #1 ***NEW BONUS: Done-4-You Freelance Grant Writer Business Plan

  • Get your Ideal Client identified based on your skills and experience - even if you are new to grant writing
  • Get 1 Customized Package and 1 Customized Retainer Offer Outlined with Pricing 
  • Get a Customized 12-month Easy-Lift Marketing Plan


BONUS #2: VIP Group Strategy Session “YOUR FIRST $10K IN THE ACADEMY & A 25 NONPROFIT LEAD LIST ”

  • Create a List of 25+ Nonprofit Clients Leads (during the call!)
  • 3-Step Strategy to Get Your First $10K (and get feedback)
  • Getting Started Checklist to Quit Your Job
  • Checklist to Write a Grant Template
  • Checklist on 6-figure Business Systems
  • Case Studies: How Academy Students Made $50K+ Within a Year
  • Meet other VIP students!

Join the Freelance Grant Writer Academy today: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/academy

]]> Thu, 12 Jun 2025 07:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 968 Here are 5 reasons you should join the Freelance Grant Writer Academy in this Round (i.e. before the doors close on June 22nd).


#1) Live Discovery Sales Call Day Lab: Learn, Practice, Convert 

Happening on Tuesday, June 24th at 2:30 pm  - 5pm EST (replay available)

We will have a LIVE SALES CALL DAY for Academy students. This will be part of our annual live trainings!

  • #1 - I’ll do a Sales Call training (my 5-Step Proven Process to have high-converting calls)
  • #2 - We have mock sales calls (to show you how to do things right and wrong)
  • #3 - Breakout rooms so you can practice sales calls!

You will get an ethical sales process that doesn’t feel salesy at all, and that is curated to do sales with nonprofits for grant writing services (for-profit sales is different!). 


You will build confidence so you actually go MARKET and don’t feel weird on sales calls again, or give discounts!  Learn how to overcome all the objections in an ethical way.

Amazing! AND we won’t be offering this Live training again until next year.


#2) We have Quit Your Job Training in late July.

This will be another LIVE training for those of you looking to quit your job. We will show you:

  • How much money to set aside before quitting your job
  • Transition your 9-5 into an anchor client
  • Quickly get a client to build some savings
  • A Script on how to have the ‘quit your job conversation’ with your boss
  • How to start treating your 9-5 like a client NOW
  • A Timeline to quit your job safely and responsibly

#3) It’s Mid-Year

Oftentimes people overestimate what they can do in a year, but underestimate what they can do in 6 months. 

What’s great about making a goal mid-year is that you still have time to do A LOT and have impact. 

In fact, it’s easier mid-year to meet your goal (vs beginning of the year), because the time doesn’t feel so vast. You know you have limited time. But you know you have enough time to learn a new skill, start a business, or get clients. 

You might just need help meeting that goal you made in January. And with everything with grants and change this year, you might not have hit the goals so far that you wanted to.

2025 is a quarter of the way through the century.

2025 can still be your milestone year if you resolve to have a goal NOW.


#4) Earn More Money Today for Your Retirement

Retirement might feel far away or it might be around the corner.

You might be a young mom in your 20s and thinking about what retirement will look like one day.

Or you might be ready to retire this year.

In either case, when you become a freelance grant writer, you will learn how to increase income for your retirement.

That might mean you can start adding more into your social security NOW because your revenue will increase. Another year of adding into that retirement could ESPECIALLY mean a LOT if you are younger because of compound interest.

Or it could mean that you are now set up to retire this year as a freelance grant writer and earn some more money into your golden years, without having the pressure of working a full-time job.

When you start TODAY that will add to your retirement starting today.


5) Join tonight to get the BEST Bonuses!

If you are on the fence, you should just go ahead and make the investment tonight. Why?

Because you still have another 9 days before the doors actually close the Academy.

Since you are on my newsletter list, you joined because you were interested in grant writing or freelance grant writing. In the Academy, we have BOTH.

You will get more emails over the next 9 days. We will share all components of how people just like you are changing their entire lives by writing grants from home.

It's possible.

If you don't join tonight, chances are you will join before the doors close on June 22nd...

But you won't be able to have access to these AMAZING BONSUES. 

In fact, Bonus #2 is happening before the doors even close. 

  • You won’t get a Done-For-You Grant Writing Business Plan
  • You won’t get a Grant Writing Package and Pricing Outlined for You.
  • You won’t get a Grant Writing Retainer and Pricing developed for you.
  • You won’t get a 12-Month Marketing Plan curated for YOU.
  • You won't get a customized list of 25 nonprofit leads.
  • You won't get a personalized system of how to make $10K in 90 days in the program.
  • You won't get a Checklist (you can start next week!) to quit your job.
  • You won't get a Checklist to write a grant.
  • You won't get a checklist to create a 6-figure business.
  • You won't get 2.5 hours in a small coaching group with me where I will hear about your specific situation.

If you are on the fence of joining, join by Friday, June 13th so you can be sure to get these BEST Bonuses. They are not included inside the Program.

You could have momentum now. Instead of kicking yourself for not joining earlier.

2025 is already a year like no other in the Academy. We have EXTRA support and tons of live training and peer sharing this year.


BONUS #1 ***NEW BONUS: Done-4-You Freelance Grant Writer Business Plan

  • Get your Ideal Client identified based on your skills and experience - even if you are new to grant writing
  • Get 1 Customized Package and 1 Customized Retainer Offer Outlined with Pricing 
  • Get a Customized 12-month Easy-Lift Marketing Plan


BONUS #2: VIP Group Strategy Session “YOUR FIRST $10K IN THE ACADEMY & A 25 NONPROFIT LEAD LIST ”

  • Create a List of 25+ Nonprofit Clients Leads (during the call!)
  • 3-Step Strategy to Get Your First $10K (and get feedback)
  • Getting Started Checklist to Quit Your Job
  • Checklist to Write a Grant Template
  • Checklist on 6-figure Business Systems
  • Case Studies: How Academy Students Made $50K+ Within a Year
  • Meet other VIP students!

Join the Freelance Grant Writer Academy today: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/academy

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Will Create a Done-For-You Grant Writing Business Plan AND Find 25 Nonprofit Leads Will Create a Done-For-You Grant Writing Business Plan AND Find 25 Nonprofit Leads bonus 1ade9a15-2b27-4132-8409-d70d65082b3f https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/will-create-a-done-for-you-grant-writing-business-plan-and-find-25-nonprofit-leads BONUSES END JUNE 13th, 2025***Not sure where to start with a freelance grant writing business? It sounds amazing, but you just don’t know where to start.

  • Should you start with getting grant writing skills?
  • Should you start with a website?
  • Should you start reaching out to nonprofits?
  • Do you need to start learning (or honing) grant skills first?

This can feel overwhelming.

And overwhelm can lead to taking NO action. 

That’s why when you join the Freelance Grant Writer Academy by Friday, June 13th at 11:59 pm EST, you will get VIP Bonuses (Valued at $2,500) to give you a clear path in starting your freelance grant writing business and in quitting your toxic nonprofit job.

We have coached literally hundreds of new and seasoned grant writers.

When you join the Academy before Friday, June 13th at 11:59 p.m., we will create a Done-For-You Grant Writing Business Plan for YOU.


This Done-For-You GW Business Plan will be entirely based on your experience, education, and life situation to make sense for you.

  1. First, we will analyze what causes or types of organizations you are passionate about to come up with YOUR ideal client.
  2. Next, we will analyze your education, experience, and geographic area to understand a package and retainer offer (including data-driven pricing). 
  3. Finally, we provide a 12-month Marketing Plan that is customized for you. So if you aren’t on social media yet, we provide social media optional marketing AND if you have a ton of followers, we provide ways to increase your lead generation on the platforms you use (and also non-social media marketing techniques).

This is our NEWEST Bonus and we are SO excited to include it as after working with hundreds of people in the Academy, figuring this out on your own can feel overwhelming. 

We do it for you so you can get clarity on what you do and get clients fast.

When you know what you offer, and for how much, and have a marketing plan, you get clients fast because you have confidence. 

Join the Freelance Grant Writer Academy now: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/academy


]]> BONUSES END JUNE 13th, 2025***Not sure where to start with a freelance grant writing business? It sounds amazing, but you just don’t know where to start.

  • Should you start with getting grant writing skills?
  • Should you start with a website?
  • Should you start reaching out to nonprofits?
  • Do you need to start learning (or honing) grant skills first?

This can feel overwhelming.

And overwhelm can lead to taking NO action. 

That’s why when you join the Freelance Grant Writer Academy by Friday, June 13th at 11:59 pm EST, you will get VIP Bonuses (Valued at $2,500) to give you a clear path in starting your freelance grant writing business and in quitting your toxic nonprofit job.

We have coached literally hundreds of new and seasoned grant writers.

When you join the Academy before Friday, June 13th at 11:59 p.m., we will create a Done-For-You Grant Writing Business Plan for YOU.


This Done-For-You GW Business Plan will be entirely based on your experience, education, and life situation to make sense for you.

  1. First, we will analyze what causes or types of organizations you are passionate about to come up with YOUR ideal client.
  2. Next, we will analyze your education, experience, and geographic area to understand a package and retainer offer (including data-driven pricing). 
  3. Finally, we provide a 12-month Marketing Plan that is customized for you. So if you aren’t on social media yet, we provide social media optional marketing AND if you have a ton of followers, we provide ways to increase your lead generation on the platforms you use (and also non-social media marketing techniques).

This is our NEWEST Bonus and we are SO excited to include it as after working with hundreds of people in the Academy, figuring this out on your own can feel overwhelming. 

We do it for you so you can get clarity on what you do and get clients fast.

When you know what you offer, and for how much, and have a marketing plan, you get clients fast because you have confidence. 

Join the Freelance Grant Writer Academy now: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/academy


]]> Thu, 12 Jun 2025 07:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 583 BONUSES END JUNE 13th, 2025***Not sure where to start with a freelance grant writing business? It sounds amazing, but you just don’t know where to start.

  • Should you start with getting grant writing skills?
  • Should you start with a website?
  • Should you start reaching out to nonprofits?
  • Do you need to start learning (or honing) grant skills first?

This can feel overwhelming.

And overwhelm can lead to taking NO action. 

That’s why when you join the Freelance Grant Writer Academy by Friday, June 13th at 11:59 pm EST, you will get VIP Bonuses (Valued at $2,500) to give you a clear path in starting your freelance grant writing business and in quitting your toxic nonprofit job.

We have coached literally hundreds of new and seasoned grant writers.

When you join the Academy before Friday, June 13th at 11:59 p.m., we will create a Done-For-You Grant Writing Business Plan for YOU.


This Done-For-You GW Business Plan will be entirely based on your experience, education, and life situation to make sense for you.

  1. First, we will analyze what causes or types of organizations you are passionate about to come up with YOUR ideal client.
  2. Next, we will analyze your education, experience, and geographic area to understand a package and retainer offer (including data-driven pricing). 
  3. Finally, we provide a 12-month Marketing Plan that is customized for you. So if you aren’t on social media yet, we provide social media optional marketing AND if you have a ton of followers, we provide ways to increase your lead generation on the platforms you use (and also non-social media marketing techniques).

This is our NEWEST Bonus and we are SO excited to include it as after working with hundreds of people in the Academy, figuring this out on your own can feel overwhelming. 

We do it for you so you can get clarity on what you do and get clients fast.

When you know what you offer, and for how much, and have a marketing plan, you get clients fast because you have confidence. 

Join the Freelance Grant Writer Academy now: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/academy


]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Replay: Work From Home. Replace Your Paycheck, on Part-Time Hours, as a Grant & Funding Strategist in 2025 Replay: Work From Home. Replace Your Paycheck, on Part-Time Hours, as a Grant & Funding Strategist in 2025 bonus 72e69b25-5045-4697-a0c8-b05087bfba97 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/replay-work-from-home-replace-your-paycheck-on-part-time-hours-as-a-grant-funding-strategist-in-2025
The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is the #1 Grant Writing and Nonprofit Business Acumen Program in the Industry…and the doors are finally open! Each part of the Academy is a simple process, even if you work a full-time job.
You get 12 months to do the curriculum, community, and coaching to learn grant writing and business acumen.

Plus, there are 2 amazing bonuses available when you join the Freelance Grant Writer Academy by Friday, June 13th at 11:59 pm EST:

BONUS #1 ***NEW BONUS: Done-4-You Freelance Grant Writer Business Plan

  • Get your Ideal Client identified based on your skills and experience - even if you are new to grant writing
  • Get 1 Customized Package and 1 Customized Retainer Offer Outlined with Pricing 
  • Get a Customized 12-month Easy-Lift Marketing Plan


BONUS #2: VIP Group Strategy Session “YOUR FIRST $10K IN THE ACADEMY & A 25 NONPROFIT LEAD LIST ”

  • Create a List of 25+ Nonprofit Clients Leads (during the call!)
  • 3-Step Strategy to Get Your First $10K (and get feedback)
  • Getting Started Checklist to Quit Your Job
  • Checklist to Write a Grant Template
  • Checklist on 6-figure Business Systems
  • Case Studies: How Academy Students Made $50K+ Within a Year
  • Meet other VIP students!

Doors are open until June 22nd, 2025 but the Bonuses end June 13th. 

Join now: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/academy

]]>
The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is the #1 Grant Writing and Nonprofit Business Acumen Program in the Industry…and the doors are finally open! Each part of the Academy is a simple process, even if you work a full-time job.
You get 12 months to do the curriculum, community, and coaching to learn grant writing and business acumen.

Plus, there are 2 amazing bonuses available when you join the Freelance Grant Writer Academy by Friday, June 13th at 11:59 pm EST:

BONUS #1 ***NEW BONUS: Done-4-You Freelance Grant Writer Business Plan

  • Get your Ideal Client identified based on your skills and experience - even if you are new to grant writing
  • Get 1 Customized Package and 1 Customized Retainer Offer Outlined with Pricing 
  • Get a Customized 12-month Easy-Lift Marketing Plan


BONUS #2: VIP Group Strategy Session “YOUR FIRST $10K IN THE ACADEMY & A 25 NONPROFIT LEAD LIST ”

  • Create a List of 25+ Nonprofit Clients Leads (during the call!)
  • 3-Step Strategy to Get Your First $10K (and get feedback)
  • Getting Started Checklist to Quit Your Job
  • Checklist to Write a Grant Template
  • Checklist on 6-figure Business Systems
  • Case Studies: How Academy Students Made $50K+ Within a Year
  • Meet other VIP students!

Doors are open until June 22nd, 2025 but the Bonuses end June 13th. 

Join now: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/academy

]]> Thu, 12 Jun 2025 04:47:02 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 6532
The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is the #1 Grant Writing and Nonprofit Business Acumen Program in the Industry…and the doors are finally open! Each part of the Academy is a simple process, even if you work a full-time job.
You get 12 months to do the curriculum, community, and coaching to learn grant writing and business acumen.

Plus, there are 2 amazing bonuses available when you join the Freelance Grant Writer Academy by Friday, June 13th at 11:59 pm EST:

BONUS #1 ***NEW BONUS: Done-4-You Freelance Grant Writer Business Plan

  • Get your Ideal Client identified based on your skills and experience - even if you are new to grant writing
  • Get 1 Customized Package and 1 Customized Retainer Offer Outlined with Pricing 
  • Get a Customized 12-month Easy-Lift Marketing Plan


BONUS #2: VIP Group Strategy Session “YOUR FIRST $10K IN THE ACADEMY & A 25 NONPROFIT LEAD LIST ”

  • Create a List of 25+ Nonprofit Clients Leads (during the call!)
  • 3-Step Strategy to Get Your First $10K (and get feedback)
  • Getting Started Checklist to Quit Your Job
  • Checklist to Write a Grant Template
  • Checklist on 6-figure Business Systems
  • Case Studies: How Academy Students Made $50K+ Within a Year
  • Meet other VIP students!

Doors are open until June 22nd, 2025 but the Bonuses end June 13th. 

Join now: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/academy

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No How to Start a Freelance Grant Writing Business: Tips & Logistics 405 405 How to Start a Freelance Grant Writing Business: Tips & Logistics full 1328f830-65e8-4a84-b554-42d1a77c317c https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-405-how-to-start-a-freelance-grant-writing-business-tips-logistics Learn how to kickstart your freelance grant writing business, whether as a full-time income source or a part-time side hustle. We'll cover essential administrative logistics like incorporating your business, choosing a business name, and the benefits of going freelance. Discover the flexibility and earning potential of grant writing, ideal for various life situations. Get tips on setting your services and pricing, and stay tuned for more insights on going full-time or part-time in the next video!

Links Mentioned:
Grant Professional Mentorship: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Tune in today to listen to this podcast.

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! 

This helps me support more people — just like you — move toward writing higher quality grants without overwhelm, and to start and grow successful grant writing businesses! 

Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!"

This Podcast Episode is Lovingly Sponsored by:
Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS).
Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN!
Book YOUR FREE demo now!

]]> Learn how to kickstart your freelance grant writing business, whether as a full-time income source or a part-time side hustle. We'll cover essential administrative logistics like incorporating your business, choosing a business name, and the benefits of going freelance. Discover the flexibility and earning potential of grant writing, ideal for various life situations. Get tips on setting your services and pricing, and stay tuned for more insights on going full-time or part-time in the next video!

Links Mentioned:
Grant Professional Mentorship: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Tune in today to listen to this podcast.

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! 

This helps me support more people — just like you — move toward writing higher quality grants without overwhelm, and to start and grow successful grant writing businesses! 

Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!"

This Podcast Episode is Lovingly Sponsored by:
Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS).
Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN!
Book YOUR FREE demo now!

]]> Tue, 10 Jun 2025 07:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 856 Learn how to kickstart your freelance grant writing business, whether as a full-time income source or a part-time side hustle. We'll cover essential administrative logistics like incorporating your business, choosing a business name, and the benefits of going freelance. Discover the flexibility and earning potential of grant writing, ideal for various life situations. Get tips on setting your services and pricing, and stay tuned for more insights on going full-time or part-time in the next video!

Links Mentioned:
Grant Professional Mentorship: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Tune in today to listen to this podcast.

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! 

This helps me support more people — just like you — move toward writing higher quality grants without overwhelm, and to start and grow successful grant writing businesses! 

Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!"

This Podcast Episode is Lovingly Sponsored by:
Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS).
Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN!
Book YOUR FREE demo now!

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No HOW EOWYN WENT FROM WORKING IN HIGHER ED TO GETTING HER FIRST GRANT WRITING CLIENT (AND OPERA NONPROFIT) HOW EOWYN WENT FROM WORKING IN HIGHER ED TO GETTING HER FIRST GRANT WRITING CLIENT (AND OPERA NONPROFIT) bonus bda8cf13-c8ef-4002-91eb-ee323f871f3d https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/how-eowyn-went-from-working-in-higher-ed-to-getting-her-first-grant-writing-client-and-opera-nonprofit Holly Rustick interviews Éowyn Melaragno, who shares her journey from a career in higher education to becoming a successful grant writer.

Éowyn discusses her motivations for transitioning into grant writing, the valuable support she received from the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, and the importance of community in building confidence and skills.

She reflects on her first client experience, the challenges of navigating client relationships, and the mindset shifts that have helped her thrive in the nonprofit sector.

About Éowyn Melaragno

Éowyn helps nonprofits secure funding through a strategy-driven grant writing process that creates sustainable revenue streams, freeing you to grow your organization and expand your impact. Through her extensive background as a donor relations strategist and storyteller, she leverages her expertise in uncovering diverse funding sources and crafting meaningful proposals. Her fundraising philosophy is built on attention to detail and strategic thinking to find grants and purposefully align them with the specific goals of organizations, ensuring funding potential. She has built programs from the ground up and have hands on experience with every aspect that a grant is expected to cover, including program design, staffing, evaluation, partnership development, project management, reporting, and budgeting.
She also holds a certificate in grant writing from the University of South Carolina.

She is committed to understanding each organization’s unique mission and needs. Her proposals are customized to reflect their values and goals, fostering committed partnerships that drive actionable change within communities. Through collaboration with your team, she will translate organizational needs, programming, data, and research into compelling stories that captivate grant providers, emphasizing the impact and significance of projects.

Connect with Éowyn Melaragno

Links Mentioned

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> Holly Rustick interviews Éowyn Melaragno, who shares her journey from a career in higher education to becoming a successful grant writer.

Éowyn discusses her motivations for transitioning into grant writing, the valuable support she received from the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, and the importance of community in building confidence and skills.

She reflects on her first client experience, the challenges of navigating client relationships, and the mindset shifts that have helped her thrive in the nonprofit sector.

About Éowyn Melaragno

Éowyn helps nonprofits secure funding through a strategy-driven grant writing process that creates sustainable revenue streams, freeing you to grow your organization and expand your impact. Through her extensive background as a donor relations strategist and storyteller, she leverages her expertise in uncovering diverse funding sources and crafting meaningful proposals. Her fundraising philosophy is built on attention to detail and strategic thinking to find grants and purposefully align them with the specific goals of organizations, ensuring funding potential. She has built programs from the ground up and have hands on experience with every aspect that a grant is expected to cover, including program design, staffing, evaluation, partnership development, project management, reporting, and budgeting.
She also holds a certificate in grant writing from the University of South Carolina.

She is committed to understanding each organization’s unique mission and needs. Her proposals are customized to reflect their values and goals, fostering committed partnerships that drive actionable change within communities. Through collaboration with your team, she will translate organizational needs, programming, data, and research into compelling stories that captivate grant providers, emphasizing the impact and significance of projects.

Connect with Éowyn Melaragno

Links Mentioned

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> Mon, 09 Jun 2025 07:03:38 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2753 Holly Rustick interviews Éowyn Melaragno, who shares her journey from a career in higher education to becoming a successful grant writer.

Éowyn discusses her motivations for transitioning into grant writing, the valuable support she received from the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, and the importance of community in building confidence and skills.

She reflects on her first client experience, the challenges of navigating client relationships, and the mindset shifts that have helped her thrive in the nonprofit sector.

About Éowyn Melaragno

Éowyn helps nonprofits secure funding through a strategy-driven grant writing process that creates sustainable revenue streams, freeing you to grow your organization and expand your impact. Through her extensive background as a donor relations strategist and storyteller, she leverages her expertise in uncovering diverse funding sources and crafting meaningful proposals. Her fundraising philosophy is built on attention to detail and strategic thinking to find grants and purposefully align them with the specific goals of organizations, ensuring funding potential. She has built programs from the ground up and have hands on experience with every aspect that a grant is expected to cover, including program design, staffing, evaluation, partnership development, project management, reporting, and budgeting.
She also holds a certificate in grant writing from the University of South Carolina.

She is committed to understanding each organization’s unique mission and needs. Her proposals are customized to reflect their values and goals, fostering committed partnerships that drive actionable change within communities. Through collaboration with your team, she will translate organizational needs, programming, data, and research into compelling stories that captivate grant providers, emphasizing the impact and significance of projects.

Connect with Éowyn Melaragno

Links Mentioned

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Do You Need a Grant Writing Certification? Here’s the Truth 404 404 Do You Need a Grant Writing Certification? Here’s the Truth full 3e2b3736-45bc-466b-b86a-5c404f2458b1 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/do-you-need-a-grant-writing-certification-here-s-the-truth In this episode, Holly Rustic, founder and CEO of the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, shares essential tips for starting a freelance grant writing business. Learn where to find clients, the key skills needed, and why you don't need certifications or extensive experience to get started. Holly also discusses the value of practical experience, business acumen, and how to grow your confidence and skills in grant writing. Tune in for expert insights and actionable advice to build a successful freelance grant writing career.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts
“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! 

This helps me support more people — just like you — move toward writing higher quality grants without overwhelm, and to start and grow successful grant writing businesses! 

Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!"

This Podcast Episode is Lovingly Sponsored by:
Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS).
Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN!
Book YOUR FREE demo now!

]]> In this episode, Holly Rustic, founder and CEO of the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, shares essential tips for starting a freelance grant writing business. Learn where to find clients, the key skills needed, and why you don't need certifications or extensive experience to get started. Holly also discusses the value of practical experience, business acumen, and how to grow your confidence and skills in grant writing. Tune in for expert insights and actionable advice to build a successful freelance grant writing career.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts
“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! 

This helps me support more people — just like you — move toward writing higher quality grants without overwhelm, and to start and grow successful grant writing businesses! 

Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!"

This Podcast Episode is Lovingly Sponsored by:
Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS).
Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN!
Book YOUR FREE demo now!

]]> Tue, 03 Jun 2025 07:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 732 In this episode, Holly Rustic, founder and CEO of the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, shares essential tips for starting a freelance grant writing business. Learn where to find clients, the key skills needed, and why you don't need certifications or extensive experience to get started. Holly also discusses the value of practical experience, business acumen, and how to grow your confidence and skills in grant writing. Tune in for expert insights and actionable advice to build a successful freelance grant writing career.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts
“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! 

This helps me support more people — just like you — move toward writing higher quality grants without overwhelm, and to start and grow successful grant writing businesses! 

Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!"

This Podcast Episode is Lovingly Sponsored by:
Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS).
Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN!
Book YOUR FREE demo now!

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No From State Senator to Grant Writer: Tina Maharath's Journey From State Senator to Grant Writer: Tina Maharath's Journey bonus 84a64c9e-28dd-4563-94d5-43b00a48a0f6 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/from-state-senator-to-grant-writer-tina-maharaths-journey In this episode, Holly Rustick interviews Tina Maharath, a former state senator turned grant writer, who shares her journey from volunteering in grant writing to establishing her own business, Lobby Edge. Tina discusses her experiences in the Academy, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the importance of networking and marketing in the nonprofit sector. 

She emphasizes the need for nonprofits to understand the opportunities available through state contracts and the value of hiring lobbyists for funding. Tina also highlights the diverse services she offers, including grant writing and government contracts, and encourages aspiring grant writers to invest in their skills and businesses.

Tune in today to listen to this podcast. 

To learn more about the podcast episodes go to https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-writing-podcast/ 


"Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

Favor, please?


If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! 


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Coaches new and experienced grant writers to earn high 5-6 figure incomes writing grants from home!


Get Freelance Grant Writing Spicy Tips when you Join the weekly newsletter series “Write Grants. Get Paid”  https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.

https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

———————————————————————————


This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

]]> In this episode, Holly Rustick interviews Tina Maharath, a former state senator turned grant writer, who shares her journey from volunteering in grant writing to establishing her own business, Lobby Edge. Tina discusses her experiences in the Academy, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the importance of networking and marketing in the nonprofit sector. 

She emphasizes the need for nonprofits to understand the opportunities available through state contracts and the value of hiring lobbyists for funding. Tina also highlights the diverse services she offers, including grant writing and government contracts, and encourages aspiring grant writers to invest in their skills and businesses.

Tune in today to listen to this podcast. 

To learn more about the podcast episodes go to https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-writing-podcast/ 


"Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

Favor, please?


If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! 


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Coaches new and experienced grant writers to earn high 5-6 figure incomes writing grants from home!


Get Freelance Grant Writing Spicy Tips when you Join the weekly newsletter series “Write Grants. Get Paid”  https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.

https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

———————————————————————————


This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

]]> Tue, 03 Jun 2025 03:23:18 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2020 In this episode, Holly Rustick interviews Tina Maharath, a former state senator turned grant writer, who shares her journey from volunteering in grant writing to establishing her own business, Lobby Edge. Tina discusses her experiences in the Academy, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the importance of networking and marketing in the nonprofit sector. 

She emphasizes the need for nonprofits to understand the opportunities available through state contracts and the value of hiring lobbyists for funding. Tina also highlights the diverse services she offers, including grant writing and government contracts, and encourages aspiring grant writers to invest in their skills and businesses.

Tune in today to listen to this podcast. 

To learn more about the podcast episodes go to https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-writing-podcast/ 


"Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

Favor, please?


If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! 


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Coaches new and experienced grant writers to earn high 5-6 figure incomes writing grants from home!


Get Freelance Grant Writing Spicy Tips when you Join the weekly newsletter series “Write Grants. Get Paid”  https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.

https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

———————————————————————————


This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

]]> Keywords grant writing, nonprofit funding, lobbying, Tina Maharath, Academy, imposter syndrome, state senator, nonprofit services, government contracts, community advocacy No Spilling the Tea on all Things AI and Grant Writing with Phil Deng 403 403 Spilling the Tea on all Things AI and Grant Writing with Phil Deng full 90930a98-54f3-4ac0-ada4-66d10d8b8e91 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/spilling-the-tea-on-all-things-ai-and-grant-writing-with-phil-deng Grant pros, we’re spilling the tea! Holly Rustick and Philip Deng (Grantable CEO) dive into the wild world of AI + grant writing—from cheap-clothes tech to deep strategy. If you’re using (or side-eyeing) AI for grant writing, this one’s a must-listen.


THIS episode! 


Grant writers, grab your headphones—because we’re spilling the tea on all things AI! 


Holly Rustick sits down with Philip Deng, CEO of Grantable, to talk about how AI is shaking up grant writing. From the risks of ‘fast fashion’ tech to the need for human strategy, this convo dives into what’s real, what’s hype, and how to stay curious in the AI age.


If you are considering, or currently using, AI for grant writing - tune in today! Phil and Holly go deep into items like:

  • How AI can be like ‘cheap clothes’ if not used correctly
  • Will grant writers be left behind if they aren’t using AI?
  • How AI is impacting the environment
  • Why and how thought needs to be a part of AI and grant writing
  • How to be curious with AI when navigating the rapidly changing landscape

About Philip Deng

Philip is the Co-founder and CEO of Grantable, a world-class grant writing assistant for any organization, powered by AI. He devised the prototype from 15 years of experience working with grant-funded organizations in the nonprofit sector. 


Connect with Philip Deng:

Links Mentioned:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> Grant pros, we’re spilling the tea! Holly Rustick and Philip Deng (Grantable CEO) dive into the wild world of AI + grant writing—from cheap-clothes tech to deep strategy. If you’re using (or side-eyeing) AI for grant writing, this one’s a must-listen.


THIS episode! 


Grant writers, grab your headphones—because we’re spilling the tea on all things AI! 


Holly Rustick sits down with Philip Deng, CEO of Grantable, to talk about how AI is shaking up grant writing. From the risks of ‘fast fashion’ tech to the need for human strategy, this convo dives into what’s real, what’s hype, and how to stay curious in the AI age.


If you are considering, or currently using, AI for grant writing - tune in today! Phil and Holly go deep into items like:

  • How AI can be like ‘cheap clothes’ if not used correctly
  • Will grant writers be left behind if they aren’t using AI?
  • How AI is impacting the environment
  • Why and how thought needs to be a part of AI and grant writing
  • How to be curious with AI when navigating the rapidly changing landscape

About Philip Deng

Philip is the Co-founder and CEO of Grantable, a world-class grant writing assistant for any organization, powered by AI. He devised the prototype from 15 years of experience working with grant-funded organizations in the nonprofit sector. 


Connect with Philip Deng:

Links Mentioned:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> Tue, 27 May 2025 07:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 4057 Grant pros, we’re spilling the tea! Holly Rustick and Philip Deng (Grantable CEO) dive into the wild world of AI + grant writing—from cheap-clothes tech to deep strategy. If you’re using (or side-eyeing) AI for grant writing, this one’s a must-listen.


THIS episode! 


Grant writers, grab your headphones—because we’re spilling the tea on all things AI! 


Holly Rustick sits down with Philip Deng, CEO of Grantable, to talk about how AI is shaking up grant writing. From the risks of ‘fast fashion’ tech to the need for human strategy, this convo dives into what’s real, what’s hype, and how to stay curious in the AI age.


If you are considering, or currently using, AI for grant writing - tune in today! Phil and Holly go deep into items like:

  • How AI can be like ‘cheap clothes’ if not used correctly
  • Will grant writers be left behind if they aren’t using AI?
  • How AI is impacting the environment
  • Why and how thought needs to be a part of AI and grant writing
  • How to be curious with AI when navigating the rapidly changing landscape

About Philip Deng

Philip is the Co-founder and CEO of Grantable, a world-class grant writing assistant for any organization, powered by AI. He devised the prototype from 15 years of experience working with grant-funded organizations in the nonprofit sector. 


Connect with Philip Deng:

Links Mentioned:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Unlocking Museum and Nonprofit Grant Opportunities with Shiloh Holley 402 402 Unlocking Museum and Nonprofit Grant Opportunities with Shiloh Holley full 5e73fa4c-662b-4d0e-8a37-e0e4065bc7fb https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/unlocking-museum-and-nonprofit-grant-opportunities-with-shiloh-holley In this conversation, Holly Rustick interviews Shiloh Holley, founder of Aderworks Consulting, who shares her journey into grant writing and consulting for nonprofits, particularly museums. 


Shiloh discusses her transition from executive director to consultant, the development of grant writing products, and the challenges faced by museums in securing funding. She emphasizes the importance of diversifying funding sources and using data to inform fundraising strategies. 


The conversation highlights the collaborative nature of consulting and the need for nonprofits to adapt to changing funding landscapes.

About Shiloh Holley

Shiloh Holley is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) with twenty years experience working with small nonprofits, notably in arts, culture, and education. Her expertise is in assisting organizations find and leverage their strengths to create a bigger impact on their audiences and communities. 

As a former non-profit executive director, she brings a holistic view to fund development and provides comprehensive and complementary services to help clients accomplish their goals. She is the principal consultant of Aderworks which offers grant readiness support for organizations seeking grant funding for the first time and is the founder of Accession:Grant Writing For Museums.

Connect with Shiloh Holley

Links Mentioned

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> In this conversation, Holly Rustick interviews Shiloh Holley, founder of Aderworks Consulting, who shares her journey into grant writing and consulting for nonprofits, particularly museums. 


Shiloh discusses her transition from executive director to consultant, the development of grant writing products, and the challenges faced by museums in securing funding. She emphasizes the importance of diversifying funding sources and using data to inform fundraising strategies. 


The conversation highlights the collaborative nature of consulting and the need for nonprofits to adapt to changing funding landscapes.

About Shiloh Holley

Shiloh Holley is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) with twenty years experience working with small nonprofits, notably in arts, culture, and education. Her expertise is in assisting organizations find and leverage their strengths to create a bigger impact on their audiences and communities. 

As a former non-profit executive director, she brings a holistic view to fund development and provides comprehensive and complementary services to help clients accomplish their goals. She is the principal consultant of Aderworks which offers grant readiness support for organizations seeking grant funding for the first time and is the founder of Accession:Grant Writing For Museums.

Connect with Shiloh Holley

Links Mentioned

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> Tue, 20 May 2025 07:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1898 In this conversation, Holly Rustick interviews Shiloh Holley, founder of Aderworks Consulting, who shares her journey into grant writing and consulting for nonprofits, particularly museums. 


Shiloh discusses her transition from executive director to consultant, the development of grant writing products, and the challenges faced by museums in securing funding. She emphasizes the importance of diversifying funding sources and using data to inform fundraising strategies. 


The conversation highlights the collaborative nature of consulting and the need for nonprofits to adapt to changing funding landscapes.

About Shiloh Holley

Shiloh Holley is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) with twenty years experience working with small nonprofits, notably in arts, culture, and education. Her expertise is in assisting organizations find and leverage their strengths to create a bigger impact on their audiences and communities. 

As a former non-profit executive director, she brings a holistic view to fund development and provides comprehensive and complementary services to help clients accomplish their goals. She is the principal consultant of Aderworks which offers grant readiness support for organizations seeking grant funding for the first time and is the founder of Accession:Grant Writing For Museums.

Connect with Shiloh Holley

Links Mentioned

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No How Grant Writers Priced Their Services in the Past (Replay) 401 401 How Grant Writers Priced Their Services in the Past (Replay) full 89f5de08-bef1-42f4-a9b2-2f1b5b4fe179 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-401-how-grant-writers-priced-their-services-in-the-past-replay We’re gearing up for something BIG—the 2024 Grant Professional Survey Results—and this episode is the perfect lead-in.

In this special replay, Rachel Waterman joins us to break down where freelance grant writers stood with their pricing in 2023.

We revisit key insights from last year’s survey, including how much grant consultants were charging, how they felt about their pricing, and where gaps still existed across the industry. Because here’s the thing—pricing isn’t just about numbers. It’s about confidence, positioning, and understanding your value. And that’s exactly why this annual survey matters.


This is now the third year that Grant Writing & Funding has hosted the GDS Grant Professional Survey Results, and each year brings more clarity, transparency, and empowerment to the industry. Be sure to join us for the FREE 2024 Survey Results Webinar on May 14th, where we’ll reveal updated data, trends, and insights to help you price your services with confidence.


If you want to stay competitive, profitable, and aligned with industry standards, this episode (and the upcoming webinar!) is a must.


ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

———————————————————————————
This Podcast Episode is Lovingly Sponsored by:
Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS).
Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN!
Book YOUR FREE demo now!
———————————————————————————

]]> We’re gearing up for something BIG—the 2024 Grant Professional Survey Results—and this episode is the perfect lead-in.

In this special replay, Rachel Waterman joins us to break down where freelance grant writers stood with their pricing in 2023.

We revisit key insights from last year’s survey, including how much grant consultants were charging, how they felt about their pricing, and where gaps still existed across the industry. Because here’s the thing—pricing isn’t just about numbers. It’s about confidence, positioning, and understanding your value. And that’s exactly why this annual survey matters.


This is now the third year that Grant Writing & Funding has hosted the GDS Grant Professional Survey Results, and each year brings more clarity, transparency, and empowerment to the industry. Be sure to join us for the FREE 2024 Survey Results Webinar on May 14th, where we’ll reveal updated data, trends, and insights to help you price your services with confidence.


If you want to stay competitive, profitable, and aligned with industry standards, this episode (and the upcoming webinar!) is a must.


ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

———————————————————————————
This Podcast Episode is Lovingly Sponsored by:
Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS).
Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN!
Book YOUR FREE demo now!
———————————————————————————

]]> Tue, 13 May 2025 07:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1728 We’re gearing up for something BIG—the 2024 Grant Professional Survey Results—and this episode is the perfect lead-in.

In this special replay, Rachel Waterman joins us to break down where freelance grant writers stood with their pricing in 2023.

We revisit key insights from last year’s survey, including how much grant consultants were charging, how they felt about their pricing, and where gaps still existed across the industry. Because here’s the thing—pricing isn’t just about numbers. It’s about confidence, positioning, and understanding your value. And that’s exactly why this annual survey matters.


This is now the third year that Grant Writing & Funding has hosted the GDS Grant Professional Survey Results, and each year brings more clarity, transparency, and empowerment to the industry. Be sure to join us for the FREE 2024 Survey Results Webinar on May 14th, where we’ll reveal updated data, trends, and insights to help you price your services with confidence.


If you want to stay competitive, profitable, and aligned with industry standards, this episode (and the upcoming webinar!) is a must.


ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

———————————————————————————
This Podcast Episode is Lovingly Sponsored by:
Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS).
Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN!
Book YOUR FREE demo now!
———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Celebrating 400 Episodes: Top Grant Writing Tips and Encouragement from 35 Industry Leaders AND a Free Master Grant Template 400 400 Celebrating 400 Episodes: Top Grant Writing Tips and Encouragement from 35 Industry Leaders AND a Free Master Grant Template full 6645800c-056d-4d06-895c-f129a7ed7447 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/celebrating-400-episodes-top-grant-writing-tips-and-encouragement-from-35-industry-leaders-and-a-free-master-grant-template We have exciting news to share: The Grant Writing & Funding Podcast just hit its 400th episode! 🎉We couldn’t have reached this amazing milestone without YOU—your support, your curiosity, and your drive to make a difference in the nonprofit world.


To celebrate, Holly Rustick, our founder and host, is giving you something extra special: an exclusive, FREE 5-part private podcast series, “Inside the Master Grant Template: Private Strategies from Our Signature Framework”, hosted by Holly Rustick and the Freelance Grant Writer Academy. Plus, you will get:

  • A Master Grant Template
  • A downloadable Workbook you can use right away. 

Tap into Holly’s 20 years of experience and the proven framework that’s helped program members win over $225 million in grant funding!

🎁 How to Get Your Free Bonus:
Go to grantwritingandfunding.com/400 and claim your access before this limited-time offer disappears.

What’s Inside Episode 400:

  • The inspiring origin story of the podcast (did you know it started as a $100 bet?!)
  • 90-second tips and encouragement from a powerhouse line-up of leading grant pros and nonprofit experts, including Dr. Bev Browning, Sean Kosofsky, Meredith Noble, Rachel Werner, Alejandra Salazar, Philip Deng, Steve Boland, and many more!
  • Practical advice on building relationships with funders, diversifying revenue, using AI, and how to face uncertain times as a grant writer or nonprofit professional.
  • Words of encouragement and reminders that you are making a powerful impact—even when it feels tough.

A Few Golden Nuggets from Our Guests:
✨ “Be like a detective. Look under every unturned stone.”—Dr. Bev Browning
✨ “Don’t chase the money. Chase alignment.”—Brian Meagher
✨ “Focus leads to clarity, confidence, and trust—for yourself and your constituents.”—Sarah Olivieri
✨ “You are making ripples in people’s lives you’ll likely never meet.”—Niki R. Jones

Don’t miss:

  • The story behind Holly’s first guest appearance from her longtime grant hero, Dr. Bev Browning
  • How our listenership has grown to over 650,000 downloads from 2017 to today
  • Real strategies to get through challenges and keep your mission strong.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

A Big Thank You
This milestone belongs to every one of you—a true community of grant pros, nonprofit leaders, change makers, and supporters. The world needs your work now more than ever. 

Please save this episode and come back to it anytime you need inspiration, encouragement, or practical ideas to move forward.

Wishing you all the best in your missions—and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!

P.S. Grab your free private podcast series and master grant template at grantwritingandfunding.com/400. You’ll love the energy and actionable tips inside!


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 

RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> We have exciting news to share: The Grant Writing & Funding Podcast just hit its 400th episode! 🎉We couldn’t have reached this amazing milestone without YOU—your support, your curiosity, and your drive to make a difference in the nonprofit world.


To celebrate, Holly Rustick, our founder and host, is giving you something extra special: an exclusive, FREE 5-part private podcast series, “Inside the Master Grant Template: Private Strategies from Our Signature Framework”, hosted by Holly Rustick and the Freelance Grant Writer Academy. Plus, you will get:

  • A Master Grant Template
  • A downloadable Workbook you can use right away. 

Tap into Holly’s 20 years of experience and the proven framework that’s helped program members win over $225 million in grant funding!

🎁 How to Get Your Free Bonus:
Go to grantwritingandfunding.com/400 and claim your access before this limited-time offer disappears.

What’s Inside Episode 400:

  • The inspiring origin story of the podcast (did you know it started as a $100 bet?!)
  • 90-second tips and encouragement from a powerhouse line-up of leading grant pros and nonprofit experts, including Dr. Bev Browning, Sean Kosofsky, Meredith Noble, Rachel Werner, Alejandra Salazar, Philip Deng, Steve Boland, and many more!
  • Practical advice on building relationships with funders, diversifying revenue, using AI, and how to face uncertain times as a grant writer or nonprofit professional.
  • Words of encouragement and reminders that you are making a powerful impact—even when it feels tough.

A Few Golden Nuggets from Our Guests:
✨ “Be like a detective. Look under every unturned stone.”—Dr. Bev Browning
✨ “Don’t chase the money. Chase alignment.”—Brian Meagher
✨ “Focus leads to clarity, confidence, and trust—for yourself and your constituents.”—Sarah Olivieri
✨ “You are making ripples in people’s lives you’ll likely never meet.”—Niki R. Jones

Don’t miss:

  • The story behind Holly’s first guest appearance from her longtime grant hero, Dr. Bev Browning
  • How our listenership has grown to over 650,000 downloads from 2017 to today
  • Real strategies to get through challenges and keep your mission strong.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

A Big Thank You
This milestone belongs to every one of you—a true community of grant pros, nonprofit leaders, change makers, and supporters. The world needs your work now more than ever. 

Please save this episode and come back to it anytime you need inspiration, encouragement, or practical ideas to move forward.

Wishing you all the best in your missions—and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!

P.S. Grab your free private podcast series and master grant template at grantwritingandfunding.com/400. You’ll love the energy and actionable tips inside!


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 

RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> Fri, 09 May 2025 07:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2676 We have exciting news to share: The Grant Writing & Funding Podcast just hit its 400th episode! 🎉We couldn’t have reached this amazing milestone without YOU—your support, your curiosity, and your drive to make a difference in the nonprofit world.


To celebrate, Holly Rustick, our founder and host, is giving you something extra special: an exclusive, FREE 5-part private podcast series, “Inside the Master Grant Template: Private Strategies from Our Signature Framework”, hosted by Holly Rustick and the Freelance Grant Writer Academy. Plus, you will get:

  • A Master Grant Template
  • A downloadable Workbook you can use right away. 

Tap into Holly’s 20 years of experience and the proven framework that’s helped program members win over $225 million in grant funding!

🎁 How to Get Your Free Bonus:
Go to grantwritingandfunding.com/400 and claim your access before this limited-time offer disappears.

What’s Inside Episode 400:

  • The inspiring origin story of the podcast (did you know it started as a $100 bet?!)
  • 90-second tips and encouragement from a powerhouse line-up of leading grant pros and nonprofit experts, including Dr. Bev Browning, Sean Kosofsky, Meredith Noble, Rachel Werner, Alejandra Salazar, Philip Deng, Steve Boland, and many more!
  • Practical advice on building relationships with funders, diversifying revenue, using AI, and how to face uncertain times as a grant writer or nonprofit professional.
  • Words of encouragement and reminders that you are making a powerful impact—even when it feels tough.

A Few Golden Nuggets from Our Guests:
✨ “Be like a detective. Look under every unturned stone.”—Dr. Bev Browning
✨ “Don’t chase the money. Chase alignment.”—Brian Meagher
✨ “Focus leads to clarity, confidence, and trust—for yourself and your constituents.”—Sarah Olivieri
✨ “You are making ripples in people’s lives you’ll likely never meet.”—Niki R. Jones

Don’t miss:

  • The story behind Holly’s first guest appearance from her longtime grant hero, Dr. Bev Browning
  • How our listenership has grown to over 650,000 downloads from 2017 to today
  • Real strategies to get through challenges and keep your mission strong.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

A Big Thank You
This milestone belongs to every one of you—a true community of grant pros, nonprofit leaders, change makers, and supporters. The world needs your work now more than ever. 

Please save this episode and come back to it anytime you need inspiration, encouragement, or practical ideas to move forward.

Wishing you all the best in your missions—and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!

P.S. Grab your free private podcast series and master grant template at grantwritingandfunding.com/400. You’ll love the energy and actionable tips inside!


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 

RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ep: 399: State of Grants 2025: A Conversation with Mike Chamberlain of GPA - Part 2 399 399 Ep: 399: State of Grants 2025: A Conversation with Mike Chamberlain of GPA - Part 2 full a6d4c52f-c3eb-4f0f-a819-21ebcb7ddf7a http://grantwritingandfunding.com/399 Executive Director of the Grant Professionals Association (GPA), Mike Chamberlain and Holly Rustick of Grant Writing & Funding to discuss the role of GPA in supporting grant professionals through advocacy, community building, and professionalism. Holly and Mike delve into the importance of job classification for grant professionals, the annual salary and benefits survey, and the future of grant writing in 2025 amidst changing federal policies and economic conditions. 

They also discuss the intricacies of the grant application process, the evolving landscape of funding, and the importance of adaptability for grant professionals. They explore the necessity of diversifying funding sources, overcoming assumptions in grant writing, and the value of repurposing materials for broader applications. 

The discussion also highlights the resilience required in the face of uncertainty and the upcoming Grant Summit as a vital community-building opportunity for grant professionals.

Watch Video Podcast HERE: https://youtu.be/ZrdynSl3B6c

Links Mentioned:
Grant Professional Mentorship: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Tune in today to listen to this podcast.

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! 

This helps me support more people — just like you — move toward writing higher quality grants without overwhelm, and to start and grow successful grant writing businesses! 

Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!"

This Podcast Episode is Lovingly Sponsored by:
Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS).
Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN!
Book YOUR FREE demo now!

]]> Executive Director of the Grant Professionals Association (GPA), Mike Chamberlain and Holly Rustick of Grant Writing & Funding to discuss the role of GPA in supporting grant professionals through advocacy, community building, and professionalism. Holly and Mike delve into the importance of job classification for grant professionals, the annual salary and benefits survey, and the future of grant writing in 2025 amidst changing federal policies and economic conditions. 

They also discuss the intricacies of the grant application process, the evolving landscape of funding, and the importance of adaptability for grant professionals. They explore the necessity of diversifying funding sources, overcoming assumptions in grant writing, and the value of repurposing materials for broader applications. 

The discussion also highlights the resilience required in the face of uncertainty and the upcoming Grant Summit as a vital community-building opportunity for grant professionals.

Watch Video Podcast HERE: https://youtu.be/ZrdynSl3B6c

Links Mentioned:
Grant Professional Mentorship: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Tune in today to listen to this podcast.

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! 

This helps me support more people — just like you — move toward writing higher quality grants without overwhelm, and to start and grow successful grant writing businesses! 

Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!"

This Podcast Episode is Lovingly Sponsored by:
Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS).
Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN!
Book YOUR FREE demo now!

]]> Tue, 29 Apr 2025 06:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1863 Executive Director of the Grant Professionals Association (GPA), Mike Chamberlain and Holly Rustick of Grant Writing & Funding to discuss the role of GPA in supporting grant professionals through advocacy, community building, and professionalism. Holly and Mike delve into the importance of job classification for grant professionals, the annual salary and benefits survey, and the future of grant writing in 2025 amidst changing federal policies and economic conditions. 

They also discuss the intricacies of the grant application process, the evolving landscape of funding, and the importance of adaptability for grant professionals. They explore the necessity of diversifying funding sources, overcoming assumptions in grant writing, and the value of repurposing materials for broader applications. 

The discussion also highlights the resilience required in the face of uncertainty and the upcoming Grant Summit as a vital community-building opportunity for grant professionals.

Watch Video Podcast HERE: https://youtu.be/ZrdynSl3B6c

Links Mentioned:
Grant Professional Mentorship: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Tune in today to listen to this podcast.

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! 

This helps me support more people — just like you — move toward writing higher quality grants without overwhelm, and to start and grow successful grant writing businesses! 

Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!"

This Podcast Episode is Lovingly Sponsored by:
Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS).
Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN!
Book YOUR FREE demo now!

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No State of Grants 2025: A Conversation with Mike Chamberlain of GPA - Part 1 398 398 State of Grants 2025: A Conversation with Mike Chamberlain of GPA - Part 1 full ac541b5c-dbfe-4301-b8db-d37f73ce22f1 https://grantwritingandfunding.com/398 This is Part 1 of a 2-Part Interview with Executive Director of the Grant Professionals Association (GPA), Mike Chamberlain and Holly Rustick of Grant Writing & Funding to discuss the role of GPA in supporting grant professionals through advocacy, community building, and professionalism. Holly and Mike delve into the importance of job classification for grant professionals, the annual salary and benefits survey, and the future of grant writing in 2025 amidst changing federal policies and economic conditions. 

They also discuss the intricacies of the grant application process, the evolving landscape of funding, and the importance of adaptability for grant professionals. They explore the necessity of diversifying funding sources, overcoming assumptions in grant writing, and the value of repurposing materials for broader applications. 

The discussion also highlights the resilience required in the face of uncertainty and the upcoming Grant Summit as a vital community-building opportunity for grant professionals.

About Mike Chamberlain

Mike Chamberlain is the current CEO of the Grant Professionals Association. He has extensive experience in managing/directing personnel and operations, developing the strategy and setting priorities with national associations in dynamic industries. He is a committed professional and an innovative leader with proven abilities in creating and using a vision, identifying problems and using data to develop creative solutions. Chamberlain is experienced in developing leaders, improving performance through removing obstacles to cooperation to focus on member needs. He has been effective in startup operations and in turn-around situations. He has successfully led teams through system implementations, including new Association Management Systems.

Connect with Mike Chamberlain

Links Mentioned

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> This is Part 1 of a 2-Part Interview with Executive Director of the Grant Professionals Association (GPA), Mike Chamberlain and Holly Rustick of Grant Writing & Funding to discuss the role of GPA in supporting grant professionals through advocacy, community building, and professionalism. Holly and Mike delve into the importance of job classification for grant professionals, the annual salary and benefits survey, and the future of grant writing in 2025 amidst changing federal policies and economic conditions. 

They also discuss the intricacies of the grant application process, the evolving landscape of funding, and the importance of adaptability for grant professionals. They explore the necessity of diversifying funding sources, overcoming assumptions in grant writing, and the value of repurposing materials for broader applications. 

The discussion also highlights the resilience required in the face of uncertainty and the upcoming Grant Summit as a vital community-building opportunity for grant professionals.

About Mike Chamberlain

Mike Chamberlain is the current CEO of the Grant Professionals Association. He has extensive experience in managing/directing personnel and operations, developing the strategy and setting priorities with national associations in dynamic industries. He is a committed professional and an innovative leader with proven abilities in creating and using a vision, identifying problems and using data to develop creative solutions. Chamberlain is experienced in developing leaders, improving performance through removing obstacles to cooperation to focus on member needs. He has been effective in startup operations and in turn-around situations. He has successfully led teams through system implementations, including new Association Management Systems.

Connect with Mike Chamberlain

Links Mentioned

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> Wed, 23 Apr 2025 02:14:16 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1925 This is Part 1 of a 2-Part Interview with Executive Director of the Grant Professionals Association (GPA), Mike Chamberlain and Holly Rustick of Grant Writing & Funding to discuss the role of GPA in supporting grant professionals through advocacy, community building, and professionalism. Holly and Mike delve into the importance of job classification for grant professionals, the annual salary and benefits survey, and the future of grant writing in 2025 amidst changing federal policies and economic conditions. 

They also discuss the intricacies of the grant application process, the evolving landscape of funding, and the importance of adaptability for grant professionals. They explore the necessity of diversifying funding sources, overcoming assumptions in grant writing, and the value of repurposing materials for broader applications. 

The discussion also highlights the resilience required in the face of uncertainty and the upcoming Grant Summit as a vital community-building opportunity for grant professionals.

About Mike Chamberlain

Mike Chamberlain is the current CEO of the Grant Professionals Association. He has extensive experience in managing/directing personnel and operations, developing the strategy and setting priorities with national associations in dynamic industries. He is a committed professional and an innovative leader with proven abilities in creating and using a vision, identifying problems and using data to develop creative solutions. Chamberlain is experienced in developing leaders, improving performance through removing obstacles to cooperation to focus on member needs. He has been effective in startup operations and in turn-around situations. He has successfully led teams through system implementations, including new Association Management Systems.

Connect with Mike Chamberlain

Links Mentioned

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ep: 397 How AI Is Changing Grant Writing and What You Need to Know 434 434 Ep: 397 How AI Is Changing Grant Writing and What You Need to Know full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/2074707888 https://grantwritingandfunding.com/how-ai-is-changing-grant-writing-and-what-you-need-to-know/ Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the grant writing world, but maybe not how you imagine. Sure you could go ChatGPT, put in a Request for Proposal and ask it to produce a grant proposal. But that grant would not get funded. Why? Before AI can produce a quality grant proposal, you need to provide it with your own original content. Today’s AI models need that original content to use, edit, and respond to. In other words, AI grant writing still requires work! In other words, the nonprofit sector still needs grant writers. However, AI tools can make grant writing easier and more efficient. Through my Freelance Grant Writer Academy, I’ve trained thousands of grant writers, helping them build thriving grant writing businesses. It also gives me a unique insight into how grant writers are really using tools like AI. Let’s take a look at what’s working with grant writing and AI (and what isn’t). Watch Video Podcast HERE: https://youtu.be/CbsNL22cM3U Related Links: -Why AI Won’t Take Your Grant Writing Job: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/why-ai-wont-take-your-grant-writing-job/ -Using Chat GPT and AI for Grant Writing with Philip Deng: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/using-chat-gpt-and-ai-for-grant-writing/ Links Mentioned: Grant Professional Mentorship: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship Freelance Grant Writer Academy: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/ Tune in today to listen to this podcast. Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts “Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — move toward writing higher quality grants without overwhelm, and to start and grow successful grant writing businesses! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!" This Podcast Episode is Lovingly Sponsored by: Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now!

]]> Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the grant writing world, but maybe not how you imagine. Sure you could go ChatGPT, put in a Request for Proposal and ask it to produce a grant proposal. But that grant would not get funded. Why? Before AI can produce a quality grant proposal, you need to provide it with your own original content. Today’s AI models need that original content to use, edit, and respond to. In other words, AI grant writing still requires work! In other words, the nonprofit sector still needs grant writers. However, AI tools can make grant writing easier and more efficient. Through my Freelance Grant Writer Academy, I’ve trained thousands of grant writers, helping them build thriving grant writing businesses. It also gives me a unique insight into how grant writers are really using tools like AI. Let’s take a look at what’s working with grant writing and AI (and what isn’t). Watch Video Podcast HERE: https://youtu.be/CbsNL22cM3U Related Links: -Why AI Won’t Take Your Grant Writing Job: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/why-ai-wont-take-your-grant-writing-job/ -Using Chat GPT and AI for Grant Writing with Philip Deng: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/using-chat-gpt-and-ai-for-grant-writing/ Links Mentioned: Grant Professional Mentorship: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship Freelance Grant Writer Academy: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/ Tune in today to listen to this podcast. Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts “Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — move toward writing higher quality grants without overwhelm, and to start and grow successful grant writing businesses! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!" This Podcast Episode is Lovingly Sponsored by: Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now!

]]> Tue, 15 Apr 2025 07:30:15 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 792 Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the grant writing world, but maybe not how you imagine. Sure you could go ChatGPT, put in a Request for Proposal and ask it to produce a grant proposal. But that grant would not get funded. Why? Before AI can produce a quality grant proposal, you need to provide it with your own original content. Today’s AI models need that original content to use, edit, and respond to. In other words, AI grant writing still requires work! In other words, the nonprofit sector still needs grant writers. However, AI tools can make grant writing easier and more efficient. Through my Freelance Grant Writer Academy, I’ve trained thousands of grant writers, helping them build thriving grant writing businesses. It also gives me a unique insight into how grant writers are really using tools like AI. Let’s take a look at what’s working with grant writing and AI (and what isn’t). Watch Video Podcast HERE: https://youtu.be/CbsNL22cM3U Related Links: -Why AI Won’t Take Your Grant Writing Job: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/why-ai-wont-take-your-grant-writing-job/ -Using Chat GPT and AI for Grant Writing with Philip Deng: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/using-chat-gpt-and-ai-for-grant-writing/ Links Mentioned: Grant Professional Mentorship: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship Freelance Grant Writer Academy: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/ Tune in today to listen to this podcast. Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts “Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — move toward writing higher quality grants without overwhelm, and to start and grow successful grant writing businesses! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!" This Podcast Episode is Lovingly Sponsored by: Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now!

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ep: 396 Grant Writing Myths: What No One Will Tell You About this Career 433 433 Ep: 396 Grant Writing Myths: What No One Will Tell You About this Career full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/2073000608 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-396-grant-writing-myths-what-no-one-will-tell-you-about-this-career Sun, 06 Apr 2025 20:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1315 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Going from Scarcity Mindset to Courage with a 4-Day Workweek as a Grant Consultant 395 395 Going from Scarcity Mindset to Courage with a 4-Day Workweek as a Grant Consultant full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/2064842780 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-395-going-from-scarcity-mindset-to-courage-with-a-4-day-workweek-as-a-grant-consultant In this week’s episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Laura Hull, Grant Consultant and founder of Premio Services, LLC. 

Laura shares her journey into grant writing and how she navigated key transitions in her career—including negotiating for health insurance, building support through hiring, and managing a growing grant writing business as a single mom. 

This conversation offers an honest look at what it takes to grow a sustainable grant writing business while balancing life, leadership, and impact.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Laura Hull is a first-generation U.S. immigrant with more than a decade of experience in grants and nonprofit leadership across multicultural contexts. She founded Premio Services, LLC in 2017 to elevate the grants profession and increase social impact by providing transformational grant services to nonprofits.

Laura supports organizations in expanding their grant portfolios by identifying barriers and aligning them with the right funding opportunities. With a creative strategy, data-driven approach, and an average 98% funding success rate, she delivers high-quality consulting to clients across the sector.

Outside of her work, Laura enjoys spending time with her children, reading, creative writing, and exploring Idaho’s outdoors.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurahullgrantconsultant/
Website: https://premioservices.com/

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

———————————————————————————

This Podcast Episode is Lovingly Sponsored by: Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now!

———————————————————————————

]]> In this week’s episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Laura Hull, Grant Consultant and founder of Premio Services, LLC. 

Laura shares her journey into grant writing and how she navigated key transitions in her career—including negotiating for health insurance, building support through hiring, and managing a growing grant writing business as a single mom. 

This conversation offers an honest look at what it takes to grow a sustainable grant writing business while balancing life, leadership, and impact.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Laura Hull is a first-generation U.S. immigrant with more than a decade of experience in grants and nonprofit leadership across multicultural contexts. She founded Premio Services, LLC in 2017 to elevate the grants profession and increase social impact by providing transformational grant services to nonprofits.

Laura supports organizations in expanding their grant portfolios by identifying barriers and aligning them with the right funding opportunities. With a creative strategy, data-driven approach, and an average 98% funding success rate, she delivers high-quality consulting to clients across the sector.

Outside of her work, Laura enjoys spending time with her children, reading, creative writing, and exploring Idaho’s outdoors.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurahullgrantconsultant/
Website: https://premioservices.com/

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

———————————————————————————

This Podcast Episode is Lovingly Sponsored by: Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now!

———————————————————————————

]]> Wed, 02 Apr 2025 20:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2304 In this week’s episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Laura Hull, Grant Consultant and founder of Premio Services, LLC. 

Laura shares her journey into grant writing and how she navigated key transitions in her career—including negotiating for health insurance, building support through hiring, and managing a growing grant writing business as a single mom. 

This conversation offers an honest look at what it takes to grow a sustainable grant writing business while balancing life, leadership, and impact.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Laura Hull is a first-generation U.S. immigrant with more than a decade of experience in grants and nonprofit leadership across multicultural contexts. She founded Premio Services, LLC in 2017 to elevate the grants profession and increase social impact by providing transformational grant services to nonprofits.

Laura supports organizations in expanding their grant portfolios by identifying barriers and aligning them with the right funding opportunities. With a creative strategy, data-driven approach, and an average 98% funding success rate, she delivers high-quality consulting to clients across the sector.

Outside of her work, Laura enjoys spending time with her children, reading, creative writing, and exploring Idaho’s outdoors.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurahullgrantconsultant/
Website: https://premioservices.com/

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

———————————————————————————

This Podcast Episode is Lovingly Sponsored by: Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now!

———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Bonus Ep: The First Hire You Shouldn't Make as a Grant Professional 431 431 Bonus Ep: The First Hire You Shouldn't Make as a Grant Professional full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/2069012548 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/bonus-ep-the-first-hire-you-shouldnt-make-as-a-grant-professional Tue, 01 Apr 2025 20:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 526 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Bonus Ep. How to Recession-Proof Your Grant Writing Business - Why Waiting Won’t Work 430 430 Bonus Ep. How to Recession-Proof Your Grant Writing Business - Why Waiting Won’t Work full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/2068311144 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/bonus-ep-how-to-recession-proof-your-grant-writing-business-why-waiting-won-t-work Mon, 31 Mar 2025 20:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 736 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Bonus Ep: How to Hire a Grant Writer in Your Grant Writing Business & Stop Doing all the Client Work 429 429 Bonus Ep: How to Hire a Grant Writer in Your Grant Writing Business & Stop Doing all the Client Work full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/2067465128 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/bonus-ep-how-to-hire-a-grant-writer-in-your-grant-writing-business-stop-doing-all-the-client-work Sun, 30 Mar 2025 20:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1479 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Bonus Ep: Replay "Double Your Grant Writing Revenue, Writing Fewer Grants, During Any Administration" 428 428 Bonus Ep: Replay "Double Your Grant Writing Revenue, Writing Fewer Grants, During Any Administration" full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/2063383160 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/bonus-ep-replay-double-your-grant-writing-revenue-writing-fewer-grants-during-any-administration Tue, 25 Mar 2025 20:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 6548 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Growing a Grant Writing Business from $5k to $200k in 2 years with Isatou 427 427 Growing a Grant Writing Business from $5k to $200k in 2 years with Isatou full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/2058870940 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/growing-a-grant-writing-business-from-5k-to-200k-in-2-years-with-isatou In this conversation, Isatou Bittaye-Jobe shares her journey from being an in-house grant writer to becoming a freelance grant writer specializing in grassroots social justice organizations. 

She discusses the challenges and opportunities in the funding landscape, particularly the shift from federal to foundation grants. Isatou emphasizes the importance of mentorship and community support in her business growth, highlighting how delegation and team building have allowed her to achieve a better work-life balance. 

Holly and Isatou also touch on the mindset shifts necessary for success in the nonprofit sector.

About Isatou

Isatou Bittaye-Jobe is a Grant Writer and strategist dedicated to mobilizing resources for nonprofits advancing women’s rights, gender and racial justice, human rights, democracy, and social change. As the Founder and Principal Consultant of AmiKha Consulting, she assists U.S.-based and Global South nonprofits with funding strategy, grant writing, grant research, and grant readiness services. With over 15 years of experience, Isatou has secured more than $10 million in grant awards from private foundations, multilateral donors, and government agencies. She specializes in foundation, state, and federal grants, including the U.S. Department of Justice’s OVW and OVC grants, to support social justice movements in the U.S. and Internationally. Before founding AmiKha Consulting, Isatou served as Director of Institutional Giving at UltraViolet, leading institutional funding strategy and raising the organization’s $5 million annual budget.

Isatou’s intersectional approach to grant writing draws from her expertise in fundraising, program management, community organizing, and advocacy within the social justice and international development sectors in Africa and the U.S. Beyond grant writing and fundraising, Isatou actively advocates for philanthropy to shift toward Community Centric Fundraising-aligned principles and trust-based philanthropy models, including presenting at prominent events on topics such as “Grant Writing as Activism and Advocacy” at the 2024 Grant Professionals Association GrantSummit.

Originally from The Gambia, Isatou began her career in human rights advocacy. She is a 2016 Women Deliver Young Leader Alumni, recognized globally for advancing gender equality. She holds dual M.A. degrees in Women’s and Gender Studies from the City University of New York Graduate Center and International Studies from National Chengchi University in Taiwan.

Connect with Isatou

Links Mentioned:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> In this conversation, Isatou Bittaye-Jobe shares her journey from being an in-house grant writer to becoming a freelance grant writer specializing in grassroots social justice organizations. 

She discusses the challenges and opportunities in the funding landscape, particularly the shift from federal to foundation grants. Isatou emphasizes the importance of mentorship and community support in her business growth, highlighting how delegation and team building have allowed her to achieve a better work-life balance. 

Holly and Isatou also touch on the mindset shifts necessary for success in the nonprofit sector.

About Isatou

Isatou Bittaye-Jobe is a Grant Writer and strategist dedicated to mobilizing resources for nonprofits advancing women’s rights, gender and racial justice, human rights, democracy, and social change. As the Founder and Principal Consultant of AmiKha Consulting, she assists U.S.-based and Global South nonprofits with funding strategy, grant writing, grant research, and grant readiness services. With over 15 years of experience, Isatou has secured more than $10 million in grant awards from private foundations, multilateral donors, and government agencies. She specializes in foundation, state, and federal grants, including the U.S. Department of Justice’s OVW and OVC grants, to support social justice movements in the U.S. and Internationally. Before founding AmiKha Consulting, Isatou served as Director of Institutional Giving at UltraViolet, leading institutional funding strategy and raising the organization’s $5 million annual budget.

Isatou’s intersectional approach to grant writing draws from her expertise in fundraising, program management, community organizing, and advocacy within the social justice and international development sectors in Africa and the U.S. Beyond grant writing and fundraising, Isatou actively advocates for philanthropy to shift toward Community Centric Fundraising-aligned principles and trust-based philanthropy models, including presenting at prominent events on topics such as “Grant Writing as Activism and Advocacy” at the 2024 Grant Professionals Association GrantSummit.

Originally from The Gambia, Isatou began her career in human rights advocacy. She is a 2016 Women Deliver Young Leader Alumni, recognized globally for advancing gender equality. She holds dual M.A. degrees in Women’s and Gender Studies from the City University of New York Graduate Center and International Studies from National Chengchi University in Taiwan.

Connect with Isatou

Links Mentioned:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> Tue, 18 Mar 2025 20:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2335 In this conversation, Isatou Bittaye-Jobe shares her journey from being an in-house grant writer to becoming a freelance grant writer specializing in grassroots social justice organizations. 

She discusses the challenges and opportunities in the funding landscape, particularly the shift from federal to foundation grants. Isatou emphasizes the importance of mentorship and community support in her business growth, highlighting how delegation and team building have allowed her to achieve a better work-life balance. 

Holly and Isatou also touch on the mindset shifts necessary for success in the nonprofit sector.

About Isatou

Isatou Bittaye-Jobe is a Grant Writer and strategist dedicated to mobilizing resources for nonprofits advancing women’s rights, gender and racial justice, human rights, democracy, and social change. As the Founder and Principal Consultant of AmiKha Consulting, she assists U.S.-based and Global South nonprofits with funding strategy, grant writing, grant research, and grant readiness services. With over 15 years of experience, Isatou has secured more than $10 million in grant awards from private foundations, multilateral donors, and government agencies. She specializes in foundation, state, and federal grants, including the U.S. Department of Justice’s OVW and OVC grants, to support social justice movements in the U.S. and Internationally. Before founding AmiKha Consulting, Isatou served as Director of Institutional Giving at UltraViolet, leading institutional funding strategy and raising the organization’s $5 million annual budget.

Isatou’s intersectional approach to grant writing draws from her expertise in fundraising, program management, community organizing, and advocacy within the social justice and international development sectors in Africa and the U.S. Beyond grant writing and fundraising, Isatou actively advocates for philanthropy to shift toward Community Centric Fundraising-aligned principles and trust-based philanthropy models, including presenting at prominent events on topics such as “Grant Writing as Activism and Advocacy” at the 2024 Grant Professionals Association GrantSummit.

Originally from The Gambia, Isatou began her career in human rights advocacy. She is a 2016 Women Deliver Young Leader Alumni, recognized globally for advancing gender equality. She holds dual M.A. degrees in Women’s and Gender Studies from the City University of New York Graduate Center and International Studies from National Chengchi University in Taiwan.

Connect with Isatou

Links Mentioned:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Bonus Ep: From Higher Education Grant Writer Job to Retirement Business 426 426 Bonus Ep: From Higher Education Grant Writer Job to Retirement Business full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/2056877124 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/bonus-ep-from-higher-education-grant-writer-job-to-retirement-business Mon, 17 Mar 2025 20:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1608 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No 3 Items to Restructure Your Grant Writing Business in 2025 425 425 3 Items to Restructure Your Grant Writing Business in 2025 full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/2043587749 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/3-items-to-restructure-your-grant-writing-business-in-2025 You may need to restructure your grant writing business in 2025.

Meaning three main things need to be re-evaluated:

  • Offers
  • Systems
  • Team

There has been a lot going on with grants in the last month, and there will be changes in 2025.

Does that mean all grant funding is gone, or will your clients dry up?

No.

But you may need to get back to the heart of your business.

Pivoting is a word you may bring back into your vocabulary this year.

Knowing what service offers to keep, what to double down on, and what to let go of is vital to growing revenue and serving clients.

As a grant writing CEO (yes, you’ve graduated from the thought that you are ‘only’ a freelancer), you may even have a virtual assistant and/or subcontract grant writer or two on your team.

You may be wondering if you need to restructure your team and offers in 2025 with everything that is happening with the new Administration.

#1 - Restructure Your Grant Writing Offers

  • If you have a federal grant writing service that offers (meaning you write federal grants), then you will want to work closely with your clients on how to adjust to all the changes. 
  • This might mean re-working your scope of work retainer and taking out a couple of grants and putting in Monthly Updates instead. 

#2 - Update Your Business Systems

  • You need to create or update SOPs. Even if this year wasn’t full of new grant things, we recommend you do this every quarter! Look over SOPs and update any. 
  • See if you can add AI to support any functions.

#3 - Examine Your Team and Reset Roles

  • You may need to role reset some team members. Your virtual assistant may need fewer hours this year or you may assign them some hours to attend webinars on federal grant updates and send you notes. 
  • Your grant writers may need to report on grant updates or work on doubling foundation grant outputs. 
  • But within everything, you need to make sure this aligns with your budget.
  • Students inside the Grant Professional Mentorship have been addressing these needs to see how to adjust in 2025.
  • Some are hiring virtual assistants to help with more admin duties so they can be in front of a lot of issues.
  • Others are streamlining team members and paying for a scope of work instead of just hourly.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> You may need to restructure your grant writing business in 2025.

Meaning three main things need to be re-evaluated:

  • Offers
  • Systems
  • Team

There has been a lot going on with grants in the last month, and there will be changes in 2025.

Does that mean all grant funding is gone, or will your clients dry up?

No.

But you may need to get back to the heart of your business.

Pivoting is a word you may bring back into your vocabulary this year.

Knowing what service offers to keep, what to double down on, and what to let go of is vital to growing revenue and serving clients.

As a grant writing CEO (yes, you’ve graduated from the thought that you are ‘only’ a freelancer), you may even have a virtual assistant and/or subcontract grant writer or two on your team.

You may be wondering if you need to restructure your team and offers in 2025 with everything that is happening with the new Administration.

#1 - Restructure Your Grant Writing Offers

  • If you have a federal grant writing service that offers (meaning you write federal grants), then you will want to work closely with your clients on how to adjust to all the changes. 
  • This might mean re-working your scope of work retainer and taking out a couple of grants and putting in Monthly Updates instead. 

#2 - Update Your Business Systems

  • You need to create or update SOPs. Even if this year wasn’t full of new grant things, we recommend you do this every quarter! Look over SOPs and update any. 
  • See if you can add AI to support any functions.

#3 - Examine Your Team and Reset Roles

  • You may need to role reset some team members. Your virtual assistant may need fewer hours this year or you may assign them some hours to attend webinars on federal grant updates and send you notes. 
  • Your grant writers may need to report on grant updates or work on doubling foundation grant outputs. 
  • But within everything, you need to make sure this aligns with your budget.
  • Students inside the Grant Professional Mentorship have been addressing these needs to see how to adjust in 2025.
  • Some are hiring virtual assistants to help with more admin duties so they can be in front of a lot of issues.
  • Others are streamlining team members and paying for a scope of work instead of just hourly.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> Tue, 11 Mar 2025 20:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 687 You may need to restructure your grant writing business in 2025.

Meaning three main things need to be re-evaluated:

  • Offers
  • Systems
  • Team

There has been a lot going on with grants in the last month, and there will be changes in 2025.

Does that mean all grant funding is gone, or will your clients dry up?

No.

But you may need to get back to the heart of your business.

Pivoting is a word you may bring back into your vocabulary this year.

Knowing what service offers to keep, what to double down on, and what to let go of is vital to growing revenue and serving clients.

As a grant writing CEO (yes, you’ve graduated from the thought that you are ‘only’ a freelancer), you may even have a virtual assistant and/or subcontract grant writer or two on your team.

You may be wondering if you need to restructure your team and offers in 2025 with everything that is happening with the new Administration.

#1 - Restructure Your Grant Writing Offers

  • If you have a federal grant writing service that offers (meaning you write federal grants), then you will want to work closely with your clients on how to adjust to all the changes. 
  • This might mean re-working your scope of work retainer and taking out a couple of grants and putting in Monthly Updates instead. 

#2 - Update Your Business Systems

  • You need to create or update SOPs. Even if this year wasn’t full of new grant things, we recommend you do this every quarter! Look over SOPs and update any. 
  • See if you can add AI to support any functions.

#3 - Examine Your Team and Reset Roles

  • You may need to role reset some team members. Your virtual assistant may need fewer hours this year or you may assign them some hours to attend webinars on federal grant updates and send you notes. 
  • Your grant writers may need to report on grant updates or work on doubling foundation grant outputs. 
  • But within everything, you need to make sure this aligns with your budget.
  • Students inside the Grant Professional Mentorship have been addressing these needs to see how to adjust in 2025.
  • Some are hiring virtual assistants to help with more admin duties so they can be in front of a lot of issues.
  • Others are streamlining team members and paying for a scope of work instead of just hourly.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Why Grant Writers Must Track Their Time: Pricing Strategies and Smart Decisions 424 424 Why Grant Writers Must Track Their Time: Pricing Strategies and Smart Decisions full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/2052840672 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/why-grant-writers-must-track-their-time-pricing-strategies-and-smart-decisions As a freelance grant writer, or freelancer in general, are you keeping track of your time? 

One of the biggest flaws I see is that freelance grant writers don’t keep track of their time. 

Why is tracking your time so important? Because our time is our most valuable asset. 

What Happens When Freelancers Don’t Track Their Time When freelance grant writers don’t track their time, they underestimate how much time the following takes: 

  • Writing grants 
    • How much time to write a foundation grant
    • How much time to write a federal grant
    • How much time to write a state grant
    • How much time to write a Letter of Inquiry
  • Finding grant prospects 
  • Meetings with clients
  • Emails with clients
  • Talking to funders
  • Working on financials
  • Marketing
  • Industry updates
  • Administration
  • And so much more…

And what happens when you don’t accurately count or track your time?

According to our friends over at Global Development Solutions, who conduct an annual Pricing Survey among grant professionals (2023), YOU don’t get paid for all your work!

This is SO dangerous because if you don’t get paid for your work, then you are not able to sustain a business.

You need to know how much time that things take you to do. 


ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> As a freelance grant writer, or freelancer in general, are you keeping track of your time? 

One of the biggest flaws I see is that freelance grant writers don’t keep track of their time. 

Why is tracking your time so important? Because our time is our most valuable asset. 

What Happens When Freelancers Don’t Track Their Time When freelance grant writers don’t track their time, they underestimate how much time the following takes: 

  • Writing grants 
    • How much time to write a foundation grant
    • How much time to write a federal grant
    • How much time to write a state grant
    • How much time to write a Letter of Inquiry
  • Finding grant prospects 
  • Meetings with clients
  • Emails with clients
  • Talking to funders
  • Working on financials
  • Marketing
  • Industry updates
  • Administration
  • And so much more…

And what happens when you don’t accurately count or track your time?

According to our friends over at Global Development Solutions, who conduct an annual Pricing Survey among grant professionals (2023), YOU don’t get paid for all your work!

This is SO dangerous because if you don’t get paid for your work, then you are not able to sustain a business.

You need to know how much time that things take you to do. 


ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> Mon, 10 Mar 2025 20:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 877 As a freelance grant writer, or freelancer in general, are you keeping track of your time? 

One of the biggest flaws I see is that freelance grant writers don’t keep track of their time. 

Why is tracking your time so important? Because our time is our most valuable asset. 

What Happens When Freelancers Don’t Track Their Time When freelance grant writers don’t track their time, they underestimate how much time the following takes: 

  • Writing grants 
    • How much time to write a foundation grant
    • How much time to write a federal grant
    • How much time to write a state grant
    • How much time to write a Letter of Inquiry
  • Finding grant prospects 
  • Meetings with clients
  • Emails with clients
  • Talking to funders
  • Working on financials
  • Marketing
  • Industry updates
  • Administration
  • And so much more…

And what happens when you don’t accurately count or track your time?

According to our friends over at Global Development Solutions, who conduct an annual Pricing Survey among grant professionals (2023), YOU don’t get paid for all your work!

This is SO dangerous because if you don’t get paid for your work, then you are not able to sustain a business.

You need to know how much time that things take you to do. 


ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Bonus Ep: Doubling Revenue with Work-Life Balance as a Consultant & a Mom Bonus Ep: Doubling Revenue with Work-Life Balance as a Consultant & a Mom bonus tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/2050527168 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/bonus-ep-doubling-revenue-with-work-life-balance-as-a-consultant-a-mom Joy Maxwell, Owner and Lead Advisor of ARK Advising, joins us to share her journey from working in the nonprofit sector to launching her own successful business. She opens up about the financial challenges, mentorship, and community support that shaped her path, as well as how shifting to a retainer-based model helped her increase revenue while creating a more sustainable work-life balance. 

We also explore how she navigates the intersection of nonprofit work and business strategy, manages evolving client relationships, embraces flexibility in her operations, and continues to grow through mentorship and adapting to the ever-changing nonprofit landscape.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Joy Maxwell, Owner and Lead Advisor of ARK Advising, joins us to share her journey from working in the nonprofit sector to launching her own successful business. She opens up about the financial challenges, mentorship, and community support that shaped her path, as well as how shifting to a retainer-based model helped her increase revenue while creating a more sustainable work-life balance. 

We also explore how she navigates the intersection of nonprofit work and business strategy, manages evolving client relationships, embraces flexibility in her operations, and continues to grow through mentorship and adapting to the ever-changing nonprofit landscape.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Sun, 09 Mar 2025 20:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2997 Joy Maxwell, Owner and Lead Advisor of ARK Advising, joins us to share her journey from working in the nonprofit sector to launching her own successful business. She opens up about the financial challenges, mentorship, and community support that shaped her path, as well as how shifting to a retainer-based model helped her increase revenue while creating a more sustainable work-life balance. 

We also explore how she navigates the intersection of nonprofit work and business strategy, manages evolving client relationships, embraces flexibility in her operations, and continues to grow through mentorship and adapting to the ever-changing nonprofit landscape.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Bonus Ep: Accountability and Growth: How Fielding Doubled Her Grant Writing Revenue 422 422 Bonus Ep: Accountability and Growth: How Fielding Doubled Her Grant Writing Revenue full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/2047605316 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/bonus-ep-accountability-and-growth-how-fielding-doubled-her-grant-writing-revenue Wed, 05 Mar 2025 19:00:00 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2001 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Why Federal Grant Writing Might Still be a Way Forward for Your Nonprofit 421 421 Why Federal Grant Writing Might Still be a Way Forward for Your Nonprofit full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/2041517172 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/why-federal-grant-writing-might-still-be-a-way-forward-for-your-nonprofit In this week’s Podcast we go behind-the-scenes with Fielding Jezreel of Jezreel Consulting.

In this conversation, we discuss:

  • How to know if you are ready for federal grants
  • How to build internal readiness
  • Why organizations should not assume that federal grants aren’t accessible
  • Today’s climate of federal grants

Tune in today to listen to this podcast. 

About Fielding Jezreel

Fielding Jezreel specializes in helping nonprofits plan and apply for federal grants. She is a trainer, coach, and federal grants wonk. Fielding has worked in the grants field since 2013 and has raised over $130 million for nonprofits. She has a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis and is Grants Professional Certified (GPC).

Connect with Fielding Jezreel:

Links Mentioned in the Podcast

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> In this week’s Podcast we go behind-the-scenes with Fielding Jezreel of Jezreel Consulting.

In this conversation, we discuss:

  • How to know if you are ready for federal grants
  • How to build internal readiness
  • Why organizations should not assume that federal grants aren’t accessible
  • Today’s climate of federal grants

Tune in today to listen to this podcast. 

About Fielding Jezreel

Fielding Jezreel specializes in helping nonprofits plan and apply for federal grants. She is a trainer, coach, and federal grants wonk. Fielding has worked in the grants field since 2013 and has raised over $130 million for nonprofits. She has a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis and is Grants Professional Certified (GPC).

Connect with Fielding Jezreel:

Links Mentioned in the Podcast

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> Wed, 26 Feb 2025 19:00:00 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2603 In this week’s Podcast we go behind-the-scenes with Fielding Jezreel of Jezreel Consulting.

In this conversation, we discuss:

  • How to know if you are ready for federal grants
  • How to build internal readiness
  • Why organizations should not assume that federal grants aren’t accessible
  • Today’s climate of federal grants

Tune in today to listen to this podcast. 

About Fielding Jezreel

Fielding Jezreel specializes in helping nonprofits plan and apply for federal grants. She is a trainer, coach, and federal grants wonk. Fielding has worked in the grants field since 2013 and has raised over $130 million for nonprofits. She has a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis and is Grants Professional Certified (GPC).

Connect with Fielding Jezreel:

Links Mentioned in the Podcast

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Federal Grant Updates under the Trump Administration 390 390 Federal Grant Updates under the Trump Administration full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/2039564461 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-390-federal-grant-updates-under-the-trump-administration What’s really happening with federal grants right now—and what does it mean for your nonprofit?


In this behind-the-scenes episode, Rachel Werner of MyFedTrainer.com joins us for a “fly-on-the-wall” conversation recorded live with 

Academy and Mentorship students, who also had the opportunity to ask questions in real time. We break down recent changes in federal grant funding, including an overview of grant allocations over the past month and what nonprofits should be aware of in the current political landscape. We also discuss what organizations can do if their missions are not aligned with current Executive Orders, and how freelance grant writers can support nonprofits in navigating uncertainty during these times.


Plus, we dive into what the Continuing Resolution and federal budget deadlines—like March 14th—mean for the future of grant funding, and what you should be watching moving forward.


If you want to stay informed and proactive in a shifting federal funding environment, this episode delivers timely insights and practical guidance.


ABOUT OUR GUEST

Rachel Werner is a federal grant expert and the founder of MyFedTrainer.com, where she helps nonprofits and grant professionals understand and navigate the complexities of federal funding. With extensive experience in federal grants, compliance, and training, Rachel provides actionable insights to help organizations successfully secure and manage government funding.

She is known for breaking down complex federal guidelines into clear, practical strategies that empower grant writers and nonprofit leaders alike.


CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Website: https://myfedtrainer.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rabwerner/

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

———————————————————————————

This podcast episode is sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS)!

Break up with your spreadsheet and never miss a deadline again. GEMS is designed specifically for grant writers and nonprofit professionals to streamline workflows, track deadlines, and manage grants with ease.

Book your FREE demo now!

———————————————————————————

]]> What’s really happening with federal grants right now—and what does it mean for your nonprofit?


In this behind-the-scenes episode, Rachel Werner of MyFedTrainer.com joins us for a “fly-on-the-wall” conversation recorded live with 

Academy and Mentorship students, who also had the opportunity to ask questions in real time. We break down recent changes in federal grant funding, including an overview of grant allocations over the past month and what nonprofits should be aware of in the current political landscape. We also discuss what organizations can do if their missions are not aligned with current Executive Orders, and how freelance grant writers can support nonprofits in navigating uncertainty during these times.


Plus, we dive into what the Continuing Resolution and federal budget deadlines—like March 14th—mean for the future of grant funding, and what you should be watching moving forward.


If you want to stay informed and proactive in a shifting federal funding environment, this episode delivers timely insights and practical guidance.


ABOUT OUR GUEST

Rachel Werner is a federal grant expert and the founder of MyFedTrainer.com, where she helps nonprofits and grant professionals understand and navigate the complexities of federal funding. With extensive experience in federal grants, compliance, and training, Rachel provides actionable insights to help organizations successfully secure and manage government funding.

She is known for breaking down complex federal guidelines into clear, practical strategies that empower grant writers and nonprofit leaders alike.


CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Website: https://myfedtrainer.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rabwerner/

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

———————————————————————————

This podcast episode is sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS)!

Break up with your spreadsheet and never miss a deadline again. GEMS is designed specifically for grant writers and nonprofit professionals to streamline workflows, track deadlines, and manage grants with ease.

Book your FREE demo now!

———————————————————————————

]]> Wed, 26 Feb 2025 19:00:00 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2350 What’s really happening with federal grants right now—and what does it mean for your nonprofit?


In this behind-the-scenes episode, Rachel Werner of MyFedTrainer.com joins us for a “fly-on-the-wall” conversation recorded live with 

Academy and Mentorship students, who also had the opportunity to ask questions in real time. We break down recent changes in federal grant funding, including an overview of grant allocations over the past month and what nonprofits should be aware of in the current political landscape. We also discuss what organizations can do if their missions are not aligned with current Executive Orders, and how freelance grant writers can support nonprofits in navigating uncertainty during these times.


Plus, we dive into what the Continuing Resolution and federal budget deadlines—like March 14th—mean for the future of grant funding, and what you should be watching moving forward.


If you want to stay informed and proactive in a shifting federal funding environment, this episode delivers timely insights and practical guidance.


ABOUT OUR GUEST

Rachel Werner is a federal grant expert and the founder of MyFedTrainer.com, where she helps nonprofits and grant professionals understand and navigate the complexities of federal funding. With extensive experience in federal grants, compliance, and training, Rachel provides actionable insights to help organizations successfully secure and manage government funding.

She is known for breaking down complex federal guidelines into clear, practical strategies that empower grant writers and nonprofit leaders alike.


CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Website: https://myfedtrainer.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rabwerner/

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

———————————————————————————

This podcast episode is sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS)!

Break up with your spreadsheet and never miss a deadline again. GEMS is designed specifically for grant writers and nonprofit professionals to streamline workflows, track deadlines, and manage grants with ease.

Book your FREE demo now!

———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ep. 389 Banned and Trigger Words in Federal Grant Writing in the Trump Administration 2.0 419 419 Ep. 389 Banned and Trigger Words in Federal Grant Writing in the Trump Administration 2.0 full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/2036852064 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-389-banned-and-trigger-words-in-federal-grant-writing-in-the-trump-administration-2-0 Wed, 26 Feb 2025 19:00:00 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1271 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Grant Writing Success Rates and Wins Don't Mean You're a Good or Bad Grant Writer 418 418 Grant Writing Success Rates and Wins Don't Mean You're a Good or Bad Grant Writer full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/2031090336 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/grant-writing-success-rates-and-wins-dont-mean-youre-a-good-or-bad-grant-writer You might be thinking grant writing isn’t your thing because you have a ‘low’ grant success rate or haven’t secured any or much money for organizations yet.

Or maybe you, as a Freelance Grant Writer, think your business isn’t great because other Freelance Grant Writers’ posts on LinkedIn get so much more engagement.

Stop comparing yourself to others. This is “comparasitis” and will make you stop learning grants or stop selling  your grant writing services.

In this week’s episode, Holly Rustick explains:

  1. Why Grant Writing Success Rates are Skewed
  2. Why Total Grant Money Secured Doesn’t Prove Your Grant Writing Skills
  3. Why Freelance Grant Writers on Social Media may just have vanity metrics vs. Sales

Tune in today to listen to this podcast. 

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 

Links Mentioned in the Podcast:

RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> You might be thinking grant writing isn’t your thing because you have a ‘low’ grant success rate or haven’t secured any or much money for organizations yet.

Or maybe you, as a Freelance Grant Writer, think your business isn’t great because other Freelance Grant Writers’ posts on LinkedIn get so much more engagement.

Stop comparing yourself to others. This is “comparasitis” and will make you stop learning grants or stop selling  your grant writing services.

In this week’s episode, Holly Rustick explains:

  1. Why Grant Writing Success Rates are Skewed
  2. Why Total Grant Money Secured Doesn’t Prove Your Grant Writing Skills
  3. Why Freelance Grant Writers on Social Media may just have vanity metrics vs. Sales

Tune in today to listen to this podcast. 

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 

Links Mentioned in the Podcast:

RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> Sat, 08 Feb 2025 19:00:00 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1956 You might be thinking grant writing isn’t your thing because you have a ‘low’ grant success rate or haven’t secured any or much money for organizations yet.

Or maybe you, as a Freelance Grant Writer, think your business isn’t great because other Freelance Grant Writers’ posts on LinkedIn get so much more engagement.

Stop comparing yourself to others. This is “comparasitis” and will make you stop learning grants or stop selling  your grant writing services.

In this week’s episode, Holly Rustick explains:

  1. Why Grant Writing Success Rates are Skewed
  2. Why Total Grant Money Secured Doesn’t Prove Your Grant Writing Skills
  3. Why Freelance Grant Writers on Social Media may just have vanity metrics vs. Sales

Tune in today to listen to this podcast. 

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 

Links Mentioned in the Podcast:

RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Federal Grant Updates and 6 Action Steps for Your Nonprofit Clients 416 416 Federal Grant Updates and 6 Action Steps for Your Nonprofit Clients full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/2022681884 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/federal-grant-updates-and-6-action-steps-for-your-nonprofit-clients In this episode, Holly Rustick addresses what to do when things feel chaotic in the grant world and your clients are looking to you for guidance. She shares practical strategies you can use right now to support nonprofits, including how to advocate for funding, evaluate budgets, and explore all possible revenue opportunities. 

Holly also dives into when to broaden versus double down on funding strategies, the importance of hosting strategic planning sessions, and why prioritizing self-care is essential for both you and your clients during uncertain times.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, and serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> In this episode, Holly Rustick addresses what to do when things feel chaotic in the grant world and your clients are looking to you for guidance. She shares practical strategies you can use right now to support nonprofits, including how to advocate for funding, evaluate budgets, and explore all possible revenue opportunities. 

Holly also dives into when to broaden versus double down on funding strategies, the importance of hosting strategic planning sessions, and why prioritizing self-care is essential for both you and your clients during uncertain times.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, and serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Thu, 30 Jan 2025 19:00:00 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1024 In this episode, Holly Rustick addresses what to do when things feel chaotic in the grant world and your clients are looking to you for guidance. She shares practical strategies you can use right now to support nonprofits, including how to advocate for funding, evaluate budgets, and explore all possible revenue opportunities. 

Holly also dives into when to broaden versus double down on funding strategies, the importance of hosting strategic planning sessions, and why prioritizing self-care is essential for both you and your clients during uncertain times.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, and serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Bonus Ep: Can I still be a Grant Writer and Get Clients during this Administration 417 417 Bonus Ep: Can I still be a Grant Writer and Get Clients during this Administration full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/2022684096 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/bonus-ep-can-i-still-be-a-grant-writer-and-get-clients-during-this-administration Thu, 30 Jan 2025 19:00:00 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 828 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No BONUS EP: New to Grant Writing, Christina Made $30,840 While Working on Her MFA 415 415 BONUS EP: New to Grant Writing, Christina Made $30,840 While Working on Her MFA full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/2022579521 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/bonus-ep-new-to-grant-writing-christina-made-30-840-while-working-on-her-mfa Join Holly Rustick and Christina Royster, CEO of Cape Fear Grant Solutions, as she discusses how she managed to learn how to write grants, open her business and earn $30,840 in her freelance grant writing business, and work on her novel in her MFA program – all in less than a year.

Doors to the Freelance Grant Writer Academy close this Sunday, Feb. 2nd at 11:59 pm EST. Replace Your Full-Time Income, on Flexible Hours, Writing Grants from Home – just like Christina.

Tune in to listen to this podcast. 

About Christina Royster

Christina Royster brings a unique blend of healthcare experience, storytelling expertise, and
grant development knowledge to the nonprofit sector. As a former doula, Registered Behavior
Technician, and educator, she deeply understands both healthcare systems and community
impact. Currently pursuing her MFA in Creative Nonfiction Writing, Christina combines technical
precision with compelling storytelling to help organizations secure vital funding. Her diverse
background enables her to transform complex ideas into persuasive narratives while guiding organizations through infrastructure development. Working primarily with small nonprofits, she
has helped organizations like IBD Connect strengthen their grant readiness, implement
comprehensive budget templates, and develop measurable program outcomes.

Cape Fear Grant Solutions transforms under-resourced nonprofits struggling with funding
uncertainty into confidently funded organizations. From maternal health organizations to
veterans’ outreach, food security, and community improvement initiatives, we assist
organizations with budgets under $100,000 throughout the grant process. Our comprehensive
approach uses expert grant guidance, strategic planning, and ongoing support provided through
three core services: Capacity Compass Assessments, Strategic Roadmap development, and
hands-on grant writing support. Based in Eastern NC, we specialize in helping small
organizations with limited resources build strong foundations for sustainable funding success.
Our unique focus on both organizational development and strategic grant pursuit ensures clients
don’t just secure funding—they build lasting capacity for continued growth and impact.

Connect with Christina

Links Mentioned in the Podcast

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> Join Holly Rustick and Christina Royster, CEO of Cape Fear Grant Solutions, as she discusses how she managed to learn how to write grants, open her business and earn $30,840 in her freelance grant writing business, and work on her novel in her MFA program – all in less than a year.

Doors to the Freelance Grant Writer Academy close this Sunday, Feb. 2nd at 11:59 pm EST. Replace Your Full-Time Income, on Flexible Hours, Writing Grants from Home – just like Christina.

Tune in to listen to this podcast. 

About Christina Royster

Christina Royster brings a unique blend of healthcare experience, storytelling expertise, and
grant development knowledge to the nonprofit sector. As a former doula, Registered Behavior
Technician, and educator, she deeply understands both healthcare systems and community
impact. Currently pursuing her MFA in Creative Nonfiction Writing, Christina combines technical
precision with compelling storytelling to help organizations secure vital funding. Her diverse
background enables her to transform complex ideas into persuasive narratives while guiding organizations through infrastructure development. Working primarily with small nonprofits, she
has helped organizations like IBD Connect strengthen their grant readiness, implement
comprehensive budget templates, and develop measurable program outcomes.

Cape Fear Grant Solutions transforms under-resourced nonprofits struggling with funding
uncertainty into confidently funded organizations. From maternal health organizations to
veterans’ outreach, food security, and community improvement initiatives, we assist
organizations with budgets under $100,000 throughout the grant process. Our comprehensive
approach uses expert grant guidance, strategic planning, and ongoing support provided through
three core services: Capacity Compass Assessments, Strategic Roadmap development, and
hands-on grant writing support. Based in Eastern NC, we specialize in helping small
organizations with limited resources build strong foundations for sustainable funding success.
Our unique focus on both organizational development and strategic grant pursuit ensures clients
don’t just secure funding—they build lasting capacity for continued growth and impact.

Connect with Christina

Links Mentioned in the Podcast

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> Thu, 30 Jan 2025 19:00:00 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1941 Join Holly Rustick and Christina Royster, CEO of Cape Fear Grant Solutions, as she discusses how she managed to learn how to write grants, open her business and earn $30,840 in her freelance grant writing business, and work on her novel in her MFA program – all in less than a year.

Doors to the Freelance Grant Writer Academy close this Sunday, Feb. 2nd at 11:59 pm EST. Replace Your Full-Time Income, on Flexible Hours, Writing Grants from Home – just like Christina.

Tune in to listen to this podcast. 

About Christina Royster

Christina Royster brings a unique blend of healthcare experience, storytelling expertise, and
grant development knowledge to the nonprofit sector. As a former doula, Registered Behavior
Technician, and educator, she deeply understands both healthcare systems and community
impact. Currently pursuing her MFA in Creative Nonfiction Writing, Christina combines technical
precision with compelling storytelling to help organizations secure vital funding. Her diverse
background enables her to transform complex ideas into persuasive narratives while guiding organizations through infrastructure development. Working primarily with small nonprofits, she
has helped organizations like IBD Connect strengthen their grant readiness, implement
comprehensive budget templates, and develop measurable program outcomes.

Cape Fear Grant Solutions transforms under-resourced nonprofits struggling with funding
uncertainty into confidently funded organizations. From maternal health organizations to
veterans’ outreach, food security, and community improvement initiatives, we assist
organizations with budgets under $100,000 throughout the grant process. Our comprehensive
approach uses expert grant guidance, strategic planning, and ongoing support provided through
three core services: Capacity Compass Assessments, Strategic Roadmap development, and
hands-on grant writing support. Based in Eastern NC, we specialize in helping small
organizations with limited resources build strong foundations for sustainable funding success.
Our unique focus on both organizational development and strategic grant pursuit ensures clients
don’t just secure funding—they build lasting capacity for continued growth and impact.

Connect with Christina

Links Mentioned in the Podcast

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Bonus Ep. Why 2025 is the Best Time to Be a Grant Consultant Even with all the Grant Changes and Open House Call 414 414 Bonus Ep. Why 2025 is the Best Time to Be a Grant Consultant Even with all the Grant Changes and Open House Call full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/2021634217 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/bonus-ep-why-2025-is-the-best-time-to-be-a-grant-consultant-even-with-all-the-grant-changes-and-open-house-call Wed, 29 Jan 2025 19:00:00 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 989 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Bonus Ep. What I am Doing in 2025 to Grow my Business 413 413 Bonus Ep. What I am Doing in 2025 to Grow my Business full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/2019218541 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/bonus-ep-what-i-am-doing-in-2025-to-grow-my-business Mon, 27 Jan 2025 19:00:00 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1638 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Why Consultants Should Stop Pricing Hourly with Alexander Lapa 412 412 Why Consultants Should Stop Pricing Hourly with Alexander Lapa full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/2020469297 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/why-consultants-should-stop-pricing-hourly-with-alexander-lapa In this podcast episode, Alexander Lapa discusses his experience as a consultant for more than a decade.

As a Salesforce consultant, he talks about how pricing by the hourly is damaging to you as a consultant.

Tune in today to listen to this podcast.

About Alexander Lapa

Alex Lapa is a Salesforce Solutions Architect, consultant, tech founder, and podcaster who specializes in helping nonprofit organizations simplify their Salesforce CRM so they can focus on their missions and do more of the work that matters.

Alex is the founder of Dryad Consulting where he offers high-level Salesforce advising and implementation services. He is the creator of the Dryad Receipting app that allows Canadian nonprofits to easily automate donor tax receipts in Salesforce. And he’s the host of the Agents of Nonprofit Podcast where he interviews “everyday superheroes” on tools and strategies for nonprofits to grow.

Alex also coaches junior Salesforce consultants and offers mentorship to university engineering students to help them better prepare for the job market.

When he’s not helping nonprofits expand their social impact, Alex is most likely traveling the world, riding his motorcycle, or immersed in his favorite movies or books.

Connect with Alexander Lapa:

Links Mentioned in the Podcast:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> In this podcast episode, Alexander Lapa discusses his experience as a consultant for more than a decade.

As a Salesforce consultant, he talks about how pricing by the hourly is damaging to you as a consultant.

Tune in today to listen to this podcast.

About Alexander Lapa

Alex Lapa is a Salesforce Solutions Architect, consultant, tech founder, and podcaster who specializes in helping nonprofit organizations simplify their Salesforce CRM so they can focus on their missions and do more of the work that matters.

Alex is the founder of Dryad Consulting where he offers high-level Salesforce advising and implementation services. He is the creator of the Dryad Receipting app that allows Canadian nonprofits to easily automate donor tax receipts in Salesforce. And he’s the host of the Agents of Nonprofit Podcast where he interviews “everyday superheroes” on tools and strategies for nonprofits to grow.

Alex also coaches junior Salesforce consultants and offers mentorship to university engineering students to help them better prepare for the job market.

When he’s not helping nonprofits expand their social impact, Alex is most likely traveling the world, riding his motorcycle, or immersed in his favorite movies or books.

Connect with Alexander Lapa:

Links Mentioned in the Podcast:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> Sun, 26 Jan 2025 19:00:00 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1923 In this podcast episode, Alexander Lapa discusses his experience as a consultant for more than a decade.

As a Salesforce consultant, he talks about how pricing by the hourly is damaging to you as a consultant.

Tune in today to listen to this podcast.

About Alexander Lapa

Alex Lapa is a Salesforce Solutions Architect, consultant, tech founder, and podcaster who specializes in helping nonprofit organizations simplify their Salesforce CRM so they can focus on their missions and do more of the work that matters.

Alex is the founder of Dryad Consulting where he offers high-level Salesforce advising and implementation services. He is the creator of the Dryad Receipting app that allows Canadian nonprofits to easily automate donor tax receipts in Salesforce. And he’s the host of the Agents of Nonprofit Podcast where he interviews “everyday superheroes” on tools and strategies for nonprofits to grow.

Alex also coaches junior Salesforce consultants and offers mentorship to university engineering students to help them better prepare for the job market.

When he’s not helping nonprofits expand their social impact, Alex is most likely traveling the world, riding his motorcycle, or immersed in his favorite movies or books.

Connect with Alexander Lapa:

Links Mentioned in the Podcast:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Bonus Ep: Why You Need to Join the Academy in 2025 and Everything Included 411 411 Bonus Ep: Why You Need to Join the Academy in 2025 and Everything Included full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/2015003283 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/bonus-ep-why-you-need-to-join-the-academy-in-2025-and-everything-included Tue, 21 Jan 2025 19:00:00 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1169 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Bonus Ep: Why Stay at Home Moms Need to Write Grants 408 408 Bonus Ep: Why Stay at Home Moms Need to Write Grants full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/2012846799 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/bonus-ep-why-stay-at-home-moms-need-to-write-grants Sun, 19 Jan 2025 19:00:00 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 928 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Bonus Ep: Why 2025 is the Year to Quit Your Job and Write Grants 409 409 Bonus Ep: Why 2025 is the Year to Quit Your Job and Write Grants full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/2012891679 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/bonus-ep-why-2025-is-the-year-to-quit-your-job-and-write-grants Sun, 19 Jan 2025 19:00:00 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 750 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Bonus Ep. 8 Questions Answered About the Webinar "Quit Your Toxic Nonprofit Job" 410 410 Bonus Ep. 8 Questions Answered About the Webinar "Quit Your Toxic Nonprofit Job" full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/2012902375 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/bonus-ep-8-questions-answered-about-the-webinar-quit-your-toxic-nonprofit-job Sun, 19 Jan 2025 19:00:00 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 532 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Bonus Ep: Behind-the-Scenes of the Academy with the Co-Coaches 407 407 Bonus Ep: Behind-the-Scenes of the Academy with the Co-Coaches full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/2012797275 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/bonus-ep-behind-the-scenes-of-the-academy-with-the-co-coaches Sun, 19 Jan 2025 19:00:00 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2897 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No From 9-5 to Subcontracting to $93,000 as a Freelance Grant Writer 386 386 From 9-5 to Subcontracting to $93,000 as a Freelance Grant Writer full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/2008429755 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-386-from-9-5-to-subcontracting-to-93-000-as-a-freelance-grant-writer What does it really look like to transition from a 9–5 job into a thriving freelance grant writing business?

In this episode, Daphney Jean shares her journey from working full-time to subcontracting as a grant writer—and ultimately stepping into full-time freelance.


We dive into how she navigated that transition, the lessons she learned along the way, and what it took to build a sustainable business. After two years of freelancing, Daphney joined the Freelance Grant Writer Academy—and within one year, she increased her revenue to $93,000.

This conversation highlights the power of refining your systems, building confidence in your pricing, and surrounding yourself with the right support to grow your business.


If you’re thinking about making the leap—or want to scale your current freelance grant writing business—this episode will show you what’s possible.


ABOUT OUR GUEST

Daphney Jean is a freelance grant writer and consultant who has successfully built a full-time business helping nonprofits secure funding. After transitioning from a traditional 9–5 role into subcontracting and then full-time freelancing, she has grown her business to generate over $93,000 in annual revenue.


Daphney is passionate about helping nonprofits access funding while also building a flexible and sustainable career for herself as a grant professional.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
 https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

———————————————————————————

This podcast episode is sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS)!

Break up with your spreadsheet and never miss a deadline again. GEMS is designed specifically for grant writers and nonprofit professionals to streamline workflows, track deadlines, and manage grants with ease.

Book your FREE demo now: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems

———————————————————————————

]]> What does it really look like to transition from a 9–5 job into a thriving freelance grant writing business?

In this episode, Daphney Jean shares her journey from working full-time to subcontracting as a grant writer—and ultimately stepping into full-time freelance.


We dive into how she navigated that transition, the lessons she learned along the way, and what it took to build a sustainable business. After two years of freelancing, Daphney joined the Freelance Grant Writer Academy—and within one year, she increased her revenue to $93,000.

This conversation highlights the power of refining your systems, building confidence in your pricing, and surrounding yourself with the right support to grow your business.


If you’re thinking about making the leap—or want to scale your current freelance grant writing business—this episode will show you what’s possible.


ABOUT OUR GUEST

Daphney Jean is a freelance grant writer and consultant who has successfully built a full-time business helping nonprofits secure funding. After transitioning from a traditional 9–5 role into subcontracting and then full-time freelancing, she has grown her business to generate over $93,000 in annual revenue.


Daphney is passionate about helping nonprofits access funding while also building a flexible and sustainable career for herself as a grant professional.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
 https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

———————————————————————————

This podcast episode is sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS)!

Break up with your spreadsheet and never miss a deadline again. GEMS is designed specifically for grant writers and nonprofit professionals to streamline workflows, track deadlines, and manage grants with ease.

Book your FREE demo now: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems

———————————————————————————

]]> Thu, 16 Jan 2025 19:00:00 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1918 What does it really look like to transition from a 9–5 job into a thriving freelance grant writing business?

In this episode, Daphney Jean shares her journey from working full-time to subcontracting as a grant writer—and ultimately stepping into full-time freelance.


We dive into how she navigated that transition, the lessons she learned along the way, and what it took to build a sustainable business. After two years of freelancing, Daphney joined the Freelance Grant Writer Academy—and within one year, she increased her revenue to $93,000.

This conversation highlights the power of refining your systems, building confidence in your pricing, and surrounding yourself with the right support to grow your business.


If you’re thinking about making the leap—or want to scale your current freelance grant writing business—this episode will show you what’s possible.


ABOUT OUR GUEST

Daphney Jean is a freelance grant writer and consultant who has successfully built a full-time business helping nonprofits secure funding. After transitioning from a traditional 9–5 role into subcontracting and then full-time freelancing, she has grown her business to generate over $93,000 in annual revenue.


Daphney is passionate about helping nonprofits access funding while also building a flexible and sustainable career for herself as a grant professional.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
 https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

———————————————————————————

This podcast episode is sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS)!

Break up with your spreadsheet and never miss a deadline again. GEMS is designed specifically for grant writers and nonprofit professionals to streamline workflows, track deadlines, and manage grants with ease.

Book your FREE demo now: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems

———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Grant Writing for Newbies 383 383 Grant Writing for Newbies full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1990291739 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-383-grant-writing-for-newbies Are you feeling overwhelmed or thinking you need a certification or degree to become a grant writer? Maybe you believe only certain people can learn how to write grants. Here’s the reality—grant writing isn’t a mythical skill reserved for a select few.

It’s a formulaic, learnable process that anyone can develop with the right guidance and practice. In this episode, Holly breaks down common misconceptions about grant writing, shares why you don’t need formal credentials to get started, and explains how understanding the structure and strategy behind grants can open up real opportunities for you.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

———————————————————————————

This Podcast Episode is Lovingly Sponsored by: 
Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now!

———————————————————————————

]]> Are you feeling overwhelmed or thinking you need a certification or degree to become a grant writer? Maybe you believe only certain people can learn how to write grants. Here’s the reality—grant writing isn’t a mythical skill reserved for a select few.

It’s a formulaic, learnable process that anyone can develop with the right guidance and practice. In this episode, Holly breaks down common misconceptions about grant writing, shares why you don’t need formal credentials to get started, and explains how understanding the structure and strategy behind grants can open up real opportunities for you.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

———————————————————————————

This Podcast Episode is Lovingly Sponsored by: 
Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now!

———————————————————————————

]]> Tue, 07 Jan 2025 07:30:01 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1157 Are you feeling overwhelmed or thinking you need a certification or degree to become a grant writer? Maybe you believe only certain people can learn how to write grants. Here’s the reality—grant writing isn’t a mythical skill reserved for a select few.

It’s a formulaic, learnable process that anyone can develop with the right guidance and practice. In this episode, Holly breaks down common misconceptions about grant writing, shares why you don’t need formal credentials to get started, and explains how understanding the structure and strategy behind grants can open up real opportunities for you.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

———————————————————————————

This Podcast Episode is Lovingly Sponsored by: 
Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now!

———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No From Burned Out Development Director to Freelance Grant Writer in 2 Months 403 403 From Burned Out Development Director to Freelance Grant Writer in 2 Months full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1991047391 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/from-burned-out-development-director-to-freelance-grant-writer-in-2-months Welcome to another insightful episode of the Grant Writing & Funding Podcast! 

In this podcast episode, Phaedra Howe, Founder and Grant Specialist of Award Ready Consulting, discusses how she was a burned-out development director and quit her job to do freelance grant writing.

She talks about joining the Freelance Grant Writer Academy after getting her first client and needing the necessary systems, support, and business plans to run her business.

Tune in to listen to this podcast. 

Sign up for the Webinar, “Quit Your Toxic Nonprofit 9-5 Job” 

About Phaedra Howe

Phaedra Howe believes in using relevant data and details to highlight the heart of nonprofit work. With this vision, Phaedra has helped nonprofits identify new grant opportunities, develop clear funding strategies, and prepare compelling, concise proposals to win organizations over $4.5 million for operating and programmatic growth. With her background in science and independent sales, she brings a unique eye for clarity, details, and structure to mission-driven work that brings to life the importance of nonprofits for our communities.


Connect with Phaedra:

Links Mentioned in the Podcast

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> Welcome to another insightful episode of the Grant Writing & Funding Podcast! 

In this podcast episode, Phaedra Howe, Founder and Grant Specialist of Award Ready Consulting, discusses how she was a burned-out development director and quit her job to do freelance grant writing.

She talks about joining the Freelance Grant Writer Academy after getting her first client and needing the necessary systems, support, and business plans to run her business.

Tune in to listen to this podcast. 

Sign up for the Webinar, “Quit Your Toxic Nonprofit 9-5 Job” 

About Phaedra Howe

Phaedra Howe believes in using relevant data and details to highlight the heart of nonprofit work. With this vision, Phaedra has helped nonprofits identify new grant opportunities, develop clear funding strategies, and prepare compelling, concise proposals to win organizations over $4.5 million for operating and programmatic growth. With her background in science and independent sales, she brings a unique eye for clarity, details, and structure to mission-driven work that brings to life the importance of nonprofits for our communities.


Connect with Phaedra:

Links Mentioned in the Podcast

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

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]]> Wed, 18 Dec 2024 19:00:00 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2133 Welcome to another insightful episode of the Grant Writing & Funding Podcast! 

In this podcast episode, Phaedra Howe, Founder and Grant Specialist of Award Ready Consulting, discusses how she was a burned-out development director and quit her job to do freelance grant writing.

She talks about joining the Freelance Grant Writer Academy after getting her first client and needing the necessary systems, support, and business plans to run her business.

Tune in to listen to this podcast. 

Sign up for the Webinar, “Quit Your Toxic Nonprofit 9-5 Job” 

About Phaedra Howe

Phaedra Howe believes in using relevant data and details to highlight the heart of nonprofit work. With this vision, Phaedra has helped nonprofits identify new grant opportunities, develop clear funding strategies, and prepare compelling, concise proposals to win organizations over $4.5 million for operating and programmatic growth. With her background in science and independent sales, she brings a unique eye for clarity, details, and structure to mission-driven work that brings to life the importance of nonprofits for our communities.


Connect with Phaedra:

Links Mentioned in the Podcast

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

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]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Quitting a Corporate Job and going FT into Freelance Grant Writing 404 404 Quitting a Corporate Job and going FT into Freelance Grant Writing full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1991097211 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/quitting-a-corporate-job-and-going-ft-into-freelance-grant-writing Welcome to another insightful episode of the Grant Writing & Funding Podcast!

In this podcast episode, Sydney Bass talks about how she went from freelancing for years to a corporate job back to full-time freelance grant writing. She talks about what she needed to have in place (systems, processes, and mindset) to confidently go back to full-time freelancing!

About Sydney Bass

Sydney Bass is a nonprofit grant consultant and strategist with over 15 years of industry experience. Through her strategic grant services, she’s helped dozens of organizations across the United States secure over $11M in private and government grant funds. With a Master of Social Work and specialties including mental health, substance use, homelessness, employment, housing, youth development and performing arts, Sydney uses her approach of systems + simplicity to create funding success.


Connect with Sydney Bass

Links Mentioned in the Podcast

OTHER RESOURCES:


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> Welcome to another insightful episode of the Grant Writing & Funding Podcast!

In this podcast episode, Sydney Bass talks about how she went from freelancing for years to a corporate job back to full-time freelance grant writing. She talks about what she needed to have in place (systems, processes, and mindset) to confidently go back to full-time freelancing!

About Sydney Bass

Sydney Bass is a nonprofit grant consultant and strategist with over 15 years of industry experience. Through her strategic grant services, she’s helped dozens of organizations across the United States secure over $11M in private and government grant funds. With a Master of Social Work and specialties including mental health, substance use, homelessness, employment, housing, youth development and performing arts, Sydney uses her approach of systems + simplicity to create funding success.


Connect with Sydney Bass

Links Mentioned in the Podcast

OTHER RESOURCES:


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> Wed, 18 Dec 2024 19:00:00 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2325 Welcome to another insightful episode of the Grant Writing & Funding Podcast!

In this podcast episode, Sydney Bass talks about how she went from freelancing for years to a corporate job back to full-time freelance grant writing. She talks about what she needed to have in place (systems, processes, and mindset) to confidently go back to full-time freelancing!

About Sydney Bass

Sydney Bass is a nonprofit grant consultant and strategist with over 15 years of industry experience. Through her strategic grant services, she’s helped dozens of organizations across the United States secure over $11M in private and government grant funds. With a Master of Social Work and specialties including mental health, substance use, homelessness, employment, housing, youth development and performing arts, Sydney uses her approach of systems + simplicity to create funding success.


Connect with Sydney Bass

Links Mentioned in the Podcast

OTHER RESOURCES:


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No 7 Takeaways from the 2024 Grants State of the Union 382 382 7 Takeaways from the 2024 Grants State of the Union full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1990276343 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-382-7-takeaways-from-the-2024-grants-state-of-the-union Here is a look back at 2024 and all that happened around grant funding. From major shifts in federal funding to the rise of AI in the grant writing world, this year brought significant changes that impact how nonprofits and grant writers operate today.

In this solo episode, Holly Rustick breaks down the key trends you need to know, including updates to federal funding, OMB Super Circular changes, increases in foundation and individual giving, and the growing role of video and online applications. She also dives into emerging nonprofit trends, how AI is reshaping the grant writing landscape, and what it all means for freelance grant writers moving forward.

Tune in as we go deep into each of these areas so you can stay informed, adapt your strategies, and position yourself for success in the evolving world of grant funding.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/


RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by Bloomerang! Bloomerang offers donor management, online fundraising, and volunteer management software that helps nonprofit across the U.S., like the 500 Festival Foundation, which increased their annual fundraising by an outstanding 50% after adopting Bloomerang If you’re ready to switch to a CRM that does more while you do less, book your demo today and learn how you can raise more with Bloomerang’s fundraising tools. Visit bloomerang.com/grantwritingpodcast/ to learn more.

———————————————————————————

]]> Here is a look back at 2024 and all that happened around grant funding. From major shifts in federal funding to the rise of AI in the grant writing world, this year brought significant changes that impact how nonprofits and grant writers operate today.

In this solo episode, Holly Rustick breaks down the key trends you need to know, including updates to federal funding, OMB Super Circular changes, increases in foundation and individual giving, and the growing role of video and online applications. She also dives into emerging nonprofit trends, how AI is reshaping the grant writing landscape, and what it all means for freelance grant writers moving forward.

Tune in as we go deep into each of these areas so you can stay informed, adapt your strategies, and position yourself for success in the evolving world of grant funding.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/


RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by Bloomerang! Bloomerang offers donor management, online fundraising, and volunteer management software that helps nonprofit across the U.S., like the 500 Festival Foundation, which increased their annual fundraising by an outstanding 50% after adopting Bloomerang If you’re ready to switch to a CRM that does more while you do less, book your demo today and learn how you can raise more with Bloomerang’s fundraising tools. Visit bloomerang.com/grantwritingpodcast/ to learn more.

———————————————————————————

]]> Sun, 15 Dec 2024 19:00:00 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1691 Here is a look back at 2024 and all that happened around grant funding. From major shifts in federal funding to the rise of AI in the grant writing world, this year brought significant changes that impact how nonprofits and grant writers operate today.

In this solo episode, Holly Rustick breaks down the key trends you need to know, including updates to federal funding, OMB Super Circular changes, increases in foundation and individual giving, and the growing role of video and online applications. She also dives into emerging nonprofit trends, how AI is reshaping the grant writing landscape, and what it all means for freelance grant writers moving forward.

Tune in as we go deep into each of these areas so you can stay informed, adapt your strategies, and position yourself for success in the evolving world of grant funding.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/


RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by Bloomerang! Bloomerang offers donor management, online fundraising, and volunteer management software that helps nonprofit across the U.S., like the 500 Festival Foundation, which increased their annual fundraising by an outstanding 50% after adopting Bloomerang If you’re ready to switch to a CRM that does more while you do less, book your demo today and learn how you can raise more with Bloomerang’s fundraising tools. Visit bloomerang.com/grantwritingpodcast/ to learn more.

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]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ep. 380: How to Price Your Grant Writing Services 401 401 Ep. 380: How to Price Your Grant Writing Services full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1977962155 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-380-how-to-price-your-grant-writing-services Sun, 08 Dec 2024 19:00:00 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1464 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Stop Working as a Staff Grant Writer at Toxic Nonprofits 400 400 Stop Working as a Staff Grant Writer at Toxic Nonprofits full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1978180519 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/stop-working-as-a-staff-grant-writer-at-toxic-nonprofits You might not realize it, but if you are a staff grant writer at a nonprofit you may be working in a very toxic environment.

And it might not be the ‘fault’ of the nonprofit per se, but the system.

This is a golden podcast episode for you today, to see how to still serve nonprofits as a grant writer, but to create a healthy working environment.

Tune in today.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This Podcast Episode is Lovingly Sponsored by:

Your fundraising efforts should be tailored to the different ways Gen Z and Baby Boomer donors engage with nonprofits. Backed by data from over 1,000 donors, the 2024 Generational Giving Report from Bloomerang and Qgiv reveals key differences in how various generations discover, connect with, and support nonprofits. Download your report today.
———————————————————————————

]]> You might not realize it, but if you are a staff grant writer at a nonprofit you may be working in a very toxic environment.

And it might not be the ‘fault’ of the nonprofit per se, but the system.

This is a golden podcast episode for you today, to see how to still serve nonprofits as a grant writer, but to create a healthy working environment.

Tune in today.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This Podcast Episode is Lovingly Sponsored by:

Your fundraising efforts should be tailored to the different ways Gen Z and Baby Boomer donors engage with nonprofits. Backed by data from over 1,000 donors, the 2024 Generational Giving Report from Bloomerang and Qgiv reveals key differences in how various generations discover, connect with, and support nonprofits. Download your report today.
———————————————————————————

]]> Sat, 07 Dec 2024 19:00:00 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 761 You might not realize it, but if you are a staff grant writer at a nonprofit you may be working in a very toxic environment.

And it might not be the ‘fault’ of the nonprofit per se, but the system.

This is a golden podcast episode for you today, to see how to still serve nonprofits as a grant writer, but to create a healthy working environment.

Tune in today.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This Podcast Episode is Lovingly Sponsored by:

Your fundraising efforts should be tailored to the different ways Gen Z and Baby Boomer donors engage with nonprofits. Backed by data from over 1,000 donors, the 2024 Generational Giving Report from Bloomerang and Qgiv reveals key differences in how various generations discover, connect with, and support nonprofits. Download your report today.
———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Opportunities and Challenges for Grant Writers Post-Election 379 379 Opportunities and Challenges for Grant Writers Post-Election full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1973515283 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-379-opportunities-and-challenges-for-grant-writers-post-election Sean Kosofsky, the Nonprofit Fixer, joins us to break down the opportunities and challenges grant writers and nonprofits may face heading into 2025 in a post-election landscape. Drawing on his decades of experience in politics and the nonprofit sector, Sean shares key trends to watch, how shifting policies may impact funding, and what organizations can do now to stay ahead. 

We also explore how grant writers can position themselves strategically, adapt to change, and continue growing their impact in an evolving funding environment.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Sean Kosofsky is the founder of Nonprofit Fixer, where he helps nonprofits grow their impact through smarter fundraising, advocacy, and strategic planning. With decades of experience in politics and the nonprofit sector, Sean has raised millions of dollars, trained thousands of leaders, and advised organizations across the country.

Known for his practical, no-nonsense approach, Sean specializes in helping nonprofits navigate change, strengthen their funding strategies, and build sustainable organizations that thrive in complex environments.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

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This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by Bloomerang! 
Bloomerang offers donor management, online fundraising, and volunteer management software that helps nonprofits across the U.S., like the 500 Festival Foundation, which increased their annual fundraising by an outstanding 50% after adopting Bloomerang. If you’re ready to switch to a CRM that does more while you do less, book your demo today and learn how you can raise more with Bloomerang’s fundraising tools. Visit bloomerang.com/grantwritingpodcast/ to learn more.
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]]> Sean Kosofsky, the Nonprofit Fixer, joins us to break down the opportunities and challenges grant writers and nonprofits may face heading into 2025 in a post-election landscape. Drawing on his decades of experience in politics and the nonprofit sector, Sean shares key trends to watch, how shifting policies may impact funding, and what organizations can do now to stay ahead. 

We also explore how grant writers can position themselves strategically, adapt to change, and continue growing their impact in an evolving funding environment.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Sean Kosofsky is the founder of Nonprofit Fixer, where he helps nonprofits grow their impact through smarter fundraising, advocacy, and strategic planning. With decades of experience in politics and the nonprofit sector, Sean has raised millions of dollars, trained thousands of leaders, and advised organizations across the country.

Known for his practical, no-nonsense approach, Sean specializes in helping nonprofits navigate change, strengthen their funding strategies, and build sustainable organizations that thrive in complex environments.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

---------------------------------------------------
This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by Bloomerang! 
Bloomerang offers donor management, online fundraising, and volunteer management software that helps nonprofits across the U.S., like the 500 Festival Foundation, which increased their annual fundraising by an outstanding 50% after adopting Bloomerang. If you’re ready to switch to a CRM that does more while you do less, book your demo today and learn how you can raise more with Bloomerang’s fundraising tools. Visit bloomerang.com/grantwritingpodcast/ to learn more.
---------------------------------------------------

]]> Sun, 01 Dec 2024 19:00:00 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1940 Sean Kosofsky, the Nonprofit Fixer, joins us to break down the opportunities and challenges grant writers and nonprofits may face heading into 2025 in a post-election landscape. Drawing on his decades of experience in politics and the nonprofit sector, Sean shares key trends to watch, how shifting policies may impact funding, and what organizations can do now to stay ahead. 

We also explore how grant writers can position themselves strategically, adapt to change, and continue growing their impact in an evolving funding environment.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Sean Kosofsky is the founder of Nonprofit Fixer, where he helps nonprofits grow their impact through smarter fundraising, advocacy, and strategic planning. With decades of experience in politics and the nonprofit sector, Sean has raised millions of dollars, trained thousands of leaders, and advised organizations across the country.

Known for his practical, no-nonsense approach, Sean specializes in helping nonprofits navigate change, strengthen their funding strategies, and build sustainable organizations that thrive in complex environments.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

---------------------------------------------------
This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by Bloomerang! 
Bloomerang offers donor management, online fundraising, and volunteer management software that helps nonprofits across the U.S., like the 500 Festival Foundation, which increased their annual fundraising by an outstanding 50% after adopting Bloomerang. If you’re ready to switch to a CRM that does more while you do less, book your demo today and learn how you can raise more with Bloomerang’s fundraising tools. Visit bloomerang.com/grantwritingpodcast/ to learn more.
---------------------------------------------------

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Bonus Ep: Why I'm Doing 1:1 3 Hour Intensive Coaching and What's Inside 398 398 Bonus Ep: Why I'm Doing 1:1 3 Hour Intensive Coaching and What's Inside full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1970970707 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/bonus-ep-why-im-doing-1-1-3-hour-intensive-coaching-and-whats-inside Sat, 30 Nov 2024 19:00:00 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 579 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Federal Grants in 2025 and Beyond and How Grant Professionals Can Lead 397 397 Federal Grants in 2025 and Beyond and How Grant Professionals Can Lead full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1969986899 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/federal-grants-in-2025-and-beyond-and-how-grant-professionals-can-lead Find out why federal priorities shift in grant-making, when they do, and how you can be prepared for 2025. 

Federal grant funding changes and shifts are a reflection in many things, including:

  • Responses to Society and Cultural Norms/Changes
  • Administration Changes & Shifts in Priorities 
  • Global Events (Covid-19 is a recent example here) 

The reality is that grant funding is really a reflection on all the above. 

As a grant writer, it is important to pay attention to what is going on so we can lead nonprofits, individuals, governments, businesses, and organizations that we work with.

Tune in today to hear what Holly has to say about the upcoming federal shifts and what you can be doing, no matter what your cause area is.

Tune in today to listen to this podcast.

Links Mentioned in the Podcast

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

———————————————————————————

This Podcast Episode is Lovingly Sponsored by:

Your fundraising efforts should be tailored to the different ways Gen Z and Baby Boomer donors engage with nonprofits. Backed by data from over 1,000 donors, the 2024 Generational Giving Report from Bloomerang and Qgiv reveals key differences in how various generations discover, connect with, and support nonprofits. Download your report today.
———————————————————————————

]]> Find out why federal priorities shift in grant-making, when they do, and how you can be prepared for 2025. 

Federal grant funding changes and shifts are a reflection in many things, including:

  • Responses to Society and Cultural Norms/Changes
  • Administration Changes & Shifts in Priorities 
  • Global Events (Covid-19 is a recent example here) 

The reality is that grant funding is really a reflection on all the above. 

As a grant writer, it is important to pay attention to what is going on so we can lead nonprofits, individuals, governments, businesses, and organizations that we work with.

Tune in today to hear what Holly has to say about the upcoming federal shifts and what you can be doing, no matter what your cause area is.

Tune in today to listen to this podcast.

Links Mentioned in the Podcast

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

———————————————————————————

This Podcast Episode is Lovingly Sponsored by:

Your fundraising efforts should be tailored to the different ways Gen Z and Baby Boomer donors engage with nonprofits. Backed by data from over 1,000 donors, the 2024 Generational Giving Report from Bloomerang and Qgiv reveals key differences in how various generations discover, connect with, and support nonprofits. Download your report today.
———————————————————————————

]]> Wed, 27 Nov 2024 19:00:00 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1029 Find out why federal priorities shift in grant-making, when they do, and how you can be prepared for 2025. 

Federal grant funding changes and shifts are a reflection in many things, including:

  • Responses to Society and Cultural Norms/Changes
  • Administration Changes & Shifts in Priorities 
  • Global Events (Covid-19 is a recent example here) 

The reality is that grant funding is really a reflection on all the above. 

As a grant writer, it is important to pay attention to what is going on so we can lead nonprofits, individuals, governments, businesses, and organizations that we work with.

Tune in today to hear what Holly has to say about the upcoming federal shifts and what you can be doing, no matter what your cause area is.

Tune in today to listen to this podcast.

Links Mentioned in the Podcast

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

———————————————————————————

This Podcast Episode is Lovingly Sponsored by:

Your fundraising efforts should be tailored to the different ways Gen Z and Baby Boomer donors engage with nonprofits. Backed by data from over 1,000 donors, the 2024 Generational Giving Report from Bloomerang and Qgiv reveals key differences in how various generations discover, connect with, and support nonprofits. Download your report today.
———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Why Branding is More than Just Color or Fonts with Erin Davis 396 396 Why Branding is More than Just Color or Fonts with Erin Davis full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1952079519 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/why-branding-is-more-than-just-color-or-fonts-with-erin-davis In this podcast episode, Erin Davis discusses what you need to consider when branding your freelance grant writing website and business.

It’s more than just colors or fonts when understanding how to make your freelance grant writing business stand out among other grant writers. 

Learn how to communicate your services, experience, and passion easily with your brand.

Tune in today to listen to this podcast.

About Erin Davis

I’m a former ‘forced’ entrepreneur who embraced remote work long before it became the norm. With an Ag Science degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and nearly completed Master’s in Ag Communications, I started my career in Montana, writing about hardworking ranchers and even breeding cows (yes, really!). My journey wound through various ag-based non-profits until marriage and motherhood nudged me to work for myself, serving the same clients who had been my employers.

Despite many years of success, burnout pushed me to (desperately) dream bigger. That’s why I founded Matchbox Women, a haven for women entrepreneurs to build their brands with clarity and confidence, harmonizing work and life with our spirits.

Connect with Erin Davis

Links Mentioned in the Podcast

OTHER RESOURCES:


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


This Podcast Episode is Lovingly Sponsored by:

Your fundraising efforts should be tailored to the different ways Gen Z and Baby Boomer donors engage with nonprofits. Backed by data from over 1,000 donors, the 2024 Generational Giving Report from Bloomerang and Qgiv reveals key differences in how various generations discover, connect with, and support nonprofits. Download your report today.

]]> In this podcast episode, Erin Davis discusses what you need to consider when branding your freelance grant writing website and business.

It’s more than just colors or fonts when understanding how to make your freelance grant writing business stand out among other grant writers. 

Learn how to communicate your services, experience, and passion easily with your brand.

Tune in today to listen to this podcast.

About Erin Davis

I’m a former ‘forced’ entrepreneur who embraced remote work long before it became the norm. With an Ag Science degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and nearly completed Master’s in Ag Communications, I started my career in Montana, writing about hardworking ranchers and even breeding cows (yes, really!). My journey wound through various ag-based non-profits until marriage and motherhood nudged me to work for myself, serving the same clients who had been my employers.

Despite many years of success, burnout pushed me to (desperately) dream bigger. That’s why I founded Matchbox Women, a haven for women entrepreneurs to build their brands with clarity and confidence, harmonizing work and life with our spirits.

Connect with Erin Davis

Links Mentioned in the Podcast

OTHER RESOURCES:


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


This Podcast Episode is Lovingly Sponsored by:

Your fundraising efforts should be tailored to the different ways Gen Z and Baby Boomer donors engage with nonprofits. Backed by data from over 1,000 donors, the 2024 Generational Giving Report from Bloomerang and Qgiv reveals key differences in how various generations discover, connect with, and support nonprofits. Download your report today.

]]> Mon, 18 Nov 2024 19:00:00 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1703 In this podcast episode, Erin Davis discusses what you need to consider when branding your freelance grant writing website and business.

It’s more than just colors or fonts when understanding how to make your freelance grant writing business stand out among other grant writers. 

Learn how to communicate your services, experience, and passion easily with your brand.

Tune in today to listen to this podcast.

About Erin Davis

I’m a former ‘forced’ entrepreneur who embraced remote work long before it became the norm. With an Ag Science degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and nearly completed Master’s in Ag Communications, I started my career in Montana, writing about hardworking ranchers and even breeding cows (yes, really!). My journey wound through various ag-based non-profits until marriage and motherhood nudged me to work for myself, serving the same clients who had been my employers.

Despite many years of success, burnout pushed me to (desperately) dream bigger. That’s why I founded Matchbox Women, a haven for women entrepreneurs to build their brands with clarity and confidence, harmonizing work and life with our spirits.

Connect with Erin Davis

Links Mentioned in the Podcast

OTHER RESOURCES:


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


This Podcast Episode is Lovingly Sponsored by:

Your fundraising efforts should be tailored to the different ways Gen Z and Baby Boomer donors engage with nonprofits. Backed by data from over 1,000 donors, the 2024 Generational Giving Report from Bloomerang and Qgiv reveals key differences in how various generations discover, connect with, and support nonprofits. Download your report today.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No How Nonprofits are Ranked on Gender Equality With Amy Cross 377 377 How Nonprofits are Ranked on Gender Equality With Amy Cross full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1952174839 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-377-how-nonprofits-are-ranked-on-gender-equality-with-amy-cross In this week’s episode of the Grant Writing & Funding Podcast, Holly Rustick sits down with Amy Willard Cross, founder of GenderFair, to discuss groundbreaking efforts to bring gender equality evaluations to nonprofits. GenderFair—known for assessing businesses, organizations, and governments for gender representation and pay equity—has expanded its work to evaluate nonprofits using IRS 990 data and other sources.

Together, Holly and Amy explore how GenderFair analyzes leadership, pay disparity, and diversity reporting across 22,000 nonprofits, why gender equality matters across the sector, and how donors and freelance grant writers can leverage this data for more informed decision-making. They also discuss GenderFair’s innovative app for rating companies and how nonprofits can use these insights to improve equity, transparency, and impact.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Amy Willard Cross is the founder of GenderFair, an organization dedicated to advancing gender equality through data-driven evaluations. GenderFair assesses companies, organizations, and institutions on representation, pay equity, and diversity, empowering consumers, donors, and stakeholders to make informed, values-based decisions.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

LinkedIn
Website: Gender Fair

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by Bloomerang! 
Bloomerang offers donor management, online fundraising, and volunteer management software that helps nonprofit across the U.S., like the 500 Festival Foundation, which increased their annual fundraising by an outstanding 50% after adopting Bloomerang If you’re ready to switch to a CRM that does more while you do less, book your demo today and learn how you can raise more with Bloomerang’s fundraising tools. Visit bloomerang.com/grantwritingpodcast/ to learn more.

———————————————————————————

]]> In this week’s episode of the Grant Writing & Funding Podcast, Holly Rustick sits down with Amy Willard Cross, founder of GenderFair, to discuss groundbreaking efforts to bring gender equality evaluations to nonprofits. GenderFair—known for assessing businesses, organizations, and governments for gender representation and pay equity—has expanded its work to evaluate nonprofits using IRS 990 data and other sources.

Together, Holly and Amy explore how GenderFair analyzes leadership, pay disparity, and diversity reporting across 22,000 nonprofits, why gender equality matters across the sector, and how donors and freelance grant writers can leverage this data for more informed decision-making. They also discuss GenderFair’s innovative app for rating companies and how nonprofits can use these insights to improve equity, transparency, and impact.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Amy Willard Cross is the founder of GenderFair, an organization dedicated to advancing gender equality through data-driven evaluations. GenderFair assesses companies, organizations, and institutions on representation, pay equity, and diversity, empowering consumers, donors, and stakeholders to make informed, values-based decisions.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

LinkedIn
Website: Gender Fair

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by Bloomerang! 
Bloomerang offers donor management, online fundraising, and volunteer management software that helps nonprofit across the U.S., like the 500 Festival Foundation, which increased their annual fundraising by an outstanding 50% after adopting Bloomerang If you’re ready to switch to a CRM that does more while you do less, book your demo today and learn how you can raise more with Bloomerang’s fundraising tools. Visit bloomerang.com/grantwritingpodcast/ to learn more.

———————————————————————————

]]> Tue, 05 Nov 2024 19:00:00 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 3080 In this week’s episode of the Grant Writing & Funding Podcast, Holly Rustick sits down with Amy Willard Cross, founder of GenderFair, to discuss groundbreaking efforts to bring gender equality evaluations to nonprofits. GenderFair—known for assessing businesses, organizations, and governments for gender representation and pay equity—has expanded its work to evaluate nonprofits using IRS 990 data and other sources.

Together, Holly and Amy explore how GenderFair analyzes leadership, pay disparity, and diversity reporting across 22,000 nonprofits, why gender equality matters across the sector, and how donors and freelance grant writers can leverage this data for more informed decision-making. They also discuss GenderFair’s innovative app for rating companies and how nonprofits can use these insights to improve equity, transparency, and impact.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Amy Willard Cross is the founder of GenderFair, an organization dedicated to advancing gender equality through data-driven evaluations. GenderFair assesses companies, organizations, and institutions on representation, pay equity, and diversity, empowering consumers, donors, and stakeholders to make informed, values-based decisions.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

LinkedIn
Website: Gender Fair

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by Bloomerang! 
Bloomerang offers donor management, online fundraising, and volunteer management software that helps nonprofit across the U.S., like the 500 Festival Foundation, which increased their annual fundraising by an outstanding 50% after adopting Bloomerang If you’re ready to switch to a CRM that does more while you do less, book your demo today and learn how you can raise more with Bloomerang’s fundraising tools. Visit bloomerang.com/grantwritingpodcast/ to learn more.

———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No 2024 OMB Grant Guidance Updates - What Grant Writers Need to Know 375 375 2024 OMB Grant Guidance Updates - What Grant Writers Need to Know full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1951373311 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-375-2024-omb-grant-guidance-updates-what-grant-writers-need-to-know In this episode, Rachel Werner breaks down the latest updates to the OMB Super-Circular federal guidelines—and what they mean for grant writers right now. And here’s a big one: the indirect de minimis rate is going up.

But that’s not all.

Rachel walks us through key changes in procurement standards, shares insights on what’s coming down the pike, and explains how these updates can directly impact how you write, budget, and manage federal grants.

If you work with federal funding—or want to—this is one of those episodes you don’t want to skip.

It’s practical, timely, and packed with must-know information to help you stay compliant and competitive in the evolving grants landscape.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Rachel Werner is a federal grant expert, trainer, and founder of RBW Strategy and MyFedTrainer. She specializes in helping organizations and grant professionals understand and navigate federal grant compliance, procurement standards, and OMB Uniform Guidance.

With deep expertise in federal funding regulations, Rachel provides training and consulting to ensure grant recipients and writers stay compliant while maximizing funding opportunities.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

MyFedTrainer LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/myfedtrainer-com/
Rachel Werner LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rabwerner/
RBW Strategy Website: https://rbwstrategy.com/
MyFedTrainer Website: https://myfedtrainer.com/

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

———————————————————————————

This podcast episode is sponsored by Bloomerang!

Bloomerang is a donor management and fundraising platform built specifically for nonprofits to help you raise more, retain donors, and grow your impact. With powerful tools for donor engagement, reporting, and relationship management, Bloomerang makes it easier to build meaningful connections and drive sustainable funding.

Learn more at: https://bloomerang.com/

———————————————————————————

]]> In this episode, Rachel Werner breaks down the latest updates to the OMB Super-Circular federal guidelines—and what they mean for grant writers right now. And here’s a big one: the indirect de minimis rate is going up.

But that’s not all.

Rachel walks us through key changes in procurement standards, shares insights on what’s coming down the pike, and explains how these updates can directly impact how you write, budget, and manage federal grants.

If you work with federal funding—or want to—this is one of those episodes you don’t want to skip.

It’s practical, timely, and packed with must-know information to help you stay compliant and competitive in the evolving grants landscape.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Rachel Werner is a federal grant expert, trainer, and founder of RBW Strategy and MyFedTrainer. She specializes in helping organizations and grant professionals understand and navigate federal grant compliance, procurement standards, and OMB Uniform Guidance.

With deep expertise in federal funding regulations, Rachel provides training and consulting to ensure grant recipients and writers stay compliant while maximizing funding opportunities.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

MyFedTrainer LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/myfedtrainer-com/
Rachel Werner LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rabwerner/
RBW Strategy Website: https://rbwstrategy.com/
MyFedTrainer Website: https://myfedtrainer.com/

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

———————————————————————————

This podcast episode is sponsored by Bloomerang!

Bloomerang is a donor management and fundraising platform built specifically for nonprofits to help you raise more, retain donors, and grow your impact. With powerful tools for donor engagement, reporting, and relationship management, Bloomerang makes it easier to build meaningful connections and drive sustainable funding.

Learn more at: https://bloomerang.com/

———————————————————————————

]]> Mon, 04 Nov 2024 19:00:00 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 3250 In this episode, Rachel Werner breaks down the latest updates to the OMB Super-Circular federal guidelines—and what they mean for grant writers right now. And here’s a big one: the indirect de minimis rate is going up.

But that’s not all.

Rachel walks us through key changes in procurement standards, shares insights on what’s coming down the pike, and explains how these updates can directly impact how you write, budget, and manage federal grants.

If you work with federal funding—or want to—this is one of those episodes you don’t want to skip.

It’s practical, timely, and packed with must-know information to help you stay compliant and competitive in the evolving grants landscape.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Rachel Werner is a federal grant expert, trainer, and founder of RBW Strategy and MyFedTrainer. She specializes in helping organizations and grant professionals understand and navigate federal grant compliance, procurement standards, and OMB Uniform Guidance.

With deep expertise in federal funding regulations, Rachel provides training and consulting to ensure grant recipients and writers stay compliant while maximizing funding opportunities.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

MyFedTrainer LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/myfedtrainer-com/
Rachel Werner LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rabwerner/
RBW Strategy Website: https://rbwstrategy.com/
MyFedTrainer Website: https://myfedtrainer.com/

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

———————————————————————————

This podcast episode is sponsored by Bloomerang!

Bloomerang is a donor management and fundraising platform built specifically for nonprofits to help you raise more, retain donors, and grow your impact. With powerful tools for donor engagement, reporting, and relationship management, Bloomerang makes it easier to build meaningful connections and drive sustainable funding.

Learn more at: https://bloomerang.com/

———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No How to Align with Foundations for Requesting Grants with Carmen Randolph 393 393 How to Align with Foundations for Requesting Grants with Carmen Randolph full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1949294311 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/how-to-align-with-foundations-for-requesting-grants-with-carmen-randolph In this podcast episode, Carmen James Randolph discusses her extensive background in working at a foundation and how she reviewed grant proposals.

She goes over why a grant denial isn’t always a ‘no’ and how you can submit the most competitive grant to a foundation.

Carmen discusses the importance of developing a relationship with funding sources and how your grants can stand out.

Additionally, she discusses the work she is doing as President and CEO of the Women’s Foundation of the South.

Tune in today to listen to this podcast.

About Carmen James Randolph

Carmen James Randolph is President and CEO of the Women’s Foundation of the South (WFS). 

Founded by and created for women and girls of color in the South, WFS boldly revolutionizes gender and racial justice in the Southern U.S. and beyond. WFS is dedicated to building the health and well-being, wealth and legacy, and power of womxn of color and girls in the South. 

So far, WFS has succeeded beautifully: WFS has already raised over $6M and provided $350k in grants to 52 women-of-color-led nonprofits in the South. Carmen is honored and prepared to lead WFS, the only such endowed foundation of its kind; the organization’s sustainability is built into its charter and DNA.

She can discuss philanthropy, women in leadership, sustainable nonprofits and strategies to build meaningful partnerships to avoid burnout.

Connect with Carmen James Randolph

Links Mentioned in the Podcast:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

Your fundraising efforts should be tailored to the different ways Gen Z and Baby Boomer donors engage with nonprofits. Backed by data from over 1,000 donors, the 2024 Generational Giving Report from Bloomerang and Qgiv reveals key differences in how various generations discover, connect with, and support nonprofits. Download your report today.

Bloomerang offers donor management, online fundraising, and volunteer management software that helps nonprofit across the U.S., like the 500 Festival Foundation, which increased their annual fundraising by an outstanding 50% after adopting Bloomerang 

If you’re ready to switch to a CRM that does more while you do less, book your demo today and learn how you can raise more with Bloomerang’s fundraising tools.

Visit bloomerang.com/grantwritingpodcast/ to learn more. 

———————————————————————————

]]> In this podcast episode, Carmen James Randolph discusses her extensive background in working at a foundation and how she reviewed grant proposals.

She goes over why a grant denial isn’t always a ‘no’ and how you can submit the most competitive grant to a foundation.

Carmen discusses the importance of developing a relationship with funding sources and how your grants can stand out.

Additionally, she discusses the work she is doing as President and CEO of the Women’s Foundation of the South.

Tune in today to listen to this podcast.

About Carmen James Randolph

Carmen James Randolph is President and CEO of the Women’s Foundation of the South (WFS). 

Founded by and created for women and girls of color in the South, WFS boldly revolutionizes gender and racial justice in the Southern U.S. and beyond. WFS is dedicated to building the health and well-being, wealth and legacy, and power of womxn of color and girls in the South. 

So far, WFS has succeeded beautifully: WFS has already raised over $6M and provided $350k in grants to 52 women-of-color-led nonprofits in the South. Carmen is honored and prepared to lead WFS, the only such endowed foundation of its kind; the organization’s sustainability is built into its charter and DNA.

She can discuss philanthropy, women in leadership, sustainable nonprofits and strategies to build meaningful partnerships to avoid burnout.

Connect with Carmen James Randolph

Links Mentioned in the Podcast:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

Your fundraising efforts should be tailored to the different ways Gen Z and Baby Boomer donors engage with nonprofits. Backed by data from over 1,000 donors, the 2024 Generational Giving Report from Bloomerang and Qgiv reveals key differences in how various generations discover, connect with, and support nonprofits. Download your report today.

Bloomerang offers donor management, online fundraising, and volunteer management software that helps nonprofit across the U.S., like the 500 Festival Foundation, which increased their annual fundraising by an outstanding 50% after adopting Bloomerang 

If you’re ready to switch to a CRM that does more while you do less, book your demo today and learn how you can raise more with Bloomerang’s fundraising tools.

Visit bloomerang.com/grantwritingpodcast/ to learn more. 

———————————————————————————

]]> Wed, 30 Oct 2024 20:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 3262 In this podcast episode, Carmen James Randolph discusses her extensive background in working at a foundation and how she reviewed grant proposals.

She goes over why a grant denial isn’t always a ‘no’ and how you can submit the most competitive grant to a foundation.

Carmen discusses the importance of developing a relationship with funding sources and how your grants can stand out.

Additionally, she discusses the work she is doing as President and CEO of the Women’s Foundation of the South.

Tune in today to listen to this podcast.

About Carmen James Randolph

Carmen James Randolph is President and CEO of the Women’s Foundation of the South (WFS). 

Founded by and created for women and girls of color in the South, WFS boldly revolutionizes gender and racial justice in the Southern U.S. and beyond. WFS is dedicated to building the health and well-being, wealth and legacy, and power of womxn of color and girls in the South. 

So far, WFS has succeeded beautifully: WFS has already raised over $6M and provided $350k in grants to 52 women-of-color-led nonprofits in the South. Carmen is honored and prepared to lead WFS, the only such endowed foundation of its kind; the organization’s sustainability is built into its charter and DNA.

She can discuss philanthropy, women in leadership, sustainable nonprofits and strategies to build meaningful partnerships to avoid burnout.

Connect with Carmen James Randolph

Links Mentioned in the Podcast:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

Your fundraising efforts should be tailored to the different ways Gen Z and Baby Boomer donors engage with nonprofits. Backed by data from over 1,000 donors, the 2024 Generational Giving Report from Bloomerang and Qgiv reveals key differences in how various generations discover, connect with, and support nonprofits. Download your report today.

Bloomerang offers donor management, online fundraising, and volunteer management software that helps nonprofit across the U.S., like the 500 Festival Foundation, which increased their annual fundraising by an outstanding 50% after adopting Bloomerang 

If you’re ready to switch to a CRM that does more while you do less, book your demo today and learn how you can raise more with Bloomerang’s fundraising tools.

Visit bloomerang.com/grantwritingpodcast/ to learn more. 

———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No 2024 Generational Giving Results for Nonprofits with Bloomerang 392 392 2024 Generational Giving Results for Nonprofits with Bloomerang full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1943063131 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/2024-generational-giving-results-for-nonprofits-with-bloomerang Melaina Chromy goes behind the scenes about generational giving and nonprofits. Learn the difference with how millennials, baby boomers, Gen X, and Gen Z are giving to nonprofits!

Also learn the importance of how this can impact grant writers. 

About Melaina Chromy

Melaina is Qgiv by Bloomerang’s PR & Communications Manager. Before coming to Qgiv, she worked as a director of annual giving and used her digital marketing savvy to lead several successful giving days. When she’s not coordinating brand awareness campaigns, she can be found binge-watching Parks and Rec and taking photos of everyone else’s pets.

Reach out to Melaina:

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

Your fundraising efforts should be tailored to the different ways Gen Z and Baby Boomer donors engage with nonprofits. Backed by data from over 1,000 donors, the 2024 Generational Giving Report from Bloomerang and Qgiv reveals key differences in how various generations discover, connect with, and support nonprofits. Download your report today.

Bloomerang offers donor management, online fundraising, and volunteer management software that helps nonprofit across the U.S., like the 500 Festival Foundation, which increased their annual fundraising by an outstanding 50% after adopting Bloomerang 

If you’re ready to switch to a CRM that does more while you do less, book your demo today and learn how you can raise more with Bloomerang’s fundraising tools.

Visit bloomerang.com/grantwritingpodcast/ to learn more. 

———————————————————————————

]]> Melaina Chromy goes behind the scenes about generational giving and nonprofits. Learn the difference with how millennials, baby boomers, Gen X, and Gen Z are giving to nonprofits!

Also learn the importance of how this can impact grant writers. 

About Melaina Chromy

Melaina is Qgiv by Bloomerang’s PR & Communications Manager. Before coming to Qgiv, she worked as a director of annual giving and used her digital marketing savvy to lead several successful giving days. When she’s not coordinating brand awareness campaigns, she can be found binge-watching Parks and Rec and taking photos of everyone else’s pets.

Reach out to Melaina:

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

Your fundraising efforts should be tailored to the different ways Gen Z and Baby Boomer donors engage with nonprofits. Backed by data from over 1,000 donors, the 2024 Generational Giving Report from Bloomerang and Qgiv reveals key differences in how various generations discover, connect with, and support nonprofits. Download your report today.

Bloomerang offers donor management, online fundraising, and volunteer management software that helps nonprofit across the U.S., like the 500 Festival Foundation, which increased their annual fundraising by an outstanding 50% after adopting Bloomerang 

If you’re ready to switch to a CRM that does more while you do less, book your demo today and learn how you can raise more with Bloomerang’s fundraising tools.

Visit bloomerang.com/grantwritingpodcast/ to learn more. 

———————————————————————————

]]> Tue, 29 Oct 2024 07:00:12 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 3372 Melaina Chromy goes behind the scenes about generational giving and nonprofits. Learn the difference with how millennials, baby boomers, Gen X, and Gen Z are giving to nonprofits!

Also learn the importance of how this can impact grant writers. 

About Melaina Chromy

Melaina is Qgiv by Bloomerang’s PR & Communications Manager. Before coming to Qgiv, she worked as a director of annual giving and used her digital marketing savvy to lead several successful giving days. When she’s not coordinating brand awareness campaigns, she can be found binge-watching Parks and Rec and taking photos of everyone else’s pets.

Reach out to Melaina:

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

Your fundraising efforts should be tailored to the different ways Gen Z and Baby Boomer donors engage with nonprofits. Backed by data from over 1,000 donors, the 2024 Generational Giving Report from Bloomerang and Qgiv reveals key differences in how various generations discover, connect with, and support nonprofits. Download your report today.

Bloomerang offers donor management, online fundraising, and volunteer management software that helps nonprofit across the U.S., like the 500 Festival Foundation, which increased their annual fundraising by an outstanding 50% after adopting Bloomerang 

If you’re ready to switch to a CRM that does more while you do less, book your demo today and learn how you can raise more with Bloomerang’s fundraising tools.

Visit bloomerang.com/grantwritingpodcast/ to learn more. 

———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No 7 Ways to Get Your ROI in the Academy 391 391 7 Ways to Get Your ROI in the Academy full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1943049751 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/7-ways-to-get-your-roi-in-the-academy Sat, 26 Oct 2024 20:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 573 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Bonus Ep. Learn How to Become a Federal Grant Reviewer inside the Academy 390 390 Bonus Ep. Learn How to Become a Federal Grant Reviewer inside the Academy full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1942379779 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/bonus-ep-learn-how-to-become-a-federal-grant-reviewer-inside-the-academy Sat, 26 Oct 2024 07:00:12 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 447 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Bonus Ep. Learn How to Get a Nonprofit Grant Ready in the Academy 389 389 Bonus Ep. Learn How to Get a Nonprofit Grant Ready in the Academy full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1942373459 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/bonus-ep-learn-how-to-get-a-nonprofit-grant-ready-in-the-academy Sat, 26 Oct 2024 05:00:22 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 421 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Bonus Ep. Learn Strategic Planning inside the Academy 388 388 Bonus Ep. Learn Strategic Planning inside the Academy full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1942365019 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/bonus-ep-learn-strategic-planning-inside-the-academy Sat, 26 Oct 2024 00:02:17 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 603 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Bonus Ep. Your Heart Strings Won't Pay the Bills. Stop Giving Discounts on Grant Writing. 387 387 Bonus Ep. Your Heart Strings Won't Pay the Bills. Stop Giving Discounts on Grant Writing. full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1941845175 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/bonus-ep-your-heart-strings-wont-pay-the-bills-stop-giving-discounts-on-grant-writing Fri, 25 Oct 2024 09:06:46 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 481 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Bonus Ep. Will Your Nonprofit Job Be Upset Or Fire You If They Know You Are Freelance Grant Writing? 386 386 Bonus Ep. Will Your Nonprofit Job Be Upset Or Fire You If They Know You Are Freelance Grant Writing? full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1940772811 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/bonus-ep-will-your-nonprofit-job-be-upset-or-fire-you-if-they-know-you-are-freelance-grant-writing Fri, 25 Oct 2024 06:00:22 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 613 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No BONUS: With 11 years of Grant Writing Experience, Shonet made $83K in her Business BONUS: With 11 years of Grant Writing Experience, Shonet made $83K in her Business bonus tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1939383374 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/bonus-with-11-years-of-grant-writing-experience-shonet-made-83k-in-her-business What does it look like to turn grant writing experience into a thriving freelance business?

In this episode, we sit down with Shonet, who joined the Freelance Grant Writer Academy with 11 years of grant writing experience—but less than a year of running her own business. In just one year, she generated $83,145 in revenue and secured $190,000 in grant awards for her clients.

We dive into her journey from employee to entrepreneur, how she structured and grew her business, and the mindset shifts that helped her step into her value as a freelance grant writer.

If you’ve been wondering what’s possible when you combine your skills with the right systems and strategy, Shonet’s story will both inspire and show you what’s achievable.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Shonet is a professional grant writer and consultant with over a decade of experience securing funding for nonprofit organizations. After years of working in grant writing roles, she transitioned into freelance consulting and quickly built a successful business.

Within her first year as a freelance grant writer, Shonet generated over $83,000 in revenue and helped her clients secure $190,000 in grant funding. She is passionate about helping nonprofits access the resources they need while building a sustainable and profitable grant writing business.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> What does it look like to turn grant writing experience into a thriving freelance business?

In this episode, we sit down with Shonet, who joined the Freelance Grant Writer Academy with 11 years of grant writing experience—but less than a year of running her own business. In just one year, she generated $83,145 in revenue and secured $190,000 in grant awards for her clients.

We dive into her journey from employee to entrepreneur, how she structured and grew her business, and the mindset shifts that helped her step into her value as a freelance grant writer.

If you’ve been wondering what’s possible when you combine your skills with the right systems and strategy, Shonet’s story will both inspire and show you what’s achievable.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Shonet is a professional grant writer and consultant with over a decade of experience securing funding for nonprofit organizations. After years of working in grant writing roles, she transitioned into freelance consulting and quickly built a successful business.

Within her first year as a freelance grant writer, Shonet generated over $83,000 in revenue and helped her clients secure $190,000 in grant funding. She is passionate about helping nonprofits access the resources they need while building a sustainable and profitable grant writing business.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Thu, 24 Oct 2024 07:00:12 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2691 What does it look like to turn grant writing experience into a thriving freelance business?

In this episode, we sit down with Shonet, who joined the Freelance Grant Writer Academy with 11 years of grant writing experience—but less than a year of running her own business. In just one year, she generated $83,145 in revenue and secured $190,000 in grant awards for her clients.

We dive into her journey from employee to entrepreneur, how she structured and grew her business, and the mindset shifts that helped her step into her value as a freelance grant writer.

If you’ve been wondering what’s possible when you combine your skills with the right systems and strategy, Shonet’s story will both inspire and show you what’s achievable.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Shonet is a professional grant writer and consultant with over a decade of experience securing funding for nonprofit organizations. After years of working in grant writing roles, she transitioned into freelance consulting and quickly built a successful business.

Within her first year as a freelance grant writer, Shonet generated over $83,000 in revenue and helped her clients secure $190,000 in grant funding. She is passionate about helping nonprofits access the resources they need while building a sustainable and profitable grant writing business.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Bonus Ep. Can I Quit my 9-5 and do Freelance Grant Writing or do I have to Keep my Job? 384 384 Bonus Ep. Can I Quit my 9-5 and do Freelance Grant Writing or do I have to Keep my Job? full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1940745783 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/bonus-ep-can-i-quit-my-9-5-and-do-freelance-grant-writing-or-do-i-have-to-keep-my-job Wed, 23 Oct 2024 20:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 432 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Bonus Ep. Don’t Think You Have the Time to Write the Number of Grants to Get Paid Well? 383 383 Bonus Ep. Don’t Think You Have the Time to Write the Number of Grants to Get Paid Well? full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1940730031 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/bonus-ep-don-t-think-you-have-the-time-to-write-the-number-of-grants-to-get-paid-well Wed, 23 Oct 2024 20:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 696 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Bonus Ep: Even Introverts Can Get Nonprofit Clients for their Grant Writing Businesses 382 382 Bonus Ep: Even Introverts Can Get Nonprofit Clients for their Grant Writing Businesses full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1940726787 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/bonus-ep-even-introverts-can-get-nonprofit-clients-for-their-grant-writing-businesses Wed, 23 Oct 2024 20:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 659 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No BONUS: Get Your Nonprofit to Pay for the Academy BONUS: Get Your Nonprofit to Pay for the Academy bonus tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1939399814 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/bonus-get-your-nonprofit-to-pay-for-the-academy In this episode, Holly Rustick speaks directly to grant writers who may feel stuck working in a toxic nonprofit environment or operating on a restricted income. She shares a powerful strategy many of her Academy students use—getting their nonprofit to pay for their grant writing training. Holly explains why this makes sense, especially if you’ve been tasked with writing grants without formal training, and how to position this opportunity as a win-win for both you and your organization. If you’re ready to grow your skills and increase your earning potential without taking on financial risk, this episode is for you.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, and serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> In this episode, Holly Rustick speaks directly to grant writers who may feel stuck working in a toxic nonprofit environment or operating on a restricted income. She shares a powerful strategy many of her Academy students use—getting their nonprofit to pay for their grant writing training. Holly explains why this makes sense, especially if you’ve been tasked with writing grants without formal training, and how to position this opportunity as a win-win for both you and your organization. If you’re ready to grow your skills and increase your earning potential without taking on financial risk, this episode is for you.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, and serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Wed, 23 Oct 2024 07:00:12 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 773 In this episode, Holly Rustick speaks directly to grant writers who may feel stuck working in a toxic nonprofit environment or operating on a restricted income. She shares a powerful strategy many of her Academy students use—getting their nonprofit to pay for their grant writing training. Holly explains why this makes sense, especially if you’ve been tasked with writing grants without formal training, and how to position this opportunity as a win-win for both you and your organization. If you’re ready to grow your skills and increase your earning potential without taking on financial risk, this episode is for you.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, and serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Do Nonprofits Have Money to Hire You for Your Grant Writing Services? 380 380 Do Nonprofits Have Money to Hire You for Your Grant Writing Services? full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1938616625 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/do-nonprofits-have-money-to-hire-you-for-your-grant-writing-services Nonprofits will happily hire you for your grant writing services.

Says hundreds of freelance grant writers and nonprofits that I, and Academy students, have worked with.

A nonprofit is a business. It is just a not-for-profit business, meaning all profit goes back into the business.

They still need to pay for some (or all) of the following:

  • Rent or lease a space
  • Procure materials (paper, printers, etc.)
  • Hire staff AND CONSULTANTS
  • Buy computers
  • Pay for water and power and maintenance
  • Purchase vehicles
  • …and SO much more.

They still contract out workers.

This is HUGE!

So if this is the case, why do so many of you think that nonprofits don’t have money to hire you?

It’s because of some questions that nonprofits have:

  • Can you work pro bono?
  • Do you offer discounts?
  • Can you get paid on commission?
  • How many grants have you won?

Nonprofits will ask you these questions. 

It doesn’t mean by saying “no” to any of these means they won’t become clients.

These are just questions they feel they need to ask. 

Oftentimes, their board of directors will tell them to ask this question during any interview.

It doesn’t mean that you need to say yes.

It’s just a question that needs to be answered.

Just think of this. 

If a nonprofit books a Discovery Sales Call with you – and you follow our recommendation to ask vetted questions with one main one being “Do you have a budget range to hire a grant writer and work with us?” Then they know you aren’t doing pro bono work.

Even if they haven’t figured out how to get money yet to hire you, they booked a call with you with that thought in the back of their mind, “How can I find money for this?”

Just like you aren’t going to book a sales call with a social media marketing company or even a doctor without knowing you are going to have to pay for the services rendered.

How you respond to those questions is the Make or Break of Getting them as a Happily Paying Client. 

Inside the ETHICAL NONPROFIT SALES SYSTEM we teach you how to respond to these questions in an ethical way AND how to happily convert them to a paying client!

In 15 months, our Academy students have collectively made $2.2 million in their freelance grant writing businesses. So obviously nonprofits have money – literally millions, to pay for your grant writing services.

But you need the language on how to respond to these questions. 

Here are some tips for you:

Don’t be offended when they ask if you can work for free. Tell them no and why.

List pre-questions on your Discovery Sales Call page, including: 

  • “Do you have a budget range to hire a grant writer?”
  • Also add a disclaimer on the Sales Call page “We do not offer free services.”

Be curious instead of offended when they continue to say they have no money to hire you. 

Ask questions like: 

  • “How would getting grants solve problems at your nonprofit? 
  • Do you have time to learn how to write grants and keep up with a grants calendar? 
  • How would hiring us alleviate your stress of knowing that grant writing is a priority but also knowing you don’t have time to do it? 
  • Have you hired a grant writer before? If so, what did you like / not like about it?”

Ask them leading questions on how they could get funding, 

  • “Can your board come up with funding for this if it’s important and a priority for your nonprofit?”
  • “Do you have any unrestricted funds?”
  •  “How would it feel to hold a fundraiser to hire us so we can build out a strategy for you?”
  • “Could you reach out to a corporation and ask them to be a sponsor to hire a grant writer so you can build capacity?”

Most nonprofits do have revenue to hire you. Learn our Nonprofit Ethical Sales Systems on how to ethically respond to these questions so you show up to calls NOT feeling sleazy, but feeling helpful.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. W...

]]> Nonprofits will happily hire you for your grant writing services.

Says hundreds of freelance grant writers and nonprofits that I, and Academy students, have worked with.

A nonprofit is a business. It is just a not-for-profit business, meaning all profit goes back into the business.

They still need to pay for some (or all) of the following:

  • Rent or lease a space
  • Procure materials (paper, printers, etc.)
  • Hire staff AND CONSULTANTS
  • Buy computers
  • Pay for water and power and maintenance
  • Purchase vehicles
  • …and SO much more.

They still contract out workers.

This is HUGE!

So if this is the case, why do so many of you think that nonprofits don’t have money to hire you?

It’s because of some questions that nonprofits have:

  • Can you work pro bono?
  • Do you offer discounts?
  • Can you get paid on commission?
  • How many grants have you won?

Nonprofits will ask you these questions. 

It doesn’t mean by saying “no” to any of these means they won’t become clients.

These are just questions they feel they need to ask. 

Oftentimes, their board of directors will tell them to ask this question during any interview.

It doesn’t mean that you need to say yes.

It’s just a question that needs to be answered.

Just think of this. 

If a nonprofit books a Discovery Sales Call with you – and you follow our recommendation to ask vetted questions with one main one being “Do you have a budget range to hire a grant writer and work with us?” Then they know you aren’t doing pro bono work.

Even if they haven’t figured out how to get money yet to hire you, they booked a call with you with that thought in the back of their mind, “How can I find money for this?”

Just like you aren’t going to book a sales call with a social media marketing company or even a doctor without knowing you are going to have to pay for the services rendered.

How you respond to those questions is the Make or Break of Getting them as a Happily Paying Client. 

Inside the ETHICAL NONPROFIT SALES SYSTEM we teach you how to respond to these questions in an ethical way AND how to happily convert them to a paying client!

In 15 months, our Academy students have collectively made $2.2 million in their freelance grant writing businesses. So obviously nonprofits have money – literally millions, to pay for your grant writing services.

But you need the language on how to respond to these questions. 

Here are some tips for you:

Don’t be offended when they ask if you can work for free. Tell them no and why.

List pre-questions on your Discovery Sales Call page, including: 

  • “Do you have a budget range to hire a grant writer?”
  • Also add a disclaimer on the Sales Call page “We do not offer free services.”

Be curious instead of offended when they continue to say they have no money to hire you. 

Ask questions like: 

  • “How would getting grants solve problems at your nonprofit? 
  • Do you have time to learn how to write grants and keep up with a grants calendar? 
  • How would hiring us alleviate your stress of knowing that grant writing is a priority but also knowing you don’t have time to do it? 
  • Have you hired a grant writer before? If so, what did you like / not like about it?”

Ask them leading questions on how they could get funding, 

  • “Can your board come up with funding for this if it’s important and a priority for your nonprofit?”
  • “Do you have any unrestricted funds?”
  •  “How would it feel to hold a fundraiser to hire us so we can build out a strategy for you?”
  • “Could you reach out to a corporation and ask them to be a sponsor to hire a grant writer so you can build capacity?”

Most nonprofits do have revenue to hire you. Learn our Nonprofit Ethical Sales Systems on how to ethically respond to these questions so you show up to calls NOT feeling sleazy, but feeling helpful.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. W...

]]> Tue, 22 Oct 2024 07:00:12 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1288 Nonprofits will happily hire you for your grant writing services.

Says hundreds of freelance grant writers and nonprofits that I, and Academy students, have worked with.

A nonprofit is a business. It is just a not-for-profit business, meaning all profit goes back into the business.

They still need to pay for some (or all) of the following:

  • Rent or lease a space
  • Procure materials (paper, printers, etc.)
  • Hire staff AND CONSULTANTS
  • Buy computers
  • Pay for water and power and maintenance
  • Purchase vehicles
  • …and SO much more.

They still contract out workers.

This is HUGE!

So if this is the case, why do so many of you think that nonprofits don’t have money to hire you?

It’s because of some questions that nonprofits have:

  • Can you work pro bono?
  • Do you offer discounts?
  • Can you get paid on commission?
  • How many grants have you won?

Nonprofits will ask you these questions. 

It doesn’t mean by saying “no” to any of these means they won’t become clients.

These are just questions they feel they need to ask. 

Oftentimes, their board of directors will tell them to ask this question during any interview.

It doesn’t mean that you need to say yes.

It’s just a question that needs to be answered.

Just think of this. 

If a nonprofit books a Discovery Sales Call with you – and you follow our recommendation to ask vetted questions with one main one being “Do you have a budget range to hire a grant writer and work with us?” Then they know you aren’t doing pro bono work.

Even if they haven’t figured out how to get money yet to hire you, they booked a call with you with that thought in the back of their mind, “How can I find money for this?”

Just like you aren’t going to book a sales call with a social media marketing company or even a doctor without knowing you are going to have to pay for the services rendered.

How you respond to those questions is the Make or Break of Getting them as a Happily Paying Client. 

Inside the ETHICAL NONPROFIT SALES SYSTEM we teach you how to respond to these questions in an ethical way AND how to happily convert them to a paying client!

In 15 months, our Academy students have collectively made $2.2 million in their freelance grant writing businesses. So obviously nonprofits have money – literally millions, to pay for your grant writing services.

But you need the language on how to respond to these questions. 

Here are some tips for you:

Don’t be offended when they ask if you can work for free. Tell them no and why.

List pre-questions on your Discovery Sales Call page, including: 

  • “Do you have a budget range to hire a grant writer?”
  • Also add a disclaimer on the Sales Call page “We do not offer free services.”

Be curious instead of offended when they continue to say they have no money to hire you. 

Ask questions like: 

  • “How would getting grants solve problems at your nonprofit? 
  • Do you have time to learn how to write grants and keep up with a grants calendar? 
  • How would hiring us alleviate your stress of knowing that grant writing is a priority but also knowing you don’t have time to do it? 
  • Have you hired a grant writer before? If so, what did you like / not like about it?”

Ask them leading questions on how they could get funding, 

  • “Can your board come up with funding for this if it’s important and a priority for your nonprofit?”
  • “Do you have any unrestricted funds?”
  •  “How would it feel to hold a fundraiser to hire us so we can build out a strategy for you?”
  • “Could you reach out to a corporation and ask them to be a sponsor to hire a grant writer so you can build capacity?”

Most nonprofits do have revenue to hire you. Learn our Nonprofit Ethical Sales Systems on how to ethically respond to these questions so you show up to calls NOT feeling sleazy, but feeling helpful.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. W...

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Bonus Episode: Everything Inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy 379 379 Bonus Episode: Everything Inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1938569465 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/bonus-episode-everything-inside-the-freelance-grant-writer-academy The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is the #1 Grant Writing and Nonprofit Business Acumen Program in the Industry. 

Each part of the Academy is a simple process, even if you work a full-time job.

You get 12 months to do the curriculum, community, and coaching:

Learn the Legacy Skills of Grant Writing & Business Acumen

In the first 30 days, whether you are new to grant writing or experienced, you will increase your grant writing skills and understand how to strategize as a grant writer. In less than 15 months, Academy students have secured $88 Million+ in grant funding. Our grant skill training is the best in the industry.

SKILL #1 – GRANT WRITING

  • 30-DAY MASTER GRANT TEMPLATE CHALLENGE: Within 30 days,  you will learn our system of writing a grant. This is for new AND seasoned grant writers. You will understand how to write a FULL grant template. You will understand the full process of writing a grant AND the system of creating this template as a deliverable for your clients. 
  • GRANT TEMPLATES: We have 70+ short videos, templates, and more so you know 1) How to Find Grants, 2) How to Submit Grants, and 3) How to Write Grants. Even if you are a seasoned grant writer, you will benefit from our HUGE resource library of templates and samples of LOIs, MOUs, Logic Models, and more. 
  • UNLIMITED GRANT REVIEWS: We are the only program in the industry that offers UNLIMITED grant reviews and feedback on your grants. Having grant experts even review ONE grant is easily worth the entire price of the program. (We charge $2,500 for reviewing grants to the public. You get as many grants reviewed as you want throughout the entire program! This is a no-brainer).

SKILL #2 – BUSINESS ACUMEN

In the first 90 Days, you will get everything off the ground to start your freelance grant writing business- whether that is part or full-time. Within 15  months, Students inside the Academy have secured more than $2.2 Million+ in Revenue in their grant writing businesses. The Academy Business Acumen Skills Work..

  • GRANT WRITING SERVICE OFFERS (CHANGE STATEMENT): You will identify WHO you want to serve and create packages that are ethical for your clients.
  • VALUE-BASED PRICING METHOD: You will identify fair prices that give you profit and are fair for organizations that work with you. No more giving discounts or feeling like you aren’t valued.
  • ETHICAL NONPROFIT SALES SYSTEM: No more feeling ‘sleazy’ with sales calls or people ghosting you. You will have a system to have the highest converting sales calls IN the industry.
  • UNLIMITED BUSINESS REVIEWS: Want us to give you feedback on your website? How about giving you feedback on your pricing? Need input on how to structure your services? Want us to look over a retainer before sending it to a client? Anything to do with your business, we look over and give you personalized feedback. This alone is HUGE as it’s the little decisions in business that cause paralysis. When you have a coach – who has literally made a successful six-figure business as a freelance grant writer and worked with 100+ successful freelance grant writers  – give you feedback, this will help you drive your business forward peacefully and quickly.

COACHING & COMMUNITY

This isn’t a ‘Do-it-by-yourself’ type of program. It’s a coaching program. We are successful freelance grant writers and teach you how to be, too. Plus, you get to interact with more than 100 other freelance grant writers. 

  • WEEKLY LIVE COACHING CALLS: Ask anything in our coaching calls from sales questions, dealing with troublesome clients, how to run a grant workshop, and more. We have space for you to bring any question related to your skills and business to these very powerful calls! 
  • PRIVATE PODCAST: Miss a Coaching Call? Log into your portal to watch the replay OR catch it on your podcast player, under a private podcast. 
  • DAILY SLACK CHANNEL: Did you win a grant? Or maybe you are wanting to know where to grab a logic model, feedback on a contract, or having imposter syndrome with posting your new company on LinkedIn. We got you. Our expert coaches will respond to any question, and it’s a great place to interact with your community.
  • BE LISTED ON GW&F DIRECTORY: You can be listed on our Grant Writer for Hire Directory. Academy students have gotten clients just being listed on our website – even if they don’t have one!
  • BONUS SKILL CURRICULUM: We also teach you how to get paid and facilitate Nonprofit Strategic Planning, a Nonprofit Wellness Audit, and a Grant Feasibility Study.

When you join the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, you get everything you need to replace your full-time job by working flexible hours while writing high-quality grants quickly.

Join the Freelance Grant Writer Academy today!

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a revi...

]]> The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is the #1 Grant Writing and Nonprofit Business Acumen Program in the Industry. 

Each part of the Academy is a simple process, even if you work a full-time job.

You get 12 months to do the curriculum, community, and coaching:

Learn the Legacy Skills of Grant Writing & Business Acumen

In the first 30 days, whether you are new to grant writing or experienced, you will increase your grant writing skills and understand how to strategize as a grant writer. In less than 15 months, Academy students have secured $88 Million+ in grant funding. Our grant skill training is the best in the industry.

SKILL #1 – GRANT WRITING

  • 30-DAY MASTER GRANT TEMPLATE CHALLENGE: Within 30 days,  you will learn our system of writing a grant. This is for new AND seasoned grant writers. You will understand how to write a FULL grant template. You will understand the full process of writing a grant AND the system of creating this template as a deliverable for your clients. 
  • GRANT TEMPLATES: We have 70+ short videos, templates, and more so you know 1) How to Find Grants, 2) How to Submit Grants, and 3) How to Write Grants. Even if you are a seasoned grant writer, you will benefit from our HUGE resource library of templates and samples of LOIs, MOUs, Logic Models, and more. 
  • UNLIMITED GRANT REVIEWS: We are the only program in the industry that offers UNLIMITED grant reviews and feedback on your grants. Having grant experts even review ONE grant is easily worth the entire price of the program. (We charge $2,500 for reviewing grants to the public. You get as many grants reviewed as you want throughout the entire program! This is a no-brainer).

SKILL #2 – BUSINESS ACUMEN

In the first 90 Days, you will get everything off the ground to start your freelance grant writing business- whether that is part or full-time. Within 15  months, Students inside the Academy have secured more than $2.2 Million+ in Revenue in their grant writing businesses. The Academy Business Acumen Skills Work..

  • GRANT WRITING SERVICE OFFERS (CHANGE STATEMENT): You will identify WHO you want to serve and create packages that are ethical for your clients.
  • VALUE-BASED PRICING METHOD: You will identify fair prices that give you profit and are fair for organizations that work with you. No more giving discounts or feeling like you aren’t valued.
  • ETHICAL NONPROFIT SALES SYSTEM: No more feeling ‘sleazy’ with sales calls or people ghosting you. You will have a system to have the highest converting sales calls IN the industry.
  • UNLIMITED BUSINESS REVIEWS: Want us to give you feedback on your website? How about giving you feedback on your pricing? Need input on how to structure your services? Want us to look over a retainer before sending it to a client? Anything to do with your business, we look over and give you personalized feedback. This alone is HUGE as it’s the little decisions in business that cause paralysis. When you have a coach – who has literally made a successful six-figure business as a freelance grant writer and worked with 100+ successful freelance grant writers  – give you feedback, this will help you drive your business forward peacefully and quickly.

COACHING & COMMUNITY

This isn’t a ‘Do-it-by-yourself’ type of program. It’s a coaching program. We are successful freelance grant writers and teach you how to be, too. Plus, you get to interact with more than 100 other freelance grant writers. 

  • WEEKLY LIVE COACHING CALLS: Ask anything in our coaching calls from sales questions, dealing with troublesome clients, how to run a grant workshop, and more. We have space for you to bring any question related to your skills and business to these very powerful calls! 
  • PRIVATE PODCAST: Miss a Coaching Call? Log into your portal to watch the replay OR catch it on your podcast player, under a private podcast. 
  • DAILY SLACK CHANNEL: Did you win a grant? Or maybe you are wanting to know where to grab a logic model, feedback on a contract, or having imposter syndrome with posting your new company on LinkedIn. We got you. Our expert coaches will respond to any question, and it’s a great place to interact with your community.
  • BE LISTED ON GW&F DIRECTORY: You can be listed on our Grant Writer for Hire Directory. Academy students have gotten clients just being listed on our website – even if they don’t have one!
  • BONUS SKILL CURRICULUM: We also teach you how to get paid and facilitate Nonprofit Strategic Planning, a Nonprofit Wellness Audit, and a Grant Feasibility Study.

When you join the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, you get everything you need to replace your full-time job by working flexible hours while writing high-quality grants quickly.

Join the Freelance Grant Writer Academy today!

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a revi...

]]> Tue, 22 Oct 2024 05:00:12 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2593 The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is the #1 Grant Writing and Nonprofit Business Acumen Program in the Industry. 

Each part of the Academy is a simple process, even if you work a full-time job.

You get 12 months to do the curriculum, community, and coaching:

Learn the Legacy Skills of Grant Writing & Business Acumen

In the first 30 days, whether you are new to grant writing or experienced, you will increase your grant writing skills and understand how to strategize as a grant writer. In less than 15 months, Academy students have secured $88 Million+ in grant funding. Our grant skill training is the best in the industry.

SKILL #1 – GRANT WRITING

  • 30-DAY MASTER GRANT TEMPLATE CHALLENGE: Within 30 days,  you will learn our system of writing a grant. This is for new AND seasoned grant writers. You will understand how to write a FULL grant template. You will understand the full process of writing a grant AND the system of creating this template as a deliverable for your clients. 
  • GRANT TEMPLATES: We have 70+ short videos, templates, and more so you know 1) How to Find Grants, 2) How to Submit Grants, and 3) How to Write Grants. Even if you are a seasoned grant writer, you will benefit from our HUGE resource library of templates and samples of LOIs, MOUs, Logic Models, and more. 
  • UNLIMITED GRANT REVIEWS: We are the only program in the industry that offers UNLIMITED grant reviews and feedback on your grants. Having grant experts even review ONE grant is easily worth the entire price of the program. (We charge $2,500 for reviewing grants to the public. You get as many grants reviewed as you want throughout the entire program! This is a no-brainer).

SKILL #2 – BUSINESS ACUMEN

In the first 90 Days, you will get everything off the ground to start your freelance grant writing business- whether that is part or full-time. Within 15  months, Students inside the Academy have secured more than $2.2 Million+ in Revenue in their grant writing businesses. The Academy Business Acumen Skills Work..

  • GRANT WRITING SERVICE OFFERS (CHANGE STATEMENT): You will identify WHO you want to serve and create packages that are ethical for your clients.
  • VALUE-BASED PRICING METHOD: You will identify fair prices that give you profit and are fair for organizations that work with you. No more giving discounts or feeling like you aren’t valued.
  • ETHICAL NONPROFIT SALES SYSTEM: No more feeling ‘sleazy’ with sales calls or people ghosting you. You will have a system to have the highest converting sales calls IN the industry.
  • UNLIMITED BUSINESS REVIEWS: Want us to give you feedback on your website? How about giving you feedback on your pricing? Need input on how to structure your services? Want us to look over a retainer before sending it to a client? Anything to do with your business, we look over and give you personalized feedback. This alone is HUGE as it’s the little decisions in business that cause paralysis. When you have a coach – who has literally made a successful six-figure business as a freelance grant writer and worked with 100+ successful freelance grant writers  – give you feedback, this will help you drive your business forward peacefully and quickly.

COACHING & COMMUNITY

This isn’t a ‘Do-it-by-yourself’ type of program. It’s a coaching program. We are successful freelance grant writers and teach you how to be, too. Plus, you get to interact with more than 100 other freelance grant writers. 

  • WEEKLY LIVE COACHING CALLS: Ask anything in our coaching calls from sales questions, dealing with troublesome clients, how to run a grant workshop, and more. We have space for you to bring any question related to your skills and business to these very powerful calls! 
  • PRIVATE PODCAST: Miss a Coaching Call? Log into your portal to watch the replay OR catch it on your podcast player, under a private podcast. 
  • DAILY SLACK CHANNEL: Did you win a grant? Or maybe you are wanting to know where to grab a logic model, feedback on a contract, or having imposter syndrome with posting your new company on LinkedIn. We got you. Our expert coaches will respond to any question, and it’s a great place to interact with your community.
  • BE LISTED ON GW&F DIRECTORY: You can be listed on our Grant Writer for Hire Directory. Academy students have gotten clients just being listed on our website – even if they don’t have one!
  • BONUS SKILL CURRICULUM: We also teach you how to get paid and facilitate Nonprofit Strategic Planning, a Nonprofit Wellness Audit, and a Grant Feasibility Study.

When you join the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, you get everything you need to replace your full-time job by working flexible hours while writing high-quality grants quickly.

Join the Freelance Grant Writer Academy today!

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a revi...

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Alex 10X Her Investment in the Freelance Grant Writer Academy in 7 Months 378 378 Alex 10X Her Investment in the Freelance Grant Writer Academy in 7 Months full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1935297800 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/alex-10x-her-investment-in-the-freelance-grant-writer-academy-in-7-months This episode is truly special as we delve into the incredible journey of Alex Schubert, a passionate grant writer and consultant who managed to 10X her investment in the Freelance Grant Writer Academy within just seven months.

Alex joins us to discuss the transformative power of a supportive community, the importance of clear service offerings, and the mindset strategies that drove her business growth. Whether you're a seasoned grant writer or just starting out, this episode offers practical advice, inspirational stories, and actionable tips to help you maximize your potential and achieve sustainable success.

Stay tuned as we uncover how Alex leveraged the Academy’s resources to build a thriving consultancy that not only meets but exceeds her financial and professional goals.

About Alex Schuppert

Alexandra founded Lighthouse Nonprofit Consulting in 2022 to leverage her 25+ years of experience in the nonprofit sector to assist nonprofit organizations in advancing their missions. Before launching Lighthouse, Alex spent five years in a dual role as a grant writing consultant and Vice President of Organizational Practices with a Colorado-based nonprofit consulting firm. There, she provided grant writing services, grant strategy and funder cultivation consult, and grants management to clients with various mission types, including workforce development, disabilities, older adults, healthcare, youth development, education, community development, mental health, substance abuse and recovery, the environment, LGBTQ+, and more. During this time, Alex successfully wrote grants that collectively raised more than $7.5 million of funding from private foundations and government entities for her clients.

Prior to becoming a consultant, Alex spent more than 20 years at nonprofit organizations that provided direct services within the areas of early education, out-of-school time, child welfare, and mental health. As the Director of Programming and Evaluation at a settlement house in Somerville, Massachusetts that delivers early education and out-of-school time programs, she provided oversight for all the programs, developed new programming initiatives, designed and implemented program evaluation systems, wrote grants, and built partnerships with other local nonprofits and schools. Before that, she was the Director of Programs and Operations at a youth services organization in New York City where she oversaw all programs and operations including human resources, finance, policy and regulations, fundraising, and the organization’s contracts with the City of New York. During her time there, she developed a new policy manual, shored up finances by vetting and hiring a new accounting firm, and greatly improved compliance and billing of its city contracts. Her first management-level position was overseeing the program evaluation and outcomes measurement team for a large child welfare agency in Boston, Massachusetts.

Alex received her MBA in Nonprofit Management from the Heller School of Social Policy and Management at Brandeis University. She also has a Master’s in Psychology from Boston University and graduated magna cum laude with a BA in Psychology from Hamilton College.

In her spare time, Alex enjoys spending time outdoors hiking, skiing, and on romps with her rescue pup, a lovable senior pit-mix.

Connect with Alexandra:

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> This episode is truly special as we delve into the incredible journey of Alex Schubert, a passionate grant writer and consultant who managed to 10X her investment in the Freelance Grant Writer Academy within just seven months.

Alex joins us to discuss the transformative power of a supportive community, the importance of clear service offerings, and the mindset strategies that drove her business growth. Whether you're a seasoned grant writer or just starting out, this episode offers practical advice, inspirational stories, and actionable tips to help you maximize your potential and achieve sustainable success.

Stay tuned as we uncover how Alex leveraged the Academy’s resources to build a thriving consultancy that not only meets but exceeds her financial and professional goals.

About Alex Schuppert

Alexandra founded Lighthouse Nonprofit Consulting in 2022 to leverage her 25+ years of experience in the nonprofit sector to assist nonprofit organizations in advancing their missions. Before launching Lighthouse, Alex spent five years in a dual role as a grant writing consultant and Vice President of Organizational Practices with a Colorado-based nonprofit consulting firm. There, she provided grant writing services, grant strategy and funder cultivation consult, and grants management to clients with various mission types, including workforce development, disabilities, older adults, healthcare, youth development, education, community development, mental health, substance abuse and recovery, the environment, LGBTQ+, and more. During this time, Alex successfully wrote grants that collectively raised more than $7.5 million of funding from private foundations and government entities for her clients.

Prior to becoming a consultant, Alex spent more than 20 years at nonprofit organizations that provided direct services within the areas of early education, out-of-school time, child welfare, and mental health. As the Director of Programming and Evaluation at a settlement house in Somerville, Massachusetts that delivers early education and out-of-school time programs, she provided oversight for all the programs, developed new programming initiatives, designed and implemented program evaluation systems, wrote grants, and built partnerships with other local nonprofits and schools. Before that, she was the Director of Programs and Operations at a youth services organization in New York City where she oversaw all programs and operations including human resources, finance, policy and regulations, fundraising, and the organization’s contracts with the City of New York. During her time there, she developed a new policy manual, shored up finances by vetting and hiring a new accounting firm, and greatly improved compliance and billing of its city contracts. Her first management-level position was overseeing the program evaluation and outcomes measurement team for a large child welfare agency in Boston, Massachusetts.

Alex received her MBA in Nonprofit Management from the Heller School of Social Policy and Management at Brandeis University. She also has a Master’s in Psychology from Boston University and graduated magna cum laude with a BA in Psychology from Hamilton College.

In her spare time, Alex enjoys spending time outdoors hiking, skiing, and on romps with her rescue pup, a lovable senior pit-mix.

Connect with Alexandra:

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Mon, 21 Oct 2024 07:00:07 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2909 This episode is truly special as we delve into the incredible journey of Alex Schubert, a passionate grant writer and consultant who managed to 10X her investment in the Freelance Grant Writer Academy within just seven months.

Alex joins us to discuss the transformative power of a supportive community, the importance of clear service offerings, and the mindset strategies that drove her business growth. Whether you're a seasoned grant writer or just starting out, this episode offers practical advice, inspirational stories, and actionable tips to help you maximize your potential and achieve sustainable success.

Stay tuned as we uncover how Alex leveraged the Academy’s resources to build a thriving consultancy that not only meets but exceeds her financial and professional goals.

About Alex Schuppert

Alexandra founded Lighthouse Nonprofit Consulting in 2022 to leverage her 25+ years of experience in the nonprofit sector to assist nonprofit organizations in advancing their missions. Before launching Lighthouse, Alex spent five years in a dual role as a grant writing consultant and Vice President of Organizational Practices with a Colorado-based nonprofit consulting firm. There, she provided grant writing services, grant strategy and funder cultivation consult, and grants management to clients with various mission types, including workforce development, disabilities, older adults, healthcare, youth development, education, community development, mental health, substance abuse and recovery, the environment, LGBTQ+, and more. During this time, Alex successfully wrote grants that collectively raised more than $7.5 million of funding from private foundations and government entities for her clients.

Prior to becoming a consultant, Alex spent more than 20 years at nonprofit organizations that provided direct services within the areas of early education, out-of-school time, child welfare, and mental health. As the Director of Programming and Evaluation at a settlement house in Somerville, Massachusetts that delivers early education and out-of-school time programs, she provided oversight for all the programs, developed new programming initiatives, designed and implemented program evaluation systems, wrote grants, and built partnerships with other local nonprofits and schools. Before that, she was the Director of Programs and Operations at a youth services organization in New York City where she oversaw all programs and operations including human resources, finance, policy and regulations, fundraising, and the organization’s contracts with the City of New York. During her time there, she developed a new policy manual, shored up finances by vetting and hiring a new accounting firm, and greatly improved compliance and billing of its city contracts. Her first management-level position was overseeing the program evaluation and outcomes measurement team for a large child welfare agency in Boston, Massachusetts.

Alex received her MBA in Nonprofit Management from the Heller School of Social Policy and Management at Brandeis University. She also has a Master’s in Psychology from Boston University and graduated magna cum laude with a BA in Psychology from Hamilton College.

In her spare time, Alex enjoys spending time outdoors hiking, skiing, and on romps with her rescue pup, a lovable senior pit-mix.

Connect with Alexandra:

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Staci went from Burned Out Executive Director to Make $49K in Freelance Grant Writing 377 377 Staci went from Burned Out Executive Director to Make $49K in Freelance Grant Writing full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1935280097 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/staci-went-from-burned-out-executive-director-to-make-49k-in-freelance-grant-writing Staci Nelson joined the Academy to streamline her business and within 7 months was able to make $49,000 in her freelance grant writing business!

She has leaned into utilizing the Academy unlimited grant reviews to grow her grant writing confidence and grant writing structure in her business. This has helped her deliver the highest quality resources for her clients.

Staci also had mindset coaching in the Academy on how to be confident in her pricing even when grants don’t get awarded.

Tune into her story.

About Staci Nelson

Staci Nelson is a founding principal at Nelson Stevenson Consulting. She has more than 25 years of experience as a nonprofit leader, communications professional and fundraiser. Nelson Stevenson Consulting is a Spokane, Washington based firm that has been supporting nonprofits throughout the Intermountain Northwest since 2010. 

Clients include small grassroots organizations, well-established community action agencies, industry trade associations and public entities. Nelson Stevenson Consulting provides grant strategy, writing and management services that enable clients to better fulfill their missions and improve the quality of life for those they serve.

Connect with Staci:

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Staci Nelson joined the Academy to streamline her business and within 7 months was able to make $49,000 in her freelance grant writing business!

She has leaned into utilizing the Academy unlimited grant reviews to grow her grant writing confidence and grant writing structure in her business. This has helped her deliver the highest quality resources for her clients.

Staci also had mindset coaching in the Academy on how to be confident in her pricing even when grants don’t get awarded.

Tune into her story.

About Staci Nelson

Staci Nelson is a founding principal at Nelson Stevenson Consulting. She has more than 25 years of experience as a nonprofit leader, communications professional and fundraiser. Nelson Stevenson Consulting is a Spokane, Washington based firm that has been supporting nonprofits throughout the Intermountain Northwest since 2010. 

Clients include small grassroots organizations, well-established community action agencies, industry trade associations and public entities. Nelson Stevenson Consulting provides grant strategy, writing and management services that enable clients to better fulfill their missions and improve the quality of life for those they serve.

Connect with Staci:

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Sun, 20 Oct 2024 07:00:07 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2644 Staci Nelson joined the Academy to streamline her business and within 7 months was able to make $49,000 in her freelance grant writing business!

She has leaned into utilizing the Academy unlimited grant reviews to grow her grant writing confidence and grant writing structure in her business. This has helped her deliver the highest quality resources for her clients.

Staci also had mindset coaching in the Academy on how to be confident in her pricing even when grants don’t get awarded.

Tune into her story.

About Staci Nelson

Staci Nelson is a founding principal at Nelson Stevenson Consulting. She has more than 25 years of experience as a nonprofit leader, communications professional and fundraiser. Nelson Stevenson Consulting is a Spokane, Washington based firm that has been supporting nonprofits throughout the Intermountain Northwest since 2010. 

Clients include small grassroots organizations, well-established community action agencies, industry trade associations and public entities. Nelson Stevenson Consulting provides grant strategy, writing and management services that enable clients to better fulfill their missions and improve the quality of life for those they serve.

Connect with Staci:

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Antoinette Quit her Teaching Job and Doubled Her Revenue as a Freelance Grant Writer 369 369 Antoinette Quit her Teaching Job and Doubled Her Revenue as a Freelance Grant Writer full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1934629010 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-369-antoinette-quit-her-teaching-job-and-doubled-her-revenue-as-a-freelance-grant-writer Antoinette Ethridge shares her inspiring journey of building a successful freelance grant writing business after joining the Academy, generating $42,750 in revenue and securing $25,000 in grant funding for her clients. She walks us through how she quickly gained momentum, landed her third client, and confidently left her 9–5 job within just a few months. We also dive into how she was able to double her revenue in a single month, the strategies that helped her grow fast, and what made the biggest difference in her transition to full-time freelance grant writing.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Antoinette Ethridge, founder of Antoinette Writes, LLC, is an experienced grant writer with four years in the field after transitioning from a decade-long career as an elementary educator. 

She began her freelance grant writing journey during the peak of the pandemic, leveraging her background in education and leadership to support mission-driven organizations focused on human services, education, community development, and youth initiatives.

Antoinette holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s in Educational Leadership, and has helped secure over $3.5 million in funding for nonprofit organizations. Her expertise extends beyond grant writing to include strategic nonprofit planning and project management. A dedicated community advocate originally from Hampton, Virginia, she now resides in North Carolina with her husband, three children, and their spirited yorkie-poo, where she continues to make an impact through both her work and family life.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Antoinette Ethridge shares her inspiring journey of building a successful freelance grant writing business after joining the Academy, generating $42,750 in revenue and securing $25,000 in grant funding for her clients. She walks us through how she quickly gained momentum, landed her third client, and confidently left her 9–5 job within just a few months. We also dive into how she was able to double her revenue in a single month, the strategies that helped her grow fast, and what made the biggest difference in her transition to full-time freelance grant writing.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Antoinette Ethridge, founder of Antoinette Writes, LLC, is an experienced grant writer with four years in the field after transitioning from a decade-long career as an elementary educator. 

She began her freelance grant writing journey during the peak of the pandemic, leveraging her background in education and leadership to support mission-driven organizations focused on human services, education, community development, and youth initiatives.

Antoinette holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s in Educational Leadership, and has helped secure over $3.5 million in funding for nonprofit organizations. Her expertise extends beyond grant writing to include strategic nonprofit planning and project management. A dedicated community advocate originally from Hampton, Virginia, she now resides in North Carolina with her husband, three children, and their spirited yorkie-poo, where she continues to make an impact through both her work and family life.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Fri, 18 Oct 2024 07:00:17 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2685 Antoinette Ethridge shares her inspiring journey of building a successful freelance grant writing business after joining the Academy, generating $42,750 in revenue and securing $25,000 in grant funding for her clients. She walks us through how she quickly gained momentum, landed her third client, and confidently left her 9–5 job within just a few months. We also dive into how she was able to double her revenue in a single month, the strategies that helped her grow fast, and what made the biggest difference in her transition to full-time freelance grant writing.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Antoinette Ethridge, founder of Antoinette Writes, LLC, is an experienced grant writer with four years in the field after transitioning from a decade-long career as an elementary educator. 

She began her freelance grant writing journey during the peak of the pandemic, leveraging her background in education and leadership to support mission-driven organizations focused on human services, education, community development, and youth initiatives.

Antoinette holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s in Educational Leadership, and has helped secure over $3.5 million in funding for nonprofit organizations. Her expertise extends beyond grant writing to include strategic nonprofit planning and project management. A dedicated community advocate originally from Hampton, Virginia, she now resides in North Carolina with her husband, three children, and their spirited yorkie-poo, where she continues to make an impact through both her work and family life.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Replay "Create a Profitable Grant Writing Business with Little to No Experience" 375 375 Replay "Create a Profitable Grant Writing Business with Little to No Experience" full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1936233263 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/replay-create-a-profitable-grant-writing-business-with-little-to-no-experience Wed, 16 Oct 2024 20:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 8720 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Do You Need Grant Writing Experience to Get Paid as a Freelance Grant Writer? 374 374 Do You Need Grant Writing Experience to Get Paid as a Freelance Grant Writer? full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1930967915 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/do-you-need-grant-writing-experience-to-get-paid-as-a-freelance-grant-writer Getting grant writing clients without winning any grants can feel akin to being a college graduate.

You may have some skills, but don’t have any real-world experience.

Let’s talk about how you can easily bridge the gap with some real-world examples of folks from the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, who were exactly where you are.

Within four months, Jen, who left her corporate job at HBO and lives in Florida, secured more than $260,000 in grant funding (writing her first grants) and booked out with nonprofit clients and got a subcontracting position. She made $73,000 in her grant writing business in four months.

She had NO grant writing experience before joining the Academy.

Tiffany didn’t have much grant writing experience, but added it to her content writing, and quit her job early. 

Jeremey lives in California and works a 9-5 in a nonprofit. Inside the Academy, he started to view his 9-5 as an anchor client while he got his business going. Within a month, he secured his first retainer client while retaining his full-time job (i.e., anchor client)

We have many folks that come in with no grant writing experience and 1) get confident in writing grants, and 2) secure clients within the year!

That is one of the reasons that we have the grant writing master course and offer grant reviews :)

#1 – Get some Grant Writing Skills to Boost Confidence in Making Sales

The Grant Writing Master Course alone has helped over a thousand people learn our simple grant formula and win grants. We have had senators take it, teachers, volunteers, lawyers, nonprofit staff, content writers, retired folks, and so many more who have literally never written a grant – learn how to write grants and secure literally millions of dollars in grant funds!

Our Unlimited Grant Reviews are the amazing kicker, because you can have us review any grant application draft or grant template draft and we give you feedback on areas to improve.

We have our 30-Day Master Grant Template Framework, too. Even if you use a fictional client, you will develop a mock Master Grant Template in the first 30 days of joining the Academy! And then you will get a personalized review and feedback on your work. 

We have folks who have gotten their first nonprofit clients by offering the Master Grant Template (and getting paid to do it for their first time!).

So you can see how you can get the grant writing skills. 

But how do you go from skills to your first paying client?

#2 – Even if you Still Haven’t Won a Grant, You Can Get a Paying Client Ethically

Why people will still hire you, even if you have never won a grant before, is because you will develop grant writing skills and you have TIME. 

Plus, in the Ethical Nonprofit Sales we will show you how to create a Change Statement so you have a process to write grants and you can actually substantiate your price. 

Think about this for a minute…

A nonprofit will hire a staff grant writer with no grant writing experience and tell them they will train them.

Oftentimes they never train that person BUT they still expect them to win grants.

This ends in disappointment for both the executive director at the nonprofit and the grant writer! 

So in a Discovery Sales Call, we teach you how to communicate why it’s ethical and makes sense to hire you – even if you have no grant writing experience.

You don’t have to worry if you are new to grant writing. We teach you the skill of grant writing AND the skill of pricing and selling to nonprofit clients.

Some folks feel more comfortable first volunteering (to get real-world experience) before pitching their grant writing services. 

This is NOT a requirement, but this might be where you feel ethical about it. 

We have an entire part of our curriculum inside the Academy on how you go from “Free to your first Paying Client”. 

So if you do want to volunteer for 3 months at a nonprofit to write grants, we show you how you will transition that into a paying job. 

We also have our “Identify 50 Nonprofit Leads in an Hour” curriculum, so even if you are new, we help you create a list of folks that you know and can reach out to.

No website required or Social Media required.

We got you.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writ...

]]> Getting grant writing clients without winning any grants can feel akin to being a college graduate.

You may have some skills, but don’t have any real-world experience.

Let’s talk about how you can easily bridge the gap with some real-world examples of folks from the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, who were exactly where you are.

Within four months, Jen, who left her corporate job at HBO and lives in Florida, secured more than $260,000 in grant funding (writing her first grants) and booked out with nonprofit clients and got a subcontracting position. She made $73,000 in her grant writing business in four months.

She had NO grant writing experience before joining the Academy.

Tiffany didn’t have much grant writing experience, but added it to her content writing, and quit her job early. 

Jeremey lives in California and works a 9-5 in a nonprofit. Inside the Academy, he started to view his 9-5 as an anchor client while he got his business going. Within a month, he secured his first retainer client while retaining his full-time job (i.e., anchor client)

We have many folks that come in with no grant writing experience and 1) get confident in writing grants, and 2) secure clients within the year!

That is one of the reasons that we have the grant writing master course and offer grant reviews :)

#1 – Get some Grant Writing Skills to Boost Confidence in Making Sales

The Grant Writing Master Course alone has helped over a thousand people learn our simple grant formula and win grants. We have had senators take it, teachers, volunteers, lawyers, nonprofit staff, content writers, retired folks, and so many more who have literally never written a grant – learn how to write grants and secure literally millions of dollars in grant funds!

Our Unlimited Grant Reviews are the amazing kicker, because you can have us review any grant application draft or grant template draft and we give you feedback on areas to improve.

We have our 30-Day Master Grant Template Framework, too. Even if you use a fictional client, you will develop a mock Master Grant Template in the first 30 days of joining the Academy! And then you will get a personalized review and feedback on your work. 

We have folks who have gotten their first nonprofit clients by offering the Master Grant Template (and getting paid to do it for their first time!).

So you can see how you can get the grant writing skills. 

But how do you go from skills to your first paying client?

#2 – Even if you Still Haven’t Won a Grant, You Can Get a Paying Client Ethically

Why people will still hire you, even if you have never won a grant before, is because you will develop grant writing skills and you have TIME. 

Plus, in the Ethical Nonprofit Sales we will show you how to create a Change Statement so you have a process to write grants and you can actually substantiate your price. 

Think about this for a minute…

A nonprofit will hire a staff grant writer with no grant writing experience and tell them they will train them.

Oftentimes they never train that person BUT they still expect them to win grants.

This ends in disappointment for both the executive director at the nonprofit and the grant writer! 

So in a Discovery Sales Call, we teach you how to communicate why it’s ethical and makes sense to hire you – even if you have no grant writing experience.

You don’t have to worry if you are new to grant writing. We teach you the skill of grant writing AND the skill of pricing and selling to nonprofit clients.

Some folks feel more comfortable first volunteering (to get real-world experience) before pitching their grant writing services. 

This is NOT a requirement, but this might be where you feel ethical about it. 

We have an entire part of our curriculum inside the Academy on how you go from “Free to your first Paying Client”. 

So if you do want to volunteer for 3 months at a nonprofit to write grants, we show you how you will transition that into a paying job. 

We also have our “Identify 50 Nonprofit Leads in an Hour” curriculum, so even if you are new, we help you create a list of folks that you know and can reach out to.

No website required or Social Media required.

We got you.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writ...

]]> Tue, 15 Oct 2024 07:00:07 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1195 Getting grant writing clients without winning any grants can feel akin to being a college graduate.

You may have some skills, but don’t have any real-world experience.

Let’s talk about how you can easily bridge the gap with some real-world examples of folks from the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, who were exactly where you are.

Within four months, Jen, who left her corporate job at HBO and lives in Florida, secured more than $260,000 in grant funding (writing her first grants) and booked out with nonprofit clients and got a subcontracting position. She made $73,000 in her grant writing business in four months.

She had NO grant writing experience before joining the Academy.

Tiffany didn’t have much grant writing experience, but added it to her content writing, and quit her job early. 

Jeremey lives in California and works a 9-5 in a nonprofit. Inside the Academy, he started to view his 9-5 as an anchor client while he got his business going. Within a month, he secured his first retainer client while retaining his full-time job (i.e., anchor client)

We have many folks that come in with no grant writing experience and 1) get confident in writing grants, and 2) secure clients within the year!

That is one of the reasons that we have the grant writing master course and offer grant reviews :)

#1 – Get some Grant Writing Skills to Boost Confidence in Making Sales

The Grant Writing Master Course alone has helped over a thousand people learn our simple grant formula and win grants. We have had senators take it, teachers, volunteers, lawyers, nonprofit staff, content writers, retired folks, and so many more who have literally never written a grant – learn how to write grants and secure literally millions of dollars in grant funds!

Our Unlimited Grant Reviews are the amazing kicker, because you can have us review any grant application draft or grant template draft and we give you feedback on areas to improve.

We have our 30-Day Master Grant Template Framework, too. Even if you use a fictional client, you will develop a mock Master Grant Template in the first 30 days of joining the Academy! And then you will get a personalized review and feedback on your work. 

We have folks who have gotten their first nonprofit clients by offering the Master Grant Template (and getting paid to do it for their first time!).

So you can see how you can get the grant writing skills. 

But how do you go from skills to your first paying client?

#2 – Even if you Still Haven’t Won a Grant, You Can Get a Paying Client Ethically

Why people will still hire you, even if you have never won a grant before, is because you will develop grant writing skills and you have TIME. 

Plus, in the Ethical Nonprofit Sales we will show you how to create a Change Statement so you have a process to write grants and you can actually substantiate your price. 

Think about this for a minute…

A nonprofit will hire a staff grant writer with no grant writing experience and tell them they will train them.

Oftentimes they never train that person BUT they still expect them to win grants.

This ends in disappointment for both the executive director at the nonprofit and the grant writer! 

So in a Discovery Sales Call, we teach you how to communicate why it’s ethical and makes sense to hire you – even if you have no grant writing experience.

You don’t have to worry if you are new to grant writing. We teach you the skill of grant writing AND the skill of pricing and selling to nonprofit clients.

Some folks feel more comfortable first volunteering (to get real-world experience) before pitching their grant writing services. 

This is NOT a requirement, but this might be where you feel ethical about it. 

We have an entire part of our curriculum inside the Academy on how you go from “Free to your first Paying Client”. 

So if you do want to volunteer for 3 months at a nonprofit to write grants, we show you how you will transition that into a paying job. 

We also have our “Identify 50 Nonprofit Leads in an Hour” curriculum, so even if you are new, we help you create a list of folks that you know and can reach out to.

No website required or Social Media required.

We got you.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writ...

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No How Nija Stopped Giving Discounts for her Grant Writing Services and Made $55K in 9 Months 373 373 How Nija Stopped Giving Discounts for her Grant Writing Services and Made $55K in 9 Months full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1930960367 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/how-nija-stopped-giving-discounts-for-her-grant-writing-services-and-made-55k-in-9-months In today’s episode, we dive deep into the importance of knowing your worth and setting professional boundaries in your grant writing business. We have the pleasure of speaking with Nija Rivera from Gritty Grants Consulting, who shares her inspiring journey of transforming her grant writing practice by adhering to essential business policies.

Nija discusses a pivotal moment where she realized the detrimental impact of offering discounts for her services. This important lesson in valuing her work led her to make significant changes, resulting in an impressive earning of $55,000 in just nine months. Nija's experience underlines the critical balance between business sustainability and community contribution, a topic that resonates deeply within fields like social work and public health.

Throughout this episode, Holly and Nija explore practical strategies for maintaining professional detachment, setting appropriate service prices, and the indispensable role of coaching in running a successful grant writing business. Whether you are new to the field or an experienced professional, today’s discussion promises actionable insights that can elevate your practice and help you achieve financial stability.

So, get ready to be inspired and informed as we uncover the strategies that transformed Nija Rivera’s business and how you can apply these lessons to your own grant writing journey. Tune in, and let’s get started!

About Nija Rivera

Born and bred in the vibrant city of Philadelphia, PA, Nija is a seasoned public health professional with over 10 years of expertise in nonprofit program management, grants management, and proposal development. She is the lead consultant at Gritty Grants. 

Nija earned her undergraduate degree in biobehavioral Health from Penn State University, laying the foundation for her multidisciplinary approach. She furthered her education by obtaining a master’s in public health from Temple University.

Nija’s passion lies in creating impactful grants proposals that address the well being of under resourced communities. Her wealth of experience encompasses the entire lifecycle of grant projects, from conception through successful implementation.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Nija is an avid traveler who delights in exploring different corners of the world. Her love for adventure extends to trying diverse cuisines from around the globe.

Connect with Nija:

OTHER RESOURCES:


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> In today’s episode, we dive deep into the importance of knowing your worth and setting professional boundaries in your grant writing business. We have the pleasure of speaking with Nija Rivera from Gritty Grants Consulting, who shares her inspiring journey of transforming her grant writing practice by adhering to essential business policies.

Nija discusses a pivotal moment where she realized the detrimental impact of offering discounts for her services. This important lesson in valuing her work led her to make significant changes, resulting in an impressive earning of $55,000 in just nine months. Nija's experience underlines the critical balance between business sustainability and community contribution, a topic that resonates deeply within fields like social work and public health.

Throughout this episode, Holly and Nija explore practical strategies for maintaining professional detachment, setting appropriate service prices, and the indispensable role of coaching in running a successful grant writing business. Whether you are new to the field or an experienced professional, today’s discussion promises actionable insights that can elevate your practice and help you achieve financial stability.

So, get ready to be inspired and informed as we uncover the strategies that transformed Nija Rivera’s business and how you can apply these lessons to your own grant writing journey. Tune in, and let’s get started!

About Nija Rivera

Born and bred in the vibrant city of Philadelphia, PA, Nija is a seasoned public health professional with over 10 years of expertise in nonprofit program management, grants management, and proposal development. She is the lead consultant at Gritty Grants. 

Nija earned her undergraduate degree in biobehavioral Health from Penn State University, laying the foundation for her multidisciplinary approach. She furthered her education by obtaining a master’s in public health from Temple University.

Nija’s passion lies in creating impactful grants proposals that address the well being of under resourced communities. Her wealth of experience encompasses the entire lifecycle of grant projects, from conception through successful implementation.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Nija is an avid traveler who delights in exploring different corners of the world. Her love for adventure extends to trying diverse cuisines from around the globe.

Connect with Nija:

OTHER RESOURCES:


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Fri, 11 Oct 2024 07:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2452 In today’s episode, we dive deep into the importance of knowing your worth and setting professional boundaries in your grant writing business. We have the pleasure of speaking with Nija Rivera from Gritty Grants Consulting, who shares her inspiring journey of transforming her grant writing practice by adhering to essential business policies.

Nija discusses a pivotal moment where she realized the detrimental impact of offering discounts for her services. This important lesson in valuing her work led her to make significant changes, resulting in an impressive earning of $55,000 in just nine months. Nija's experience underlines the critical balance between business sustainability and community contribution, a topic that resonates deeply within fields like social work and public health.

Throughout this episode, Holly and Nija explore practical strategies for maintaining professional detachment, setting appropriate service prices, and the indispensable role of coaching in running a successful grant writing business. Whether you are new to the field or an experienced professional, today’s discussion promises actionable insights that can elevate your practice and help you achieve financial stability.

So, get ready to be inspired and informed as we uncover the strategies that transformed Nija Rivera’s business and how you can apply these lessons to your own grant writing journey. Tune in, and let’s get started!

About Nija Rivera

Born and bred in the vibrant city of Philadelphia, PA, Nija is a seasoned public health professional with over 10 years of expertise in nonprofit program management, grants management, and proposal development. She is the lead consultant at Gritty Grants. 

Nija earned her undergraduate degree in biobehavioral Health from Penn State University, laying the foundation for her multidisciplinary approach. She furthered her education by obtaining a master’s in public health from Temple University.

Nija’s passion lies in creating impactful grants proposals that address the well being of under resourced communities. Her wealth of experience encompasses the entire lifecycle of grant projects, from conception through successful implementation.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Nija is an avid traveler who delights in exploring different corners of the world. Her love for adventure extends to trying diverse cuisines from around the globe.

Connect with Nija:

OTHER RESOURCES:


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Everything You Need to Know about Grant Writing Certification 372 372 Everything You Need to Know about Grant Writing Certification full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1929788564 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/everything-you-need-to-know-about-grant-writing-certification If you are wondering if you need a grant writing certification to pursue grant writing and get clients, you don’t need one.

But some people are still interested in getting a grant writing certification due to external or internal reasons.

Let’s examine these:

External Considerations for a Grant Writing Certification

A nonprofit might ask you if you have a certification during a Discovery Call.

When a nonprofit prospect asks you this question, really they are asking how experienced you are.

So if you do have a grant writing certification or certification, then say, “YES!”

However, if you don’t have one, then instead let them know that there is not an industry requirement for grant writers to have a certification. 

Because, well, there’s not.

Instead let them know that you have written X # of grants, secured $X of funding, or any of your experience in grant writing. 

Let’s face it. 

Even if you did have the Grant Writing & Funding certification (yes, that’s a thing inside the Academy! wink-wink) or your Grant Professional Certification (the Academy also offers 31 education credits towards it) a nonprofit lead isn’t going to know how many hours of grant writing you have done, how long it took you to go through a course, etc.

They don’t know what the difference is between the Academy certification or the GPC. 

So even if you do not have a grant writing certification, then mention all the other cool things related to grants you have done.

If you are new to grant writing, this might be a reason you want some sort of certification, as you can eliminate a lot of OTHER questions that might come up if you say ‘no’ to this.

Externally, what having a grant writing certification will get you is 

  • a nod of approval,
  •  a signature of experience (literally, put the logo in your email signature), and 
  • credibility. 

You can put the name of your certification on your resume, website, LinkedIn profile, or / and business card!

This lends to the external affirmation of your skills.

But once again – this is NOT required.

Internal Considerations for a Grant Writing Certification

The process of getting a grant writing certification can help improve your skills, knowledge, and confidence in writing grants.

If you are looking to improve any of the above, then you may consider going through a course, workshop, or program (like the Freelance Grant Writer Academy) to get a grant writing certification. 

This is the heart of it.

Disclaimer.

Grant Certification or not, it doesn’t really showcase your grant writing abilities. To have long-standing credibility and a reputation and to implement your learned skills, you need to practice writing grants.

Even if you aren’t working inside a nonprofit or have a current nonprofit client.

We show you how to get a ‘fictional’ client and write up a mock grant template. 

This can even serve as a writing sample for future clients.

So, yes, a grant writing certification can increase your resume and improve your skills, but actually going through the process of writing an entire grant template and getting feedback will make this skill real.

We’ve even had students come into the Academy where their nonprofit that they work at pays for the Academy because we are training their employee to write a grant. Amazing!

So do you really need a grant writing certification?

No. 

However, a grant writing certification can be helpful in increasing credibility, knowledge, skills, and confidence. But you still will need to actually start writing grants.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> If you are wondering if you need a grant writing certification to pursue grant writing and get clients, you don’t need one.

But some people are still interested in getting a grant writing certification due to external or internal reasons.

Let’s examine these:

External Considerations for a Grant Writing Certification

A nonprofit might ask you if you have a certification during a Discovery Call.

When a nonprofit prospect asks you this question, really they are asking how experienced you are.

So if you do have a grant writing certification or certification, then say, “YES!”

However, if you don’t have one, then instead let them know that there is not an industry requirement for grant writers to have a certification. 

Because, well, there’s not.

Instead let them know that you have written X # of grants, secured $X of funding, or any of your experience in grant writing. 

Let’s face it. 

Even if you did have the Grant Writing & Funding certification (yes, that’s a thing inside the Academy! wink-wink) or your Grant Professional Certification (the Academy also offers 31 education credits towards it) a nonprofit lead isn’t going to know how many hours of grant writing you have done, how long it took you to go through a course, etc.

They don’t know what the difference is between the Academy certification or the GPC. 

So even if you do not have a grant writing certification, then mention all the other cool things related to grants you have done.

If you are new to grant writing, this might be a reason you want some sort of certification, as you can eliminate a lot of OTHER questions that might come up if you say ‘no’ to this.

Externally, what having a grant writing certification will get you is 

  • a nod of approval,
  •  a signature of experience (literally, put the logo in your email signature), and 
  • credibility. 

You can put the name of your certification on your resume, website, LinkedIn profile, or / and business card!

This lends to the external affirmation of your skills.

But once again – this is NOT required.

Internal Considerations for a Grant Writing Certification

The process of getting a grant writing certification can help improve your skills, knowledge, and confidence in writing grants.

If you are looking to improve any of the above, then you may consider going through a course, workshop, or program (like the Freelance Grant Writer Academy) to get a grant writing certification. 

This is the heart of it.

Disclaimer.

Grant Certification or not, it doesn’t really showcase your grant writing abilities. To have long-standing credibility and a reputation and to implement your learned skills, you need to practice writing grants.

Even if you aren’t working inside a nonprofit or have a current nonprofit client.

We show you how to get a ‘fictional’ client and write up a mock grant template. 

This can even serve as a writing sample for future clients.

So, yes, a grant writing certification can increase your resume and improve your skills, but actually going through the process of writing an entire grant template and getting feedback will make this skill real.

We’ve even had students come into the Academy where their nonprofit that they work at pays for the Academy because we are training their employee to write a grant. Amazing!

So do you really need a grant writing certification?

No. 

However, a grant writing certification can be helpful in increasing credibility, knowledge, skills, and confidence. But you still will need to actually start writing grants.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 08 Oct 2024 07:00:09 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1375 If you are wondering if you need a grant writing certification to pursue grant writing and get clients, you don’t need one.

But some people are still interested in getting a grant writing certification due to external or internal reasons.

Let’s examine these:

External Considerations for a Grant Writing Certification

A nonprofit might ask you if you have a certification during a Discovery Call.

When a nonprofit prospect asks you this question, really they are asking how experienced you are.

So if you do have a grant writing certification or certification, then say, “YES!”

However, if you don’t have one, then instead let them know that there is not an industry requirement for grant writers to have a certification. 

Because, well, there’s not.

Instead let them know that you have written X # of grants, secured $X of funding, or any of your experience in grant writing. 

Let’s face it. 

Even if you did have the Grant Writing & Funding certification (yes, that’s a thing inside the Academy! wink-wink) or your Grant Professional Certification (the Academy also offers 31 education credits towards it) a nonprofit lead isn’t going to know how many hours of grant writing you have done, how long it took you to go through a course, etc.

They don’t know what the difference is between the Academy certification or the GPC. 

So even if you do not have a grant writing certification, then mention all the other cool things related to grants you have done.

If you are new to grant writing, this might be a reason you want some sort of certification, as you can eliminate a lot of OTHER questions that might come up if you say ‘no’ to this.

Externally, what having a grant writing certification will get you is 

  • a nod of approval,
  •  a signature of experience (literally, put the logo in your email signature), and 
  • credibility. 

You can put the name of your certification on your resume, website, LinkedIn profile, or / and business card!

This lends to the external affirmation of your skills.

But once again – this is NOT required.

Internal Considerations for a Grant Writing Certification

The process of getting a grant writing certification can help improve your skills, knowledge, and confidence in writing grants.

If you are looking to improve any of the above, then you may consider going through a course, workshop, or program (like the Freelance Grant Writer Academy) to get a grant writing certification. 

This is the heart of it.

Disclaimer.

Grant Certification or not, it doesn’t really showcase your grant writing abilities. To have long-standing credibility and a reputation and to implement your learned skills, you need to practice writing grants.

Even if you aren’t working inside a nonprofit or have a current nonprofit client.

We show you how to get a ‘fictional’ client and write up a mock grant template. 

This can even serve as a writing sample for future clients.

So, yes, a grant writing certification can increase your resume and improve your skills, but actually going through the process of writing an entire grant template and getting feedback will make this skill real.

We’ve even had students come into the Academy where their nonprofit that they work at pays for the Academy because we are training their employee to write a grant. Amazing!

So do you really need a grant writing certification?

No. 

However, a grant writing certification can be helpful in increasing credibility, knowledge, skills, and confidence. But you still will need to actually start writing grants.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Sarah Replaced her FT Job within 4 Months as a Freelance Grant Writer 371 371 Sarah Replaced her FT Job within 4 Months as a Freelance Grant Writer full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1926909296 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/sarah-replaced-her-ft-job-within-4-months-as-a-freelance-grant-writer In this episode, our guest, Sarah Rowe, is not just a successful freelance grant writer but also a devoted mother. Within an astonishingly short period of four months, Sarah was able to replace her full-time job’s income, thanks to her newfound skills in grant writing. What makes her story even more compelling is how she achieved this remarkable success while being able to stay home with her 4-year-old daughter.

Sarah’s journey is a testament to the empowering possibilities that come with mastering grant writing. From securing over $40,500 in grants for her clients to earning $45,400 through her own business this year, she’s living proof that you can have both a fulfilling career and quality time with your loved ones.

So, sit back, relax, and prepare to be inspired by Sarah’s incredible journey. Whether you’re juggling a demanding job, parenting responsibilities, or both, this episode is for you. Stay tuned to learn how you, too, can turn your passion for helping others into a profitable and flexible career.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  1. Swift Transition to Freelancing: Within just four months, Sarah Rowe transitioned from a traditional full-time job to a freelance grant writer, effectively replacing her full-time income.
  2. Financial and Personal Fulfillment: Sarah has successfully earned $45,400 through her grant-writing business and was able to secure $40,500 in grants for her clients, providing both financial stability and personal fulfillment.
  3. Flexibility for Family: The Freelance Grant Writer Academy allowed Sarah to change her lifestyle, working around her daughter’s schedule—including tasks like dropping her off at preschool while still being productive.
  4. Enhanced Work-Life Balance: Sarah’s freelance work structure enabled her to reduce her work hours compared to her previous nonprofit job, leading to more family time and less burnout.
  5. Motivation Driven by Parenthood: Sarah’s desire to spend more time with her daughter, especially after fertility challenges, motivated her to take the risk of starting her own business, providing greater control over her work-life balance.

About Sarah Rowe

With over 14 years of comprehensive experience in the grant industry, Sarah Rowe is a distinguished grant strategist and consultant who has excelled on all sides of the funding process. From securing millions in grant funding to managing complex, multi-state projects, Sarah’s expertise is unparalleled.

Sarah’s journey in the grant world began with a strong educational foundation, holding a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Colorado Denver and a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Metropolitan State College of Denver. Her academic background is complemented by a Certified Associate of Project Management (CAPM) credential from the Project Management Institute.

Throughout her career, Sarah has demonstrated exceptional skill in grant writing, administration, and strategy. She has successfully overseen the distribution and request of funds, provided timely grant and impact reports, managed all aspects of post-award success, and grown grant portfolios across multiple continents. Her strategic oversight has expanded grant portfolios across Africa, Australia, Cambodia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. 

Sarah’s expertise extends to her role as a collegiate professor, where she teaches “Intro to Grant Writing.” Her ability to convey complex grant writing concepts in an engaging and accessible manner has made her a sought-after educator, inspiring the next generation of grant professionals.

Recently, Sarah has transitioned from working as a full-time internal grant expert to serving a variety of missions through contract, project-based, or retainer opportunities. This shift allows her the variety and flexibility to hyper-focus on her expertise in the grant industry and build meaningful relationships with nonprofits and small businesses. By working with diverse organizations, Sarah can tailor her strategies to meet specific needs, ensuring optimal outcomes for each project.

Her volunteer work as a Federal Grant Reviewer is extensive, having served on numerous grant review panels for various federal agencies. Sarah has reviewed grants for initiatives such as the Healthy Families Community Based Perinatal Health Initiative, Teen Pregnancy Prevention programs, Youth Engagement in Sports, and many others. This experience has given her a deep understanding of the criteria and standards required for successful grant applications.

Sarah Rowe is not just a grant expert; she is a visionary leader who brings a wealth of knowledge, strategic insight, and a proven track record of success. Whether you are looking to secure funding, manage grant projects, or develop a robust grant strategy, Sarah is the expert you need to achieve your goals.

Connect with Sarah:

Quotables:

  •  “A lot of the questions I have or the pain points I run into, someone else is already talking about it or I’ve heard someone talking about it before it becomes an issue for me.” – Sarah Rowe
  • “I think with not being an internal employee, it kind of empowers you to say things you might not have felt comfortable saying as an internal employee because your livelihood does not depend on your opinion about how they should move things forward.” – Sarah Rowe
  • “So it’s just having all those resources in your back pocket. And then when things come up that you don’t expect or, you know, that you start to question yourself, like, there’s this whole community behind you to jump in Slack at any time of day.” – Sarah Rowe 
  • “I want as much time with this little girl as I possibly can because there was a while I didn’t know if I would have her. So it’s like, this is what works for us because I now have the ability to, you know, show up for her as a mom first and still use all the skills and things that I have built. And I don’t have to pick being a mom or a grant writer.” – Sarah Rowe
  • “To have, you know, a little girl watch you do all this from scratch is really powerful and shows her that same mindset of you can do anything if you put your mind to it and if you surround yourself with the right people.” – Sarah Rowe

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, w...

]]> In this episode, our guest, Sarah Rowe, is not just a successful freelance grant writer but also a devoted mother. Within an astonishingly short period of four months, Sarah was able to replace her full-time job’s income, thanks to her newfound skills in grant writing. What makes her story even more compelling is how she achieved this remarkable success while being able to stay home with her 4-year-old daughter.

Sarah’s journey is a testament to the empowering possibilities that come with mastering grant writing. From securing over $40,500 in grants for her clients to earning $45,400 through her own business this year, she’s living proof that you can have both a fulfilling career and quality time with your loved ones.

So, sit back, relax, and prepare to be inspired by Sarah’s incredible journey. Whether you’re juggling a demanding job, parenting responsibilities, or both, this episode is for you. Stay tuned to learn how you, too, can turn your passion for helping others into a profitable and flexible career.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  1. Swift Transition to Freelancing: Within just four months, Sarah Rowe transitioned from a traditional full-time job to a freelance grant writer, effectively replacing her full-time income.
  2. Financial and Personal Fulfillment: Sarah has successfully earned $45,400 through her grant-writing business and was able to secure $40,500 in grants for her clients, providing both financial stability and personal fulfillment.
  3. Flexibility for Family: The Freelance Grant Writer Academy allowed Sarah to change her lifestyle, working around her daughter’s schedule—including tasks like dropping her off at preschool while still being productive.
  4. Enhanced Work-Life Balance: Sarah’s freelance work structure enabled her to reduce her work hours compared to her previous nonprofit job, leading to more family time and less burnout.
  5. Motivation Driven by Parenthood: Sarah’s desire to spend more time with her daughter, especially after fertility challenges, motivated her to take the risk of starting her own business, providing greater control over her work-life balance.

About Sarah Rowe

With over 14 years of comprehensive experience in the grant industry, Sarah Rowe is a distinguished grant strategist and consultant who has excelled on all sides of the funding process. From securing millions in grant funding to managing complex, multi-state projects, Sarah’s expertise is unparalleled.

Sarah’s journey in the grant world began with a strong educational foundation, holding a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Colorado Denver and a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Metropolitan State College of Denver. Her academic background is complemented by a Certified Associate of Project Management (CAPM) credential from the Project Management Institute.

Throughout her career, Sarah has demonstrated exceptional skill in grant writing, administration, and strategy. She has successfully overseen the distribution and request of funds, provided timely grant and impact reports, managed all aspects of post-award success, and grown grant portfolios across multiple continents. Her strategic oversight has expanded grant portfolios across Africa, Australia, Cambodia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. 

Sarah’s expertise extends to her role as a collegiate professor, where she teaches “Intro to Grant Writing.” Her ability to convey complex grant writing concepts in an engaging and accessible manner has made her a sought-after educator, inspiring the next generation of grant professionals.

Recently, Sarah has transitioned from working as a full-time internal grant expert to serving a variety of missions through contract, project-based, or retainer opportunities. This shift allows her the variety and flexibility to hyper-focus on her expertise in the grant industry and build meaningful relationships with nonprofits and small businesses. By working with diverse organizations, Sarah can tailor her strategies to meet specific needs, ensuring optimal outcomes for each project.

Her volunteer work as a Federal Grant Reviewer is extensive, having served on numerous grant review panels for various federal agencies. Sarah has reviewed grants for initiatives such as the Healthy Families Community Based Perinatal Health Initiative, Teen Pregnancy Prevention programs, Youth Engagement in Sports, and many others. This experience has given her a deep understanding of the criteria and standards required for successful grant applications.

Sarah Rowe is not just a grant expert; she is a visionary leader who brings a wealth of knowledge, strategic insight, and a proven track record of success. Whether you are looking to secure funding, manage grant projects, or develop a robust grant strategy, Sarah is the expert you need to achieve your goals.

Connect with Sarah:

Quotables:

  •  “A lot of the questions I have or the pain points I run into, someone else is already talking about it or I’ve heard someone talking about it before it becomes an issue for me.” – Sarah Rowe
  • “I think with not being an internal employee, it kind of empowers you to say things you might not have felt comfortable saying as an internal employee because your livelihood does not depend on your opinion about how they should move things forward.” – Sarah Rowe
  • “So it’s just having all those resources in your back pocket. And then when things come up that you don’t expect or, you know, that you start to question yourself, like, there’s this whole community behind you to jump in Slack at any time of day.” – Sarah Rowe 
  • “I want as much time with this little girl as I possibly can because there was a while I didn’t know if I would have her. So it’s like, this is what works for us because I now have the ability to, you know, show up for her as a mom first and still use all the skills and things that I have built. And I don’t have to pick being a mom or a grant writer.” – Sarah Rowe
  • “To have, you know, a little girl watch you do all this from scratch is really powerful and shows her that same mindset of you can do anything if you put your mind to it and if you surround yourself with the right people.” – Sarah Rowe

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, w...

]]> Thu, 03 Oct 2024 07:00:07 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 3455 In this episode, our guest, Sarah Rowe, is not just a successful freelance grant writer but also a devoted mother. Within an astonishingly short period of four months, Sarah was able to replace her full-time job’s income, thanks to her newfound skills in grant writing. What makes her story even more compelling is how she achieved this remarkable success while being able to stay home with her 4-year-old daughter.

Sarah’s journey is a testament to the empowering possibilities that come with mastering grant writing. From securing over $40,500 in grants for her clients to earning $45,400 through her own business this year, she’s living proof that you can have both a fulfilling career and quality time with your loved ones.

So, sit back, relax, and prepare to be inspired by Sarah’s incredible journey. Whether you’re juggling a demanding job, parenting responsibilities, or both, this episode is for you. Stay tuned to learn how you, too, can turn your passion for helping others into a profitable and flexible career.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  1. Swift Transition to Freelancing: Within just four months, Sarah Rowe transitioned from a traditional full-time job to a freelance grant writer, effectively replacing her full-time income.
  2. Financial and Personal Fulfillment: Sarah has successfully earned $45,400 through her grant-writing business and was able to secure $40,500 in grants for her clients, providing both financial stability and personal fulfillment.
  3. Flexibility for Family: The Freelance Grant Writer Academy allowed Sarah to change her lifestyle, working around her daughter’s schedule—including tasks like dropping her off at preschool while still being productive.
  4. Enhanced Work-Life Balance: Sarah’s freelance work structure enabled her to reduce her work hours compared to her previous nonprofit job, leading to more family time and less burnout.
  5. Motivation Driven by Parenthood: Sarah’s desire to spend more time with her daughter, especially after fertility challenges, motivated her to take the risk of starting her own business, providing greater control over her work-life balance.

About Sarah Rowe

With over 14 years of comprehensive experience in the grant industry, Sarah Rowe is a distinguished grant strategist and consultant who has excelled on all sides of the funding process. From securing millions in grant funding to managing complex, multi-state projects, Sarah’s expertise is unparalleled.

Sarah’s journey in the grant world began with a strong educational foundation, holding a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Colorado Denver and a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Metropolitan State College of Denver. Her academic background is complemented by a Certified Associate of Project Management (CAPM) credential from the Project Management Institute.

Throughout her career, Sarah has demonstrated exceptional skill in grant writing, administration, and strategy. She has successfully overseen the distribution and request of funds, provided timely grant and impact reports, managed all aspects of post-award success, and grown grant portfolios across multiple continents. Her strategic oversight has expanded grant portfolios across Africa, Australia, Cambodia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. 

Sarah’s expertise extends to her role as a collegiate professor, where she teaches “Intro to Grant Writing.” Her ability to convey complex grant writing concepts in an engaging and accessible manner has made her a sought-after educator, inspiring the next generation of grant professionals.

Recently, Sarah has transitioned from working as a full-time internal grant expert to serving a variety of missions through contract, project-based, or retainer opportunities. This shift allows her the variety and flexibility to hyper-focus on her expertise in the grant industry and build meaningful relationships with nonprofits and small businesses. By working with diverse organizations, Sarah can tailor her strategies to meet specific needs, ensuring optimal outcomes for each project.

Her volunteer work as a Federal Grant Reviewer is extensive, having served on numerous grant review panels for various federal agencies. Sarah has reviewed grants for initiatives such as the Healthy Families Community Based Perinatal Health Initiative, Teen Pregnancy Prevention programs, Youth Engagement in Sports, and many others. This experience has given her a deep understanding of the criteria and standards required for successful grant applications.

Sarah Rowe is not just a grant expert; she is a visionary leader who brings a wealth of knowledge, strategic insight, and a proven track record of success. Whether you are looking to secure funding, manage grant projects, or develop a robust grant strategy, Sarah is the expert you need to achieve your goals.

Connect with Sarah:

Quotables:

  •  “A lot of the questions I have or the pain points I run into, someone else is already talking about it or I’ve heard someone talking about it before it becomes an issue for me.” – Sarah Rowe
  • “I think with not being an internal employee, it kind of empowers you to say things you might not have felt comfortable saying as an internal employee because your livelihood does not depend on your opinion about how they should move things forward.” – Sarah Rowe
  • “So it’s just having all those resources in your back pocket. And then when things come up that you don’t expect or, you know, that you start to question yourself, like, there’s this whole community behind you to jump in Slack at any time of day.” – Sarah Rowe 
  • “I want as much time with this little girl as I possibly can because there was a while I didn’t know if I would have her. So it’s like, this is what works for us because I now have the ability to, you know, show up for her as a mom first and still use all the skills and things that I have built. And I don’t have to pick being a mom or a grant writer.” – Sarah Rowe
  • “To have, you know, a little girl watch you do all this from scratch is really powerful and shows her that same mindset of you can do anything if you put your mind to it and if you surround yourself with the right people.” – Sarah Rowe

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, w...

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No What Aspiring and Seasoned Grant Writers Need to Be Doing in Quarter 4 363 363 What Aspiring and Seasoned Grant Writers Need to Be Doing in Quarter 4 full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1925748500 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-363-what-aspiring-and-seasoned-grant-writers-need-to-be-doing-in-quarter-4 In this solo episode, Holly Rustick dives into what both aspiring and seasoned grant writers should be doing in Quarter 4 to increase confidence, attract clients, and boost revenue. She shares how to strategically plan for the final stretch of the year, engage clients effectively, and implement revenue-generating tactics that set you up for success now and into 2025. 

Holly also debunks common myths—like nonprofits not hiring at the end of the year—and offers practical strategies for time management, building high-value services, and consistently attracting and retaining clients for long-term business growth.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, and serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> In this solo episode, Holly Rustick dives into what both aspiring and seasoned grant writers should be doing in Quarter 4 to increase confidence, attract clients, and boost revenue. She shares how to strategically plan for the final stretch of the year, engage clients effectively, and implement revenue-generating tactics that set you up for success now and into 2025. 

Holly also debunks common myths—like nonprofits not hiring at the end of the year—and offers practical strategies for time management, building high-value services, and consistently attracting and retaining clients for long-term business growth.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, and serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 01 Oct 2024 07:00:17 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2425 In this solo episode, Holly Rustick dives into what both aspiring and seasoned grant writers should be doing in Quarter 4 to increase confidence, attract clients, and boost revenue. She shares how to strategically plan for the final stretch of the year, engage clients effectively, and implement revenue-generating tactics that set you up for success now and into 2025. 

Holly also debunks common myths—like nonprofits not hiring at the end of the year—and offers practical strategies for time management, building high-value services, and consistently attracting and retaining clients for long-term business growth.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, and serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ethical Grant Writing Sales Series #5: Ask Questions Before Booking Sales Calls 362 362 Ethical Grant Writing Sales Series #5: Ask Questions Before Booking Sales Calls full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1921818167 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-362-ethical-grant-writing-sales-series-5-ask-questions-before-booking-sales-calls In this episode, Holly Rustick dives into a critical but often overlooked part of running a successful grant writing business—qualifying your leads before ever getting on a discovery call. Inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, Holly shares how having a structured vetting process, including key pre-call questions, helps ensure that potential clients are serious and aligned with your services. She explains why saying yes to every inquiry can quickly lead to burnout, especially as more people begin reaching out to “pick your brain” for free advice. 

Holly emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries, valuing your expertise, and creating systems that filter out unqualified leads so you can focus your time on high-quality, paying clients. If you’re ready to stop giving away free consulting and start running a more strategic, sustainable grant writing business, this episode will show you how.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> In this episode, Holly Rustick dives into a critical but often overlooked part of running a successful grant writing business—qualifying your leads before ever getting on a discovery call. Inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, Holly shares how having a structured vetting process, including key pre-call questions, helps ensure that potential clients are serious and aligned with your services. She explains why saying yes to every inquiry can quickly lead to burnout, especially as more people begin reaching out to “pick your brain” for free advice. 

Holly emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries, valuing your expertise, and creating systems that filter out unqualified leads so you can focus your time on high-quality, paying clients. If you’re ready to stop giving away free consulting and start running a more strategic, sustainable grant writing business, this episode will show you how.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Fri, 27 Sep 2024 05:04:07 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1058 In this episode, Holly Rustick dives into a critical but often overlooked part of running a successful grant writing business—qualifying your leads before ever getting on a discovery call. Inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, Holly shares how having a structured vetting process, including key pre-call questions, helps ensure that potential clients are serious and aligned with your services. She explains why saying yes to every inquiry can quickly lead to burnout, especially as more people begin reaching out to “pick your brain” for free advice. 

Holly emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries, valuing your expertise, and creating systems that filter out unqualified leads so you can focus your time on high-quality, paying clients. If you’re ready to stop giving away free consulting and start running a more strategic, sustainable grant writing business, this episode will show you how.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ethical Grant Writing Sales Series #4: It's Ethical to Not Give Discounts 368 368 Ethical Grant Writing Sales Series #4: It's Ethical to Not Give Discounts full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1921812812 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ethical-grant-writing-sales-series-4-its-ethical-to-not-give-discounts We discussed how to price your grant writing services in the last episode, but now we are going to something more nuanced in ethical sales.

It’s ethical to NOT give discounts on your grant writing services.

Here’s the thing. Because you are choosing to do Value-Based Pricing,  you are confident in your pricing.

So why would you give a discount if you already figured out your fair price?

Here are some reasons you give a discount when a nonprofit asks you for one in a discovery sales call (let me know what sounds familiar):

  • You think the nonprofit can’t afford your services unless you give them a discount.
  • You want to make them ‘happy’.
  • You think it’ll make you look nice.
  • You are too scared to lose out on the lead.
  • The first word that blurts out of your mouth is, “Sure!” before you even process what they asked,

The thing is, just because a nonprofit asks for a discount during a Discovery Sales Call (or in an email) doesn’t necessarily mean they don’t have money to hire you. 

Sometimes it is literally a part of their culture to ask every vendor for a discount.

If you do give a nonprofit a discount what will inevitably happen are the following:

  • You don’t show up 100% because they aren’t paying your full rate
  • They become an ‘annoying’ client in your mind because you aren’t being fully valued.
  • You kick yourself because you are losing out on other clients who will pay your full rate.
  • They start trying to push boundaries in other places – like paying later than usual, throwing you last minute grants, etc.
  • Things just get weird.

Inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, we have an entire module and scripts on how to reply to Pesky questions like, “Can you give us a discount”. 

This helps you to start pausing and adapting language that feels neutral and has boundaries. 

Check out the bonus episode “It’s Ethical to Not Give Discounts” Listen to Series #4.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> We discussed how to price your grant writing services in the last episode, but now we are going to something more nuanced in ethical sales.

It’s ethical to NOT give discounts on your grant writing services.

Here’s the thing. Because you are choosing to do Value-Based Pricing,  you are confident in your pricing.

So why would you give a discount if you already figured out your fair price?

Here are some reasons you give a discount when a nonprofit asks you for one in a discovery sales call (let me know what sounds familiar):

  • You think the nonprofit can’t afford your services unless you give them a discount.
  • You want to make them ‘happy’.
  • You think it’ll make you look nice.
  • You are too scared to lose out on the lead.
  • The first word that blurts out of your mouth is, “Sure!” before you even process what they asked,

The thing is, just because a nonprofit asks for a discount during a Discovery Sales Call (or in an email) doesn’t necessarily mean they don’t have money to hire you. 

Sometimes it is literally a part of their culture to ask every vendor for a discount.

If you do give a nonprofit a discount what will inevitably happen are the following:

  • You don’t show up 100% because they aren’t paying your full rate
  • They become an ‘annoying’ client in your mind because you aren’t being fully valued.
  • You kick yourself because you are losing out on other clients who will pay your full rate.
  • They start trying to push boundaries in other places – like paying later than usual, throwing you last minute grants, etc.
  • Things just get weird.

Inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, we have an entire module and scripts on how to reply to Pesky questions like, “Can you give us a discount”. 

This helps you to start pausing and adapting language that feels neutral and has boundaries. 

Check out the bonus episode “It’s Ethical to Not Give Discounts” Listen to Series #4.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Fri, 27 Sep 2024 05:03:07 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 984 We discussed how to price your grant writing services in the last episode, but now we are going to something more nuanced in ethical sales.

It’s ethical to NOT give discounts on your grant writing services.

Here’s the thing. Because you are choosing to do Value-Based Pricing,  you are confident in your pricing.

So why would you give a discount if you already figured out your fair price?

Here are some reasons you give a discount when a nonprofit asks you for one in a discovery sales call (let me know what sounds familiar):

  • You think the nonprofit can’t afford your services unless you give them a discount.
  • You want to make them ‘happy’.
  • You think it’ll make you look nice.
  • You are too scared to lose out on the lead.
  • The first word that blurts out of your mouth is, “Sure!” before you even process what they asked,

The thing is, just because a nonprofit asks for a discount during a Discovery Sales Call (or in an email) doesn’t necessarily mean they don’t have money to hire you. 

Sometimes it is literally a part of their culture to ask every vendor for a discount.

If you do give a nonprofit a discount what will inevitably happen are the following:

  • You don’t show up 100% because they aren’t paying your full rate
  • They become an ‘annoying’ client in your mind because you aren’t being fully valued.
  • You kick yourself because you are losing out on other clients who will pay your full rate.
  • They start trying to push boundaries in other places – like paying later than usual, throwing you last minute grants, etc.
  • Things just get weird.

Inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, we have an entire module and scripts on how to reply to Pesky questions like, “Can you give us a discount”. 

This helps you to start pausing and adapting language that feels neutral and has boundaries. 

Check out the bonus episode “It’s Ethical to Not Give Discounts” Listen to Series #4.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ethical Grant Writing Sales Series #3: Price Your Services with Value-Based Pricing 367 367 Ethical Grant Writing Sales Series #3: Price Your Services with Value-Based Pricing full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1921806731 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ethical-grant-writing-sales-series-3-price-your-services-with-value-based-pricing Pricing.

I get the most questions about this when it comes to folks selling their grant writing services.

“What should I price my grant writing services for?”

The word that needs to change to ease the nervous system is to change ‘what’ to ‘how’.

I can’t tell you, “Oh yeah, charge $150 per hour” because we don’t promote hourly for one thing, but there are a variety of other factors that come into play.

To figure out how to price your grant writing services, we do recommend Value-Based Pricing.

This type of pricing utilizes the following elements:

  • Time
  • Expenses
  • Similar professional costs
  • Features/Benefits of Services
  • Experience/Education
  • Types of Grants
  • Your Confidence

Inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, we have an entire Framework on Value-Based Pricing because we understand the importance behind learning how to price services.

Let’s face it. Product-based pricing is SO much easier. 

Service-based industries are more ambiguous.

But when you have a formula for figuring out your pricing, guess what happens? You get confident in your prices!

Check out the bonus episode “It’s Ethical to Price Your Services with Value-Based Pricing”  to figure out how to price your grant writing services. Listen to Series #3

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Pricing.

I get the most questions about this when it comes to folks selling their grant writing services.

“What should I price my grant writing services for?”

The word that needs to change to ease the nervous system is to change ‘what’ to ‘how’.

I can’t tell you, “Oh yeah, charge $150 per hour” because we don’t promote hourly for one thing, but there are a variety of other factors that come into play.

To figure out how to price your grant writing services, we do recommend Value-Based Pricing.

This type of pricing utilizes the following elements:

  • Time
  • Expenses
  • Similar professional costs
  • Features/Benefits of Services
  • Experience/Education
  • Types of Grants
  • Your Confidence

Inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, we have an entire Framework on Value-Based Pricing because we understand the importance behind learning how to price services.

Let’s face it. Product-based pricing is SO much easier. 

Service-based industries are more ambiguous.

But when you have a formula for figuring out your pricing, guess what happens? You get confident in your prices!

Check out the bonus episode “It’s Ethical to Price Your Services with Value-Based Pricing”  to figure out how to price your grant writing services. Listen to Series #3

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Fri, 27 Sep 2024 05:02:07 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1154 Pricing.

I get the most questions about this when it comes to folks selling their grant writing services.

“What should I price my grant writing services for?”

The word that needs to change to ease the nervous system is to change ‘what’ to ‘how’.

I can’t tell you, “Oh yeah, charge $150 per hour” because we don’t promote hourly for one thing, but there are a variety of other factors that come into play.

To figure out how to price your grant writing services, we do recommend Value-Based Pricing.

This type of pricing utilizes the following elements:

  • Time
  • Expenses
  • Similar professional costs
  • Features/Benefits of Services
  • Experience/Education
  • Types of Grants
  • Your Confidence

Inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, we have an entire Framework on Value-Based Pricing because we understand the importance behind learning how to price services.

Let’s face it. Product-based pricing is SO much easier. 

Service-based industries are more ambiguous.

But when you have a formula for figuring out your pricing, guess what happens? You get confident in your prices!

Check out the bonus episode “It’s Ethical to Price Your Services with Value-Based Pricing”  to figure out how to price your grant writing services. Listen to Series #3

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ethical Grant Writing Sales Series #2: Create Services that Make Sense for Nonprofits 359 359 Ethical Grant Writing Sales Series #2: Create Services that Make Sense for Nonprofits full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1921799264 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-359-ethical-grant-writing-sales-series-2-create-services-that-make-sense-for-nonprofits When it comes to selling your grant writing services, there are a few critical things you need to understand first.

You need clarity on:

  •  Who you are working with 
  •  What their expectations are 
  •  What the reality of grant funding looks like 
  •  And how long it actually takes to get results 

Without this foundation, it’s easy to overpromise, undercharge, or misalign with your clients. 
The good news?

Even if you’re brand new to grant writing, this is something you can absolutely figure out.

Whether your experience comes from volunteering, education, or previous work, you can begin defining the types of nonprofits you want to serve and the types of grants you want to focus on.

In this episode, we break down how to do exactly that using the Change Statement Framework—a tool we teach inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy.

You’ll learn how to clearly position your services, set realistic expectations with clients, and build your business in a way that is both strategic and ethical.

If you’ve ever felt unsure about how to communicate your value or structure your services, this episode will give you the clarity you need.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> When it comes to selling your grant writing services, there are a few critical things you need to understand first.

You need clarity on:

  •  Who you are working with 
  •  What their expectations are 
  •  What the reality of grant funding looks like 
  •  And how long it actually takes to get results 

Without this foundation, it’s easy to overpromise, undercharge, or misalign with your clients. 
The good news?

Even if you’re brand new to grant writing, this is something you can absolutely figure out.

Whether your experience comes from volunteering, education, or previous work, you can begin defining the types of nonprofits you want to serve and the types of grants you want to focus on.

In this episode, we break down how to do exactly that using the Change Statement Framework—a tool we teach inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy.

You’ll learn how to clearly position your services, set realistic expectations with clients, and build your business in a way that is both strategic and ethical.

If you’ve ever felt unsure about how to communicate your value or structure your services, this episode will give you the clarity you need.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Fri, 27 Sep 2024 05:01:07 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 950 When it comes to selling your grant writing services, there are a few critical things you need to understand first.

You need clarity on:

  •  Who you are working with 
  •  What their expectations are 
  •  What the reality of grant funding looks like 
  •  And how long it actually takes to get results 

Without this foundation, it’s easy to overpromise, undercharge, or misalign with your clients. 
The good news?

Even if you’re brand new to grant writing, this is something you can absolutely figure out.

Whether your experience comes from volunteering, education, or previous work, you can begin defining the types of nonprofits you want to serve and the types of grants you want to focus on.

In this episode, we break down how to do exactly that using the Change Statement Framework—a tool we teach inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy.

You’ll learn how to clearly position your services, set realistic expectations with clients, and build your business in a way that is both strategic and ethical.

If you’ve ever felt unsure about how to communicate your value or structure your services, this episode will give you the clarity you need.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ethical Grant Writing Sales Series #1: Learn how to Write High-Quality Grants 358 358 Ethical Grant Writing Sales Series #1: Learn how to Write High-Quality Grants full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1921791347 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-358-ethical-grant-writing-sales-series-1-learn-how-to-write-high-quality-grants Imposter syndrome is something so many grant writers face—especially when you’re building or growing your business. But here’s the truth: one of the most effective ways to overcome imposter syndrome is to build confidence in your grant writing skills.

When you intentionally invest in improving your skills, you naturally begin to trust your abilities more. You start to see what you’re capable of—and that confidence carries over into how you show up, communicate, and sell your services. However, there’s an important balance. 
While learning and upskilling are essential, they can also become a form of procrastination if you’re not careful. There’s always more to learn—but that shouldn’t stop you from putting yourself out there.

In this episode, we talk about how to navigate that balance—how to continue growing your skills while also taking action to market your grant writing services with confidence.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re “not ready yet,” this episode will help you move forward anyway.


ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Imposter syndrome is something so many grant writers face—especially when you’re building or growing your business. But here’s the truth: one of the most effective ways to overcome imposter syndrome is to build confidence in your grant writing skills.

When you intentionally invest in improving your skills, you naturally begin to trust your abilities more. You start to see what you’re capable of—and that confidence carries over into how you show up, communicate, and sell your services. However, there’s an important balance. 
While learning and upskilling are essential, they can also become a form of procrastination if you’re not careful. There’s always more to learn—but that shouldn’t stop you from putting yourself out there.

In this episode, we talk about how to navigate that balance—how to continue growing your skills while also taking action to market your grant writing services with confidence.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re “not ready yet,” this episode will help you move forward anyway.


ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Fri, 27 Sep 2024 05:00:17 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 969 Imposter syndrome is something so many grant writers face—especially when you’re building or growing your business. But here’s the truth: one of the most effective ways to overcome imposter syndrome is to build confidence in your grant writing skills.

When you intentionally invest in improving your skills, you naturally begin to trust your abilities more. You start to see what you’re capable of—and that confidence carries over into how you show up, communicate, and sell your services. However, there’s an important balance. 
While learning and upskilling are essential, they can also become a form of procrastination if you’re not careful. There’s always more to learn—but that shouldn’t stop you from putting yourself out there.

In this episode, we talk about how to navigate that balance—how to continue growing your skills while also taking action to market your grant writing services with confidence.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re “not ready yet,” this episode will help you move forward anyway.


ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No How Bridget Secured $89K in Her Grant Writing Business with Retainers in 8 Months 364 364 How Bridget Secured $89K in Her Grant Writing Business with Retainers in 8 Months full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1921779002 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/how-bridget-secured-89k-in-her-grant-writing-business-with-retainers-in-8-months In this episode, we delve into the impressive success story of Bridget Lomax, founder and principal of WordSource. Bridget joins us to discuss how she secured an astounding $89,000 in her grant writing business within just eight months, using a strategic approach focused on retainer-based pricing.

Bridget will share her journey from feeling uncertain about raising her rates to confidently pricing her services, all with the support of our specialized academy. She'll also reveal how the consistency and financial stability of retainers have transformed her business, allowing her to meet her financial goals, sustain her household, and even take well-deserved vacations.

Stay tuned as we dive into how Bridget leveraged her extensive experience in creating grant proposals and utilizing AI, overcame the challenges of shifting priorities in grant funding, and empowered herself to operate not just as a freelancer, but as a thriving business owner. Plus, we'll touch on how outsourcing can save valuable time and discuss strategies for growing your client base and scaling your business.

Whether you're a seasoned grant writer or just starting your journey, this episode offers invaluable insights into structuring your business for success, building financial resilience, and positioning your services to appeal to a diverse array of funders. Let's get started!

About Bridgett Lomax

Bridgett Lomax is a seasoned philanthropy professional with 20 years of experience in corporate and foundation fundraising, proposal writing, grants management, and program development. She has worked with nonprofits across various sectors, including arts and culture, immigration, entrepreneurship, workforce development, violence intervention, economic justice, and education. Bridgett’s expertise has helped organizations secure over $10 million in funding to support their missions.

In her roles as both a consultant and director, Bridgett has led and managed teams of fundraising professionals, guiding them in developing and executing successful corporate and foundation funding strategies. She has also overseen capital campaigns and programmatic funding efforts, ensuring organizations achieve their goals.

Connect with Bridgette:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> In this episode, we delve into the impressive success story of Bridget Lomax, founder and principal of WordSource. Bridget joins us to discuss how she secured an astounding $89,000 in her grant writing business within just eight months, using a strategic approach focused on retainer-based pricing.

Bridget will share her journey from feeling uncertain about raising her rates to confidently pricing her services, all with the support of our specialized academy. She'll also reveal how the consistency and financial stability of retainers have transformed her business, allowing her to meet her financial goals, sustain her household, and even take well-deserved vacations.

Stay tuned as we dive into how Bridget leveraged her extensive experience in creating grant proposals and utilizing AI, overcame the challenges of shifting priorities in grant funding, and empowered herself to operate not just as a freelancer, but as a thriving business owner. Plus, we'll touch on how outsourcing can save valuable time and discuss strategies for growing your client base and scaling your business.

Whether you're a seasoned grant writer or just starting your journey, this episode offers invaluable insights into structuring your business for success, building financial resilience, and positioning your services to appeal to a diverse array of funders. Let's get started!

About Bridgett Lomax

Bridgett Lomax is a seasoned philanthropy professional with 20 years of experience in corporate and foundation fundraising, proposal writing, grants management, and program development. She has worked with nonprofits across various sectors, including arts and culture, immigration, entrepreneurship, workforce development, violence intervention, economic justice, and education. Bridgett’s expertise has helped organizations secure over $10 million in funding to support their missions.

In her roles as both a consultant and director, Bridgett has led and managed teams of fundraising professionals, guiding them in developing and executing successful corporate and foundation funding strategies. She has also overseen capital campaigns and programmatic funding efforts, ensuring organizations achieve their goals.

Connect with Bridgette:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> Tue, 24 Sep 2024 07:00:15 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 3087 In this episode, we delve into the impressive success story of Bridget Lomax, founder and principal of WordSource. Bridget joins us to discuss how she secured an astounding $89,000 in her grant writing business within just eight months, using a strategic approach focused on retainer-based pricing.

Bridget will share her journey from feeling uncertain about raising her rates to confidently pricing her services, all with the support of our specialized academy. She'll also reveal how the consistency and financial stability of retainers have transformed her business, allowing her to meet her financial goals, sustain her household, and even take well-deserved vacations.

Stay tuned as we dive into how Bridget leveraged her extensive experience in creating grant proposals and utilizing AI, overcame the challenges of shifting priorities in grant funding, and empowered herself to operate not just as a freelancer, but as a thriving business owner. Plus, we'll touch on how outsourcing can save valuable time and discuss strategies for growing your client base and scaling your business.

Whether you're a seasoned grant writer or just starting your journey, this episode offers invaluable insights into structuring your business for success, building financial resilience, and positioning your services to appeal to a diverse array of funders. Let's get started!

About Bridgett Lomax

Bridgett Lomax is a seasoned philanthropy professional with 20 years of experience in corporate and foundation fundraising, proposal writing, grants management, and program development. She has worked with nonprofits across various sectors, including arts and culture, immigration, entrepreneurship, workforce development, violence intervention, economic justice, and education. Bridgett’s expertise has helped organizations secure over $10 million in funding to support their missions.

In her roles as both a consultant and director, Bridgett has led and managed teams of fundraising professionals, guiding them in developing and executing successful corporate and foundation funding strategies. She has also overseen capital campaigns and programmatic funding efforts, ensuring organizations achieve their goals.

Connect with Bridgette:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Behind-the-Scenes of GEMS 3.0: How to use Grant Management Software Everyday 363 363 Behind-the-Scenes of GEMS 3.0: How to use Grant Management Software Everyday full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1915094171 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/behind-the-scenes-of-gems-3-0-how-to-use-grant-management-software-everyday Rachel Waterman is the CEO and Founder of GDS Grants and has over 25 years of experience in community development and grant writing.

In this episode, Rachel Waterman discusses the different grant management services available in GEMS, how to use GEMS as an onboarding tool, and the AI technology that’s available for grant writing processes.

She also explains how to streamline your grant writing process, track multiple grant applications, and find potential funders.

About Rachel Waterman

Rachel Waterman has over 25 years of community development and grant writing experience, is Grant Professional Certified (GPC), a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), a Grant Professionals Association (GPA) Approved Trainer, and an expert in grant management.


She holds a Master’s degree in community and economic development with a concentration in applied social research from Illinois State University and a Bachelor’s degree in international studies from Barry University.


Her career has encompassed a broad spectrum of professional experiences, including serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer, nonprofit executive director, community organizer, city master planner, researcher, and Mayor of the city of Lake Worth Beach, Florida.


Rachel is the CEO and Founder of GDS Grants. She is responsible for client strategy, new program & budget development, data tracking systems, outcome measures, and data analysis. Rachel also oversees the GDS Professional Development Program and personally coaches GDS interns, fellows, and mentees.


Connect with Rachel:

OTHER RESOURCES:


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> Rachel Waterman is the CEO and Founder of GDS Grants and has over 25 years of experience in community development and grant writing.

In this episode, Rachel Waterman discusses the different grant management services available in GEMS, how to use GEMS as an onboarding tool, and the AI technology that’s available for grant writing processes.

She also explains how to streamline your grant writing process, track multiple grant applications, and find potential funders.

About Rachel Waterman

Rachel Waterman has over 25 years of community development and grant writing experience, is Grant Professional Certified (GPC), a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), a Grant Professionals Association (GPA) Approved Trainer, and an expert in grant management.


She holds a Master’s degree in community and economic development with a concentration in applied social research from Illinois State University and a Bachelor’s degree in international studies from Barry University.


Her career has encompassed a broad spectrum of professional experiences, including serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer, nonprofit executive director, community organizer, city master planner, researcher, and Mayor of the city of Lake Worth Beach, Florida.


Rachel is the CEO and Founder of GDS Grants. She is responsible for client strategy, new program & budget development, data tracking systems, outcome measures, and data analysis. Rachel also oversees the GDS Professional Development Program and personally coaches GDS interns, fellows, and mentees.


Connect with Rachel:

OTHER RESOURCES:


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> Tue, 17 Sep 2024 07:00:04 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 4540 Rachel Waterman is the CEO and Founder of GDS Grants and has over 25 years of experience in community development and grant writing.

In this episode, Rachel Waterman discusses the different grant management services available in GEMS, how to use GEMS as an onboarding tool, and the AI technology that’s available for grant writing processes.

She also explains how to streamline your grant writing process, track multiple grant applications, and find potential funders.

About Rachel Waterman

Rachel Waterman has over 25 years of community development and grant writing experience, is Grant Professional Certified (GPC), a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), a Grant Professionals Association (GPA) Approved Trainer, and an expert in grant management.


She holds a Master’s degree in community and economic development with a concentration in applied social research from Illinois State University and a Bachelor’s degree in international studies from Barry University.


Her career has encompassed a broad spectrum of professional experiences, including serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer, nonprofit executive director, community organizer, city master planner, researcher, and Mayor of the city of Lake Worth Beach, Florida.


Rachel is the CEO and Founder of GDS Grants. She is responsible for client strategy, new program & budget development, data tracking systems, outcome measures, and data analysis. Rachel also oversees the GDS Professional Development Program and personally coaches GDS interns, fellows, and mentees.


Connect with Rachel:

OTHER RESOURCES:


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No In 6 Months Grace went from Volunteering to a $30K raise and a Remote Grant Writing Job 362 362 In 6 Months Grace went from Volunteering to a $30K raise and a Remote Grant Writing Job full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1913020514 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/in-6-months-grace-went-from-volunteering-to-a-30k-raise-and-a-remote-grant-writing-job Grace Scamurra is a grants professional, writer, and educator with over 15 years of experience supporting youth in education and wellness programs.

In this episode, Grace Scamurra explains how to become a freelance grant writer, get paid for writing grants, and how the academy helps grant writers.

She also talks about the importance of pricing grant writing services correctly, what’s included in a master grant application template, and how freelance grant writers can get support.

About Grace Scamurra

Grace Scamurra is a grants professional, writer, and educator with over 15 years of experience supporting youth in education and wellness programs. 

As an educator, Grace facilitated the Community 101 program at her school, a curriculum designed to educate and engage youth through the process of grantmaking, in partnership with the Oregon Community Foundation. Under her guidance, students researched local nonprofits, invited agencies to apply for funding, reviewed grants, and awarded over $10,000 to local organizations.

Witnessing her students’ empowerment through grant-making inspired her to open a nonprofit consultancy and put her multifaceted skill set to use while continuing to support mission-driven organizations in a larger capacity. Leveraging this extensive background, Grace offers solution-driven consulting for nonprofits in the education and wellness sectors. 

Through her consultancy, NurturEd Funding, Grace aims to increase funding potential, solidify grant strategies, and prevent burnout among passionate educators and nonprofit workers, allowing them to focus on changing lives.

Connect with Grace:

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> Grace Scamurra is a grants professional, writer, and educator with over 15 years of experience supporting youth in education and wellness programs.

In this episode, Grace Scamurra explains how to become a freelance grant writer, get paid for writing grants, and how the academy helps grant writers.

She also talks about the importance of pricing grant writing services correctly, what’s included in a master grant application template, and how freelance grant writers can get support.

About Grace Scamurra

Grace Scamurra is a grants professional, writer, and educator with over 15 years of experience supporting youth in education and wellness programs. 

As an educator, Grace facilitated the Community 101 program at her school, a curriculum designed to educate and engage youth through the process of grantmaking, in partnership with the Oregon Community Foundation. Under her guidance, students researched local nonprofits, invited agencies to apply for funding, reviewed grants, and awarded over $10,000 to local organizations.

Witnessing her students’ empowerment through grant-making inspired her to open a nonprofit consultancy and put her multifaceted skill set to use while continuing to support mission-driven organizations in a larger capacity. Leveraging this extensive background, Grace offers solution-driven consulting for nonprofits in the education and wellness sectors. 

Through her consultancy, NurturEd Funding, Grace aims to increase funding potential, solidify grant strategies, and prevent burnout among passionate educators and nonprofit workers, allowing them to focus on changing lives.

Connect with Grace:

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> Tue, 10 Sep 2024 07:00:04 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2514 Grace Scamurra is a grants professional, writer, and educator with over 15 years of experience supporting youth in education and wellness programs.

In this episode, Grace Scamurra explains how to become a freelance grant writer, get paid for writing grants, and how the academy helps grant writers.

She also talks about the importance of pricing grant writing services correctly, what’s included in a master grant application template, and how freelance grant writers can get support.

About Grace Scamurra

Grace Scamurra is a grants professional, writer, and educator with over 15 years of experience supporting youth in education and wellness programs. 

As an educator, Grace facilitated the Community 101 program at her school, a curriculum designed to educate and engage youth through the process of grantmaking, in partnership with the Oregon Community Foundation. Under her guidance, students researched local nonprofits, invited agencies to apply for funding, reviewed grants, and awarded over $10,000 to local organizations.

Witnessing her students’ empowerment through grant-making inspired her to open a nonprofit consultancy and put her multifaceted skill set to use while continuing to support mission-driven organizations in a larger capacity. Leveraging this extensive background, Grace offers solution-driven consulting for nonprofits in the education and wellness sectors. 

Through her consultancy, NurturEd Funding, Grace aims to increase funding potential, solidify grant strategies, and prevent burnout among passionate educators and nonprofit workers, allowing them to focus on changing lives.

Connect with Grace:

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No How to Talk to Nonprofit Boards When Pitching Grant Writing Services 361 361 How to Talk to Nonprofit Boards When Pitching Grant Writing Services full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1908349412 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/how-to-talk-to-nonprofit-boards-when-pitching-grant-writing-services This episode, Sabrina Walker-Hernandez explains what you should include in your sales calls with nonprofits, the tone you should use when talking to a board of directors, and why some nonprofits need a dedicated grant writer.

Sabrina Walker-Hernandez is the CEO of Supporting World Hope and has over 25 years of experience in nonprofit management, fundraising, and leadership.

In this episode, Sabrina Walker-Hernandez explains what a grant strategist does, the expectations nonprofits should have with a grant writer, and the difference between grant writing and resource development

She also describes how to explain to nonprofits what grant writing services involve, why nonprofits can’t pay grant writers with the budget from a grant, and how to reduce stress and burnout.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • How to talk to a nonprofit board about grants.
  • What a grant strategist does.
  • The tone you should use when talking to a board of directors.
  • What you should include in your sales calls with nonprofits.
  • The expectations nonprofits should have with a grant writer.
  • How to explain to nonprofits what a grant writer provides.
  • Why you can’t pay a grant writer with the budget from a grant.
  • The difference between grant writing and resource development.
  • Why some nonprofits need a dedicated grant writer.
  • How to reduce stress and burnout.

About Sabrina Walker-Hernandez

Sabrina Walker-Hernandez is the CEO of Supporting World Hope and has over 25 years of experience in nonprofit management, fundraising, and leadership.

Sabrina grew her operation revenue from $750,000 to $2.5M and completed a $12M capital campaign, and is certified in Nonprofit Management by Harvard Business School and a bestselling author.

Connect with Sabrina:

Quotables:

  • “If you want to be around for the long term you have to get the business part right.”
  • “Grant writing is not a guarantee, you pay for the work of putting it together.”
  • “We need to go into sales calls with the expectations that you are being paid to make products and carry out research. The end result is we want to create funding but the work isn’t dependent on that at all.”

Book Your Sales Call Today to Get a Seat Inside the Grant Professional Mentorship. Click here.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> This episode, Sabrina Walker-Hernandez explains what you should include in your sales calls with nonprofits, the tone you should use when talking to a board of directors, and why some nonprofits need a dedicated grant writer.

Sabrina Walker-Hernandez is the CEO of Supporting World Hope and has over 25 years of experience in nonprofit management, fundraising, and leadership.

In this episode, Sabrina Walker-Hernandez explains what a grant strategist does, the expectations nonprofits should have with a grant writer, and the difference between grant writing and resource development

She also describes how to explain to nonprofits what grant writing services involve, why nonprofits can’t pay grant writers with the budget from a grant, and how to reduce stress and burnout.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • How to talk to a nonprofit board about grants.
  • What a grant strategist does.
  • The tone you should use when talking to a board of directors.
  • What you should include in your sales calls with nonprofits.
  • The expectations nonprofits should have with a grant writer.
  • How to explain to nonprofits what a grant writer provides.
  • Why you can’t pay a grant writer with the budget from a grant.
  • The difference between grant writing and resource development.
  • Why some nonprofits need a dedicated grant writer.
  • How to reduce stress and burnout.

About Sabrina Walker-Hernandez

Sabrina Walker-Hernandez is the CEO of Supporting World Hope and has over 25 years of experience in nonprofit management, fundraising, and leadership.

Sabrina grew her operation revenue from $750,000 to $2.5M and completed a $12M capital campaign, and is certified in Nonprofit Management by Harvard Business School and a bestselling author.

Connect with Sabrina:

Quotables:

  • “If you want to be around for the long term you have to get the business part right.”
  • “Grant writing is not a guarantee, you pay for the work of putting it together.”
  • “We need to go into sales calls with the expectations that you are being paid to make products and carry out research. The end result is we want to create funding but the work isn’t dependent on that at all.”

Book Your Sales Call Today to Get a Seat Inside the Grant Professional Mentorship. Click here.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> Tue, 03 Sep 2024 07:00:08 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2173 This episode, Sabrina Walker-Hernandez explains what you should include in your sales calls with nonprofits, the tone you should use when talking to a board of directors, and why some nonprofits need a dedicated grant writer.

Sabrina Walker-Hernandez is the CEO of Supporting World Hope and has over 25 years of experience in nonprofit management, fundraising, and leadership.

In this episode, Sabrina Walker-Hernandez explains what a grant strategist does, the expectations nonprofits should have with a grant writer, and the difference between grant writing and resource development

She also describes how to explain to nonprofits what grant writing services involve, why nonprofits can’t pay grant writers with the budget from a grant, and how to reduce stress and burnout.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • How to talk to a nonprofit board about grants.
  • What a grant strategist does.
  • The tone you should use when talking to a board of directors.
  • What you should include in your sales calls with nonprofits.
  • The expectations nonprofits should have with a grant writer.
  • How to explain to nonprofits what a grant writer provides.
  • Why you can’t pay a grant writer with the budget from a grant.
  • The difference between grant writing and resource development.
  • Why some nonprofits need a dedicated grant writer.
  • How to reduce stress and burnout.

About Sabrina Walker-Hernandez

Sabrina Walker-Hernandez is the CEO of Supporting World Hope and has over 25 years of experience in nonprofit management, fundraising, and leadership.

Sabrina grew her operation revenue from $750,000 to $2.5M and completed a $12M capital campaign, and is certified in Nonprofit Management by Harvard Business School and a bestselling author.

Connect with Sabrina:

Quotables:

  • “If you want to be around for the long term you have to get the business part right.”
  • “Grant writing is not a guarantee, you pay for the work of putting it together.”
  • “We need to go into sales calls with the expectations that you are being paid to make products and carry out research. The end result is we want to create funding but the work isn’t dependent on that at all.”

Book Your Sales Call Today to Get a Seat Inside the Grant Professional Mentorship. Click here.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No From Agency Owner to Nonprofit Marketing Consultant to Coach 360 360 From Agency Owner to Nonprofit Marketing Consultant to Coach full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1902643401 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/from-agency-owner-to-nonprofit-marketing-consultant-to-coach This episode, Christina Edwards explains the process of pricing grant writing services, how to effectively network, and different marketing strategies grant writers can use. 

Christina Edwards is a marketing expert and coach who helps ambitious social impact businesses and nonprofits increase revenue, supporters, and engagement.

In this episode, Christina Edwards explains how online grant writing services can be scaled, how freelance grant writers can charge more for their services, and why some grant writers can justify charging a higher rate than others. 

She also talks about the importance of networking, the benefits of having your own podcast, and how to know if your marketing strategies are being successful.

About Christina Edwards

Christina Edwards, Founder of Splendid Consulting, is a marketing expert and coach who helps ambitious social impact businesses and nonprofits increase revenue, supporters, and engagement.

Christina’s ever-passionate about equipping organizations to step into their expertise, be bold, and find their unique voice and audience online. Her packed-out workshops and courses spark enthusiasm, social action, and powerful results. 

Amplify Social Impact, her signature online course teaches organizations how to make marketing movements that matter online. 

Connect with Christina:

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> This episode, Christina Edwards explains the process of pricing grant writing services, how to effectively network, and different marketing strategies grant writers can use. 

Christina Edwards is a marketing expert and coach who helps ambitious social impact businesses and nonprofits increase revenue, supporters, and engagement.

In this episode, Christina Edwards explains how online grant writing services can be scaled, how freelance grant writers can charge more for their services, and why some grant writers can justify charging a higher rate than others. 

She also talks about the importance of networking, the benefits of having your own podcast, and how to know if your marketing strategies are being successful.

About Christina Edwards

Christina Edwards, Founder of Splendid Consulting, is a marketing expert and coach who helps ambitious social impact businesses and nonprofits increase revenue, supporters, and engagement.

Christina’s ever-passionate about equipping organizations to step into their expertise, be bold, and find their unique voice and audience online. Her packed-out workshops and courses spark enthusiasm, social action, and powerful results. 

Amplify Social Impact, her signature online course teaches organizations how to make marketing movements that matter online. 

Connect with Christina:

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> Tue, 27 Aug 2024 07:00:01 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 3012 This episode, Christina Edwards explains the process of pricing grant writing services, how to effectively network, and different marketing strategies grant writers can use. 

Christina Edwards is a marketing expert and coach who helps ambitious social impact businesses and nonprofits increase revenue, supporters, and engagement.

In this episode, Christina Edwards explains how online grant writing services can be scaled, how freelance grant writers can charge more for their services, and why some grant writers can justify charging a higher rate than others. 

She also talks about the importance of networking, the benefits of having your own podcast, and how to know if your marketing strategies are being successful.

About Christina Edwards

Christina Edwards, Founder of Splendid Consulting, is a marketing expert and coach who helps ambitious social impact businesses and nonprofits increase revenue, supporters, and engagement.

Christina’s ever-passionate about equipping organizations to step into their expertise, be bold, and find their unique voice and audience online. Her packed-out workshops and courses spark enthusiasm, social action, and powerful results. 

Amplify Social Impact, her signature online course teaches organizations how to make marketing movements that matter online. 

Connect with Christina:

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Increase Your Retainer Nonprofit Clients by Niching Services and Marketing 352 352 Increase Your Retainer Nonprofit Clients by Niching Services and Marketing full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1896346662 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-352-increase-your-retainer-nonprofit-clients-by-niching-services-and-marketing Are you trying to grow your grant writing business—but feel like you’re spinning your wheels?


In this episode, Patrick Kirby, Founder of Do Good Better Consulting, shares what grant writers really need to focus on to build a sustainable and profitable business.


With nearly 15 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, Patrick breaks down why finding a niche is critical—and how it can actually make marketing your services easier and more effective. We also dive into where grant writers tend to waste the most time and how to refocus your efforts on activities that generate real results.


Patrick shares practical strategies for marketing your grant writing services, including how to clearly communicate your value and attract the right clients. We also explore the power of retainer clients, the different types of services you can offer on retainer, and how these agreements can create more consistent income.


Finally, we discuss how to manage expectations in client meetings so you can build strong, professional relationships from the start.

If you’re ready to work smarter, niche down, and grow your grant writing business with intention, this episode is packed with actionable insights.


ABOUT OUR GUEST

Patrick Kirby is a nonprofit fundraising expert with nearly 15 years of experience in the industry and the Founder of Do Good Better Consulting. He specializes in helping nonprofits raise more money through smarter strategies, improved donor engagement, and effective communication.


Patrick is known for his practical, no-nonsense approach to fundraising and consulting, helping both nonprofit professionals and grant writers streamline their efforts and achieve better results.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Are you trying to grow your grant writing business—but feel like you’re spinning your wheels?


In this episode, Patrick Kirby, Founder of Do Good Better Consulting, shares what grant writers really need to focus on to build a sustainable and profitable business.


With nearly 15 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, Patrick breaks down why finding a niche is critical—and how it can actually make marketing your services easier and more effective. We also dive into where grant writers tend to waste the most time and how to refocus your efforts on activities that generate real results.


Patrick shares practical strategies for marketing your grant writing services, including how to clearly communicate your value and attract the right clients. We also explore the power of retainer clients, the different types of services you can offer on retainer, and how these agreements can create more consistent income.


Finally, we discuss how to manage expectations in client meetings so you can build strong, professional relationships from the start.

If you’re ready to work smarter, niche down, and grow your grant writing business with intention, this episode is packed with actionable insights.


ABOUT OUR GUEST

Patrick Kirby is a nonprofit fundraising expert with nearly 15 years of experience in the industry and the Founder of Do Good Better Consulting. He specializes in helping nonprofits raise more money through smarter strategies, improved donor engagement, and effective communication.


Patrick is known for his practical, no-nonsense approach to fundraising and consulting, helping both nonprofit professionals and grant writers streamline their efforts and achieve better results.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 20 Aug 2024 07:00:07 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2951 Are you trying to grow your grant writing business—but feel like you’re spinning your wheels?


In this episode, Patrick Kirby, Founder of Do Good Better Consulting, shares what grant writers really need to focus on to build a sustainable and profitable business.


With nearly 15 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, Patrick breaks down why finding a niche is critical—and how it can actually make marketing your services easier and more effective. We also dive into where grant writers tend to waste the most time and how to refocus your efforts on activities that generate real results.


Patrick shares practical strategies for marketing your grant writing services, including how to clearly communicate your value and attract the right clients. We also explore the power of retainer clients, the different types of services you can offer on retainer, and how these agreements can create more consistent income.


Finally, we discuss how to manage expectations in client meetings so you can build strong, professional relationships from the start.

If you’re ready to work smarter, niche down, and grow your grant writing business with intention, this episode is packed with actionable insights.


ABOUT OUR GUEST

Patrick Kirby is a nonprofit fundraising expert with nearly 15 years of experience in the industry and the Founder of Do Good Better Consulting. He specializes in helping nonprofits raise more money through smarter strategies, improved donor engagement, and effective communication.


Patrick is known for his practical, no-nonsense approach to fundraising and consulting, helping both nonprofit professionals and grant writers streamline their efforts and achieve better results.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No A 3-Year Journey of Growing a Grant Writing Agency 358 358 A 3-Year Journey of Growing a Grant Writing Agency full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1893158904 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/a-3-year-journey-of-growing-a-grant-writing-agency This episode, Sheleia Phillips explains how to grow a grant writing business, different ways to make your grant writing business more enjoyable, and the benefits of having an anchor client.

Sheleia Phillips is the Founder and Principal Consultant at SMP Nonprofit Consulting and has dedicated herself to the growth and development of nonprofits for nearly ten years.

In this episode, Sheleia Phillips explains her journey moving from working as a freelance grant writer to becoming the CEO of her own business, the impact of having a mentor, and how having SOPs can change a grant writing business.

She also talks about the things you need to consider when setting up a grant writing agency, how to get the first clients for a grant writing agency, and the impact hiring independent subcontractors has on a grant writing business’s profit.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • Moving from working as a freelance grant writer to becoming a CEO.
  • The impact of having a mentor.
  • Why freelance grant writers should have an anchor client.
  • Things you need to consider when setting up a grant writing agency.
  • How to get the first clients for a grant writing agency.
  • How to grow a grant writing business that doesn’t take over your life.
  • Ways to make your grant writing business more enjoyable.
  • How hiring independent subcontractors impacts a grant writing business’s profit.
  • How soon after starting a business you should set up SOPs.
  • How SOPs can change a grant writing business.

About Sheleia Phillips

Sheleia Phillips, MPH, CHES, is the Founder and Principal Consultant at SMP Nonprofit Consulting. A servant leader, Sheleia has dedicated herself to the growth and development of nonprofits for nearly ten years. Sheleia holds a Master of Public Health with an emphasis on Maternal and Child Health from Saint Louis University and a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences with a minor in Chemistry from Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville. She has advanced training in public health, program development, and public policy. Sheleia’s track record of securing millions of dollars in grants for nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and government agencies is a testament to her attention to detail and dedication to her clients. Her ability to effectively communicate her clients’ missions and objectives is a key factor in her success.

Sheleia is also a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration grant reviewer. Sheleia is an active Grant Professionals Association (GPA) board member. She is committed to serving the greater public good by practicing the highest ethical and professional standards by following GPA’s Code of Ethics. Beyond her grant writing work, Sheleia’s expertise and insights have made her a sought-after speaker and educator in the field. Sheleia has partnered with and been featured in various industry platforms and publications, including Forbes, Grant Professionals Association, Network for Good, Voyage Magazine (St. Louis), Certified Fundraising Executive Digest, Instrumentl, and Neon One. 

A Bank of America Emerging Leaders alum, Sheleia believes that nonprofits are essential to creating the change we all want to see. She has a deep passion for people and helping community organizations succeed with excellence and integrity. Her clients believe she motivates others with her can-do attitude, enthusiasm, and cheerful personality. She genuinely enjoys her work and brings a wealth of knowledge and resources to organizations and individuals interested in growing their capacity.

Connect with Sheleia:

Quotables:

  • “Under promise and over deliver and do it in a way that is unique for you.”
  • “I want to create my business in such a way that I can be duplicated, not replaced but duplicated because I want to take vacations, I like taking naps, and I don’t want to be the bottleneck in the business.”
  • “If you’re just starting out in business give yourself the opportunity to grow into it. Don’t stress about SOPs because you’re going to need to pivot and make adjustments to how your process works as you work with more clients.”

Book Your Sales Call Today to Get a Seat Inside the Grant Professional Mentorship. Click here.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now!

]]> This episode, Sheleia Phillips explains how to grow a grant writing business, different ways to make your grant writing business more enjoyable, and the benefits of having an anchor client.

Sheleia Phillips is the Founder and Principal Consultant at SMP Nonprofit Consulting and has dedicated herself to the growth and development of nonprofits for nearly ten years.

In this episode, Sheleia Phillips explains her journey moving from working as a freelance grant writer to becoming the CEO of her own business, the impact of having a mentor, and how having SOPs can change a grant writing business.

She also talks about the things you need to consider when setting up a grant writing agency, how to get the first clients for a grant writing agency, and the impact hiring independent subcontractors has on a grant writing business’s profit.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • Moving from working as a freelance grant writer to becoming a CEO.
  • The impact of having a mentor.
  • Why freelance grant writers should have an anchor client.
  • Things you need to consider when setting up a grant writing agency.
  • How to get the first clients for a grant writing agency.
  • How to grow a grant writing business that doesn’t take over your life.
  • Ways to make your grant writing business more enjoyable.
  • How hiring independent subcontractors impacts a grant writing business’s profit.
  • How soon after starting a business you should set up SOPs.
  • How SOPs can change a grant writing business.

About Sheleia Phillips

Sheleia Phillips, MPH, CHES, is the Founder and Principal Consultant at SMP Nonprofit Consulting. A servant leader, Sheleia has dedicated herself to the growth and development of nonprofits for nearly ten years. Sheleia holds a Master of Public Health with an emphasis on Maternal and Child Health from Saint Louis University and a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences with a minor in Chemistry from Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville. She has advanced training in public health, program development, and public policy. Sheleia’s track record of securing millions of dollars in grants for nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and government agencies is a testament to her attention to detail and dedication to her clients. Her ability to effectively communicate her clients’ missions and objectives is a key factor in her success.

Sheleia is also a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration grant reviewer. Sheleia is an active Grant Professionals Association (GPA) board member. She is committed to serving the greater public good by practicing the highest ethical and professional standards by following GPA’s Code of Ethics. Beyond her grant writing work, Sheleia’s expertise and insights have made her a sought-after speaker and educator in the field. Sheleia has partnered with and been featured in various industry platforms and publications, including Forbes, Grant Professionals Association, Network for Good, Voyage Magazine (St. Louis), Certified Fundraising Executive Digest, Instrumentl, and Neon One. 

A Bank of America Emerging Leaders alum, Sheleia believes that nonprofits are essential to creating the change we all want to see. She has a deep passion for people and helping community organizations succeed with excellence and integrity. Her clients believe she motivates others with her can-do attitude, enthusiasm, and cheerful personality. She genuinely enjoys her work and brings a wealth of knowledge and resources to organizations and individuals interested in growing their capacity.

Connect with Sheleia:

Quotables:

  • “Under promise and over deliver and do it in a way that is unique for you.”
  • “I want to create my business in such a way that I can be duplicated, not replaced but duplicated because I want to take vacations, I like taking naps, and I don’t want to be the bottleneck in the business.”
  • “If you’re just starting out in business give yourself the opportunity to grow into it. Don’t stress about SOPs because you’re going to need to pivot and make adjustments to how your process works as you work with more clients.”

Book Your Sales Call Today to Get a Seat Inside the Grant Professional Mentorship. Click here.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now!

]]> Tue, 13 Aug 2024 07:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2738 This episode, Sheleia Phillips explains how to grow a grant writing business, different ways to make your grant writing business more enjoyable, and the benefits of having an anchor client.

Sheleia Phillips is the Founder and Principal Consultant at SMP Nonprofit Consulting and has dedicated herself to the growth and development of nonprofits for nearly ten years.

In this episode, Sheleia Phillips explains her journey moving from working as a freelance grant writer to becoming the CEO of her own business, the impact of having a mentor, and how having SOPs can change a grant writing business.

She also talks about the things you need to consider when setting up a grant writing agency, how to get the first clients for a grant writing agency, and the impact hiring independent subcontractors has on a grant writing business’s profit.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • Moving from working as a freelance grant writer to becoming a CEO.
  • The impact of having a mentor.
  • Why freelance grant writers should have an anchor client.
  • Things you need to consider when setting up a grant writing agency.
  • How to get the first clients for a grant writing agency.
  • How to grow a grant writing business that doesn’t take over your life.
  • Ways to make your grant writing business more enjoyable.
  • How hiring independent subcontractors impacts a grant writing business’s profit.
  • How soon after starting a business you should set up SOPs.
  • How SOPs can change a grant writing business.

About Sheleia Phillips

Sheleia Phillips, MPH, CHES, is the Founder and Principal Consultant at SMP Nonprofit Consulting. A servant leader, Sheleia has dedicated herself to the growth and development of nonprofits for nearly ten years. Sheleia holds a Master of Public Health with an emphasis on Maternal and Child Health from Saint Louis University and a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences with a minor in Chemistry from Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville. She has advanced training in public health, program development, and public policy. Sheleia’s track record of securing millions of dollars in grants for nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and government agencies is a testament to her attention to detail and dedication to her clients. Her ability to effectively communicate her clients’ missions and objectives is a key factor in her success.

Sheleia is also a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration grant reviewer. Sheleia is an active Grant Professionals Association (GPA) board member. She is committed to serving the greater public good by practicing the highest ethical and professional standards by following GPA’s Code of Ethics. Beyond her grant writing work, Sheleia’s expertise and insights have made her a sought-after speaker and educator in the field. Sheleia has partnered with and been featured in various industry platforms and publications, including Forbes, Grant Professionals Association, Network for Good, Voyage Magazine (St. Louis), Certified Fundraising Executive Digest, Instrumentl, and Neon One. 

A Bank of America Emerging Leaders alum, Sheleia believes that nonprofits are essential to creating the change we all want to see. She has a deep passion for people and helping community organizations succeed with excellence and integrity. Her clients believe she motivates others with her can-do attitude, enthusiasm, and cheerful personality. She genuinely enjoys her work and brings a wealth of knowledge and resources to organizations and individuals interested in growing their capacity.

Connect with Sheleia:

Quotables:

  • “Under promise and over deliver and do it in a way that is unique for you.”
  • “I want to create my business in such a way that I can be duplicated, not replaced but duplicated because I want to take vacations, I like taking naps, and I don’t want to be the bottleneck in the business.”
  • “If you’re just starting out in business give yourself the opportunity to grow into it. Don’t stress about SOPs because you’re going to need to pivot and make adjustments to how your process works as you work with more clients.”

Book Your Sales Call Today to Get a Seat Inside the Grant Professional Mentorship. Click here.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now!

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No How Niching Down with Federal Housing Grants Helped DeaRonda Scale her Grant Writing Agency 350 350 How Niching Down with Federal Housing Grants Helped DeaRonda Scale her Grant Writing Agency full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1882878753 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-350-how-niching-down-with-federal-housing-grants-helped-dearonda-scale-her-grant-writing-agency Ready to grow your grant writing business and better serve nonprofits—especially those under new leadership?


In this episode, DeaRonda Harrison, founder and President of June First Firm, shares how she helps nonprofits transform their organizations through strategic grant writing and development support.


We dive into how to understand and pursue federal contract grants, what it takes to become a professional grant writer, and how to consistently attract and increase your client base. DeaRonda also breaks down how to structure retainer agreements with clients, the importance of setting clear boundaries within those relationships, and how retainers can create more stability in your business.

Plus, we explore the role of virtual assistants in supporting your workflow and helping you scale—so you can focus on high-value work while building a sustainable business.


If you’re looking to level up your grant writing career and implement smarter systems for growth, this episode is packed with practical strategies.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

DeaRonda Harrison is the Founder and President of June First Firm, a grant writing and consulting firm that specializes in supporting nonprofits under new leadership to transform and grow their organizations. She is an experienced grant professional who helps organizations secure funding while building strong operational foundations.

DeaRonda is passionate about empowering both nonprofits and grant writers with the tools, systems, and strategies needed to create sustainable impact and long-term success.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Ready to grow your grant writing business and better serve nonprofits—especially those under new leadership?


In this episode, DeaRonda Harrison, founder and President of June First Firm, shares how she helps nonprofits transform their organizations through strategic grant writing and development support.


We dive into how to understand and pursue federal contract grants, what it takes to become a professional grant writer, and how to consistently attract and increase your client base. DeaRonda also breaks down how to structure retainer agreements with clients, the importance of setting clear boundaries within those relationships, and how retainers can create more stability in your business.

Plus, we explore the role of virtual assistants in supporting your workflow and helping you scale—so you can focus on high-value work while building a sustainable business.


If you’re looking to level up your grant writing career and implement smarter systems for growth, this episode is packed with practical strategies.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

DeaRonda Harrison is the Founder and President of June First Firm, a grant writing and consulting firm that specializes in supporting nonprofits under new leadership to transform and grow their organizations. She is an experienced grant professional who helps organizations secure funding while building strong operational foundations.

DeaRonda is passionate about empowering both nonprofits and grant writers with the tools, systems, and strategies needed to create sustainable impact and long-term success.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 06 Aug 2024 07:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2718 Ready to grow your grant writing business and better serve nonprofits—especially those under new leadership?


In this episode, DeaRonda Harrison, founder and President of June First Firm, shares how she helps nonprofits transform their organizations through strategic grant writing and development support.


We dive into how to understand and pursue federal contract grants, what it takes to become a professional grant writer, and how to consistently attract and increase your client base. DeaRonda also breaks down how to structure retainer agreements with clients, the importance of setting clear boundaries within those relationships, and how retainers can create more stability in your business.

Plus, we explore the role of virtual assistants in supporting your workflow and helping you scale—so you can focus on high-value work while building a sustainable business.


If you’re looking to level up your grant writing career and implement smarter systems for growth, this episode is packed with practical strategies.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

DeaRonda Harrison is the Founder and President of June First Firm, a grant writing and consulting firm that specializes in supporting nonprofits under new leadership to transform and grow their organizations. She is an experienced grant professional who helps organizations secure funding while building strong operational foundations.

DeaRonda is passionate about empowering both nonprofits and grant writers with the tools, systems, and strategies needed to create sustainable impact and long-term success.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Bonus Ep: 5 Reasons You Aren’t Hiring or Retaining Your Team 356 356 Bonus Ep: 5 Reasons You Aren’t Hiring or Retaining Your Team full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1883325042 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/bonus-ep-5-reasons-you-aren-t-hiring-or-retaining-your-team Tue, 30 Jul 2024 08:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1359 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No BONUS EP: REPLAY OF THE WEBINAR "DOUBLE YOUR REVENUE WITH PART-TIME TEAM" 355 355 BONUS EP: REPLAY OF THE WEBINAR "DOUBLE YOUR REVENUE WITH PART-TIME TEAM" full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1882872147 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/bonus-ep-replay-of-the-webinar-double-your-revenue-with-part-time-team Sun, 28 Jul 2024 07:34:39 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 8097 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No You Don't Need to Have a Grant Writing Agency to Scale Your Business 347 347 You Don't Need to Have a Grant Writing Agency to Scale Your Business full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1877134296 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-347-you-dont-need-to-have-a-grant-writing-agency-to-scale-your-business What does it actually take to build a successful grant writing business?


In this episode, Holly breaks down the four major areas every grant writing business needs to focus on to grow sustainably and profitably. We dive into how your business is structured, the different types of support you can bring in, and how to think strategically about scaling. Holly explains the various types of grant writing assistants you can hire—and how each role can support your workflow and free up your time.

You’ll also learn the key differences between operating as a freelance grant writer versus building a grant writing agency, and what that transition can look like as your business grows.


We explore multiple income streams available to grant writers, helping you diversify your revenue and create more financial stability. Plus, Holly shares how mentorship programs and webinars can accelerate your learning, sharpen your skills, and provide clarity on your next steps.

If you’re ready to better understand how your business works—and how to grow it with intention—this episode will give you a clear roadmap.


ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> What does it actually take to build a successful grant writing business?


In this episode, Holly breaks down the four major areas every grant writing business needs to focus on to grow sustainably and profitably. We dive into how your business is structured, the different types of support you can bring in, and how to think strategically about scaling. Holly explains the various types of grant writing assistants you can hire—and how each role can support your workflow and free up your time.

You’ll also learn the key differences between operating as a freelance grant writer versus building a grant writing agency, and what that transition can look like as your business grows.


We explore multiple income streams available to grant writers, helping you diversify your revenue and create more financial stability. Plus, Holly shares how mentorship programs and webinars can accelerate your learning, sharpen your skills, and provide clarity on your next steps.

If you’re ready to better understand how your business works—and how to grow it with intention—this episode will give you a clear roadmap.


ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Sat, 27 Jul 2024 20:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1140 What does it actually take to build a successful grant writing business?


In this episode, Holly breaks down the four major areas every grant writing business needs to focus on to grow sustainably and profitably. We dive into how your business is structured, the different types of support you can bring in, and how to think strategically about scaling. Holly explains the various types of grant writing assistants you can hire—and how each role can support your workflow and free up your time.

You’ll also learn the key differences between operating as a freelance grant writer versus building a grant writing agency, and what that transition can look like as your business grows.


We explore multiple income streams available to grant writers, helping you diversify your revenue and create more financial stability. Plus, Holly shares how mentorship programs and webinars can accelerate your learning, sharpen your skills, and provide clarity on your next steps.

If you’re ready to better understand how your business works—and how to grow it with intention—this episode will give you a clear roadmap.


ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Everything Inside the Grant Professional Mentorship Mastermind 349 349 Everything Inside the Grant Professional Mentorship Mastermind full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1882288467 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-349-everything-inside-the-grant-professional-mentorship-mastermind In this episode, Holly Rustick takes you inside the Grant Professional Mentorship and breaks down how grant writers can increase their income without increasing their workload. She shares what’s included in the mentorship curriculum and how it’s designed to help grant writers build sustainable, scalable businesses. 

Holly also dives into common challenges grant writing businesses face, from inconsistent income to lack of structure, and explains the essential frameworks needed to create stability and growth. 

Additionally, she highlights opportunities like the Grant Writer For Hire Directory and how to get featured on the Grant Writing & Funding Podcast to increase visibility and attract clients. If you’re ready to grow your grant writing business more strategically—without burning out—this episode will show you how.


ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/


RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> In this episode, Holly Rustick takes you inside the Grant Professional Mentorship and breaks down how grant writers can increase their income without increasing their workload. She shares what’s included in the mentorship curriculum and how it’s designed to help grant writers build sustainable, scalable businesses. 

Holly also dives into common challenges grant writing businesses face, from inconsistent income to lack of structure, and explains the essential frameworks needed to create stability and growth. 

Additionally, she highlights opportunities like the Grant Writer For Hire Directory and how to get featured on the Grant Writing & Funding Podcast to increase visibility and attract clients. If you’re ready to grow your grant writing business more strategically—without burning out—this episode will show you how.


ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/


RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Sat, 27 Jul 2024 20:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 3306 In this episode, Holly Rustick takes you inside the Grant Professional Mentorship and breaks down how grant writers can increase their income without increasing their workload. She shares what’s included in the mentorship curriculum and how it’s designed to help grant writers build sustainable, scalable businesses. 

Holly also dives into common challenges grant writing businesses face, from inconsistent income to lack of structure, and explains the essential frameworks needed to create stability and growth. 

Additionally, she highlights opportunities like the Grant Writer For Hire Directory and how to get featured on the Grant Writing & Funding Podcast to increase visibility and attract clients. If you’re ready to grow your grant writing business more strategically—without burning out—this episode will show you how.


ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/


RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No $43K in Grant Training in 6 Weeks 345 345 $43K in Grant Training in 6 Weeks full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1865151744 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-345-43k-in-grant-training-in-6-weeks In this episode, Holly breaks down what it really takes to create and deliver a successful grant training program. She shares insights on how much time goes into developing training, how to price your program for profitability, and effective ways to market your training to the right audience.

Holly also explores the differences between hosting grant trainings in person versus online, how to turn training participants into long-term clients, and strategies to move beyond a time-for-money model into more scalable income streams.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> In this episode, Holly breaks down what it really takes to create and deliver a successful grant training program. She shares insights on how much time goes into developing training, how to price your program for profitability, and effective ways to market your training to the right audience.

Holly also explores the differences between hosting grant trainings in person versus online, how to turn training participants into long-term clients, and strategies to move beyond a time-for-money model into more scalable income streams.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Sat, 27 Jul 2024 20:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1620 In this episode, Holly breaks down what it really takes to create and deliver a successful grant training program. She shares insights on how much time goes into developing training, how to price your program for profitability, and effective ways to market your training to the right audience.

Holly also explores the differences between hosting grant trainings in person versus online, how to turn training participants into long-term clients, and strategies to move beyond a time-for-money model into more scalable income streams.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Scale Your Grant Writing Business with an Identity Shift 348 348 Scale Your Grant Writing Business with an Identity Shift full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1877141331 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-348-scale-your-grant-writing-business-with-an-identity-shift Are you operating as a freelance grant writer—or truly stepping into the role of a business owner?

There’s a big difference.


In this episode, Holly breaks down the shift from freelancer to business owner, and why this identity change is essential if you want to grow and scale your grant writing business.


We explore what it really means to adopt a business owner mindset, including how you make decisions, structure your services, and plan for long-term growth. Holly also shares how many grant writers start as a side hustle—but with the right systems and strategy, can evolve into a full-fledged business.


A key part of this evolution? Building a team.


You’ll learn the benefits of bringing on team members, how to maintain quality as you grow, and what systems you need in place to ensure consistency across your services.


We also dive into how to step into your role as a CEO, create scalable offers, and avoid burnout while increasing your revenue.

If you’re ready to move beyond doing everything yourself and start building a sustainable, scalable grant writing business, this episode will give you the roadmap.


ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Are you operating as a freelance grant writer—or truly stepping into the role of a business owner?

There’s a big difference.


In this episode, Holly breaks down the shift from freelancer to business owner, and why this identity change is essential if you want to grow and scale your grant writing business.


We explore what it really means to adopt a business owner mindset, including how you make decisions, structure your services, and plan for long-term growth. Holly also shares how many grant writers start as a side hustle—but with the right systems and strategy, can evolve into a full-fledged business.


A key part of this evolution? Building a team.


You’ll learn the benefits of bringing on team members, how to maintain quality as you grow, and what systems you need in place to ensure consistency across your services.


We also dive into how to step into your role as a CEO, create scalable offers, and avoid burnout while increasing your revenue.

If you’re ready to move beyond doing everything yourself and start building a sustainable, scalable grant writing business, this episode will give you the roadmap.


ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Sat, 27 Jul 2024 20:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1901 Are you operating as a freelance grant writer—or truly stepping into the role of a business owner?

There’s a big difference.


In this episode, Holly breaks down the shift from freelancer to business owner, and why this identity change is essential if you want to grow and scale your grant writing business.


We explore what it really means to adopt a business owner mindset, including how you make decisions, structure your services, and plan for long-term growth. Holly also shares how many grant writers start as a side hustle—but with the right systems and strategy, can evolve into a full-fledged business.


A key part of this evolution? Building a team.


You’ll learn the benefits of bringing on team members, how to maintain quality as you grow, and what systems you need in place to ensure consistency across your services.


We also dive into how to step into your role as a CEO, create scalable offers, and avoid burnout while increasing your revenue.

If you’re ready to move beyond doing everything yourself and start building a sustainable, scalable grant writing business, this episode will give you the roadmap.


ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No How One Referral in the Mentorship Doubled Niki's Investment 350 350 How One Referral in the Mentorship Doubled Niki's Investment full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1871081880 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/how-one-referral-in-the-mentorship-doubled-nikis-investment This episode, Niki Wanner explains what services grant writers should provide to their clients, the boundaries you need as a grant writing consultant, and how to turn a grant writing job into a grant writing business.

Niki Wanner is an experienced Grants Consultant, Fundraising Professional, and Grant Writer who has won funding from 12 federal agencies and dozens of leading national and regional foundations. 

In this episode, Niki explains the benefits of having generalist services with a niche audience, how to create boundaries when working with nonprofits, and who freelance grant writers should hire on their team.

She also talks about why nonprofits should hire freelance grant writers instead of staff grant writers, how a mentorship program can help your grant writing business, and why you need a niche for your grant writing services.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • The benefits of having generalist services with a niche audience.
  • The boundaries you need as a grant writing consultant.
  • How to create boundaries when working with nonprofits.
  • What services grant writers should provide to their clients.
  • Why it’s better to hire a freelance grant writer instead of a staff grant writer.
  • How to turn a grant writing job into a grant writing business.
  • Who freelance grant writers should hire on their team.
  • How a mentorship program can help your grant writing business.
  • The importance of having a niche for your grant writing services.

About Niki Wanner

Niki Wanner is an experienced Grants Consultant, Fundraising Professional, and Grant Writer who has won funding from 12 federal agencies and dozens of leading national and regional foundations.

She consults with nonprofits to increase proposal win rates, diversify grant funding, and set up systems for successful grant compliance. Niki and her team specialize in affordable housing, mental health, and human services.

Connect with Niki:

Quotables:

  • “You’ve got to have really clear boundaries, really clear policies, and your boundaries can come from your policies. That’s what we work on in the mentorship because a lot of nonprofits don’t realize how it is to work with consultants because they’re so used to that staff relationship.”
  • “I knew that if I wanted to scale, if I wanted to make this a business that could run in my absence when I take vacations, then I needed to bring on people and train them so that we could keep on going.”
  • “Without a niche it’s really hard to market effectively because otherwise you’re just all over the place.”

Links:

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> This episode, Niki Wanner explains what services grant writers should provide to their clients, the boundaries you need as a grant writing consultant, and how to turn a grant writing job into a grant writing business.

Niki Wanner is an experienced Grants Consultant, Fundraising Professional, and Grant Writer who has won funding from 12 federal agencies and dozens of leading national and regional foundations. 

In this episode, Niki explains the benefits of having generalist services with a niche audience, how to create boundaries when working with nonprofits, and who freelance grant writers should hire on their team.

She also talks about why nonprofits should hire freelance grant writers instead of staff grant writers, how a mentorship program can help your grant writing business, and why you need a niche for your grant writing services.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • The benefits of having generalist services with a niche audience.
  • The boundaries you need as a grant writing consultant.
  • How to create boundaries when working with nonprofits.
  • What services grant writers should provide to their clients.
  • Why it’s better to hire a freelance grant writer instead of a staff grant writer.
  • How to turn a grant writing job into a grant writing business.
  • Who freelance grant writers should hire on their team.
  • How a mentorship program can help your grant writing business.
  • The importance of having a niche for your grant writing services.

About Niki Wanner

Niki Wanner is an experienced Grants Consultant, Fundraising Professional, and Grant Writer who has won funding from 12 federal agencies and dozens of leading national and regional foundations.

She consults with nonprofits to increase proposal win rates, diversify grant funding, and set up systems for successful grant compliance. Niki and her team specialize in affordable housing, mental health, and human services.

Connect with Niki:

Quotables:

  • “You’ve got to have really clear boundaries, really clear policies, and your boundaries can come from your policies. That’s what we work on in the mentorship because a lot of nonprofits don’t realize how it is to work with consultants because they’re so used to that staff relationship.”
  • “I knew that if I wanted to scale, if I wanted to make this a business that could run in my absence when I take vacations, then I needed to bring on people and train them so that we could keep on going.”
  • “Without a niche it’s really hard to market effectively because otherwise you’re just all over the place.”

Links:

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

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]]> Sat, 27 Jul 2024 20:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2262 This episode, Niki Wanner explains what services grant writers should provide to their clients, the boundaries you need as a grant writing consultant, and how to turn a grant writing job into a grant writing business.

Niki Wanner is an experienced Grants Consultant, Fundraising Professional, and Grant Writer who has won funding from 12 federal agencies and dozens of leading national and regional foundations. 

In this episode, Niki explains the benefits of having generalist services with a niche audience, how to create boundaries when working with nonprofits, and who freelance grant writers should hire on their team.

She also talks about why nonprofits should hire freelance grant writers instead of staff grant writers, how a mentorship program can help your grant writing business, and why you need a niche for your grant writing services.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • The benefits of having generalist services with a niche audience.
  • The boundaries you need as a grant writing consultant.
  • How to create boundaries when working with nonprofits.
  • What services grant writers should provide to their clients.
  • Why it’s better to hire a freelance grant writer instead of a staff grant writer.
  • How to turn a grant writing job into a grant writing business.
  • Who freelance grant writers should hire on their team.
  • How a mentorship program can help your grant writing business.
  • The importance of having a niche for your grant writing services.

About Niki Wanner

Niki Wanner is an experienced Grants Consultant, Fundraising Professional, and Grant Writer who has won funding from 12 federal agencies and dozens of leading national and regional foundations.

She consults with nonprofits to increase proposal win rates, diversify grant funding, and set up systems for successful grant compliance. Niki and her team specialize in affordable housing, mental health, and human services.

Connect with Niki:

Quotables:

  • “You’ve got to have really clear boundaries, really clear policies, and your boundaries can come from your policies. That’s what we work on in the mentorship because a lot of nonprofits don’t realize how it is to work with consultants because they’re so used to that staff relationship.”
  • “I knew that if I wanted to scale, if I wanted to make this a business that could run in my absence when I take vacations, then I needed to bring on people and train them so that we could keep on going.”
  • “Without a niche it’s really hard to market effectively because otherwise you’re just all over the place.”

Links:

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

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]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No BONUS: Behind-the-Scenes of the Rebrand for Grant Writing & Funding 351 351 BONUS: Behind-the-Scenes of the Rebrand for Grant Writing & Funding full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1871111625 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/bonus-behind-the-scenes-of-the-rebrand-for-grant-writing-funding Welcome to a special episode of Grant Writing & Funding! 

In this behind-the-scenes episode, Host Holly Rustick shares her journey from grant writing to coaching eager entrepreneurs on how to start their own grant writing businesses. She delves into her decision to rebrand and focus exclusively on teaching others to become successful business owners, uplifting women, and increasing their income. 

Holly discusses the impact her business has had on her life and the satisfaction she finds in coaching others. She emphasizes the importance of creating a brand that reflects the unique qualities and mission of a business and shares insights from her rebranding process. Join us as we explore the power of entrepreneurship, branding, and the journey towards creating a legacy business.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • Holly Rustick’s journey from grant writing to coaching and training entrepreneurs
  • How she shifted her focus from grant writing to coaching others to start grant writing businesses
  • Why she decided to exclusively teach people to become business owners and write better grants
  • Her desire to uplift women and help them increase their income through entrepreneurship
  • A shift from on-demand courses to live coaching to strengthen her movement and mission
  • Holly Rustick’s emphasis on creating a brand that reflects the unique qualities and mission of a business or organization
  • The mission of creating a community where grant professionals have peace, profit, and a legacy business
  • Importance of understanding the brand’s results, transformation, and products when working with brand professionals
  • Highlighting the control and freedom that entrepreneurship provides compared to traditional employment
  • The advice not to rush into branding without establishing a client base
  • Recommending starting scrappy and low-cost before considering a rebrand

Quotables:

  • “I really wanted to talk today a little bit about why we did a rebrand, what it all includes, because it’s not just, like, new photos, right, or new colors, but there’s a lot more behind the scenes than that.”
  •  “Colors, pictures, all of those things are really important. But it’s not just like, oh, what colors do I like? Oh, you know, let’s just grab some stock photos of people sitting at computers because I’m a grant writer.”
  • “Our mission at Grant Writing and Funding is to create a community where grant professionals have peace, profit, and a legacy business.”

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Welcome to a special episode of Grant Writing & Funding! 

In this behind-the-scenes episode, Host Holly Rustick shares her journey from grant writing to coaching eager entrepreneurs on how to start their own grant writing businesses. She delves into her decision to rebrand and focus exclusively on teaching others to become successful business owners, uplifting women, and increasing their income. 

Holly discusses the impact her business has had on her life and the satisfaction she finds in coaching others. She emphasizes the importance of creating a brand that reflects the unique qualities and mission of a business and shares insights from her rebranding process. Join us as we explore the power of entrepreneurship, branding, and the journey towards creating a legacy business.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • Holly Rustick’s journey from grant writing to coaching and training entrepreneurs
  • How she shifted her focus from grant writing to coaching others to start grant writing businesses
  • Why she decided to exclusively teach people to become business owners and write better grants
  • Her desire to uplift women and help them increase their income through entrepreneurship
  • A shift from on-demand courses to live coaching to strengthen her movement and mission
  • Holly Rustick’s emphasis on creating a brand that reflects the unique qualities and mission of a business or organization
  • The mission of creating a community where grant professionals have peace, profit, and a legacy business
  • Importance of understanding the brand’s results, transformation, and products when working with brand professionals
  • Highlighting the control and freedom that entrepreneurship provides compared to traditional employment
  • The advice not to rush into branding without establishing a client base
  • Recommending starting scrappy and low-cost before considering a rebrand

Quotables:

  • “I really wanted to talk today a little bit about why we did a rebrand, what it all includes, because it’s not just, like, new photos, right, or new colors, but there’s a lot more behind the scenes than that.”
  •  “Colors, pictures, all of those things are really important. But it’s not just like, oh, what colors do I like? Oh, you know, let’s just grab some stock photos of people sitting at computers because I’m a grant writer.”
  • “Our mission at Grant Writing and Funding is to create a community where grant professionals have peace, profit, and a legacy business.”

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Sat, 27 Jul 2024 20:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2377 Welcome to a special episode of Grant Writing & Funding! 

In this behind-the-scenes episode, Host Holly Rustick shares her journey from grant writing to coaching eager entrepreneurs on how to start their own grant writing businesses. She delves into her decision to rebrand and focus exclusively on teaching others to become successful business owners, uplifting women, and increasing their income. 

Holly discusses the impact her business has had on her life and the satisfaction she finds in coaching others. She emphasizes the importance of creating a brand that reflects the unique qualities and mission of a business and shares insights from her rebranding process. Join us as we explore the power of entrepreneurship, branding, and the journey towards creating a legacy business.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • Holly Rustick’s journey from grant writing to coaching and training entrepreneurs
  • How she shifted her focus from grant writing to coaching others to start grant writing businesses
  • Why she decided to exclusively teach people to become business owners and write better grants
  • Her desire to uplift women and help them increase their income through entrepreneurship
  • A shift from on-demand courses to live coaching to strengthen her movement and mission
  • Holly Rustick’s emphasis on creating a brand that reflects the unique qualities and mission of a business or organization
  • The mission of creating a community where grant professionals have peace, profit, and a legacy business
  • Importance of understanding the brand’s results, transformation, and products when working with brand professionals
  • Highlighting the control and freedom that entrepreneurship provides compared to traditional employment
  • The advice not to rush into branding without establishing a client base
  • Recommending starting scrappy and low-cost before considering a rebrand

Quotables:

  • “I really wanted to talk today a little bit about why we did a rebrand, what it all includes, because it’s not just, like, new photos, right, or new colors, but there’s a lot more behind the scenes than that.”
  •  “Colors, pictures, all of those things are really important. But it’s not just like, oh, what colors do I like? Oh, you know, let’s just grab some stock photos of people sitting at computers because I’m a grant writer.”
  • “Our mission at Grant Writing and Funding is to create a community where grant professionals have peace, profit, and a legacy business.”

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Taking Away Friction Points with Nonprofits Clients and Scaling a Grant Agency 344 344 Taking Away Friction Points with Nonprofits Clients and Scaling a Grant Agency full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1859541609 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-344-taking-away-friction-points-with-nonprofits-clients-and-scaling-a-grant-agency Brian Meagher joins us to share his insights from over a decade of experience in fundraising, during which he has helped raise millions of dollars for small nonprofits. He breaks down what clients really expect from grant writers, how to find and retain clients for your grant writing business, and how to build strong, lasting relationships in the sector. 

We also explore strategies for writing successful grants, how to grow and hire for a grant writing business, and the evolving role of AI in supporting more efficient and effective grant writing.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Brian Meagher is an experienced fundraising professional with over ten years in the nonprofit sector, where he has successfully raised millions of dollars for small organizations. He specializes in grant writing, donor development, and building sustainable funding strategies. 

Brian is passionate about helping nonprofits and grant writers alike strengthen their approach to fundraising, grow their impact, and navigate the evolving landscape of grant funding.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Brian Meagher joins us to share his insights from over a decade of experience in fundraising, during which he has helped raise millions of dollars for small nonprofits. He breaks down what clients really expect from grant writers, how to find and retain clients for your grant writing business, and how to build strong, lasting relationships in the sector. 

We also explore strategies for writing successful grants, how to grow and hire for a grant writing business, and the evolving role of AI in supporting more efficient and effective grant writing.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Brian Meagher is an experienced fundraising professional with over ten years in the nonprofit sector, where he has successfully raised millions of dollars for small organizations. He specializes in grant writing, donor development, and building sustainable funding strategies. 

Brian is passionate about helping nonprofits and grant writers alike strengthen their approach to fundraising, grow their impact, and navigate the evolving landscape of grant funding.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 02 Jul 2024 07:00:02 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 4200 Brian Meagher joins us to share his insights from over a decade of experience in fundraising, during which he has helped raise millions of dollars for small nonprofits. He breaks down what clients really expect from grant writers, how to find and retain clients for your grant writing business, and how to build strong, lasting relationships in the sector. 

We also explore strategies for writing successful grants, how to grow and hire for a grant writing business, and the evolving role of AI in supporting more efficient and effective grant writing.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Brian Meagher is an experienced fundraising professional with over ten years in the nonprofit sector, where he has successfully raised millions of dollars for small organizations. He specializes in grant writing, donor development, and building sustainable funding strategies. 

Brian is passionate about helping nonprofits and grant writers alike strengthen their approach to fundraising, grow their impact, and navigate the evolving landscape of grant funding.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No When to Start a New Service for a Grant Writing Business 343 343 When to Start a New Service for a Grant Writing Business full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1854907149 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-343-when-to-start-a-new-service-for-a-grant-writing-business Kim Collier has secured over $35 million in government and foundation funding for nonprofits over the past 20 years—and in this episode, she brings both experience and real talk to the conversation. We dive into what it actually looks like to build a sustainable and profitable grant writing career, starting with a topic many grant writers know all too well: being underpaid.

Kim shares the real impact of undercharging (and undervaluing your work), and how shifting your mindset—and your pricing—can change everything. We also talk about the power of community and why being part of a grant writing network can accelerate your growth, confidence, and opportunities as a grant professional.

But we don’t stop there.

Kim brings a unique perspective on nonprofit infrastructure, including common security risks organizations face today. She shares insights on how nonprofits can better protect themselves from cybersecurity threats—an often overlooked but critical area of sustainability.

And finally, we explore how housing grants have been evolving and what that means for grant writers working in this space.

If you’re ready to strengthen your business, better serve your clients, and stay ahead of industry shifts—this episode is packed with insights you don’t want to miss.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Kim Collier is an experienced grant professional who has secured more than $35 million in government and foundation funding for nonprofits over the past two decades. She brings deep expertise in grant strategy, funding research, and nonprofit capacity building.

In addition to her work in grant writing, Kim has a strong focus on nonprofit systems and sustainability, including risk management and cybersecurity awareness. She is passionate about helping grant writers build profitable businesses while supporting nonprofits in operating more securely and effectively.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Kim Collier has secured over $35 million in government and foundation funding for nonprofits over the past 20 years—and in this episode, she brings both experience and real talk to the conversation. We dive into what it actually looks like to build a sustainable and profitable grant writing career, starting with a topic many grant writers know all too well: being underpaid.

Kim shares the real impact of undercharging (and undervaluing your work), and how shifting your mindset—and your pricing—can change everything. We also talk about the power of community and why being part of a grant writing network can accelerate your growth, confidence, and opportunities as a grant professional.

But we don’t stop there.

Kim brings a unique perspective on nonprofit infrastructure, including common security risks organizations face today. She shares insights on how nonprofits can better protect themselves from cybersecurity threats—an often overlooked but critical area of sustainability.

And finally, we explore how housing grants have been evolving and what that means for grant writers working in this space.

If you’re ready to strengthen your business, better serve your clients, and stay ahead of industry shifts—this episode is packed with insights you don’t want to miss.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Kim Collier is an experienced grant professional who has secured more than $35 million in government and foundation funding for nonprofits over the past two decades. She brings deep expertise in grant strategy, funding research, and nonprofit capacity building.

In addition to her work in grant writing, Kim has a strong focus on nonprofit systems and sustainability, including risk management and cybersecurity awareness. She is passionate about helping grant writers build profitable businesses while supporting nonprofits in operating more securely and effectively.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 25 Jun 2024 07:00:15 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 3913 Kim Collier has secured over $35 million in government and foundation funding for nonprofits over the past 20 years—and in this episode, she brings both experience and real talk to the conversation. We dive into what it actually looks like to build a sustainable and profitable grant writing career, starting with a topic many grant writers know all too well: being underpaid.

Kim shares the real impact of undercharging (and undervaluing your work), and how shifting your mindset—and your pricing—can change everything. We also talk about the power of community and why being part of a grant writing network can accelerate your growth, confidence, and opportunities as a grant professional.

But we don’t stop there.

Kim brings a unique perspective on nonprofit infrastructure, including common security risks organizations face today. She shares insights on how nonprofits can better protect themselves from cybersecurity threats—an often overlooked but critical area of sustainability.

And finally, we explore how housing grants have been evolving and what that means for grant writers working in this space.

If you’re ready to strengthen your business, better serve your clients, and stay ahead of industry shifts—this episode is packed with insights you don’t want to miss.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Kim Collier is an experienced grant professional who has secured more than $35 million in government and foundation funding for nonprofits over the past two decades. She brings deep expertise in grant strategy, funding research, and nonprofit capacity building.

In addition to her work in grant writing, Kim has a strong focus on nonprofit systems and sustainability, including risk management and cybersecurity awareness. She is passionate about helping grant writers build profitable businesses while supporting nonprofits in operating more securely and effectively.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Replay: Grant Professionals Pricing Survey Results & Brainstorming Sessions 346 346 Replay: Grant Professionals Pricing Survey Results & Brainstorming Sessions full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1849091094 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/replay-grant-professionals-pricing-survey-results-brainstorming-sessions This episode, Rachel Waterman explains the results of the grant writer’s pricing survey report, how the report has changed from last year, and the biggest trends currently affecting grant writers.

Rachel is the CEO and Founder of GDS Grants and has over 25 years of community development and grant writing experience.

In this episode, Rachel explains how grant writers price their services, the different pricing structures that grant writers use, and where grant writers are losing money.

She also talks about how a grant writer’s gender impacts their work, how much unpaid work grant writers do, and how grant writers can improve the grant writing community.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • The results of the pricing survey report by Global Development Solutions.
  • The difference between the 2022 and the 2023 report.
  • How grant writers price their services.
  • How much unpaid work grant writers do.
  • What you need to consider when pricing your services.
  • The ways a grant writer’s gender impacts their work.
  • The different pricing structures that grant writers use.
  • Where grant writers are losing money.
  • Why grant writers do unpaid work.
  • How grant writers can improve the community.

About Rachel Waterman

Rachel Waterman has over 25 years of community development and grant writing experience, is Grant Professional Certified (GPC), a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), a Grant Professionals Association (GPA) Approved Trainer, and an expert in grant management.

She holds a Master’s degree in community and economic development with a concentration in applied social research from Illinois State University and a Bachelor’s degree in international studies from Barry University.

Her career has encompassed a broad spectrum of professional experiences, including serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer, nonprofit executive director, community organizer, city master planner, researcher, and Mayor of the city of Lake Worth Beach, Florida.

Rachel is the CEO and Founder of GDS Grants. She is responsible for client strategy, new program & budget development, data tracking systems, outcome measures, and data analysis. Rachel also oversees the GDS Professional Development Program and personally coaches GDS interns, fellows, and mentees.

Connect with Rachel:

Quotables:

  • “People didn’t realize that they were working for free, they would tell us how many hours they were working but when we did the math they weren’t getting paid for all their hours.”
  • “Logging our hours and wrapping our brains around what we’re doing for free allows us to create boundaries and expectations with our clients. We need to show them that we value our time because we’re telling them that our time isn’t valued when we’re working for them for free.”
  • “Men tend to think of themselves more in a monetary value and women tend to think of themselves of how they can be helpful and then we end up devaluing ourselves.”

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> This episode, Rachel Waterman explains the results of the grant writer’s pricing survey report, how the report has changed from last year, and the biggest trends currently affecting grant writers.

Rachel is the CEO and Founder of GDS Grants and has over 25 years of community development and grant writing experience.

In this episode, Rachel explains how grant writers price their services, the different pricing structures that grant writers use, and where grant writers are losing money.

She also talks about how a grant writer’s gender impacts their work, how much unpaid work grant writers do, and how grant writers can improve the grant writing community.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • The results of the pricing survey report by Global Development Solutions.
  • The difference between the 2022 and the 2023 report.
  • How grant writers price their services.
  • How much unpaid work grant writers do.
  • What you need to consider when pricing your services.
  • The ways a grant writer’s gender impacts their work.
  • The different pricing structures that grant writers use.
  • Where grant writers are losing money.
  • Why grant writers do unpaid work.
  • How grant writers can improve the community.

About Rachel Waterman

Rachel Waterman has over 25 years of community development and grant writing experience, is Grant Professional Certified (GPC), a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), a Grant Professionals Association (GPA) Approved Trainer, and an expert in grant management.

She holds a Master’s degree in community and economic development with a concentration in applied social research from Illinois State University and a Bachelor’s degree in international studies from Barry University.

Her career has encompassed a broad spectrum of professional experiences, including serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer, nonprofit executive director, community organizer, city master planner, researcher, and Mayor of the city of Lake Worth Beach, Florida.

Rachel is the CEO and Founder of GDS Grants. She is responsible for client strategy, new program & budget development, data tracking systems, outcome measures, and data analysis. Rachel also oversees the GDS Professional Development Program and personally coaches GDS interns, fellows, and mentees.

Connect with Rachel:

Quotables:

  • “People didn’t realize that they were working for free, they would tell us how many hours they were working but when we did the math they weren’t getting paid for all their hours.”
  • “Logging our hours and wrapping our brains around what we’re doing for free allows us to create boundaries and expectations with our clients. We need to show them that we value our time because we’re telling them that our time isn’t valued when we’re working for them for free.”
  • “Men tend to think of themselves more in a monetary value and women tend to think of themselves of how they can be helpful and then we end up devaluing ourselves.”

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> Tue, 18 Jun 2024 07:00:07 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 6401 This episode, Rachel Waterman explains the results of the grant writer’s pricing survey report, how the report has changed from last year, and the biggest trends currently affecting grant writers.

Rachel is the CEO and Founder of GDS Grants and has over 25 years of community development and grant writing experience.

In this episode, Rachel explains how grant writers price their services, the different pricing structures that grant writers use, and where grant writers are losing money.

She also talks about how a grant writer’s gender impacts their work, how much unpaid work grant writers do, and how grant writers can improve the grant writing community.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • The results of the pricing survey report by Global Development Solutions.
  • The difference between the 2022 and the 2023 report.
  • How grant writers price their services.
  • How much unpaid work grant writers do.
  • What you need to consider when pricing your services.
  • The ways a grant writer’s gender impacts their work.
  • The different pricing structures that grant writers use.
  • Where grant writers are losing money.
  • Why grant writers do unpaid work.
  • How grant writers can improve the community.

About Rachel Waterman

Rachel Waterman has over 25 years of community development and grant writing experience, is Grant Professional Certified (GPC), a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), a Grant Professionals Association (GPA) Approved Trainer, and an expert in grant management.

She holds a Master’s degree in community and economic development with a concentration in applied social research from Illinois State University and a Bachelor’s degree in international studies from Barry University.

Her career has encompassed a broad spectrum of professional experiences, including serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer, nonprofit executive director, community organizer, city master planner, researcher, and Mayor of the city of Lake Worth Beach, Florida.

Rachel is the CEO and Founder of GDS Grants. She is responsible for client strategy, new program & budget development, data tracking systems, outcome measures, and data analysis. Rachel also oversees the GDS Professional Development Program and personally coaches GDS interns, fellows, and mentees.

Connect with Rachel:

Quotables:

  • “People didn’t realize that they were working for free, they would tell us how many hours they were working but when we did the math they weren’t getting paid for all their hours.”
  • “Logging our hours and wrapping our brains around what we’re doing for free allows us to create boundaries and expectations with our clients. We need to show them that we value our time because we’re telling them that our time isn’t valued when we’re working for them for free.”
  • “Men tend to think of themselves more in a monetary value and women tend to think of themselves of how they can be helpful and then we end up devaluing ourselves.”

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No From Surviving to Thriving: Overcoming Money Trauma in Nonprofit Consulting 341 341 From Surviving to Thriving: Overcoming Money Trauma in Nonprofit Consulting full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1843642998 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-341-from-surviving-to-thriving-overcoming-money-trauma-in-nonprofit-consulting Rhea Wong joins us to share how nonprofit leaders can build strong individual major gift programs to increase fundraising success. She breaks down why donor retention rates are often so low, the core principles behind creating a meaningful donor experience, and how consultants can strategically choose the right projects. 

We also explore practical strategies for staying calm and focused, what it takes to build a successful group coaching program, and how a nonprofit consultant’s career can evolve over time.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Rhea Wong helps Executive Directors and development staff build out individual major gift programs in order to raise more money. She brings over 15 years of fundraising experience to help people make a plan to move their individual donor program forward.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

LinkedIn

Website


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Rhea Wong joins us to share how nonprofit leaders can build strong individual major gift programs to increase fundraising success. She breaks down why donor retention rates are often so low, the core principles behind creating a meaningful donor experience, and how consultants can strategically choose the right projects. 

We also explore practical strategies for staying calm and focused, what it takes to build a successful group coaching program, and how a nonprofit consultant’s career can evolve over time.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Rhea Wong helps Executive Directors and development staff build out individual major gift programs in order to raise more money. She brings over 15 years of fundraising experience to help people make a plan to move their individual donor program forward.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

LinkedIn

Website


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 11 Jun 2024 07:00:08 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 3988 Rhea Wong joins us to share how nonprofit leaders can build strong individual major gift programs to increase fundraising success. She breaks down why donor retention rates are often so low, the core principles behind creating a meaningful donor experience, and how consultants can strategically choose the right projects. 

We also explore practical strategies for staying calm and focused, what it takes to build a successful group coaching program, and how a nonprofit consultant’s career can evolve over time.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Rhea Wong helps Executive Directors and development staff build out individual major gift programs in order to raise more money. She brings over 15 years of fundraising experience to help people make a plan to move their individual donor program forward.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

LinkedIn

Website


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ep. 340: The Role of Strategic Planning in Freelance Grant Writing Success 344 344 Ep. 340: The Role of Strategic Planning in Freelance Grant Writing Success full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1836332094 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-340-the-role-of-strategic-planning-in-freelance-grant-writing-success Tue, 04 Jun 2024 07:00:01 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2181 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Effective Financial Systems for Nonprofits and Freelance Grant Writers 339 339 Effective Financial Systems for Nonprofits and Freelance Grant Writers full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1831002990 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-339-effective-financial-systems-for-nonprofits-and-freelance-grant-writers Stephanie Skryzowski joins us to break down how nonprofits can better understand, manage, and communicate their financials to drive stronger funding outcomes. As a nonprofit CFO, she shares what data organizations should be tracking, how to effectively manage and interpret budgets, and how to navigate the complexities of grant budgets. We also explore how grant writers can choose the right clients, determine which services to offer, and apply key financial insights to strengthen proposals and overall nonprofit strategy.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Stephanie Skryzowski is a Chief Financial Officer for nonprofits and the founder of 100 Degrees Consulting, where she helps nonprofit leaders better understand, use, and communicate their financials. With a passion for making finance accessible, Stephanie supports organizations in building strong financial systems, improving budgeting practices, and increasing transparency with donors and stakeholders. Through her work, she empowers nonprofits to make smarter decisions and maximize their impact.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Stephanie Skryzowski joins us to break down how nonprofits can better understand, manage, and communicate their financials to drive stronger funding outcomes. As a nonprofit CFO, she shares what data organizations should be tracking, how to effectively manage and interpret budgets, and how to navigate the complexities of grant budgets. We also explore how grant writers can choose the right clients, determine which services to offer, and apply key financial insights to strengthen proposals and overall nonprofit strategy.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Stephanie Skryzowski is a Chief Financial Officer for nonprofits and the founder of 100 Degrees Consulting, where she helps nonprofit leaders better understand, use, and communicate their financials. With a passion for making finance accessible, Stephanie supports organizations in building strong financial systems, improving budgeting practices, and increasing transparency with donors and stakeholders. Through her work, she empowers nonprofits to make smarter decisions and maximize their impact.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 28 May 2024 07:00:03 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2214 Stephanie Skryzowski joins us to break down how nonprofits can better understand, manage, and communicate their financials to drive stronger funding outcomes. As a nonprofit CFO, she shares what data organizations should be tracking, how to effectively manage and interpret budgets, and how to navigate the complexities of grant budgets. We also explore how grant writers can choose the right clients, determine which services to offer, and apply key financial insights to strengthen proposals and overall nonprofit strategy.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Stephanie Skryzowski is a Chief Financial Officer for nonprofits and the founder of 100 Degrees Consulting, where she helps nonprofit leaders better understand, use, and communicate their financials. With a passion for making finance accessible, Stephanie supports organizations in building strong financial systems, improving budgeting practices, and increasing transparency with donors and stakeholders. Through her work, she empowers nonprofits to make smarter decisions and maximize their impact.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Mastering Freelance Finances: The Variable Income System 342 342 Mastering Freelance Finances: The Variable Income System full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1825352169 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/mastering-freelance-finances-the-variable-income-system Gina Knox is a financial and wealth coach for entrepreneurs with variable income who teaches them how to build their business savings.

In this episode, Gina explains the issues with a budgeting based approach, the different banking strategies that can increase your capital, and how much you should pay yourself from your grant writing business.

She also talks about how to approach debt in your business, what you need to cover in a sales call with a potential client, and the mindset shift when moving from being an employee to a business owner.

About Gina Knox

Gina Knox is a financial coach for entrepreneurs with variable income. She teaches entrepreneurs how to build their business savings and create a 7 figure wealth portfolio. Over her career as a coach, Gina has helped her clients save over 6.3 million dollars in less than 3 years.

Connect with Gina:

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> Gina Knox is a financial and wealth coach for entrepreneurs with variable income who teaches them how to build their business savings.

In this episode, Gina explains the issues with a budgeting based approach, the different banking strategies that can increase your capital, and how much you should pay yourself from your grant writing business.

She also talks about how to approach debt in your business, what you need to cover in a sales call with a potential client, and the mindset shift when moving from being an employee to a business owner.

About Gina Knox

Gina Knox is a financial coach for entrepreneurs with variable income. She teaches entrepreneurs how to build their business savings and create a 7 figure wealth portfolio. Over her career as a coach, Gina has helped her clients save over 6.3 million dollars in less than 3 years.

Connect with Gina:

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> Tue, 21 May 2024 07:00:02 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2962 Gina Knox is a financial and wealth coach for entrepreneurs with variable income who teaches them how to build their business savings.

In this episode, Gina explains the issues with a budgeting based approach, the different banking strategies that can increase your capital, and how much you should pay yourself from your grant writing business.

She also talks about how to approach debt in your business, what you need to cover in a sales call with a potential client, and the mindset shift when moving from being an employee to a business owner.

About Gina Knox

Gina Knox is a financial coach for entrepreneurs with variable income. She teaches entrepreneurs how to build their business savings and create a 7 figure wealth portfolio. Over her career as a coach, Gina has helped her clients save over 6.3 million dollars in less than 3 years.

Connect with Gina:

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

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]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Why AI Won't Take Your Grant Writing Job 341 341 Why AI Won't Take Your Grant Writing Job full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1817105442 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/why-ai-wont-take-your-grant-writing-job This episode, Philip Deng explains how to use AI to streamline the grant writing process, what to do if you get a bad output from an AI model, and how to improve the responses you get from AI models.

Philip Deng is the Co-founder and CEO of Grantable, a world-class grant writing assistant powered by AI.

In this episode, Philip explains the difference between using ChatGPT and Grantable, how to keep an authentic tone while writing grants with AI software, and how much you can trust the output of an AI.

He also talks about why AI can’t be used for research purposes, the best type of AI to use for grant writing, and why having a master grant template is so valuable.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • How to use AI to streamline the grant writing process.
  • Why AI can’t be used for research purposes.
  • How much you can trust the output of an AI large language model.
  • What to do if you get a bad output from an AI model.
  • How to improve the responses you get from an AI.
  • The best type of AI to use for grant writing.
  • The difference between using ChatGPT and Grantable.
  • How to keep an authentic tone while writing grants with AI software.
  • Why a master grant template is so valuable.
  • How to use AI as a team member.

About Philip Deng

Philip is the Co-founder and CEO of Grantable, a world-class grant writing assistant for any organization, powered by AI. He devised the prototype from 15 years of experience working with grant-funded organizations in the nonprofit sector. 

Connect with Philip:

Quotables:

  • “Everything these AI models do is a hallucination, it’s not malfunctioning it’s functioning normally and the amazing thing is how often it is correct, not how often it is wrong.”
  • “The moral of the story is check your work, in one sense you have the world’s most capable and also the most naive intern ever, who is fluent in all these languages and knowledge but can make elementary mistakes so check your work.”
  • “The real power comes when the human team is helping the AI and the AI is helping the human team. So if you do the work of putting in the master template you’ve helped isolate down to the really good text to base from.”

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> This episode, Philip Deng explains how to use AI to streamline the grant writing process, what to do if you get a bad output from an AI model, and how to improve the responses you get from AI models.

Philip Deng is the Co-founder and CEO of Grantable, a world-class grant writing assistant powered by AI.

In this episode, Philip explains the difference between using ChatGPT and Grantable, how to keep an authentic tone while writing grants with AI software, and how much you can trust the output of an AI.

He also talks about why AI can’t be used for research purposes, the best type of AI to use for grant writing, and why having a master grant template is so valuable.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • How to use AI to streamline the grant writing process.
  • Why AI can’t be used for research purposes.
  • How much you can trust the output of an AI large language model.
  • What to do if you get a bad output from an AI model.
  • How to improve the responses you get from an AI.
  • The best type of AI to use for grant writing.
  • The difference between using ChatGPT and Grantable.
  • How to keep an authentic tone while writing grants with AI software.
  • Why a master grant template is so valuable.
  • How to use AI as a team member.

About Philip Deng

Philip is the Co-founder and CEO of Grantable, a world-class grant writing assistant for any organization, powered by AI. He devised the prototype from 15 years of experience working with grant-funded organizations in the nonprofit sector. 

Connect with Philip:

Quotables:

  • “Everything these AI models do is a hallucination, it’s not malfunctioning it’s functioning normally and the amazing thing is how often it is correct, not how often it is wrong.”
  • “The moral of the story is check your work, in one sense you have the world’s most capable and also the most naive intern ever, who is fluent in all these languages and knowledge but can make elementary mistakes so check your work.”
  • “The real power comes when the human team is helping the AI and the AI is helping the human team. So if you do the work of putting in the master template you’ve helped isolate down to the really good text to base from.”

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> Tue, 14 May 2024 07:00:02 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 3549 This episode, Philip Deng explains how to use AI to streamline the grant writing process, what to do if you get a bad output from an AI model, and how to improve the responses you get from AI models.

Philip Deng is the Co-founder and CEO of Grantable, a world-class grant writing assistant powered by AI.

In this episode, Philip explains the difference between using ChatGPT and Grantable, how to keep an authentic tone while writing grants with AI software, and how much you can trust the output of an AI.

He also talks about why AI can’t be used for research purposes, the best type of AI to use for grant writing, and why having a master grant template is so valuable.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • How to use AI to streamline the grant writing process.
  • Why AI can’t be used for research purposes.
  • How much you can trust the output of an AI large language model.
  • What to do if you get a bad output from an AI model.
  • How to improve the responses you get from an AI.
  • The best type of AI to use for grant writing.
  • The difference between using ChatGPT and Grantable.
  • How to keep an authentic tone while writing grants with AI software.
  • Why a master grant template is so valuable.
  • How to use AI as a team member.

About Philip Deng

Philip is the Co-founder and CEO of Grantable, a world-class grant writing assistant for any organization, powered by AI. He devised the prototype from 15 years of experience working with grant-funded organizations in the nonprofit sector. 

Connect with Philip:

Quotables:

  • “Everything these AI models do is a hallucination, it’s not malfunctioning it’s functioning normally and the amazing thing is how often it is correct, not how often it is wrong.”
  • “The moral of the story is check your work, in one sense you have the world’s most capable and also the most naive intern ever, who is fluent in all these languages and knowledge but can make elementary mistakes so check your work.”
  • “The real power comes when the human team is helping the AI and the AI is helping the human team. So if you do the work of putting in the master template you’ve helped isolate down to the really good text to base from.”

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Why Mothers Need to Quit Their Nonprofit Jobs 336 336 Why Mothers Need to Quit Their Nonprofit Jobs full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1814811555 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-336-why-mothers-need-to-quit-their-nonprofit-jobs Have you ever thought about transitioning from working inside a nonprofit to becoming a freelance grant writer?

Or wondered what it really looks like to build a flexible, work-from-home business—especially as a parent?


In this episode, Holly Rustick dives into the realities of freelance grant writing and the opportunities it creates for both freedom and financial growth. We explore the differences often seen between male and female grant writers in the industry, and how freelance work can offer unique advantages—particularly for mothers looking to balance career and family life.

Holly also breaks down how to successfully transition from a nonprofit role into freelance grant writing, including how to increase your income and position your services effectively.


Plus, we discuss the importance of developing strong business acumen skills so you’re not just writing grants—but running a successful, sustainable business.

If you’re ready to create more flexibility, increase your earning potential, and take ownership of your career, this episode will show you what’s possible.


ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Have you ever thought about transitioning from working inside a nonprofit to becoming a freelance grant writer?

Or wondered what it really looks like to build a flexible, work-from-home business—especially as a parent?


In this episode, Holly Rustick dives into the realities of freelance grant writing and the opportunities it creates for both freedom and financial growth. We explore the differences often seen between male and female grant writers in the industry, and how freelance work can offer unique advantages—particularly for mothers looking to balance career and family life.

Holly also breaks down how to successfully transition from a nonprofit role into freelance grant writing, including how to increase your income and position your services effectively.


Plus, we discuss the importance of developing strong business acumen skills so you’re not just writing grants—but running a successful, sustainable business.

If you’re ready to create more flexibility, increase your earning potential, and take ownership of your career, this episode will show you what’s possible.


ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Sun, 12 May 2024 07:02:57 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1684 Have you ever thought about transitioning from working inside a nonprofit to becoming a freelance grant writer?

Or wondered what it really looks like to build a flexible, work-from-home business—especially as a parent?


In this episode, Holly Rustick dives into the realities of freelance grant writing and the opportunities it creates for both freedom and financial growth. We explore the differences often seen between male and female grant writers in the industry, and how freelance work can offer unique advantages—particularly for mothers looking to balance career and family life.

Holly also breaks down how to successfully transition from a nonprofit role into freelance grant writing, including how to increase your income and position your services effectively.


Plus, we discuss the importance of developing strong business acumen skills so you’re not just writing grants—but running a successful, sustainable business.

If you’re ready to create more flexibility, increase your earning potential, and take ownership of your career, this episode will show you what’s possible.


ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Find out how much Payton made in her business in 3 Months, and in Grants 339 339 Find out how much Payton made in her business in 3 Months, and in Grants full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1814791287 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/find-out-how-much-payton-made-in-her-business-in-3-months-and-in-grants Payton Murphy is a grants professional with experience in grant writing, research, management, and budget development.

Payton explains how to articulate the value of your grant writing services, the benefits of looking at your job as if they are a client, and the sales strategies grant writers can use with nonprofits.

She also talks about the business fundamentals behind grant writing, how to set up systems and processes to save you time when writing grants, and the difference between doing sales with non-profits and for-profit businesses.

About Payton Murphy

Payton Murphy is a grant writing consultant passionate about working with purpose-driven organizations to expand their impact and grow and manage their grant portfolios.

Payton has helped organizations secure over $12 million in foundation and government funding and worked on 80 awarded grant proposals. She has experience with grant writing, research, management, budget and template development, and more.

Payton works with organizations striving to empower, uplift, and build capacity in their communities. She has worked with organizations in various focus areas, including mental health, youth development, criminal justice/reentry, early childhood education, housing and homelessness, substance use/recovery, and community development.

Payton is a member of the Grants Professional Association and holds an M.S. in Criminology and Criminal Justice and a B.A. in Psychology and Sociology.

Connect with Payton:

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Payton Murphy is a grants professional with experience in grant writing, research, management, and budget development.

Payton explains how to articulate the value of your grant writing services, the benefits of looking at your job as if they are a client, and the sales strategies grant writers can use with nonprofits.

She also talks about the business fundamentals behind grant writing, how to set up systems and processes to save you time when writing grants, and the difference between doing sales with non-profits and for-profit businesses.

About Payton Murphy

Payton Murphy is a grant writing consultant passionate about working with purpose-driven organizations to expand their impact and grow and manage their grant portfolios.

Payton has helped organizations secure over $12 million in foundation and government funding and worked on 80 awarded grant proposals. She has experience with grant writing, research, management, budget and template development, and more.

Payton works with organizations striving to empower, uplift, and build capacity in their communities. She has worked with organizations in various focus areas, including mental health, youth development, criminal justice/reentry, early childhood education, housing and homelessness, substance use/recovery, and community development.

Payton is a member of the Grants Professional Association and holds an M.S. in Criminology and Criminal Justice and a B.A. in Psychology and Sociology.

Connect with Payton:

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Sat, 11 May 2024 07:00:07 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2236 Payton Murphy is a grants professional with experience in grant writing, research, management, and budget development.

Payton explains how to articulate the value of your grant writing services, the benefits of looking at your job as if they are a client, and the sales strategies grant writers can use with nonprofits.

She also talks about the business fundamentals behind grant writing, how to set up systems and processes to save you time when writing grants, and the difference between doing sales with non-profits and for-profit businesses.

About Payton Murphy

Payton Murphy is a grant writing consultant passionate about working with purpose-driven organizations to expand their impact and grow and manage their grant portfolios.

Payton has helped organizations secure over $12 million in foundation and government funding and worked on 80 awarded grant proposals. She has experience with grant writing, research, management, budget and template development, and more.

Payton works with organizations striving to empower, uplift, and build capacity in their communities. She has worked with organizations in various focus areas, including mental health, youth development, criminal justice/reentry, early childhood education, housing and homelessness, substance use/recovery, and community development.

Payton is a member of the Grants Professional Association and holds an M.S. in Criminology and Criminal Justice and a B.A. in Psychology and Sociology.

Connect with Payton:

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No How Grace Booked Out Her Part-Time Grant Writing Business With 2 Retainer Clients 338 338 How Grace Booked Out Her Part-Time Grant Writing Business With 2 Retainer Clients full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1814785326 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/how-grace-booked-out-her-part-time-grant-writing-business-with-2-retainer-clients This episode, Grace Pankin explains her experience in the grant writing academy, how she created a part-time income while raising young children, and the challenges involved with starting a new grant writing business.

Grace Pankin has been writing grants for Southern Nevada nonprofits for over 5 years, and within the last three of those years, she’s helped to raise over 5 million dollars.

Grace explains how she was able to book out her grant writing business in two months by using the Unique Industry Concept and Pricing Reviews inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy. 

She also talks about how inside the Academy, she increased her contracted hours with a current client, the different ways she improved her deliverables and customer service, and the value she got from having a new perspective on the grants she was writing.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • Using grant writing to create a side income while raising young children.
  • The challenges of starting a new grant writing business.
  • How to price your grant writing services.
  • How using a master grant application template can improve your client delivery process.
  • The best way grant writers can network with nonprofit clients.
  • How to increase your contracted hours with a grant writing client.
  • Different ways to improve your deliverables and customer service.
  • The power of getting a new perspective on grants you’re writing.
  • How to manage your time as a grant writer.

About Grace Pankin

Grace Pankin has been writing grants for Southern Nevada nonprofits for over 5 years, and within the last three of those years, she’s helped to raise over 5 million dollars.

She started with a grant writing class in college and after graduating with a BA in Sociology (with an emphasis in social research), interned with the Make-A-Wish Southern Nevada. There she found her passion for working with nonprofits, promoting change in Nevada, and making it a better place for the people living here. 

Since 2015, she has worked at The Las Vegas Natural History Museum as the Education Administrator and managed the funding of the field trip program for low-income students, as well as at Rebuilding Together of Southern Nevada as a Grant Writer and Development Coordinator. It was at Rebuilding Together that she maintained the fundraising for a $2 million budget, and in her first two years of working for them, of the grants awarded, over 20% of funding was from new partners. 

Grace then founded Grants With Grace Consulting to continue growing her work with nonprofits, and to provide prospect research, grant writing, and grants management services and quality, honest grant writing and consulting services to nonprofit organizations.

Grace also teaches and gives nonprofits the resources to help them through the grant-writing process.

Connect with Grace:

Quotables:

  • “It gave me more confidence because I’m good at grant writing but I’m not that good of a salesperson, and the academy made up a lot of what I lacked in that area.”
  • “It’s much easier to bump up your hours with a current client when you renew than to go out and get a new client.”
  • “At least two people should look at every grant because you’re going to miss something when you spend so much time looking at something.”

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> This episode, Grace Pankin explains her experience in the grant writing academy, how she created a part-time income while raising young children, and the challenges involved with starting a new grant writing business.

Grace Pankin has been writing grants for Southern Nevada nonprofits for over 5 years, and within the last three of those years, she’s helped to raise over 5 million dollars.

Grace explains how she was able to book out her grant writing business in two months by using the Unique Industry Concept and Pricing Reviews inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy. 

She also talks about how inside the Academy, she increased her contracted hours with a current client, the different ways she improved her deliverables and customer service, and the value she got from having a new perspective on the grants she was writing.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • Using grant writing to create a side income while raising young children.
  • The challenges of starting a new grant writing business.
  • How to price your grant writing services.
  • How using a master grant application template can improve your client delivery process.
  • The best way grant writers can network with nonprofit clients.
  • How to increase your contracted hours with a grant writing client.
  • Different ways to improve your deliverables and customer service.
  • The power of getting a new perspective on grants you’re writing.
  • How to manage your time as a grant writer.

About Grace Pankin

Grace Pankin has been writing grants for Southern Nevada nonprofits for over 5 years, and within the last three of those years, she’s helped to raise over 5 million dollars.

She started with a grant writing class in college and after graduating with a BA in Sociology (with an emphasis in social research), interned with the Make-A-Wish Southern Nevada. There she found her passion for working with nonprofits, promoting change in Nevada, and making it a better place for the people living here. 

Since 2015, she has worked at The Las Vegas Natural History Museum as the Education Administrator and managed the funding of the field trip program for low-income students, as well as at Rebuilding Together of Southern Nevada as a Grant Writer and Development Coordinator. It was at Rebuilding Together that she maintained the fundraising for a $2 million budget, and in her first two years of working for them, of the grants awarded, over 20% of funding was from new partners. 

Grace then founded Grants With Grace Consulting to continue growing her work with nonprofits, and to provide prospect research, grant writing, and grants management services and quality, honest grant writing and consulting services to nonprofit organizations.

Grace also teaches and gives nonprofits the resources to help them through the grant-writing process.

Connect with Grace:

Quotables:

  • “It gave me more confidence because I’m good at grant writing but I’m not that good of a salesperson, and the academy made up a lot of what I lacked in that area.”
  • “It’s much easier to bump up your hours with a current client when you renew than to go out and get a new client.”
  • “At least two people should look at every grant because you’re going to miss something when you spend so much time looking at something.”

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Thu, 09 May 2024 08:00:17 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1863 This episode, Grace Pankin explains her experience in the grant writing academy, how she created a part-time income while raising young children, and the challenges involved with starting a new grant writing business.

Grace Pankin has been writing grants for Southern Nevada nonprofits for over 5 years, and within the last three of those years, she’s helped to raise over 5 million dollars.

Grace explains how she was able to book out her grant writing business in two months by using the Unique Industry Concept and Pricing Reviews inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy. 

She also talks about how inside the Academy, she increased her contracted hours with a current client, the different ways she improved her deliverables and customer service, and the value she got from having a new perspective on the grants she was writing.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • Using grant writing to create a side income while raising young children.
  • The challenges of starting a new grant writing business.
  • How to price your grant writing services.
  • How using a master grant application template can improve your client delivery process.
  • The best way grant writers can network with nonprofit clients.
  • How to increase your contracted hours with a grant writing client.
  • Different ways to improve your deliverables and customer service.
  • The power of getting a new perspective on grants you’re writing.
  • How to manage your time as a grant writer.

About Grace Pankin

Grace Pankin has been writing grants for Southern Nevada nonprofits for over 5 years, and within the last three of those years, she’s helped to raise over 5 million dollars.

She started with a grant writing class in college and after graduating with a BA in Sociology (with an emphasis in social research), interned with the Make-A-Wish Southern Nevada. There she found her passion for working with nonprofits, promoting change in Nevada, and making it a better place for the people living here. 

Since 2015, she has worked at The Las Vegas Natural History Museum as the Education Administrator and managed the funding of the field trip program for low-income students, as well as at Rebuilding Together of Southern Nevada as a Grant Writer and Development Coordinator. It was at Rebuilding Together that she maintained the fundraising for a $2 million budget, and in her first two years of working for them, of the grants awarded, over 20% of funding was from new partners. 

Grace then founded Grants With Grace Consulting to continue growing her work with nonprofits, and to provide prospect research, grant writing, and grants management services and quality, honest grant writing and consulting services to nonprofit organizations.

Grace also teaches and gives nonprofits the resources to help them through the grant-writing process.

Connect with Grace:

Quotables:

  • “It gave me more confidence because I’m good at grant writing but I’m not that good of a salesperson, and the academy made up a lot of what I lacked in that area.”
  • “It’s much easier to bump up your hours with a current client when you renew than to go out and get a new client.”
  • “At least two people should look at every grant because you’re going to miss something when you spend so much time looking at something.”

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No BONUS Grant Writing is a Legacy Skill 333 333 BONUS Grant Writing is a Legacy Skill full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1811009697 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-333-bonus-grant-writing-is-a-legacy-skill In this episode, Holly breaks down the essential skills grant writers need to transition into successful business owners. She shares how to strategically design your service offerings, why nonprofits invest in having their team members join The Freelance Grant Writer Academy, and what business acumen skills are critical for long-term success.

Holly also dives into the value of using a master grant writing template to streamline your work and improve consistency, as well as how grant reviews can strengthen both grant writers’ skills and the success rates of the nonprofits they support.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> In this episode, Holly breaks down the essential skills grant writers need to transition into successful business owners. She shares how to strategically design your service offerings, why nonprofits invest in having their team members join The Freelance Grant Writer Academy, and what business acumen skills are critical for long-term success.

Holly also dives into the value of using a master grant writing template to streamline your work and improve consistency, as well as how grant reviews can strengthen both grant writers’ skills and the success rates of the nonprofits they support.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Thu, 09 May 2024 07:00:07 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1380 In this episode, Holly breaks down the essential skills grant writers need to transition into successful business owners. She shares how to strategically design your service offerings, why nonprofits invest in having their team members join The Freelance Grant Writer Academy, and what business acumen skills are critical for long-term success.

Holly also dives into the value of using a master grant writing template to streamline your work and improve consistency, as well as how grant reviews can strengthen both grant writers’ skills and the success rates of the nonprofits they support.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No In 4 Months Kari Made $31,750 in Revenue and $142K in Grants With our Business Acumen Systems 336 336 In 4 Months Kari Made $31,750 in Revenue and $142K in Grants With our Business Acumen Systems full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1811117913 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/in-4-months-kari-made-31-750-in-revenue-and-142k-in-grants-with-our-business-acumen-systems Kari is a Philadelphia-based grant writer specializing in small and start-up nonprofits, who has worked in the non-profit field for over a decade.

Kari explains the business side of being a grant writing consultant, how to be properly valued as a grant writer, and how to effectively price your grant writing services.

They also talk about the different deliverables grant writers should offer, the business and sales lessons they learned in the academy, and the value of being a part of a community of grant writers.

About Kari Collins

Kari is a Philadelphia-based grant writer specializing in small and start-up nonprofits. They have worked in the non-profit field since 2010, including running a community center out of a historic church building for 6 years. 

As a non-binary person, Kari’s career path has been anything but straightforward. They graduated seminary with an MDiv in 2013, but quickly became disillusioned with the difficulty of forging a faith-based career as an openly LGBTQ+ person. They moved back into nonprofit work with a focus on creating community spaces for activists and visionaries.

Kari launched their consulting business in 2023 to expand their impact and avoid the glass ceiling faced by people who don’t match the typical image of non-profit leadership. They’ve since raised over $2 million for their clients, and helped multiple volunteer and part-time founders become full-time executive directors!

Connect with Kari:

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Kari is a Philadelphia-based grant writer specializing in small and start-up nonprofits, who has worked in the non-profit field for over a decade.

Kari explains the business side of being a grant writing consultant, how to be properly valued as a grant writer, and how to effectively price your grant writing services.

They also talk about the different deliverables grant writers should offer, the business and sales lessons they learned in the academy, and the value of being a part of a community of grant writers.

About Kari Collins

Kari is a Philadelphia-based grant writer specializing in small and start-up nonprofits. They have worked in the non-profit field since 2010, including running a community center out of a historic church building for 6 years. 

As a non-binary person, Kari’s career path has been anything but straightforward. They graduated seminary with an MDiv in 2013, but quickly became disillusioned with the difficulty of forging a faith-based career as an openly LGBTQ+ person. They moved back into nonprofit work with a focus on creating community spaces for activists and visionaries.

Kari launched their consulting business in 2023 to expand their impact and avoid the glass ceiling faced by people who don’t match the typical image of non-profit leadership. They’ve since raised over $2 million for their clients, and helped multiple volunteer and part-time founders become full-time executive directors!

Connect with Kari:

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Wed, 08 May 2024 07:00:07 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1830 Kari is a Philadelphia-based grant writer specializing in small and start-up nonprofits, who has worked in the non-profit field for over a decade.

Kari explains the business side of being a grant writing consultant, how to be properly valued as a grant writer, and how to effectively price your grant writing services.

They also talk about the different deliverables grant writers should offer, the business and sales lessons they learned in the academy, and the value of being a part of a community of grant writers.

About Kari Collins

Kari is a Philadelphia-based grant writer specializing in small and start-up nonprofits. They have worked in the non-profit field since 2010, including running a community center out of a historic church building for 6 years. 

As a non-binary person, Kari’s career path has been anything but straightforward. They graduated seminary with an MDiv in 2013, but quickly became disillusioned with the difficulty of forging a faith-based career as an openly LGBTQ+ person. They moved back into nonprofit work with a focus on creating community spaces for activists and visionaries.

Kari launched their consulting business in 2023 to expand their impact and avoid the glass ceiling faced by people who don’t match the typical image of non-profit leadership. They’ve since raised over $2 million for their clients, and helped multiple volunteer and part-time founders become full-time executive directors!

Connect with Kari:

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No BONUS Sales is Not a Sleazy Word: Selling Grant Writing Services to Nonprofits is Ethical 331 331 BONUS Sales is Not a Sleazy Word: Selling Grant Writing Services to Nonprofits is Ethical full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1811097714 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-331-bonus-sales-is-not-a-sleazy-word-selling-grant-writing-services-to-nonprofits-is-ethical In this solo episode, Holly Rustick breaks down the importance of clearly defining your grant writing services and pricing so you can confidently position yourself in the market. She shares how to follow an ethical sales system, set the right expectations when working with nonprofits, and effectively present a business plan that aligns with their funding goals. 

Holly also explains why freelance grant writers are often more desirable than in-house staff and the key skills you need to step into the role of a grant strategist and build a successful 5–6 figure business.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, and serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/


RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> In this solo episode, Holly Rustick breaks down the importance of clearly defining your grant writing services and pricing so you can confidently position yourself in the market. She shares how to follow an ethical sales system, set the right expectations when working with nonprofits, and effectively present a business plan that aligns with their funding goals. 

Holly also explains why freelance grant writers are often more desirable than in-house staff and the key skills you need to step into the role of a grant strategist and build a successful 5–6 figure business.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, and serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/


RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 07 May 2024 07:35:57 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2094 In this solo episode, Holly Rustick breaks down the importance of clearly defining your grant writing services and pricing so you can confidently position yourself in the market. She shares how to follow an ethical sales system, set the right expectations when working with nonprofits, and effectively present a business plan that aligns with their funding goals. 

Holly also explains why freelance grant writers are often more desirable than in-house staff and the key skills you need to step into the role of a grant strategist and build a successful 5–6 figure business.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, and serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/


RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No BONUS: How Mapi Made $62,775 in 4 Months with Systems, Mindset, and Retainers BONUS: How Mapi Made $62,775 in 4 Months with Systems, Mindset, and Retainers bonus tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1815410721 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/bonus-how-mapi-made-62-775-in-4-months-with-systems-mindset-and-retainers What if the missing piece in your grant writing business isn’t your skill—but your systems?

In this episode, Academy student Mapi Garcia shares how she transformed her freelance grant writing business after two and a half years of inconsistent clients and revenue.


After joining the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, everything shifted.

Within just four months, Mapi generated $62,775 in her business and secured her first-ever retainer client—creating consistent, predictable income.


We dive into what changed for her, including how implementing systems and reframing how she set expectations with nonprofit clients became a total gamechanger. Mapi shares how clarity in communication, pricing, and service delivery allowed her to attract better-fit clients and build a more sustainable business.


If you’ve been stuck in inconsistent income or wondering how to create stability in your grant writing business, this episode will show you what’s possible with the right structure and mindset.

Be sure to give it a listen!


BOUT OUR GUEST

Mapi Garcia is a freelance grant writer who successfully transformed her business by implementing strategic systems and client management practices. After working in the field for over two years, she joined the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and quickly scaled her business to generate over $62,000 in just four months.

Mapi specializes in helping nonprofits secure funding while building long-term client relationships through retainer-based services, creating both impact and consistent revenue.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> What if the missing piece in your grant writing business isn’t your skill—but your systems?

In this episode, Academy student Mapi Garcia shares how she transformed her freelance grant writing business after two and a half years of inconsistent clients and revenue.


After joining the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, everything shifted.

Within just four months, Mapi generated $62,775 in her business and secured her first-ever retainer client—creating consistent, predictable income.


We dive into what changed for her, including how implementing systems and reframing how she set expectations with nonprofit clients became a total gamechanger. Mapi shares how clarity in communication, pricing, and service delivery allowed her to attract better-fit clients and build a more sustainable business.


If you’ve been stuck in inconsistent income or wondering how to create stability in your grant writing business, this episode will show you what’s possible with the right structure and mindset.

Be sure to give it a listen!


BOUT OUR GUEST

Mapi Garcia is a freelance grant writer who successfully transformed her business by implementing strategic systems and client management practices. After working in the field for over two years, she joined the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and quickly scaled her business to generate over $62,000 in just four months.

Mapi specializes in helping nonprofits secure funding while building long-term client relationships through retainer-based services, creating both impact and consistent revenue.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Mon, 06 May 2024 20:00:07 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 3371 What if the missing piece in your grant writing business isn’t your skill—but your systems?

In this episode, Academy student Mapi Garcia shares how she transformed her freelance grant writing business after two and a half years of inconsistent clients and revenue.


After joining the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, everything shifted.

Within just four months, Mapi generated $62,775 in her business and secured her first-ever retainer client—creating consistent, predictable income.


We dive into what changed for her, including how implementing systems and reframing how she set expectations with nonprofit clients became a total gamechanger. Mapi shares how clarity in communication, pricing, and service delivery allowed her to attract better-fit clients and build a more sustainable business.


If you’ve been stuck in inconsistent income or wondering how to create stability in your grant writing business, this episode will show you what’s possible with the right structure and mindset.

Be sure to give it a listen!


BOUT OUR GUEST

Mapi Garcia is a freelance grant writer who successfully transformed her business by implementing strategic systems and client management practices. After working in the field for over two years, she joined the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and quickly scaled her business to generate over $62,000 in just four months.

Mapi specializes in helping nonprofits secure funding while building long-term client relationships through retainer-based services, creating both impact and consistent revenue.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No How Isatou Quit Her Full-Time Job 8 Months Early and Transitioned into Grant Writing 333 333 How Isatou Quit Her Full-Time Job 8 Months Early and Transitioned into Grant Writing full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1809526827 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/how-isatou-quit-her-full-time-job-8-months-early-and-transitioned-into-grant-writing This episode, Isatou Bittaye-Jobe is a Grant Consultant specializing in gender justice, youth development, and human rights.

Isatou explains why having a specific niche is so important, how to increase the conversion rate of your sales calls, and what you need to transition from employee to business owner.

She also talks about how The Freelance Grant Writer Academy can support grant writers, the benefits of having a community of grant writers, and the type of goals you should have when entering the academy.

About Isatou Bittaye-Jobe

Isatou Bittaye-Jobe is a Grant Consultant specializing in gender justice, youth development, and human rights. 

Isatou’s passion for social justice and the need to address the systemic inequities in the funding landscape inspired her to found AmiKha Consulting to provide grant writing services, and program design and strategic planning for U.S-based nonprofits and NGOs in the Global South to skyrocket their funding potential.

She has over 15 years of experience in the nonprofit sector and has successfully supported nonprofits to secure grant awards totaling $10 million throughout her career. Most recently, she was the Director of Institutional Giving at UltraViolet, where she oversaw and managed the organization’s institutional funding strategy and plan for raising the $5 million annual operating budget. 

Originally from The Gambia, Isatou served as a Senior Program Officer at the National Council for Civic Education, securing six-figure level grants and promoting civically engaged citizenry among Gambians. She was also a founding member and Communications Manager of The Girls’ Agenda. Since immigrating to the United States, Isatou has served in various roles with the Population Council, Women Deliver, and the National Network for Safe Communities. 

Connect with Isatou:

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> This episode, Isatou Bittaye-Jobe is a Grant Consultant specializing in gender justice, youth development, and human rights.

Isatou explains why having a specific niche is so important, how to increase the conversion rate of your sales calls, and what you need to transition from employee to business owner.

She also talks about how The Freelance Grant Writer Academy can support grant writers, the benefits of having a community of grant writers, and the type of goals you should have when entering the academy.

About Isatou Bittaye-Jobe

Isatou Bittaye-Jobe is a Grant Consultant specializing in gender justice, youth development, and human rights. 

Isatou’s passion for social justice and the need to address the systemic inequities in the funding landscape inspired her to found AmiKha Consulting to provide grant writing services, and program design and strategic planning for U.S-based nonprofits and NGOs in the Global South to skyrocket their funding potential.

She has over 15 years of experience in the nonprofit sector and has successfully supported nonprofits to secure grant awards totaling $10 million throughout her career. Most recently, she was the Director of Institutional Giving at UltraViolet, where she oversaw and managed the organization’s institutional funding strategy and plan for raising the $5 million annual operating budget. 

Originally from The Gambia, Isatou served as a Senior Program Officer at the National Council for Civic Education, securing six-figure level grants and promoting civically engaged citizenry among Gambians. She was also a founding member and Communications Manager of The Girls’ Agenda. Since immigrating to the United States, Isatou has served in various roles with the Population Council, Women Deliver, and the National Network for Safe Communities. 

Connect with Isatou:

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Sun, 05 May 2024 07:00:07 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1690 This episode, Isatou Bittaye-Jobe is a Grant Consultant specializing in gender justice, youth development, and human rights.

Isatou explains why having a specific niche is so important, how to increase the conversion rate of your sales calls, and what you need to transition from employee to business owner.

She also talks about how The Freelance Grant Writer Academy can support grant writers, the benefits of having a community of grant writers, and the type of goals you should have when entering the academy.

About Isatou Bittaye-Jobe

Isatou Bittaye-Jobe is a Grant Consultant specializing in gender justice, youth development, and human rights. 

Isatou’s passion for social justice and the need to address the systemic inequities in the funding landscape inspired her to found AmiKha Consulting to provide grant writing services, and program design and strategic planning for U.S-based nonprofits and NGOs in the Global South to skyrocket their funding potential.

She has over 15 years of experience in the nonprofit sector and has successfully supported nonprofits to secure grant awards totaling $10 million throughout her career. Most recently, she was the Director of Institutional Giving at UltraViolet, where she oversaw and managed the organization’s institutional funding strategy and plan for raising the $5 million annual operating budget. 

Originally from The Gambia, Isatou served as a Senior Program Officer at the National Council for Civic Education, securing six-figure level grants and promoting civically engaged citizenry among Gambians. She was also a founding member and Communications Manager of The Girls’ Agenda. Since immigrating to the United States, Isatou has served in various roles with the Population Council, Women Deliver, and the National Network for Safe Communities. 

Connect with Isatou:

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Olive's Path from Executive Director to Freelance Grant Writer on Flexible Hours 332 332 Olive's Path from Executive Director to Freelance Grant Writer on Flexible Hours full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1809492495 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/olives-path-from-executive-director-to-freelance-grant-writer-on-flexible-hours This episode, Olive Idehen explains the mindset you need as a business owner, how to identify your ideal clients, and the different strategies she’s used to grow her business.

Olive Idehen is the founder and owner of Callive, LLC an independent organizational development consulting firm for small and medium sized social change and nonprofit organizations.

Olive explains how to decide which nonprofits to work with, the strategic planning systems that can be created for onboarding clients, and the ways having a master grant template can help with prospecting.

She also talks about the importance of pricing your grant writing services correctly, how she positioned herself as a more credible grant writer, and the ways that the Freelance Grant Writer Academy has supported her.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • The importance of pricing your grant writing services correctly.
  • The mindset you need as a business owner.
  • How to decide which nonprofits to work with.
  • How the Freelance Grant Writer Academy can support you.
  • The strategic planning systems that can be created for onboarding clients.
  • How to identify who your ideal clients are.
  • The ways having a master grant template helps with prospecting. 
  • How to make yourself a more credible grant writer.
  • Different strategies to grow a grant writing business.
  • The type of networking you should do before starting your own business.

About Olive Idehen

As the founding Executive Director, Coalition for Nonprofit Housing Development in Washington, DC, Olive was immersed in affordable housing issues in partnership with a sixty plus membership of nonprofit and for-profit developers, activists, and funders. 

To better understand how philanthropy could be leveraged in community, she had a tenure as Senior Director, Housing and Community Development at the Fannie Mae Foundation. Here she funded and provided technical assistance to nonprofit organizations and capital campaigns for programs and physical expansion in Washington, DC.

Then she wanted to understand the flow of both private and public sector capital in community development and served as Bank of America’s Vice President, Community Relations Manager where she implemented a Corporate Social Responsibility initiative within the Global Marketing and Corporate Affairs line of business. She supported the Market President, charitable foundation and community outreach activities and initiatives that addressed critical needs in the low-and moderate-income communities in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia. This resulted in an “outstanding” regulatory rating for three consecutive years.

In 2019, Olive wanted to explore new ways of working with nonprofits and became the founder and owner of Callive, LLC an independent organizational development consulting firm for small and medium sized social change and nonprofit organizations. Callive’s services include strategic planning, grant writing, board training and development, and succession planning and leadership continuity. 

Olive presently serves on the Board of Directors of three nonprofit organizations including, Manna (affordable housing), Coalition for Nonprofit Housing & Economic Development (housing and economic development) and Life Asset (community development financial institution).

Connect with Olive:

Quotables:

  • “Being able to be clear with my services has helped me with marketing, it’s helped me become a expert, and it’s helped with my credibility.”
  • “The academy has helped to build my confidence because it’s one thing to work for somebody else and it’s another thing to work for yourself and go out and get the business.”
  • “Do lots of networking before you leave a nonprofit so that when you do leave you still have that one client.”

Resources mentioned in this episode.

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> This episode, Olive Idehen explains the mindset you need as a business owner, how to identify your ideal clients, and the different strategies she’s used to grow her business.

Olive Idehen is the founder and owner of Callive, LLC an independent organizational development consulting firm for small and medium sized social change and nonprofit organizations.

Olive explains how to decide which nonprofits to work with, the strategic planning systems that can be created for onboarding clients, and the ways having a master grant template can help with prospecting.

She also talks about the importance of pricing your grant writing services correctly, how she positioned herself as a more credible grant writer, and the ways that the Freelance Grant Writer Academy has supported her.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • The importance of pricing your grant writing services correctly.
  • The mindset you need as a business owner.
  • How to decide which nonprofits to work with.
  • How the Freelance Grant Writer Academy can support you.
  • The strategic planning systems that can be created for onboarding clients.
  • How to identify who your ideal clients are.
  • The ways having a master grant template helps with prospecting. 
  • How to make yourself a more credible grant writer.
  • Different strategies to grow a grant writing business.
  • The type of networking you should do before starting your own business.

About Olive Idehen

As the founding Executive Director, Coalition for Nonprofit Housing Development in Washington, DC, Olive was immersed in affordable housing issues in partnership with a sixty plus membership of nonprofit and for-profit developers, activists, and funders. 

To better understand how philanthropy could be leveraged in community, she had a tenure as Senior Director, Housing and Community Development at the Fannie Mae Foundation. Here she funded and provided technical assistance to nonprofit organizations and capital campaigns for programs and physical expansion in Washington, DC.

Then she wanted to understand the flow of both private and public sector capital in community development and served as Bank of America’s Vice President, Community Relations Manager where she implemented a Corporate Social Responsibility initiative within the Global Marketing and Corporate Affairs line of business. She supported the Market President, charitable foundation and community outreach activities and initiatives that addressed critical needs in the low-and moderate-income communities in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia. This resulted in an “outstanding” regulatory rating for three consecutive years.

In 2019, Olive wanted to explore new ways of working with nonprofits and became the founder and owner of Callive, LLC an independent organizational development consulting firm for small and medium sized social change and nonprofit organizations. Callive’s services include strategic planning, grant writing, board training and development, and succession planning and leadership continuity. 

Olive presently serves on the Board of Directors of three nonprofit organizations including, Manna (affordable housing), Coalition for Nonprofit Housing & Economic Development (housing and economic development) and Life Asset (community development financial institution).

Connect with Olive:

Quotables:

  • “Being able to be clear with my services has helped me with marketing, it’s helped me become a expert, and it’s helped with my credibility.”
  • “The academy has helped to build my confidence because it’s one thing to work for somebody else and it’s another thing to work for yourself and go out and get the business.”
  • “Do lots of networking before you leave a nonprofit so that when you do leave you still have that one client.”

Resources mentioned in this episode.

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Sat, 04 May 2024 07:00:07 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2011 This episode, Olive Idehen explains the mindset you need as a business owner, how to identify your ideal clients, and the different strategies she’s used to grow her business.

Olive Idehen is the founder and owner of Callive, LLC an independent organizational development consulting firm for small and medium sized social change and nonprofit organizations.

Olive explains how to decide which nonprofits to work with, the strategic planning systems that can be created for onboarding clients, and the ways having a master grant template can help with prospecting.

She also talks about the importance of pricing your grant writing services correctly, how she positioned herself as a more credible grant writer, and the ways that the Freelance Grant Writer Academy has supported her.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • The importance of pricing your grant writing services correctly.
  • The mindset you need as a business owner.
  • How to decide which nonprofits to work with.
  • How the Freelance Grant Writer Academy can support you.
  • The strategic planning systems that can be created for onboarding clients.
  • How to identify who your ideal clients are.
  • The ways having a master grant template helps with prospecting. 
  • How to make yourself a more credible grant writer.
  • Different strategies to grow a grant writing business.
  • The type of networking you should do before starting your own business.

About Olive Idehen

As the founding Executive Director, Coalition for Nonprofit Housing Development in Washington, DC, Olive was immersed in affordable housing issues in partnership with a sixty plus membership of nonprofit and for-profit developers, activists, and funders. 

To better understand how philanthropy could be leveraged in community, she had a tenure as Senior Director, Housing and Community Development at the Fannie Mae Foundation. Here she funded and provided technical assistance to nonprofit organizations and capital campaigns for programs and physical expansion in Washington, DC.

Then she wanted to understand the flow of both private and public sector capital in community development and served as Bank of America’s Vice President, Community Relations Manager where she implemented a Corporate Social Responsibility initiative within the Global Marketing and Corporate Affairs line of business. She supported the Market President, charitable foundation and community outreach activities and initiatives that addressed critical needs in the low-and moderate-income communities in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia. This resulted in an “outstanding” regulatory rating for three consecutive years.

In 2019, Olive wanted to explore new ways of working with nonprofits and became the founder and owner of Callive, LLC an independent organizational development consulting firm for small and medium sized social change and nonprofit organizations. Callive’s services include strategic planning, grant writing, board training and development, and succession planning and leadership continuity. 

Olive presently serves on the Board of Directors of three nonprofit organizations including, Manna (affordable housing), Coalition for Nonprofit Housing & Economic Development (housing and economic development) and Life Asset (community development financial institution).

Connect with Olive:

Quotables:

  • “Being able to be clear with my services has helped me with marketing, it’s helped me become a expert, and it’s helped with my credibility.”
  • “The academy has helped to build my confidence because it’s one thing to work for somebody else and it’s another thing to work for yourself and go out and get the business.”
  • “Do lots of networking before you leave a nonprofit so that when you do leave you still have that one client.”

Resources mentioned in this episode.

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Gwen Made $65,000 in 6 months in the Academy, and How She Uses the Program as Her Assistant 331 331 Gwen Made $65,000 in 6 months in the Academy, and How She Uses the Program as Her Assistant full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1809462072 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/gwen-made-65-000-in-6-months-in-the-academy-and-how-she-uses-the-program-as-her-assistant This episode, Gwen Valentino explains how the freelance grant writing academy has helped her business, the value she gets from unlimited grant reviews, and why having a community of grant writers is so impactful.

Gwen Valentino is a grant administrator at NM Grant Writers, where she empowers local governments and nonprofit organizations by unlocking the full potential of grant funding.

Gwen explains how she’s streamlined her grant writing process through using the checklists and systems available in the freelance grant writing academy.

She also talks about how to get returning customers as a grant writer, the different types of organizations grant writers can work with, and the impact having a website has had on her grant writing business.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • The different types of organizations grant writers work with.
  • How to get returning customers as a grant writer.
  • The challenges of working with a 501(c)(12) and how to overcome them.
  • The checklists you can use when writing grants for a nonprofit.
  • Different systems you can follow to write grants.
  • The value of getting a grant review.
  • How having a website can help a freelance grant writer.
  • Why having a community of grant writers is so impactful.
  • The impact the freelance grant writing academy has had on Gwen’s business.

About Gwen Valentino

At NM Grant Writers, we believe in the transformative power of grants to propel local governments and nonprofit organizations toward their full potential. With a deep commitment to demystifying the grant application process, we offer expert guidance and personalized support at every step of the journey. We aim to turn visionary projects into impactful, funded realities, fostering community growth and innovation.

Our services range from preparing organizations to apply for grants with our Starter Package to enhancing grant efforts with the Essential Package and providing ongoing support with our Growth Package. With professionalism as our cornerstone, we navigate each grant journey with expertise, precision, and integrity.

In 2023 alone, our specialized experience in securing over $4 million in state, federal, and foundation grants speaks to our ability to bring knowledge to every project. Let NM Grant Writers transform your grant aspirations into funded successes.

Connect with Gwen:

Quotables:

  • “Follow up with previous clients, they’re your best resource for returning customers.”
  • “With systems in place you save the client more money because you can do things so much quicker. That’s why I love the academy so much because you set up so many systems that we can follow. I don’t have to think of anything at all I just follow the system and go.”
  • “I tell my family I’m writing grants but they don’t really understand at all, but in the community you know they feel it. They know exactly what you’re going through, they know how hard writing a grant can be, and how invested you are in the outcome.”

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> This episode, Gwen Valentino explains how the freelance grant writing academy has helped her business, the value she gets from unlimited grant reviews, and why having a community of grant writers is so impactful.

Gwen Valentino is a grant administrator at NM Grant Writers, where she empowers local governments and nonprofit organizations by unlocking the full potential of grant funding.

Gwen explains how she’s streamlined her grant writing process through using the checklists and systems available in the freelance grant writing academy.

She also talks about how to get returning customers as a grant writer, the different types of organizations grant writers can work with, and the impact having a website has had on her grant writing business.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • The different types of organizations grant writers work with.
  • How to get returning customers as a grant writer.
  • The challenges of working with a 501(c)(12) and how to overcome them.
  • The checklists you can use when writing grants for a nonprofit.
  • Different systems you can follow to write grants.
  • The value of getting a grant review.
  • How having a website can help a freelance grant writer.
  • Why having a community of grant writers is so impactful.
  • The impact the freelance grant writing academy has had on Gwen’s business.

About Gwen Valentino

At NM Grant Writers, we believe in the transformative power of grants to propel local governments and nonprofit organizations toward their full potential. With a deep commitment to demystifying the grant application process, we offer expert guidance and personalized support at every step of the journey. We aim to turn visionary projects into impactful, funded realities, fostering community growth and innovation.

Our services range from preparing organizations to apply for grants with our Starter Package to enhancing grant efforts with the Essential Package and providing ongoing support with our Growth Package. With professionalism as our cornerstone, we navigate each grant journey with expertise, precision, and integrity.

In 2023 alone, our specialized experience in securing over $4 million in state, federal, and foundation grants speaks to our ability to bring knowledge to every project. Let NM Grant Writers transform your grant aspirations into funded successes.

Connect with Gwen:

Quotables:

  • “Follow up with previous clients, they’re your best resource for returning customers.”
  • “With systems in place you save the client more money because you can do things so much quicker. That’s why I love the academy so much because you set up so many systems that we can follow. I don’t have to think of anything at all I just follow the system and go.”
  • “I tell my family I’m writing grants but they don’t really understand at all, but in the community you know they feel it. They know exactly what you’re going through, they know how hard writing a grant can be, and how invested you are in the outcome.”

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Fri, 03 May 2024 08:00:18 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2434 This episode, Gwen Valentino explains how the freelance grant writing academy has helped her business, the value she gets from unlimited grant reviews, and why having a community of grant writers is so impactful.

Gwen Valentino is a grant administrator at NM Grant Writers, where she empowers local governments and nonprofit organizations by unlocking the full potential of grant funding.

Gwen explains how she’s streamlined her grant writing process through using the checklists and systems available in the freelance grant writing academy.

She also talks about how to get returning customers as a grant writer, the different types of organizations grant writers can work with, and the impact having a website has had on her grant writing business.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • The different types of organizations grant writers work with.
  • How to get returning customers as a grant writer.
  • The challenges of working with a 501(c)(12) and how to overcome them.
  • The checklists you can use when writing grants for a nonprofit.
  • Different systems you can follow to write grants.
  • The value of getting a grant review.
  • How having a website can help a freelance grant writer.
  • Why having a community of grant writers is so impactful.
  • The impact the freelance grant writing academy has had on Gwen’s business.

About Gwen Valentino

At NM Grant Writers, we believe in the transformative power of grants to propel local governments and nonprofit organizations toward their full potential. With a deep commitment to demystifying the grant application process, we offer expert guidance and personalized support at every step of the journey. We aim to turn visionary projects into impactful, funded realities, fostering community growth and innovation.

Our services range from preparing organizations to apply for grants with our Starter Package to enhancing grant efforts with the Essential Package and providing ongoing support with our Growth Package. With professionalism as our cornerstone, we navigate each grant journey with expertise, precision, and integrity.

In 2023 alone, our specialized experience in securing over $4 million in state, federal, and foundation grants speaks to our ability to bring knowledge to every project. Let NM Grant Writers transform your grant aspirations into funded successes.

Connect with Gwen:

Quotables:

  • “Follow up with previous clients, they’re your best resource for returning customers.”
  • “With systems in place you save the client more money because you can do things so much quicker. That’s why I love the academy so much because you set up so many systems that we can follow. I don’t have to think of anything at all I just follow the system and go.”
  • “I tell my family I’m writing grants but they don’t really understand at all, but in the community you know they feel it. They know exactly what you’re going through, they know how hard writing a grant can be, and how invested you are in the outcome.”

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No BONUS Doors to the Freelance Grant Writer Academy are OPEN - Is it for Me? 327 327 BONUS Doors to the Freelance Grant Writer Academy are OPEN - Is it for Me? bonus tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1809436878 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-327-bonus-doors-to-the-freelance-grant-writer-academy-are-open-is-it-for-me If you’ve ever wondered how long it takes to get a return on your investment in your grant writing business—this episode is for you.


In this episode, we take a closer look at what it really means to invest in your growth as a freelance grant writer, especially inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy. We talk about realistic timelines for seeing a return on your investment and how that’s directly connected to the actions you take, the systems you build, and the support you have around you. 

You’ll also learn about the power of community inside the Academy and how being surrounded by other grant writers can accelerate your growth, provide accountability, and help you navigate challenges along the way. We break down how the grant review service works and why getting feedback on your work is a game-changer when it comes to improving your skills and increasing your success rate.

Plus, we dive into the essential systems you need in place to build a profitable grant writing business—and how to approach sales conversations with nonprofits in a way that is both ethical and effective. If you’re ready to create a sustainable, profitable business with the right support and structure, this episode will give you the clarity you need.


ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> If you’ve ever wondered how long it takes to get a return on your investment in your grant writing business—this episode is for you.


In this episode, we take a closer look at what it really means to invest in your growth as a freelance grant writer, especially inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy. We talk about realistic timelines for seeing a return on your investment and how that’s directly connected to the actions you take, the systems you build, and the support you have around you. 

You’ll also learn about the power of community inside the Academy and how being surrounded by other grant writers can accelerate your growth, provide accountability, and help you navigate challenges along the way. We break down how the grant review service works and why getting feedback on your work is a game-changer when it comes to improving your skills and increasing your success rate.

Plus, we dive into the essential systems you need in place to build a profitable grant writing business—and how to approach sales conversations with nonprofits in a way that is both ethical and effective. If you’re ready to create a sustainable, profitable business with the right support and structure, this episode will give you the clarity you need.


ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Fri, 03 May 2024 07:00:08 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2109 If you’ve ever wondered how long it takes to get a return on your investment in your grant writing business—this episode is for you.


In this episode, we take a closer look at what it really means to invest in your growth as a freelance grant writer, especially inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy. We talk about realistic timelines for seeing a return on your investment and how that’s directly connected to the actions you take, the systems you build, and the support you have around you. 

You’ll also learn about the power of community inside the Academy and how being surrounded by other grant writers can accelerate your growth, provide accountability, and help you navigate challenges along the way. We break down how the grant review service works and why getting feedback on your work is a game-changer when it comes to improving your skills and increasing your success rate.

Plus, we dive into the essential systems you need in place to build a profitable grant writing business—and how to approach sales conversations with nonprofits in a way that is both ethical and effective. If you’re ready to create a sustainable, profitable business with the right support and structure, this episode will give you the clarity you need.


ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ep. 326 WEBINAR REPLAY "Replace Your FT Job, on Flexible Hours, Writing High-Quality Grants Fast 329 329 Ep. 326 WEBINAR REPLAY "Replace Your FT Job, on Flexible Hours, Writing High-Quality Grants Fast full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1811545848 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-326-webinar-replay-replace-your-ft-job-on-flexible-hours-writing-high-quality-grants-fast Fri, 03 May 2024 06:00:28 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 11104 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Get your 9-5 Nonprofit to Pay for the Academy 328 328 Get your 9-5 Nonprofit to Pay for the Academy full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1806704481 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/get-your-9-5-nonprofit-to-pay-for-the-academy This episode, Holly Rustick explains how the freelance grant writer academy can help your nonprofit, why they’ll pay for you to go to the academy, and the amount they’ll save in grant reviews.

Holly Rustick is a world-renowned grant writing expert and Amazon bestselling author who has been coaching grant writers on how to run successful 5-6 figure businesses since 2017.

Holly explains the different features available in the freelance grant writer academy, what you’ll learn in the academy, and why a nonprofit will pay for you to go there.

She also talks about the different grant training and reviews available, how much it normally costs to get a grant reviewed, and how you can get your nonprofit to pay for you to go to the Freelance Grant Writer Academy.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • Why a nonprofit will pay for you to go to the freelance grant writer academy.
  • What you learn in the freelance grant writer academy.
  • The amount it costs to get a grant reviewed.
  • The different features available in the freelance grant writer academy.
  • The grant training and grant reviews available in the freelance grant writer academy.
  • How the freelance grant writer academy can help the nonprofit you work at.
  • How to get your nonprofit to pay for the freelance grant writer academy.
  • How to make money writing grants at home.

Quotables:

  • “Your current nonprofit can utilize our grant formula curriculum, the entire grant writing master course, our 30-day grant writing template challenge, our grant writing reviews, all our templates and samples, and more.”
  • “People come into the program after their nonprofit paid for the academy and want a grant review for the nonprofit and they can submit that for the nonprofit.”
  • “If you have grant writing in your job description or they want you to uplevel to grant writing, then you need the training, the support and the reviews so you can write more grants quickly, this is going to help the nonprofit it’s a huge ROI.”

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> This episode, Holly Rustick explains how the freelance grant writer academy can help your nonprofit, why they’ll pay for you to go to the academy, and the amount they’ll save in grant reviews.

Holly Rustick is a world-renowned grant writing expert and Amazon bestselling author who has been coaching grant writers on how to run successful 5-6 figure businesses since 2017.

Holly explains the different features available in the freelance grant writer academy, what you’ll learn in the academy, and why a nonprofit will pay for you to go there.

She also talks about the different grant training and reviews available, how much it normally costs to get a grant reviewed, and how you can get your nonprofit to pay for you to go to the Freelance Grant Writer Academy.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • Why a nonprofit will pay for you to go to the freelance grant writer academy.
  • What you learn in the freelance grant writer academy.
  • The amount it costs to get a grant reviewed.
  • The different features available in the freelance grant writer academy.
  • The grant training and grant reviews available in the freelance grant writer academy.
  • How the freelance grant writer academy can help the nonprofit you work at.
  • How to get your nonprofit to pay for the freelance grant writer academy.
  • How to make money writing grants at home.

Quotables:

  • “Your current nonprofit can utilize our grant formula curriculum, the entire grant writing master course, our 30-day grant writing template challenge, our grant writing reviews, all our templates and samples, and more.”
  • “People come into the program after their nonprofit paid for the academy and want a grant review for the nonprofit and they can submit that for the nonprofit.”
  • “If you have grant writing in your job description or they want you to uplevel to grant writing, then you need the training, the support and the reviews so you can write more grants quickly, this is going to help the nonprofit it’s a huge ROI.”

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> Tue, 30 Apr 2024 07:00:08 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1037 This episode, Holly Rustick explains how the freelance grant writer academy can help your nonprofit, why they’ll pay for you to go to the academy, and the amount they’ll save in grant reviews.

Holly Rustick is a world-renowned grant writing expert and Amazon bestselling author who has been coaching grant writers on how to run successful 5-6 figure businesses since 2017.

Holly explains the different features available in the freelance grant writer academy, what you’ll learn in the academy, and why a nonprofit will pay for you to go there.

She also talks about the different grant training and reviews available, how much it normally costs to get a grant reviewed, and how you can get your nonprofit to pay for you to go to the Freelance Grant Writer Academy.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • Why a nonprofit will pay for you to go to the freelance grant writer academy.
  • What you learn in the freelance grant writer academy.
  • The amount it costs to get a grant reviewed.
  • The different features available in the freelance grant writer academy.
  • The grant training and grant reviews available in the freelance grant writer academy.
  • How the freelance grant writer academy can help the nonprofit you work at.
  • How to get your nonprofit to pay for the freelance grant writer academy.
  • How to make money writing grants at home.

Quotables:

  • “Your current nonprofit can utilize our grant formula curriculum, the entire grant writing master course, our 30-day grant writing template challenge, our grant writing reviews, all our templates and samples, and more.”
  • “People come into the program after their nonprofit paid for the academy and want a grant review for the nonprofit and they can submit that for the nonprofit.”
  • “If you have grant writing in your job description or they want you to uplevel to grant writing, then you need the training, the support and the reviews so you can write more grants quickly, this is going to help the nonprofit it’s a huge ROI.”

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No BONUS Part-Time Grant Writer Optional 324 324 BONUS Part-Time Grant Writer Optional bonus tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1801051906 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-324-bonus-part-time-grant-writer-optional Have you ever wondered what it really looks like to be a freelance grant writer—full-time versus part-time?


In this episode, we break down the key differences between the two and how each path can offer flexibility, freedom, and income potential depending on your goals. 

Grant writing is one of those unique skillsets that allows you to design your schedule and create a business that fits your lifestyle. Whether you’re looking to replace your full-time income or build a side business with flexible hours, there are real opportunities to make it happen. We also dive into how most grant writers actually get clients (hint: it’s not as complicated as you might think), and the different ways you can start building your credibility—even if you’re just getting started.

From leveraging past experience to positioning your services effectively, you’ll learn how to begin your freelance grant writing journey with confidence. If you’re ready to explore a career path that offers both purpose and flexibility, this episode will show you what’s possible.


ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
 https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
 https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Have you ever wondered what it really looks like to be a freelance grant writer—full-time versus part-time?


In this episode, we break down the key differences between the two and how each path can offer flexibility, freedom, and income potential depending on your goals. 

Grant writing is one of those unique skillsets that allows you to design your schedule and create a business that fits your lifestyle. Whether you’re looking to replace your full-time income or build a side business with flexible hours, there are real opportunities to make it happen. We also dive into how most grant writers actually get clients (hint: it’s not as complicated as you might think), and the different ways you can start building your credibility—even if you’re just getting started.

From leveraging past experience to positioning your services effectively, you’ll learn how to begin your freelance grant writing journey with confidence. If you’re ready to explore a career path that offers both purpose and flexibility, this episode will show you what’s possible.


ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
 https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
 https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Fri, 26 Apr 2024 07:00:48 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1220 Have you ever wondered what it really looks like to be a freelance grant writer—full-time versus part-time?


In this episode, we break down the key differences between the two and how each path can offer flexibility, freedom, and income potential depending on your goals. 

Grant writing is one of those unique skillsets that allows you to design your schedule and create a business that fits your lifestyle. Whether you’re looking to replace your full-time income or build a side business with flexible hours, there are real opportunities to make it happen. We also dive into how most grant writers actually get clients (hint: it’s not as complicated as you might think), and the different ways you can start building your credibility—even if you’re just getting started.

From leveraging past experience to positioning your services effectively, you’ll learn how to begin your freelance grant writing journey with confidence. If you’re ready to explore a career path that offers both purpose and flexibility, this episode will show you what’s possible.


ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
 https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
 https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Treat Your 9-5 as Your Anchor Client as a Freelance Grant Writer 323 323 Treat Your 9-5 as Your Anchor Client as a Freelance Grant Writer full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1801045960 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-323-treat-your-9-5-as-your-anchor-client-as-a-freelance-grant-writer In this episode, Holly Rustick breaks down the mindset shift needed to successfully transition into freelance grant writing. She shares why you should view your 9–5 job as your first “anchor client” and how to strategically reposition yourself from employee to contractor without burning bridges. Holly also walks through practical ways to strengthen your relationship with your nonprofit, reposition your services, and transition into freelancing with minimal risk—so you can build a more flexible, profitable grant writing business.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, and serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> In this episode, Holly Rustick breaks down the mindset shift needed to successfully transition into freelance grant writing. She shares why you should view your 9–5 job as your first “anchor client” and how to strategically reposition yourself from employee to contractor without burning bridges. Holly also walks through practical ways to strengthen your relationship with your nonprofit, reposition your services, and transition into freelancing with minimal risk—so you can build a more flexible, profitable grant writing business.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, and serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 23 Apr 2024 07:00:05 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1339 In this episode, Holly Rustick breaks down the mindset shift needed to successfully transition into freelance grant writing. She shares why you should view your 9–5 job as your first “anchor client” and how to strategically reposition yourself from employee to contractor without burning bridges. Holly also walks through practical ways to strengthen your relationship with your nonprofit, reposition your services, and transition into freelancing with minimal risk—so you can build a more flexible, profitable grant writing business.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, and serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No BONUS You Don’t Need a Grant Writing Certification 322 322 BONUS You Don’t Need a Grant Writing Certification bonus tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1801032010 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-322-bonus-you-don-t-need-a-grant-writing-certification Do you really need a grant writing certification to be successful?


It’s one of the most common questions aspiring and even experienced grant writers ask—and the answer might surprise you.

In this episode, Holly breaks down what a grant writing certification is, when it can be helpful, and why it’s not always necessary to build a successful career.


We explore the benefits of certifications, including how they can boost confidence, provide structure, and enhance your credibility—but also why real-world experience, skill development, and results often matter more.


Holly also shares how to position yourself as an experienced grant writer (even if you’re newer), how to continuously improve your grant writing skills, and why getting feedback on your proposals is one of the fastest ways to grow.

If you’ve been debating whether to invest in a certification—or wondering how to level up your expertise—this episode will give you clarity and direction.


ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Do you really need a grant writing certification to be successful?


It’s one of the most common questions aspiring and even experienced grant writers ask—and the answer might surprise you.

In this episode, Holly breaks down what a grant writing certification is, when it can be helpful, and why it’s not always necessary to build a successful career.


We explore the benefits of certifications, including how they can boost confidence, provide structure, and enhance your credibility—but also why real-world experience, skill development, and results often matter more.


Holly also shares how to position yourself as an experienced grant writer (even if you’re newer), how to continuously improve your grant writing skills, and why getting feedback on your proposals is one of the fastest ways to grow.

If you’ve been debating whether to invest in a certification—or wondering how to level up your expertise—this episode will give you clarity and direction.


ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Fri, 19 Apr 2024 07:00:15 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1101 Do you really need a grant writing certification to be successful?


It’s one of the most common questions aspiring and even experienced grant writers ask—and the answer might surprise you.

In this episode, Holly breaks down what a grant writing certification is, when it can be helpful, and why it’s not always necessary to build a successful career.


We explore the benefits of certifications, including how they can boost confidence, provide structure, and enhance your credibility—but also why real-world experience, skill development, and results often matter more.


Holly also shares how to position yourself as an experienced grant writer (even if you’re newer), how to continuously improve your grant writing skills, and why getting feedback on your proposals is one of the fastest ways to grow.

If you’ve been debating whether to invest in a certification—or wondering how to level up your expertise—this episode will give you clarity and direction.


ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No It's not hard to get nonprofit clients as a freelance grant writer 324 324 It's not hard to get nonprofit clients as a freelance grant writer full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1801026682 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/its-not-hard-to-get-nonprofit-clients-as-a-freelance-grant-writer This episode, Holly Rustick explains how freelance grant writers can get nonprofit clients, improve their grant writing skills, and get feedback on the grants they’ve written.

Holly Rustick is a world-renowned grant writing expert and Amazon bestselling author who has been coaching grant writers on how to run successful 5-6 figure businesses since 2017. 

Holly talks about the ways to write a grant, the amount of demand there is for freelance grant writers, and the best way to structure a grant writing sales call.

She also explains how to improve your grant writing process, increase your sales confidence, and get unlimited grant reviews.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> This episode, Holly Rustick explains how freelance grant writers can get nonprofit clients, improve their grant writing skills, and get feedback on the grants they’ve written.

Holly Rustick is a world-renowned grant writing expert and Amazon bestselling author who has been coaching grant writers on how to run successful 5-6 figure businesses since 2017. 

Holly talks about the ways to write a grant, the amount of demand there is for freelance grant writers, and the best way to structure a grant writing sales call.

She also explains how to improve your grant writing process, increase your sales confidence, and get unlimited grant reviews.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 16 Apr 2024 07:00:03 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1363 This episode, Holly Rustick explains how freelance grant writers can get nonprofit clients, improve their grant writing skills, and get feedback on the grants they’ve written.

Holly Rustick is a world-renowned grant writing expert and Amazon bestselling author who has been coaching grant writers on how to run successful 5-6 figure businesses since 2017. 

Holly talks about the ways to write a grant, the amount of demand there is for freelance grant writers, and the best way to structure a grant writing sales call.

She also explains how to improve your grant writing process, increase your sales confidence, and get unlimited grant reviews.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No BONUS 3 Questions to Price Your Grant Writing Services 320 320 BONUS 3 Questions to Price Your Grant Writing Services bonus tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1797524083 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-320-bonus-3-questions-to-price-your-grant-writing-services In this bonus episode, Holly breaks down what you need to know before pricing your grant writing services so you can confidently charge what you’re worth. She walks through different pricing strategies available to freelance grant writers and explains why value-based pricing can be a game changer for increasing your income. 

Holly also shares how to effectively sell your grant writing services, improve your grant writing skills, and create sustainable funding plans that help nonprofits secure long-term success.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, and serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> In this bonus episode, Holly breaks down what you need to know before pricing your grant writing services so you can confidently charge what you’re worth. She walks through different pricing strategies available to freelance grant writers and explains why value-based pricing can be a game changer for increasing your income. 

Holly also shares how to effectively sell your grant writing services, improve your grant writing skills, and create sustainable funding plans that help nonprofits secure long-term success.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, and serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Fri, 12 Apr 2024 07:00:24 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1049 In this bonus episode, Holly breaks down what you need to know before pricing your grant writing services so you can confidently charge what you’re worth. She walks through different pricing strategies available to freelance grant writers and explains why value-based pricing can be a game changer for increasing your income. 

Holly also shares how to effectively sell your grant writing services, improve your grant writing skills, and create sustainable funding plans that help nonprofits secure long-term success.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, and serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Stop Being Guilted to Work at a Nonprofit 322 322 Stop Being Guilted to Work at a Nonprofit full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1795783456 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/stop-being-guilted-to-work-at-a-nonprofit This episode, Holly Rustick explains the different ways nonprofit jobs are toxic, how nonprofits guilt their staff, and why being a freelance grant writer is better than being an in-house grant writer.

Holly Rustick is a world-renowned grant writing expert and Amazon bestselling author who has been coaching grant writers on how to run successful 5-6 figure businesses since 2017. 

Holly explains the toxic side of working with nonprofits, why people get guilted to work at nonprofits, and how you can transition to freelance grant writing.

She also talks about the microaggressions you see in nonprofits, what makes freelance grant writing better than in-house grant writing, and how grant writers can get financial stability.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • The different ways nonprofit jobs are toxic.
  • How to replace your full time income with flexible hours.
  • How nonprofits guilt their staff.
  • The fringe benefits you can expect working at a nonprofit.
  • The amount you get paid as an in-house grant writer.
  • How grant writers can get financial stability.
  • Why being a freelance grant writer is better than being an in-house grant writer.
  • The microaggressions you see in nonprofits.
  • The gender divide in nonprofits.
  • How to transition to freelance grant writing.

Quotables:

  • “One of the hardest positions for nonprofits to pay are staff grant writers because of all the things attached to being a grant writer and you end up working two full time jobs.”
  • “Working as an in-house grant writer on top of not having a raise, being guilted to work for the cause, working all ends, not being able to get paid well, you also don’t have good fringe benefits.”
  • “The only way to break free from a toxic workplace is to completely disrupt it.”


ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> This episode, Holly Rustick explains the different ways nonprofit jobs are toxic, how nonprofits guilt their staff, and why being a freelance grant writer is better than being an in-house grant writer.

Holly Rustick is a world-renowned grant writing expert and Amazon bestselling author who has been coaching grant writers on how to run successful 5-6 figure businesses since 2017. 

Holly explains the toxic side of working with nonprofits, why people get guilted to work at nonprofits, and how you can transition to freelance grant writing.

She also talks about the microaggressions you see in nonprofits, what makes freelance grant writing better than in-house grant writing, and how grant writers can get financial stability.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • The different ways nonprofit jobs are toxic.
  • How to replace your full time income with flexible hours.
  • How nonprofits guilt their staff.
  • The fringe benefits you can expect working at a nonprofit.
  • The amount you get paid as an in-house grant writer.
  • How grant writers can get financial stability.
  • Why being a freelance grant writer is better than being an in-house grant writer.
  • The microaggressions you see in nonprofits.
  • The gender divide in nonprofits.
  • How to transition to freelance grant writing.

Quotables:

  • “One of the hardest positions for nonprofits to pay are staff grant writers because of all the things attached to being a grant writer and you end up working two full time jobs.”
  • “Working as an in-house grant writer on top of not having a raise, being guilted to work for the cause, working all ends, not being able to get paid well, you also don’t have good fringe benefits.”
  • “The only way to break free from a toxic workplace is to completely disrupt it.”


ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> Tue, 09 Apr 2024 06:59:59 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1167 This episode, Holly Rustick explains the different ways nonprofit jobs are toxic, how nonprofits guilt their staff, and why being a freelance grant writer is better than being an in-house grant writer.

Holly Rustick is a world-renowned grant writing expert and Amazon bestselling author who has been coaching grant writers on how to run successful 5-6 figure businesses since 2017. 

Holly explains the toxic side of working with nonprofits, why people get guilted to work at nonprofits, and how you can transition to freelance grant writing.

She also talks about the microaggressions you see in nonprofits, what makes freelance grant writing better than in-house grant writing, and how grant writers can get financial stability.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • The different ways nonprofit jobs are toxic.
  • How to replace your full time income with flexible hours.
  • How nonprofits guilt their staff.
  • The fringe benefits you can expect working at a nonprofit.
  • The amount you get paid as an in-house grant writer.
  • How grant writers can get financial stability.
  • Why being a freelance grant writer is better than being an in-house grant writer.
  • The microaggressions you see in nonprofits.
  • The gender divide in nonprofits.
  • How to transition to freelance grant writing.

Quotables:

  • “One of the hardest positions for nonprofits to pay are staff grant writers because of all the things attached to being a grant writer and you end up working two full time jobs.”
  • “Working as an in-house grant writer on top of not having a raise, being guilted to work for the cause, working all ends, not being able to get paid well, you also don’t have good fringe benefits.”
  • “The only way to break free from a toxic workplace is to completely disrupt it.”


ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No BONUS Replace Full-Time Income on Flexible Hours as a Freelance Grant Writer 318 318 BONUS Replace Full-Time Income on Flexible Hours as a Freelance Grant Writer bonus tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1782337488 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-318-bonus-replace-full-time-income-on-flexible-hours-as-a-freelance-grant-writer What if you could replace your full-time income—without working full-time hours?


In this bonus episode, Holly Rustick shares powerful strategies for building a profitable grant writing business that gives you both financial stability and flexibility. Drawing from her own journey, Holly breaks down what it really takes to transition from traditional employment into part-time freelance grant writing that generates full-time income.

We dive into key mindset and business shifts, including how to overcome imposter syndrome so you can confidently step into your role as a grant professional. Holly also shares the importance of setting clear boundaries with clients and how that directly impacts your income and sustainability.

Plus, we explore value-based pricing and why charging based on your value—not your time—is essential if you want to scale your income without burning out. If you’re ready to create more freedom in your life while building a meaningful and profitable business, this episode will show you what’s possible.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
 https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> What if you could replace your full-time income—without working full-time hours?


In this bonus episode, Holly Rustick shares powerful strategies for building a profitable grant writing business that gives you both financial stability and flexibility. Drawing from her own journey, Holly breaks down what it really takes to transition from traditional employment into part-time freelance grant writing that generates full-time income.

We dive into key mindset and business shifts, including how to overcome imposter syndrome so you can confidently step into your role as a grant professional. Holly also shares the importance of setting clear boundaries with clients and how that directly impacts your income and sustainability.

Plus, we explore value-based pricing and why charging based on your value—not your time—is essential if you want to scale your income without burning out. If you’re ready to create more freedom in your life while building a meaningful and profitable business, this episode will show you what’s possible.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
 https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Fri, 05 Apr 2024 04:59:59 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1325 What if you could replace your full-time income—without working full-time hours?


In this bonus episode, Holly Rustick shares powerful strategies for building a profitable grant writing business that gives you both financial stability and flexibility. Drawing from her own journey, Holly breaks down what it really takes to transition from traditional employment into part-time freelance grant writing that generates full-time income.

We dive into key mindset and business shifts, including how to overcome imposter syndrome so you can confidently step into your role as a grant professional. Holly also shares the importance of setting clear boundaries with clients and how that directly impacts your income and sustainability.

Plus, we explore value-based pricing and why charging based on your value—not your time—is essential if you want to scale your income without burning out. If you’re ready to create more freedom in your life while building a meaningful and profitable business, this episode will show you what’s possible.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
 https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No A Master Grant Template Application: How it Reduces Your Grant Writing Time 320 320 A Master Grant Template Application: How it Reduces Your Grant Writing Time full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1786493026 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-317-a-master-grant-template-application-how-it-reduces-your-grant-writing-time In this episode, Holly explains how long it takes to learn how to write grants, how to save time when writing grant applications, and the benefits of using a grant template. She also talks about what to include in a master grant application template, the commonalities between different grant applications, and how to use AI in the grant writing process.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————


This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————


]]> In this episode, Holly explains how long it takes to learn how to write grants, how to save time when writing grant applications, and the benefits of using a grant template. She also talks about what to include in a master grant application template, the commonalities between different grant applications, and how to use AI in the grant writing process.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————


This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————


]]> Tue, 02 Apr 2024 07:00:06 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1343 In this episode, Holly explains how long it takes to learn how to write grants, how to save time when writing grant applications, and the benefits of using a grant template. She also talks about what to include in a master grant application template, the commonalities between different grant applications, and how to use AI in the grant writing process.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————


This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————


]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No A No-Wrong Door Approach to Supporting Nonprofits through Grant Writing 316 316 A No-Wrong Door Approach to Supporting Nonprofits through Grant Writing full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1783777329 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-316-a-no-wrong-door-approach-to-supporting-nonprofits-through-grant-writing Ready to grow and scale your grant writing business—but not sure what systems or strategies you need?


In this episode, Jodi Riley, Principal Consultant and Certified Grant Writer at Innovant, shares how to identify where grant writing services are most needed and how to position yourself effectively within your niche.

We dive into the different ways to connect with funders and build strong relationships, as well as how to determine when—and who—to hire as you begin scaling your business. Jodi also discusses the importance of being part of a grant writing community or membership program, and why surrounding yourself with people who understand the industry can accelerate your growth.

Plus, we explore the systems and strategies that can help you streamline your processes, increase efficiency, and build a sustainable, scalable grant writing business.

If you’re ready to move beyond solo work and start building a more structured and profitable business, this episode is packed with practical insights.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Jodi Riley is the Principal Consultant and a Certified Grant Writer at Innovant, where she leads a team and oversees grant writing and development processes for nonprofit organizations. With extensive experience in securing funding and building systems for success, Jodi specializes in helping organizations and consultants scale their impact through strategic grant development.

She is passionate about creating efficient workflows, mentoring others in the grant writing field, and helping businesses grow through smart, sustainable strategies.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Ready to grow and scale your grant writing business—but not sure what systems or strategies you need?


In this episode, Jodi Riley, Principal Consultant and Certified Grant Writer at Innovant, shares how to identify where grant writing services are most needed and how to position yourself effectively within your niche.

We dive into the different ways to connect with funders and build strong relationships, as well as how to determine when—and who—to hire as you begin scaling your business. Jodi also discusses the importance of being part of a grant writing community or membership program, and why surrounding yourself with people who understand the industry can accelerate your growth.

Plus, we explore the systems and strategies that can help you streamline your processes, increase efficiency, and build a sustainable, scalable grant writing business.

If you’re ready to move beyond solo work and start building a more structured and profitable business, this episode is packed with practical insights.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Jodi Riley is the Principal Consultant and a Certified Grant Writer at Innovant, where she leads a team and oversees grant writing and development processes for nonprofit organizations. With extensive experience in securing funding and building systems for success, Jodi specializes in helping organizations and consultants scale their impact through strategic grant development.

She is passionate about creating efficient workflows, mentoring others in the grant writing field, and helping businesses grow through smart, sustainable strategies.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 26 Mar 2024 07:00:11 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2807 Ready to grow and scale your grant writing business—but not sure what systems or strategies you need?


In this episode, Jodi Riley, Principal Consultant and Certified Grant Writer at Innovant, shares how to identify where grant writing services are most needed and how to position yourself effectively within your niche.

We dive into the different ways to connect with funders and build strong relationships, as well as how to determine when—and who—to hire as you begin scaling your business. Jodi also discusses the importance of being part of a grant writing community or membership program, and why surrounding yourself with people who understand the industry can accelerate your growth.

Plus, we explore the systems and strategies that can help you streamline your processes, increase efficiency, and build a sustainable, scalable grant writing business.

If you’re ready to move beyond solo work and start building a more structured and profitable business, this episode is packed with practical insights.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Jodi Riley is the Principal Consultant and a Certified Grant Writer at Innovant, where she leads a team and oversees grant writing and development processes for nonprofit organizations. With extensive experience in securing funding and building systems for success, Jodi specializes in helping organizations and consultants scale their impact through strategic grant development.

She is passionate about creating efficient workflows, mentoring others in the grant writing field, and helping businesses grow through smart, sustainable strategies.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Revitalizing Farming: Elaina's Grant Writing Business and Impact in Agriculture 318 318 Revitalizing Farming: Elaina's Grant Writing Business and Impact in Agriculture full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1778659149 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/revitalizing-farming-elainas-grant-writing-business-and-impact-in-agriculture This episode, Elaina Michale is on a mission to accelerate regenerative agriculture through her grant writing and funding services.

Elaina explains the benefits of having a niche for your grant writing business, how to find more grant writing clients, and the ways to improve your grant writing skills.

She also talks about the usefulness of being in a grant writing community, and the different ways that a grant writing mentorship programme has helped her.

About Elaina Michael

Elaina has always been drawn to understanding and deepening our connection to the land and each other, which led her to pursue a learn-by-doing B.S. in Animal Science and M.S. in Ruminant Nutrition. Both degrees ultimately revealed to her the depth of interdependence between land and animals – including humans.

Following her studies, she sought to continue her boots-on-the-ground education by working with reindeer in remote parts of Alaska, herding and milking Sarda sheep in Italy, frequenting horse-back excursions with local ranchers outside of Yosemite National Park to check on cattle in some of the most rugged terrain, and now through Ecological Outcome Verification monitoring through the Savory Institute.

Her own first-hand knowledge of the impacts of being connected with the land as well as witnessing her only brother’s internal transformation through wilderness recovery programs following his battle with heroine has solidified Elaina’s commitment to getting kids outside and addressing the root cause of breakdowns in society through agriculture and land-connection.

Refonte Ventures stems from these passion areas and an urgency to accelerate the rate of education and adoption of regenerative agriculture through grant-writing for and growing organizations, farms, and individuals with a holistic lens.

Connect with Elaina:

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> This episode, Elaina Michale is on a mission to accelerate regenerative agriculture through her grant writing and funding services.

Elaina explains the benefits of having a niche for your grant writing business, how to find more grant writing clients, and the ways to improve your grant writing skills.

She also talks about the usefulness of being in a grant writing community, and the different ways that a grant writing mentorship programme has helped her.

About Elaina Michael

Elaina has always been drawn to understanding and deepening our connection to the land and each other, which led her to pursue a learn-by-doing B.S. in Animal Science and M.S. in Ruminant Nutrition. Both degrees ultimately revealed to her the depth of interdependence between land and animals – including humans.

Following her studies, she sought to continue her boots-on-the-ground education by working with reindeer in remote parts of Alaska, herding and milking Sarda sheep in Italy, frequenting horse-back excursions with local ranchers outside of Yosemite National Park to check on cattle in some of the most rugged terrain, and now through Ecological Outcome Verification monitoring through the Savory Institute.

Her own first-hand knowledge of the impacts of being connected with the land as well as witnessing her only brother’s internal transformation through wilderness recovery programs following his battle with heroine has solidified Elaina’s commitment to getting kids outside and addressing the root cause of breakdowns in society through agriculture and land-connection.

Refonte Ventures stems from these passion areas and an urgency to accelerate the rate of education and adoption of regenerative agriculture through grant-writing for and growing organizations, farms, and individuals with a holistic lens.

Connect with Elaina:

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 19 Mar 2024 07:00:39 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2335 This episode, Elaina Michale is on a mission to accelerate regenerative agriculture through her grant writing and funding services.

Elaina explains the benefits of having a niche for your grant writing business, how to find more grant writing clients, and the ways to improve your grant writing skills.

She also talks about the usefulness of being in a grant writing community, and the different ways that a grant writing mentorship programme has helped her.

About Elaina Michael

Elaina has always been drawn to understanding and deepening our connection to the land and each other, which led her to pursue a learn-by-doing B.S. in Animal Science and M.S. in Ruminant Nutrition. Both degrees ultimately revealed to her the depth of interdependence between land and animals – including humans.

Following her studies, she sought to continue her boots-on-the-ground education by working with reindeer in remote parts of Alaska, herding and milking Sarda sheep in Italy, frequenting horse-back excursions with local ranchers outside of Yosemite National Park to check on cattle in some of the most rugged terrain, and now through Ecological Outcome Verification monitoring through the Savory Institute.

Her own first-hand knowledge of the impacts of being connected with the land as well as witnessing her only brother’s internal transformation through wilderness recovery programs following his battle with heroine has solidified Elaina’s commitment to getting kids outside and addressing the root cause of breakdowns in society through agriculture and land-connection.

Refonte Ventures stems from these passion areas and an urgency to accelerate the rate of education and adoption of regenerative agriculture through grant-writing for and growing organizations, farms, and individuals with a holistic lens.

Connect with Elaina:

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No How Small Nonprofits Can Half the Price of Hiring a Grant Writer & Double the Impact 314 314 How Small Nonprofits Can Half the Price of Hiring a Grant Writer & Double the Impact full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1771296681 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-314-how-small-nonprofits-can-half-the-price-of-hiring-a-grant-writer-double-the-impact What if you could increase your revenue—while actually charging nonprofits less?


In this episode, Brian Meagher shares how he leveraged systems and strategies from the Grant Professional Mentorship to improve efficiency across his team and scale his impact.


With over a decade of experience in fundraising—including roles in major gifts, planned giving, grant writing, and team management—Brian brings a well-rounded perspective on what it takes to run effective and sustainable fundraising operations.


We dive into how implementing strong systems and processes can streamline your grant writing workflow, improve team productivity, and ultimately increase revenue without overextending your resources. Brian also shares how to vet nonprofit organizations during your initial calls, so you can identify strong-fit clients and set clear expectations from the start.


Plus, we explore where to find valuable fundraising resources and how to continuously refine your approach as both a grant writer and leader.

If you’re ready to work smarter, not harder—and build a more efficient and profitable grant writing practice—this episode is packed with insights you can start applying today.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Brian Meagher is a seasoned fundraising professional with over a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector. His background includes roles in major gifts, planned giving, grant writing, and managing fundraising teams.

Brian specializes in implementing systems and processes that increase efficiency and drive revenue growth, helping organizations maximize their impact while operating more effectively. He is passionate about using strategic approaches to fundraising and mentoring teams to achieve sustainable success.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> What if you could increase your revenue—while actually charging nonprofits less?


In this episode, Brian Meagher shares how he leveraged systems and strategies from the Grant Professional Mentorship to improve efficiency across his team and scale his impact.


With over a decade of experience in fundraising—including roles in major gifts, planned giving, grant writing, and team management—Brian brings a well-rounded perspective on what it takes to run effective and sustainable fundraising operations.


We dive into how implementing strong systems and processes can streamline your grant writing workflow, improve team productivity, and ultimately increase revenue without overextending your resources. Brian also shares how to vet nonprofit organizations during your initial calls, so you can identify strong-fit clients and set clear expectations from the start.


Plus, we explore where to find valuable fundraising resources and how to continuously refine your approach as both a grant writer and leader.

If you’re ready to work smarter, not harder—and build a more efficient and profitable grant writing practice—this episode is packed with insights you can start applying today.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Brian Meagher is a seasoned fundraising professional with over a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector. His background includes roles in major gifts, planned giving, grant writing, and managing fundraising teams.

Brian specializes in implementing systems and processes that increase efficiency and drive revenue growth, helping organizations maximize their impact while operating more effectively. He is passionate about using strategic approaches to fundraising and mentoring teams to achieve sustainable success.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 12 Mar 2024 07:00:13 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2870 What if you could increase your revenue—while actually charging nonprofits less?


In this episode, Brian Meagher shares how he leveraged systems and strategies from the Grant Professional Mentorship to improve efficiency across his team and scale his impact.


With over a decade of experience in fundraising—including roles in major gifts, planned giving, grant writing, and team management—Brian brings a well-rounded perspective on what it takes to run effective and sustainable fundraising operations.


We dive into how implementing strong systems and processes can streamline your grant writing workflow, improve team productivity, and ultimately increase revenue without overextending your resources. Brian also shares how to vet nonprofit organizations during your initial calls, so you can identify strong-fit clients and set clear expectations from the start.


Plus, we explore where to find valuable fundraising resources and how to continuously refine your approach as both a grant writer and leader.

If you’re ready to work smarter, not harder—and build a more efficient and profitable grant writing practice—this episode is packed with insights you can start applying today.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Brian Meagher is a seasoned fundraising professional with over a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector. His background includes roles in major gifts, planned giving, grant writing, and managing fundraising teams.

Brian specializes in implementing systems and processes that increase efficiency and drive revenue growth, helping organizations maximize their impact while operating more effectively. He is passionate about using strategic approaches to fundraising and mentoring teams to achieve sustainable success.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Should Grant Professionals Get Paid to Speak? 313 313 Should Grant Professionals Get Paid to Speak? full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1764650532 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-313-should-grant-professionals-get-paid-to-speak If you’ve ever wondered when it’s time to start charging for speaking engagements—or how to turn workshops into real revenue—this episode is for you.


Mandy Pearce, founder of Funding for Good, joins us to break down the strategy behind paid speaking, trainings, and nonprofit consulting.

We dive into when you should stop offering free presentations, the hidden costs of delivering workshops, and how to ensure you’re actually maximizing each opportunity when you host a webinar or training.


Mandy also shares insights on relationship-building and networking, including how many touchpoints it typically takes before someone is ready to do business with you. 

Plus, we talk about the bigger picture of growing a consulting business, including opportunities like the 2024 Nonprofit Consulting Conference and how events like these can elevate your visibility and impact. If you’re ready to step into your expertise, price your services appropriately, and grow your influence as a consultant, this episode is packed with practical guidance.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Mandy Pearce is the Founder and CEO of Funding for Good, a consulting and training organization dedicated to helping nonprofits build sustainable funding strategies and strong leadership. With decades of experience in fundraising, board development, and nonprofit management, Mandy has helped organizations across the country increase their impact and financial stability.

She is a sought-after speaker, trainer, and coach who equips nonprofit leaders and consultants with the skills, tools, and confidence to grow their organizations and businesses. Mandy is also the host of the Nonprofit Consulting Conference, where she brings together experts and professionals to share strategies for success in the nonprofit sector.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> If you’ve ever wondered when it’s time to start charging for speaking engagements—or how to turn workshops into real revenue—this episode is for you.


Mandy Pearce, founder of Funding for Good, joins us to break down the strategy behind paid speaking, trainings, and nonprofit consulting.

We dive into when you should stop offering free presentations, the hidden costs of delivering workshops, and how to ensure you’re actually maximizing each opportunity when you host a webinar or training.


Mandy also shares insights on relationship-building and networking, including how many touchpoints it typically takes before someone is ready to do business with you. 

Plus, we talk about the bigger picture of growing a consulting business, including opportunities like the 2024 Nonprofit Consulting Conference and how events like these can elevate your visibility and impact. If you’re ready to step into your expertise, price your services appropriately, and grow your influence as a consultant, this episode is packed with practical guidance.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Mandy Pearce is the Founder and CEO of Funding for Good, a consulting and training organization dedicated to helping nonprofits build sustainable funding strategies and strong leadership. With decades of experience in fundraising, board development, and nonprofit management, Mandy has helped organizations across the country increase their impact and financial stability.

She is a sought-after speaker, trainer, and coach who equips nonprofit leaders and consultants with the skills, tools, and confidence to grow their organizations and businesses. Mandy is also the host of the Nonprofit Consulting Conference, where she brings together experts and professionals to share strategies for success in the nonprofit sector.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 05 Mar 2024 06:00:12 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2368 If you’ve ever wondered when it’s time to start charging for speaking engagements—or how to turn workshops into real revenue—this episode is for you.


Mandy Pearce, founder of Funding for Good, joins us to break down the strategy behind paid speaking, trainings, and nonprofit consulting.

We dive into when you should stop offering free presentations, the hidden costs of delivering workshops, and how to ensure you’re actually maximizing each opportunity when you host a webinar or training.


Mandy also shares insights on relationship-building and networking, including how many touchpoints it typically takes before someone is ready to do business with you. 

Plus, we talk about the bigger picture of growing a consulting business, including opportunities like the 2024 Nonprofit Consulting Conference and how events like these can elevate your visibility and impact. If you’re ready to step into your expertise, price your services appropriately, and grow your influence as a consultant, this episode is packed with practical guidance.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Mandy Pearce is the Founder and CEO of Funding for Good, a consulting and training organization dedicated to helping nonprofits build sustainable funding strategies and strong leadership. With decades of experience in fundraising, board development, and nonprofit management, Mandy has helped organizations across the country increase their impact and financial stability.

She is a sought-after speaker, trainer, and coach who equips nonprofit leaders and consultants with the skills, tools, and confidence to grow their organizations and businesses. Mandy is also the host of the Nonprofit Consulting Conference, where she brings together experts and professionals to share strategies for success in the nonprofit sector.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Why you struggle with pricing as a freelance grant writer with Rachel Waterman 315 315 Why you struggle with pricing as a freelance grant writer with Rachel Waterman full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1758122988 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/why-you-struggle-with-pricing-as-a-freelance-grant-writer-with-rachel-waterman This episode, Rachel Waterman explains the common pricing mistakes grant writers make, how to use data in your pricing strategy, and how to price your grant writing services. 

Rachel is the CEO and Founder of GDS Grants and has over 25 years of community development and grant writing experience. 

Rachel explains how fairly grant professionals feel about their grant writing prices, how valued they feel, and data to review your pricing strategy. 

She also talks about the information you need to have a productive grant writing business, how to get experience as a new grant writer, and the problem with giving discounts to your clients.

About Rachel Waterman

Rachel Waterman has over 25 years of community development and grant writing experience, is Grant Professional Certified (GPC), a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), a Grant Professionals Association (GPA) Approved Trainer, and an expert in grant management.

She holds a Master’s degree in community and economic development with a concentration in applied social research from Illinois State University and a Bachelor’s degree in international studies from Barry University.


Her career has encompassed a broad spectrum of professional experiences, including serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer, nonprofit executive director, community organizer, city master planner, researcher, and Mayor of the city of Lake Worth Beach, Florida.


Rachel is the CEO and Founder of GDS Grants. She is responsible for client strategy, new program & budget development, data tracking systems, outcome measures, and data analysis. Rachel also oversees the GDS Professional Development Program and personally coaches GDS interns, fellows, and mentees.


Connect with Rachel:

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> This episode, Rachel Waterman explains the common pricing mistakes grant writers make, how to use data in your pricing strategy, and how to price your grant writing services. 

Rachel is the CEO and Founder of GDS Grants and has over 25 years of community development and grant writing experience. 

Rachel explains how fairly grant professionals feel about their grant writing prices, how valued they feel, and data to review your pricing strategy. 

She also talks about the information you need to have a productive grant writing business, how to get experience as a new grant writer, and the problem with giving discounts to your clients.

About Rachel Waterman

Rachel Waterman has over 25 years of community development and grant writing experience, is Grant Professional Certified (GPC), a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), a Grant Professionals Association (GPA) Approved Trainer, and an expert in grant management.

She holds a Master’s degree in community and economic development with a concentration in applied social research from Illinois State University and a Bachelor’s degree in international studies from Barry University.


Her career has encompassed a broad spectrum of professional experiences, including serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer, nonprofit executive director, community organizer, city master planner, researcher, and Mayor of the city of Lake Worth Beach, Florida.


Rachel is the CEO and Founder of GDS Grants. She is responsible for client strategy, new program & budget development, data tracking systems, outcome measures, and data analysis. Rachel also oversees the GDS Professional Development Program and personally coaches GDS interns, fellows, and mentees.


Connect with Rachel:

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 27 Feb 2024 06:00:22 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 3044 This episode, Rachel Waterman explains the common pricing mistakes grant writers make, how to use data in your pricing strategy, and how to price your grant writing services. 

Rachel is the CEO and Founder of GDS Grants and has over 25 years of community development and grant writing experience. 

Rachel explains how fairly grant professionals feel about their grant writing prices, how valued they feel, and data to review your pricing strategy. 

She also talks about the information you need to have a productive grant writing business, how to get experience as a new grant writer, and the problem with giving discounts to your clients.

About Rachel Waterman

Rachel Waterman has over 25 years of community development and grant writing experience, is Grant Professional Certified (GPC), a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), a Grant Professionals Association (GPA) Approved Trainer, and an expert in grant management.

She holds a Master’s degree in community and economic development with a concentration in applied social research from Illinois State University and a Bachelor’s degree in international studies from Barry University.


Her career has encompassed a broad spectrum of professional experiences, including serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer, nonprofit executive director, community organizer, city master planner, researcher, and Mayor of the city of Lake Worth Beach, Florida.


Rachel is the CEO and Founder of GDS Grants. She is responsible for client strategy, new program & budget development, data tracking systems, outcome measures, and data analysis. Rachel also oversees the GDS Professional Development Program and personally coaches GDS interns, fellows, and mentees.


Connect with Rachel:

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No How to Get Lines of Credit While Waiting for Grants to be Reimbursed with Stephen Halasnik 314 314 How to Get Lines of Credit While Waiting for Grants to be Reimbursed with Stephen Halasnik full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1751296293 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/how-to-get-lines-of-credit-while-waiting-for-grants-to-be-reimbursed-with-stephen-halasnik This episode, Stephen Halasnik explains the financing landscape for nonprofits and the different ways nonprofits can raise money.

Stephen Halasnik is the Cofounder and Managing Partner of Financing Solutions and has over 25 years of business experience dealing with banks. 

Stephen explains the different ways new nonprofits can raise money, the downsides of nonprofits getting a line of credit, and why nonprofits should avoid using credit cards for a line of credit. 

He also talks about what banks look for in nonprofits, how much revenue a nonprofit should be making, and the different types of people you want on a nonprofit’s board. 

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • The financing landscape for nonprofits. 
  • Different ways new nonprofits can raise money. 
  • The difference between nonprofits getting a line of credit and a loan. 
  • What the terms ‘secure’ and ‘unsecured’ means for nonprofits. 
  • What it means to be the personal guarantee for a nonprofit. 
  • The downsides of nonprofits getting a line of credit. 
  • The risk of a nonprofit using a credit card for a line of credit. 
  • How much revenue a nonprofit should be making. 
  • The type of people you want on a nonprofit’s board. 
  • How nonprofits can avoid feeling overwhelmed. 

About Stephen Halasnik

Stephen Halasnik is Cofounder and Managing Partner of Financing Solutions and has over 25 years of business experience dealing with banks. Financing Solutions is the leading provider of lines of credit to small nonprofits in the United States. Mr. Halasnik is also the host for The Nonprofit MBA Podcast.

Connect with Stephen:

Quotables:

  • “It’s all about cash flow, that’s what banks and financial institutions want to see.”
  • “A lot of nonprofits wait too long to start their grant writing process.”
  • “There are so many creative ways to get money. Never feel like you’re stuck and you have to do it one way, there are options.”

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> This episode, Stephen Halasnik explains the financing landscape for nonprofits and the different ways nonprofits can raise money.

Stephen Halasnik is the Cofounder and Managing Partner of Financing Solutions and has over 25 years of business experience dealing with banks. 

Stephen explains the different ways new nonprofits can raise money, the downsides of nonprofits getting a line of credit, and why nonprofits should avoid using credit cards for a line of credit. 

He also talks about what banks look for in nonprofits, how much revenue a nonprofit should be making, and the different types of people you want on a nonprofit’s board. 

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • The financing landscape for nonprofits. 
  • Different ways new nonprofits can raise money. 
  • The difference between nonprofits getting a line of credit and a loan. 
  • What the terms ‘secure’ and ‘unsecured’ means for nonprofits. 
  • What it means to be the personal guarantee for a nonprofit. 
  • The downsides of nonprofits getting a line of credit. 
  • The risk of a nonprofit using a credit card for a line of credit. 
  • How much revenue a nonprofit should be making. 
  • The type of people you want on a nonprofit’s board. 
  • How nonprofits can avoid feeling overwhelmed. 

About Stephen Halasnik

Stephen Halasnik is Cofounder and Managing Partner of Financing Solutions and has over 25 years of business experience dealing with banks. Financing Solutions is the leading provider of lines of credit to small nonprofits in the United States. Mr. Halasnik is also the host for The Nonprofit MBA Podcast.

Connect with Stephen:

Quotables:

  • “It’s all about cash flow, that’s what banks and financial institutions want to see.”
  • “A lot of nonprofits wait too long to start their grant writing process.”
  • “There are so many creative ways to get money. Never feel like you’re stuck and you have to do it one way, there are options.”

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 20 Feb 2024 06:00:11 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2265 This episode, Stephen Halasnik explains the financing landscape for nonprofits and the different ways nonprofits can raise money.

Stephen Halasnik is the Cofounder and Managing Partner of Financing Solutions and has over 25 years of business experience dealing with banks. 

Stephen explains the different ways new nonprofits can raise money, the downsides of nonprofits getting a line of credit, and why nonprofits should avoid using credit cards for a line of credit. 

He also talks about what banks look for in nonprofits, how much revenue a nonprofit should be making, and the different types of people you want on a nonprofit’s board. 

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • The financing landscape for nonprofits. 
  • Different ways new nonprofits can raise money. 
  • The difference between nonprofits getting a line of credit and a loan. 
  • What the terms ‘secure’ and ‘unsecured’ means for nonprofits. 
  • What it means to be the personal guarantee for a nonprofit. 
  • The downsides of nonprofits getting a line of credit. 
  • The risk of a nonprofit using a credit card for a line of credit. 
  • How much revenue a nonprofit should be making. 
  • The type of people you want on a nonprofit’s board. 
  • How nonprofits can avoid feeling overwhelmed. 

About Stephen Halasnik

Stephen Halasnik is Cofounder and Managing Partner of Financing Solutions and has over 25 years of business experience dealing with banks. Financing Solutions is the leading provider of lines of credit to small nonprofits in the United States. Mr. Halasnik is also the host for The Nonprofit MBA Podcast.

Connect with Stephen:

Quotables:

  • “It’s all about cash flow, that’s what banks and financial institutions want to see.”
  • “A lot of nonprofits wait too long to start their grant writing process.”
  • “There are so many creative ways to get money. Never feel like you’re stuck and you have to do it one way, there are options.”

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Get Your Nonprofit to the Next Level with an Organizational Operational System 310 310 Get Your Nonprofit to the Next Level with an Organizational Operational System full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1744690704 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-310-get-your-nonprofit-to-the-next-level-with-an-organizational-operational-system What does it take to build a truly effective, high-impact nonprofit organization?


In this episode, Dr. Chris Lambert, Founder and CEO of Life Remodeled and creator of the Next Level Nonprofit organizational operating system, shares the core principles nonprofits need to follow to grow and thrive.


We dive into how nonprofit leaders can build strong, effective teams and why collaboration—not competition—can significantly increase impact across organizations. Dr. Lambert also explains how to clearly define and cultivate your nonprofit’s culture so your team stays aligned and mission-driven.


Additionally, we explore practical strategies to improve your organization’s overall effectiveness, from leadership development to operational systems. Dr. Lambert highlights common mistakes nonprofits make in the hiring process and how to avoid them so you can bring on the right people from the start.


If you’re looking to strengthen your leadership, improve your team, and increase your nonprofit’s impact, this episode offers powerful insights you can apply right away.


ABOUT OUR GUEST

Dr. Chris Lambert is the Founder and CEO of Life Remodeled, a nonprofit organization focused on revitalizing communities through strategic investment and partnership. He is also the creator of the Next Level Nonprofit organizational operating system, designed to help nonprofits increase their effectiveness, collaboration, and long-term impact.

Dr. Lambert is a sought-after speaker and leader in the nonprofit space, known for his innovative approach to organizational growth, team development, and community transformation.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> What does it take to build a truly effective, high-impact nonprofit organization?


In this episode, Dr. Chris Lambert, Founder and CEO of Life Remodeled and creator of the Next Level Nonprofit organizational operating system, shares the core principles nonprofits need to follow to grow and thrive.


We dive into how nonprofit leaders can build strong, effective teams and why collaboration—not competition—can significantly increase impact across organizations. Dr. Lambert also explains how to clearly define and cultivate your nonprofit’s culture so your team stays aligned and mission-driven.


Additionally, we explore practical strategies to improve your organization’s overall effectiveness, from leadership development to operational systems. Dr. Lambert highlights common mistakes nonprofits make in the hiring process and how to avoid them so you can bring on the right people from the start.


If you’re looking to strengthen your leadership, improve your team, and increase your nonprofit’s impact, this episode offers powerful insights you can apply right away.


ABOUT OUR GUEST

Dr. Chris Lambert is the Founder and CEO of Life Remodeled, a nonprofit organization focused on revitalizing communities through strategic investment and partnership. He is also the creator of the Next Level Nonprofit organizational operating system, designed to help nonprofits increase their effectiveness, collaboration, and long-term impact.

Dr. Lambert is a sought-after speaker and leader in the nonprofit space, known for his innovative approach to organizational growth, team development, and community transformation.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 13 Feb 2024 06:00:11 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2291 What does it take to build a truly effective, high-impact nonprofit organization?


In this episode, Dr. Chris Lambert, Founder and CEO of Life Remodeled and creator of the Next Level Nonprofit organizational operating system, shares the core principles nonprofits need to follow to grow and thrive.


We dive into how nonprofit leaders can build strong, effective teams and why collaboration—not competition—can significantly increase impact across organizations. Dr. Lambert also explains how to clearly define and cultivate your nonprofit’s culture so your team stays aligned and mission-driven.


Additionally, we explore practical strategies to improve your organization’s overall effectiveness, from leadership development to operational systems. Dr. Lambert highlights common mistakes nonprofits make in the hiring process and how to avoid them so you can bring on the right people from the start.


If you’re looking to strengthen your leadership, improve your team, and increase your nonprofit’s impact, this episode offers powerful insights you can apply right away.


ABOUT OUR GUEST

Dr. Chris Lambert is the Founder and CEO of Life Remodeled, a nonprofit organization focused on revitalizing communities through strategic investment and partnership. He is also the creator of the Next Level Nonprofit organizational operating system, designed to help nonprofits increase their effectiveness, collaboration, and long-term impact.

Dr. Lambert is a sought-after speaker and leader in the nonprofit space, known for his innovative approach to organizational growth, team development, and community transformation.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Financial Elements to Include in a Consultant's Business Plan to Avoid Burnout 312 312 Financial Elements to Include in a Consultant's Business Plan to Avoid Burnout full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1738239006 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/financial-elements-to-include-in-a-consultants-business-plan-to-avoid-burnout This episode, Stephanie Sample explains how to build a business plan, what to include in your business plan, and how to avoid burnout.

Stephanie Sample is the Founder of Fundraising for The Future, a 6 figure business with a calculated profit margin and clear business goals.

Stephanie explains why freelance grant writers need a business plan, the most important aspects of building a business plan, and what to include in a business plan. 

She also talks about why freelance grant writers should have an anchor client, how to screen your grant writing clients, and ways to avoid burnout. 

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • How to build a nonprofit consultant business plan. 
  • Why freelance grant writers need a business plan. 
  • Why freelance grant writers should have an anchor client. 
  • How grant writers can get accountability and find community. 
  • What nonprofit consultants should include in their business plan. 
  • How grant writers should screen the clients they work with. 
  • The processes grant writers need in place to hire subcontractors. 
  • How to price your grant writing services. 
  • How nonprofit consultants can avoid burnout. 

About Stephanie Sample

In 2016, after 4 years of full time grant writing as an employee, Stephanie Sample launched her independent grant writing business, Sample Consulting Studio. In 2018, to support her vision of an abundant 5 month maternity leave, Sample began subcontracting projects to grant writers while she welcomed her daughter to the world and adjusted to motherhood. In 2019, SCS grew to include 2 subcontractors with 12+ grant writing projects monthly and in 2020 Sample rebranded her business to Fundraising for The Future. Today, FFTF is a team of 4 serving nonprofit and for profit clients across New Mexico and the United States with grant writing and business plan development. 

FFTF is a healthy 6 figure business with a calculated profit margin and clear business goals. Sample is passionate about collaborating with nonprofit consultant support organizations, and supporting new entrepreneurs and business owners in mapping their business growth plans. In addition to running FFTF, you can find her training nationwide on topics from fiscal sustainability to the impact of organizational culture on agency growth. When not at her desk, you’ll find her lifting weights, cooking for her family, or reading.

Connect with Stephanie:

Quotables:

  • “There’s something so satisfying about building a business plan because it is a process of imperfection and forecasting. There’s no way to know so you have to make educated estimations and think clearly about what you want.”
  • “If you don’t know how much time you’re spending and you don’t know what it costs to run your business you can get your pricing honed in but you’re still going to be losing money and working for 60 hours if your expenses aren’t honed in.”
  • “Even if you’re not charging hourly, track your time and use that data.”

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> This episode, Stephanie Sample explains how to build a business plan, what to include in your business plan, and how to avoid burnout.

Stephanie Sample is the Founder of Fundraising for The Future, a 6 figure business with a calculated profit margin and clear business goals.

Stephanie explains why freelance grant writers need a business plan, the most important aspects of building a business plan, and what to include in a business plan. 

She also talks about why freelance grant writers should have an anchor client, how to screen your grant writing clients, and ways to avoid burnout. 

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • How to build a nonprofit consultant business plan. 
  • Why freelance grant writers need a business plan. 
  • Why freelance grant writers should have an anchor client. 
  • How grant writers can get accountability and find community. 
  • What nonprofit consultants should include in their business plan. 
  • How grant writers should screen the clients they work with. 
  • The processes grant writers need in place to hire subcontractors. 
  • How to price your grant writing services. 
  • How nonprofit consultants can avoid burnout. 

About Stephanie Sample

In 2016, after 4 years of full time grant writing as an employee, Stephanie Sample launched her independent grant writing business, Sample Consulting Studio. In 2018, to support her vision of an abundant 5 month maternity leave, Sample began subcontracting projects to grant writers while she welcomed her daughter to the world and adjusted to motherhood. In 2019, SCS grew to include 2 subcontractors with 12+ grant writing projects monthly and in 2020 Sample rebranded her business to Fundraising for The Future. Today, FFTF is a team of 4 serving nonprofit and for profit clients across New Mexico and the United States with grant writing and business plan development. 

FFTF is a healthy 6 figure business with a calculated profit margin and clear business goals. Sample is passionate about collaborating with nonprofit consultant support organizations, and supporting new entrepreneurs and business owners in mapping their business growth plans. In addition to running FFTF, you can find her training nationwide on topics from fiscal sustainability to the impact of organizational culture on agency growth. When not at her desk, you’ll find her lifting weights, cooking for her family, or reading.

Connect with Stephanie:

Quotables:

  • “There’s something so satisfying about building a business plan because it is a process of imperfection and forecasting. There’s no way to know so you have to make educated estimations and think clearly about what you want.”
  • “If you don’t know how much time you’re spending and you don’t know what it costs to run your business you can get your pricing honed in but you’re still going to be losing money and working for 60 hours if your expenses aren’t honed in.”
  • “Even if you’re not charging hourly, track your time and use that data.”

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 06 Feb 2024 06:00:21 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2646 This episode, Stephanie Sample explains how to build a business plan, what to include in your business plan, and how to avoid burnout.

Stephanie Sample is the Founder of Fundraising for The Future, a 6 figure business with a calculated profit margin and clear business goals.

Stephanie explains why freelance grant writers need a business plan, the most important aspects of building a business plan, and what to include in a business plan. 

She also talks about why freelance grant writers should have an anchor client, how to screen your grant writing clients, and ways to avoid burnout. 

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • How to build a nonprofit consultant business plan. 
  • Why freelance grant writers need a business plan. 
  • Why freelance grant writers should have an anchor client. 
  • How grant writers can get accountability and find community. 
  • What nonprofit consultants should include in their business plan. 
  • How grant writers should screen the clients they work with. 
  • The processes grant writers need in place to hire subcontractors. 
  • How to price your grant writing services. 
  • How nonprofit consultants can avoid burnout. 

About Stephanie Sample

In 2016, after 4 years of full time grant writing as an employee, Stephanie Sample launched her independent grant writing business, Sample Consulting Studio. In 2018, to support her vision of an abundant 5 month maternity leave, Sample began subcontracting projects to grant writers while she welcomed her daughter to the world and adjusted to motherhood. In 2019, SCS grew to include 2 subcontractors with 12+ grant writing projects monthly and in 2020 Sample rebranded her business to Fundraising for The Future. Today, FFTF is a team of 4 serving nonprofit and for profit clients across New Mexico and the United States with grant writing and business plan development. 

FFTF is a healthy 6 figure business with a calculated profit margin and clear business goals. Sample is passionate about collaborating with nonprofit consultant support organizations, and supporting new entrepreneurs and business owners in mapping their business growth plans. In addition to running FFTF, you can find her training nationwide on topics from fiscal sustainability to the impact of organizational culture on agency growth. When not at her desk, you’ll find her lifting weights, cooking for her family, or reading.

Connect with Stephanie:

Quotables:

  • “There’s something so satisfying about building a business plan because it is a process of imperfection and forecasting. There’s no way to know so you have to make educated estimations and think clearly about what you want.”
  • “If you don’t know how much time you’re spending and you don’t know what it costs to run your business you can get your pricing honed in but you’re still going to be losing money and working for 60 hours if your expenses aren’t honed in.”
  • “Even if you’re not charging hourly, track your time and use that data.”

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ghostwriting Techniques for Writing Grants with Kent Sanders 308 308 Ghostwriting Techniques for Writing Grants with Kent Sanders full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1730750706 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-308-ghostwriting-techniques-for-writing-grants-with-kent-sanders In this episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Kent Sanders, a professional ghostwriter who helps leaders grow their businesses through books and strategic content. 

Kent shares the surprising similarities between ghostwriters and grant writers, and how both professions rely on clear messaging, storytelling, and aligning with a client’s mission. He dives into practical strategies grant writers can use to increase productivity, including building consistent writing habits and structuring a writing routine that supports focus and efficiency. 

Kent also explores the benefits of writing your own book as a way to establish authority, expand your reach, and get more people to buy into your mission. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your writing process or grow your influence, this episode offers actionable insights to help you elevate your work and impact.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Kent Sanders is a ghostwriter, author, and coach who helps leaders, entrepreneurs, and experts grow their businesses through powerful written content, including books. 

With years of experience in writing, publishing, and content strategy, Kent specializes in helping clients clarify their message and share their ideas in a way that inspires action. He is also the host of The Daily Writer Podcast, where he teaches consistent writing habits and productivity strategies for writers.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> In this episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Kent Sanders, a professional ghostwriter who helps leaders grow their businesses through books and strategic content. 

Kent shares the surprising similarities between ghostwriters and grant writers, and how both professions rely on clear messaging, storytelling, and aligning with a client’s mission. He dives into practical strategies grant writers can use to increase productivity, including building consistent writing habits and structuring a writing routine that supports focus and efficiency. 

Kent also explores the benefits of writing your own book as a way to establish authority, expand your reach, and get more people to buy into your mission. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your writing process or grow your influence, this episode offers actionable insights to help you elevate your work and impact.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Kent Sanders is a ghostwriter, author, and coach who helps leaders, entrepreneurs, and experts grow their businesses through powerful written content, including books. 

With years of experience in writing, publishing, and content strategy, Kent specializes in helping clients clarify their message and share their ideas in a way that inspires action. He is also the host of The Daily Writer Podcast, where he teaches consistent writing habits and productivity strategies for writers.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 30 Jan 2024 06:00:16 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2701 In this episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Kent Sanders, a professional ghostwriter who helps leaders grow their businesses through books and strategic content. 

Kent shares the surprising similarities between ghostwriters and grant writers, and how both professions rely on clear messaging, storytelling, and aligning with a client’s mission. He dives into practical strategies grant writers can use to increase productivity, including building consistent writing habits and structuring a writing routine that supports focus and efficiency. 

Kent also explores the benefits of writing your own book as a way to establish authority, expand your reach, and get more people to buy into your mission. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your writing process or grow your influence, this episode offers actionable insights to help you elevate your work and impact.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Kent Sanders is a ghostwriter, author, and coach who helps leaders, entrepreneurs, and experts grow their businesses through powerful written content, including books. 

With years of experience in writing, publishing, and content strategy, Kent specializes in helping clients clarify their message and share their ideas in a way that inspires action. He is also the host of The Daily Writer Podcast, where he teaches consistent writing habits and productivity strategies for writers.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Decolonizing Grant Research: Crafting an Inclusive Grant Template for Funding Success 310 310 Decolonizing Grant Research: Crafting an Inclusive Grant Template for Funding Success full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1724062728 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/decolonizing-grant-research-crafting-an-inclusive-grant-template-for-funding-success This episode, Holly Rustick explains how to save time and increase the effectiveness of your grants by using a grant writing master template. 

Holly Rustick is a world-renowned grant writing expert and Amazon bestselling author who has been coaching grant writers how to run successful 5-6 figure businesses since 2017. 

Holly explains how to create a grant writing master template, the benefits of using a grant writing template, and what a grant writing template looks like. 

She also talks about the different types of research involved in grant writing, what types of data you need to use in grant applications, and how to avoid making assumptions in your grant writing.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • How to save time in your grant writing. 
  • How to create a grant writing master template. 
  • The benefits of creating a grant writing template. 
  • What a grant writing master template looks like.
  • What you need to use references for in grant applications. 
  • How to avoid making assumptions in your grant writing. 
  • The different types of research involved in grant writing. 
  • What type of data you can use in grant applications. 

Quotables:

  • “Data is really important to grant writing sources and all other funding sources.”
  • “Doing research is a foundation of your master grant writing template is so important but it is time consuming.”
  • “The foundation in a master grant template is having research and doing your research in the right way.”

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> This episode, Holly Rustick explains how to save time and increase the effectiveness of your grants by using a grant writing master template. 

Holly Rustick is a world-renowned grant writing expert and Amazon bestselling author who has been coaching grant writers how to run successful 5-6 figure businesses since 2017. 

Holly explains how to create a grant writing master template, the benefits of using a grant writing template, and what a grant writing template looks like. 

She also talks about the different types of research involved in grant writing, what types of data you need to use in grant applications, and how to avoid making assumptions in your grant writing.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • How to save time in your grant writing. 
  • How to create a grant writing master template. 
  • The benefits of creating a grant writing template. 
  • What a grant writing master template looks like.
  • What you need to use references for in grant applications. 
  • How to avoid making assumptions in your grant writing. 
  • The different types of research involved in grant writing. 
  • What type of data you can use in grant applications. 

Quotables:

  • “Data is really important to grant writing sources and all other funding sources.”
  • “Doing research is a foundation of your master grant writing template is so important but it is time consuming.”
  • “The foundation in a master grant template is having research and doing your research in the right way.”

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 23 Jan 2024 06:00:16 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1474 This episode, Holly Rustick explains how to save time and increase the effectiveness of your grants by using a grant writing master template. 

Holly Rustick is a world-renowned grant writing expert and Amazon bestselling author who has been coaching grant writers how to run successful 5-6 figure businesses since 2017. 

Holly explains how to create a grant writing master template, the benefits of using a grant writing template, and what a grant writing template looks like. 

She also talks about the different types of research involved in grant writing, what types of data you need to use in grant applications, and how to avoid making assumptions in your grant writing.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • How to save time in your grant writing. 
  • How to create a grant writing master template. 
  • The benefits of creating a grant writing template. 
  • What a grant writing master template looks like.
  • What you need to use references for in grant applications. 
  • How to avoid making assumptions in your grant writing. 
  • The different types of research involved in grant writing. 
  • What type of data you can use in grant applications. 

Quotables:

  • “Data is really important to grant writing sources and all other funding sources.”
  • “Doing research is a foundation of your master grant writing template is so important but it is time consuming.”
  • “The foundation in a master grant template is having research and doing your research in the right way.”

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Bonus Ep. The Academy is Not Just a Program, It's a Movement Bonus Ep. The Academy is Not Just a Program, It's a Movement bonus tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1723589823 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/bonus-ep-the-academy-is-not-just-a-program-its-a-movement What if your financial stability didn’t depend on a 9–5 job?

What if your skills and systems could provide that stability instead?

In this episode, we dive into the mission behind the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and how it’s working to shift the paradigm around work, income, and freedom—especially for women freelancers.

The Academy isn’t just a program—it’s a movement.

A movement designed to level out the freelance grant writing industry by teaching grant writers how to build sustainable, profitable businesses rooted in value, ethics, and confidence.

We talk about how many freelancers carry past money and time trauma—and how that can impact pricing, boundaries, and overall business growth. Inside the Academy, we focus on helping you overcome those barriers so you can step into true financial stability and safety.

You’ll also learn how our curriculum, coaching, and proven processes provide a clear pathway to replacing your full-time income while writing grants part-time—from home.

From value-based pricing to ethical nonprofit sales, this episode breaks down how you can create a business that not only supports you financially, but also aligns with your lifestyle and goals.

If you’ve been wondering whether it’s possible to leave your 9–5 and build a thriving grant writing business—this episode will show you how.


ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.
 

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> What if your financial stability didn’t depend on a 9–5 job?

What if your skills and systems could provide that stability instead?

In this episode, we dive into the mission behind the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and how it’s working to shift the paradigm around work, income, and freedom—especially for women freelancers.

The Academy isn’t just a program—it’s a movement.

A movement designed to level out the freelance grant writing industry by teaching grant writers how to build sustainable, profitable businesses rooted in value, ethics, and confidence.

We talk about how many freelancers carry past money and time trauma—and how that can impact pricing, boundaries, and overall business growth. Inside the Academy, we focus on helping you overcome those barriers so you can step into true financial stability and safety.

You’ll also learn how our curriculum, coaching, and proven processes provide a clear pathway to replacing your full-time income while writing grants part-time—from home.

From value-based pricing to ethical nonprofit sales, this episode breaks down how you can create a business that not only supports you financially, but also aligns with your lifestyle and goals.

If you’ve been wondering whether it’s possible to leave your 9–5 and build a thriving grant writing business—this episode will show you how.


ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.
 

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Sun, 21 Jan 2024 09:02:11 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1648 What if your financial stability didn’t depend on a 9–5 job?

What if your skills and systems could provide that stability instead?

In this episode, we dive into the mission behind the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and how it’s working to shift the paradigm around work, income, and freedom—especially for women freelancers.

The Academy isn’t just a program—it’s a movement.

A movement designed to level out the freelance grant writing industry by teaching grant writers how to build sustainable, profitable businesses rooted in value, ethics, and confidence.

We talk about how many freelancers carry past money and time trauma—and how that can impact pricing, boundaries, and overall business growth. Inside the Academy, we focus on helping you overcome those barriers so you can step into true financial stability and safety.

You’ll also learn how our curriculum, coaching, and proven processes provide a clear pathway to replacing your full-time income while writing grants part-time—from home.

From value-based pricing to ethical nonprofit sales, this episode breaks down how you can create a business that not only supports you financially, but also aligns with your lifestyle and goals.

If you’ve been wondering whether it’s possible to leave your 9–5 and build a thriving grant writing business—this episode will show you how.


ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.
 

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Bonus Ep. You Can be a new or experienced Grant Writer To Join The Academy & How Much Time it Takes 308 308 Bonus Ep. You Can be a new or experienced Grant Writer To Join The Academy & How Much Time it Takes full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1722874008 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/bonus-ep-you-can-be-a-new-or-experienced-grant-writer-to-join-the-academy-how-much-time-it-takes Sat, 20 Jan 2024 06:48:02 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 710 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Everything Inside the FGW Academy, Who It's For, & How to Get Your Investment Back with One Sale 307 307 Everything Inside the FGW Academy, Who It's For, & How to Get Your Investment Back with One Sale full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1721690463 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/everything-inside-the-fgw-academy-who-its-for-how-to-get-your-investment-back-with-one-sale The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is the #1 Grant Writing and Nonprofit Sales Program in the Industry.

When you join the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, you get everything you need to quit your full-time job and replace your full-time income by freelance grant writing from your home.

The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is a 12-Month group coaching program, where you get curriculum, coaching, customized feedback and support to start a Freelance Grant Writing Business.

The price to the Academy is only One Payment of $2,500 (Get 2 Months Free!) or 12 Monthly Payments of $250.

Join Now by clicking here.

Each part of the Academy is a simple process, even if you work a full-time job.

You get 12 months to do the curriculum and access the coaching:

Who It’s For?

  • If you are NEW to grant writing and have never written a grant before
  • If you have written some grants and looking to get better at writing grants
  • If you are wanting to open a freelance grant writing business on the side (in addition to your 9-5)
  • If you want to leave your 9-5 and open a freelance grant writing business
  • If you already have a freelance grant writing business but your systems are a hot mess

Students in the Academy are writing their first grants and getting clients. And others have decades of grant writing experience, but are now booking out their freelance grant writing businesses with ideal clients and working LESS while earning more.

What’s Inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy?

Business Curriculum

We help you figure out your services, get your business set up, manage your money, and manage your calendar! You will learn our very own Unique Industry Concept formula, where you will always STAND out. Everything you need to start a business!

Pricing & Sales Curriculum

We teach you our Ethical Nonprofit Sales Strategy and Value-based Pricing. Walk into sales calls with confidence and never back down on your pricing again.

Unlimited Customized Grant Reviews

We mentioned this above, but it’s so good we are making sure you see it! We are the only program in the industry that offers grant reviews. We have been writing grants for 20 years and federal reviewers for 10 years. When we review your grants and give feedback, your grant success rate increases exponentially and you refine your grant writing skills. (We charge $2,500 for reviewing grants to the public. You get as many grants reviewed as you want throughout the entire program! This is a no-brainer).

Twice per month Live Coaching Calls

Ask anything in our coaching calls from sales questions, dealing with troublesome clients, how to run a grant workshop, and more. We have space for you to bring any question related to your skills and business to these very powerful calls! And if you can’t come, you can access a private podcast for all replays.

Daily Slack Channel

Did you win a grant? Or maybe you are wanting to know where to grab a logic model, feedback on a contract, or having imposter syndrome with posting your new company on LinkedIn. We got you. Our expert coaches will respond to any question, and it’s a great place to interact with your community.

Personalized Business Feedback

Want us to give you feedback on your website? How about giving you feedback on your pricing? Need input on how to structure your services? Want us to look over a retainer before sending it to a client? Anything to do with your business, we look over and give you personalized feedback. This alone is HUGE as it’s the little decisions in business that cause paralysis. When you have a coach – who has literally made a successful six-figure business as a freelance grant writer and worked with more than 100 successful freelance grant writers  – give you feedback, this will help you drive your business forward peacefully and quickly.

Grant Writing Curriculum

You learn how to write a master grant template in 30 days. In fact, we have our 30-day Live Challenge to write a Master Grant Application starting Feb. 5th. We are also the only program in the industry that offers grant reviews and feedback on your grants. Having grant experts even review ONE grant is easily worth the entire price of the program.

Bonus Skill Curriculum

We also teach you how to get paid and facilitate Nonprofit Strategic Planning, a Nonprofit Wellness Audit, and a Grant Feasibility Study.

How to Make Your Investment Back in One Sale

A question that underlines a lot of them is… Will I get a return on my investment?

It’s easy to make a quick ROI inside the Academy.

In fact, on average, folks who come in are making an average of $41,530 within 5 months.

That’s crazy bananas. There is literally no other program that I know of that has this kind of ROI.

How are they getting this type of revenue so quickly?

Let me start to say that they aren’t all experienced grant writers. 

This is a combination of first-time grant writers and seasoned grant writers! 

They use our systems.

They get clear on services with our Unique Industry Concept.

They stop discounting their prices by using our Value-Based Pricing.

They show up confidently in sales calls with our Ethical Nonprofit Sales Strategy.

They overcome imposter syndrome with our Unlimited Grant Reviews.

Additionally, they make an immediate ROI of their $2,500 investment by using any of the following:

#1) One Grant Prospect Sale for $2,500 

Our Academy students learn our process in putting together a Grant Research Prospect Report.

They learn how to do research so that they find the BEST-fit prospects for their clients and deliver high-quality services.

Plus, they get a template report so they don’t have to worry about creating something pretty. 

They sell this for $2,500. To ONE client.

They sell this multiple times.

#2) They sell a Master Grant Template for $3,000 

They easily charge $3,000 for writing a Master Grant Template and delivering that for a client.

And in this round of the Academy only, we are offering a LIVE 30-day challenge to write a Master Grant Template.

Starting Feb. 5th for 30 days, we will show you how to write this template in a short 5-15 minute video every day.

You will go through this process together as a group. 

And you will be able to submit your draft template for review and feedback.

In fact, Jen who is in the Academy said that she was using this challenge to do the Master Grant Template for a client she currently has. So she is literally getting paid to do this Challenge and will give her client the deliverable.

#3) They Save up to $4,790 by joining with other Academy students on Software 

Inside the Academy, students join together to go in on the most robust grant research software! 

They sign up together as 5 in a group to use the software together as a group. This literally saves thousands of dollars.

In fact, Ginny who is in the Academy said...

]]> The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is the #1 Grant Writing and Nonprofit Sales Program in the Industry.

When you join the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, you get everything you need to quit your full-time job and replace your full-time income by freelance grant writing from your home.

The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is a 12-Month group coaching program, where you get curriculum, coaching, customized feedback and support to start a Freelance Grant Writing Business.

The price to the Academy is only One Payment of $2,500 (Get 2 Months Free!) or 12 Monthly Payments of $250.

Join Now by clicking here.

Each part of the Academy is a simple process, even if you work a full-time job.

You get 12 months to do the curriculum and access the coaching:

Who It’s For?

  • If you are NEW to grant writing and have never written a grant before
  • If you have written some grants and looking to get better at writing grants
  • If you are wanting to open a freelance grant writing business on the side (in addition to your 9-5)
  • If you want to leave your 9-5 and open a freelance grant writing business
  • If you already have a freelance grant writing business but your systems are a hot mess

Students in the Academy are writing their first grants and getting clients. And others have decades of grant writing experience, but are now booking out their freelance grant writing businesses with ideal clients and working LESS while earning more.

What’s Inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy?

Business Curriculum

We help you figure out your services, get your business set up, manage your money, and manage your calendar! You will learn our very own Unique Industry Concept formula, where you will always STAND out. Everything you need to start a business!

Pricing & Sales Curriculum

We teach you our Ethical Nonprofit Sales Strategy and Value-based Pricing. Walk into sales calls with confidence and never back down on your pricing again.

Unlimited Customized Grant Reviews

We mentioned this above, but it’s so good we are making sure you see it! We are the only program in the industry that offers grant reviews. We have been writing grants for 20 years and federal reviewers for 10 years. When we review your grants and give feedback, your grant success rate increases exponentially and you refine your grant writing skills. (We charge $2,500 for reviewing grants to the public. You get as many grants reviewed as you want throughout the entire program! This is a no-brainer).

Twice per month Live Coaching Calls

Ask anything in our coaching calls from sales questions, dealing with troublesome clients, how to run a grant workshop, and more. We have space for you to bring any question related to your skills and business to these very powerful calls! And if you can’t come, you can access a private podcast for all replays.

Daily Slack Channel

Did you win a grant? Or maybe you are wanting to know where to grab a logic model, feedback on a contract, or having imposter syndrome with posting your new company on LinkedIn. We got you. Our expert coaches will respond to any question, and it’s a great place to interact with your community.

Personalized Business Feedback

Want us to give you feedback on your website? How about giving you feedback on your pricing? Need input on how to structure your services? Want us to look over a retainer before sending it to a client? Anything to do with your business, we look over and give you personalized feedback. This alone is HUGE as it’s the little decisions in business that cause paralysis. When you have a coach – who has literally made a successful six-figure business as a freelance grant writer and worked with more than 100 successful freelance grant writers  – give you feedback, this will help you drive your business forward peacefully and quickly.

Grant Writing Curriculum

You learn how to write a master grant template in 30 days. In fact, we have our 30-day Live Challenge to write a Master Grant Application starting Feb. 5th. We are also the only program in the industry that offers grant reviews and feedback on your grants. Having grant experts even review ONE grant is easily worth the entire price of the program.

Bonus Skill Curriculum

We also teach you how to get paid and facilitate Nonprofit Strategic Planning, a Nonprofit Wellness Audit, and a Grant Feasibility Study.

How to Make Your Investment Back in One Sale

A question that underlines a lot of them is… Will I get a return on my investment?

It’s easy to make a quick ROI inside the Academy.

In fact, on average, folks who come in are making an average of $41,530 within 5 months.

That’s crazy bananas. There is literally no other program that I know of that has this kind of ROI.

How are they getting this type of revenue so quickly?

Let me start to say that they aren’t all experienced grant writers. 

This is a combination of first-time grant writers and seasoned grant writers! 

They use our systems.

They get clear on services with our Unique Industry Concept.

They stop discounting their prices by using our Value-Based Pricing.

They show up confidently in sales calls with our Ethical Nonprofit Sales Strategy.

They overcome imposter syndrome with our Unlimited Grant Reviews.

Additionally, they make an immediate ROI of their $2,500 investment by using any of the following:

#1) One Grant Prospect Sale for $2,500 

Our Academy students learn our process in putting together a Grant Research Prospect Report.

They learn how to do research so that they find the BEST-fit prospects for their clients and deliver high-quality services.

Plus, they get a template report so they don’t have to worry about creating something pretty. 

They sell this for $2,500. To ONE client.

They sell this multiple times.

#2) They sell a Master Grant Template for $3,000 

They easily charge $3,000 for writing a Master Grant Template and delivering that for a client.

And in this round of the Academy only, we are offering a LIVE 30-day challenge to write a Master Grant Template.

Starting Feb. 5th for 30 days, we will show you how to write this template in a short 5-15 minute video every day.

You will go through this process together as a group. 

And you will be able to submit your draft template for review and feedback.

In fact, Jen who is in the Academy said that she was using this challenge to do the Master Grant Template for a client she currently has. So she is literally getting paid to do this Challenge and will give her client the deliverable.

#3) They Save up to $4,790 by joining with other Academy students on Software 

Inside the Academy, students join together to go in on the most robust grant research software! 

They sign up together as 5 in a group to use the software together as a group. This literally saves thousands of dollars.

In fact, Ginny who is in the Academy said...

]]> Fri, 19 Jan 2024 01:59:19 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2487 The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is the #1 Grant Writing and Nonprofit Sales Program in the Industry.

When you join the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, you get everything you need to quit your full-time job and replace your full-time income by freelance grant writing from your home.

The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is a 12-Month group coaching program, where you get curriculum, coaching, customized feedback and support to start a Freelance Grant Writing Business.

The price to the Academy is only One Payment of $2,500 (Get 2 Months Free!) or 12 Monthly Payments of $250.

Join Now by clicking here.

Each part of the Academy is a simple process, even if you work a full-time job.

You get 12 months to do the curriculum and access the coaching:

Who It’s For?

  • If you are NEW to grant writing and have never written a grant before
  • If you have written some grants and looking to get better at writing grants
  • If you are wanting to open a freelance grant writing business on the side (in addition to your 9-5)
  • If you want to leave your 9-5 and open a freelance grant writing business
  • If you already have a freelance grant writing business but your systems are a hot mess

Students in the Academy are writing their first grants and getting clients. And others have decades of grant writing experience, but are now booking out their freelance grant writing businesses with ideal clients and working LESS while earning more.

What’s Inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy?

Business Curriculum

We help you figure out your services, get your business set up, manage your money, and manage your calendar! You will learn our very own Unique Industry Concept formula, where you will always STAND out. Everything you need to start a business!

Pricing & Sales Curriculum

We teach you our Ethical Nonprofit Sales Strategy and Value-based Pricing. Walk into sales calls with confidence and never back down on your pricing again.

Unlimited Customized Grant Reviews

We mentioned this above, but it’s so good we are making sure you see it! We are the only program in the industry that offers grant reviews. We have been writing grants for 20 years and federal reviewers for 10 years. When we review your grants and give feedback, your grant success rate increases exponentially and you refine your grant writing skills. (We charge $2,500 for reviewing grants to the public. You get as many grants reviewed as you want throughout the entire program! This is a no-brainer).

Twice per month Live Coaching Calls

Ask anything in our coaching calls from sales questions, dealing with troublesome clients, how to run a grant workshop, and more. We have space for you to bring any question related to your skills and business to these very powerful calls! And if you can’t come, you can access a private podcast for all replays.

Daily Slack Channel

Did you win a grant? Or maybe you are wanting to know where to grab a logic model, feedback on a contract, or having imposter syndrome with posting your new company on LinkedIn. We got you. Our expert coaches will respond to any question, and it’s a great place to interact with your community.

Personalized Business Feedback

Want us to give you feedback on your website? How about giving you feedback on your pricing? Need input on how to structure your services? Want us to look over a retainer before sending it to a client? Anything to do with your business, we look over and give you personalized feedback. This alone is HUGE as it’s the little decisions in business that cause paralysis. When you have a coach – who has literally made a successful six-figure business as a freelance grant writer and worked with more than 100 successful freelance grant writers  – give you feedback, this will help you drive your business forward peacefully and quickly.

Grant Writing Curriculum

You learn how to write a master grant template in 30 days. In fact, we have our 30-day Live Challenge to write a Master Grant Application starting Feb. 5th. We are also the only program in the industry that offers grant reviews and feedback on your grants. Having grant experts even review ONE grant is easily worth the entire price of the program.

Bonus Skill Curriculum

We also teach you how to get paid and facilitate Nonprofit Strategic Planning, a Nonprofit Wellness Audit, and a Grant Feasibility Study.

How to Make Your Investment Back in One Sale

A question that underlines a lot of them is… Will I get a return on my investment?

It’s easy to make a quick ROI inside the Academy.

In fact, on average, folks who come in are making an average of $41,530 within 5 months.

That’s crazy bananas. There is literally no other program that I know of that has this kind of ROI.

How are they getting this type of revenue so quickly?

Let me start to say that they aren’t all experienced grant writers. 

This is a combination of first-time grant writers and seasoned grant writers! 

They use our systems.

They get clear on services with our Unique Industry Concept.

They stop discounting their prices by using our Value-Based Pricing.

They show up confidently in sales calls with our Ethical Nonprofit Sales Strategy.

They overcome imposter syndrome with our Unlimited Grant Reviews.

Additionally, they make an immediate ROI of their $2,500 investment by using any of the following:

#1) One Grant Prospect Sale for $2,500 

Our Academy students learn our process in putting together a Grant Research Prospect Report.

They learn how to do research so that they find the BEST-fit prospects for their clients and deliver high-quality services.

Plus, they get a template report so they don’t have to worry about creating something pretty. 

They sell this for $2,500. To ONE client.

They sell this multiple times.

#2) They sell a Master Grant Template for $3,000 

They easily charge $3,000 for writing a Master Grant Template and delivering that for a client.

And in this round of the Academy only, we are offering a LIVE 30-day challenge to write a Master Grant Template.

Starting Feb. 5th for 30 days, we will show you how to write this template in a short 5-15 minute video every day.

You will go through this process together as a group. 

And you will be able to submit your draft template for review and feedback.

In fact, Jen who is in the Academy said that she was using this challenge to do the Master Grant Template for a client she currently has. So she is literally getting paid to do this Challenge and will give her client the deliverable.

#3) They Save up to $4,790 by joining with other Academy students on Software 

Inside the Academy, students join together to go in on the most robust grant research software! 

They sign up together as 5 in a group to use the software together as a group. This literally saves thousands of dollars.

In fact, Ginny who is in the Academy said...

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No How Jen Made Her Investment Back within 3 Months and won her first grant Inside the Academy 306 306 How Jen Made Her Investment Back within 3 Months and won her first grant Inside the Academy full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1717961745 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/how-jen-made-her-investment-back-within-3-months-and-won-her-first-grant-inside-the-academy This episode, Jen Bowen explains how to become a freelance grant writer, get grant writing clients and secure your first grants. 

Jen Bowen is a member of the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and successfully transitioned in her career to become a full-time freelance grant writer. 

Jen joins us to discuss everything she’s learned about freelance grant writing, how the academy helped her progress in her grant writing skills, and the different grant writing support systems available in the academy. 

She also talks about why she changed career to become a freelance grant writer, how grant writing has affected her life, and the benefits of being a freelance grant writer. 

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • How to become a freelance grant writer. 
  • Securing your first grant and onboarding your first grant writing clients. 
  • How to pivot your career towards grant writing.
  • How fulfilling it is being a freelance grant writer. 
  • Resources to help you get your first grant writing clients. 
  • The support systems in the freelance grant writing academy. 
  • The power of having a grant writing support system. 
  • The community of grant writers in the freelance grant writing academy. 

About Jen Bowen

Jen Bowen, with 25 years of experience at HBO, most recently served as Senior VP of Worldwide  Content Sales, selling iconic Original Programming globally.

While she loved the creativity and  storytelling she was surrounded by, her motivation to continually take on new challenges and  contribute more meaningfully to society for the second half of her career led to a career pivot. 

She began immersing herself in the nonprofit world, including becoming Board Chair for Chance  2 Dance, an inclusive and accommodating dance studio for students of varying physical and  cognitive abilities. The passion and creativity of nonprofits fueled her, but having an inside look  into nonprofits, she quickly realized that the chaos of the nonprofit world could benefit from  some of the structure of corporate organizations. 

With an education in journalism and a passion for writing and research, Jen chose to capitalize  on her diverse skill set by specializing in grant writing. Her extensive experience in sales at HBO  honed her skills for crafting compelling pitches, as well as listening to clients’ needs and figuring  out the best approach to collaborate. Jen’s goal is to connect funders seeking to make a positive  impact with nonprofits poised to leverage their support for transformative change.  

With a blend of  corporate acumen and a heart for social impact, Jen Bowen is dedicated to bridging the gap  between profit and purpose, creating a lasting legacy of positive change.

Connect with Jen Bowen:

Quotables:

  • “I experimented with my first grants and I was amazed that it did really well and we ended up winning the grant for two hundred thousand dollars.”
  • “I’m only going to do it for companies I feel connected to.”
  • “There’s so much work to go around and it doesn’t feel competitive. Every single grant writer I talked to just wants to help other grant writers.”

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> This episode, Jen Bowen explains how to become a freelance grant writer, get grant writing clients and secure your first grants. 

Jen Bowen is a member of the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and successfully transitioned in her career to become a full-time freelance grant writer. 

Jen joins us to discuss everything she’s learned about freelance grant writing, how the academy helped her progress in her grant writing skills, and the different grant writing support systems available in the academy. 

She also talks about why she changed career to become a freelance grant writer, how grant writing has affected her life, and the benefits of being a freelance grant writer. 

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • How to become a freelance grant writer. 
  • Securing your first grant and onboarding your first grant writing clients. 
  • How to pivot your career towards grant writing.
  • How fulfilling it is being a freelance grant writer. 
  • Resources to help you get your first grant writing clients. 
  • The support systems in the freelance grant writing academy. 
  • The power of having a grant writing support system. 
  • The community of grant writers in the freelance grant writing academy. 

About Jen Bowen

Jen Bowen, with 25 years of experience at HBO, most recently served as Senior VP of Worldwide  Content Sales, selling iconic Original Programming globally.

While she loved the creativity and  storytelling she was surrounded by, her motivation to continually take on new challenges and  contribute more meaningfully to society for the second half of her career led to a career pivot. 

She began immersing herself in the nonprofit world, including becoming Board Chair for Chance  2 Dance, an inclusive and accommodating dance studio for students of varying physical and  cognitive abilities. The passion and creativity of nonprofits fueled her, but having an inside look  into nonprofits, she quickly realized that the chaos of the nonprofit world could benefit from  some of the structure of corporate organizations. 

With an education in journalism and a passion for writing and research, Jen chose to capitalize  on her diverse skill set by specializing in grant writing. Her extensive experience in sales at HBO  honed her skills for crafting compelling pitches, as well as listening to clients’ needs and figuring  out the best approach to collaborate. Jen’s goal is to connect funders seeking to make a positive  impact with nonprofits poised to leverage their support for transformative change.  

With a blend of  corporate acumen and a heart for social impact, Jen Bowen is dedicated to bridging the gap  between profit and purpose, creating a lasting legacy of positive change.

Connect with Jen Bowen:

Quotables:

  • “I experimented with my first grants and I was amazed that it did really well and we ended up winning the grant for two hundred thousand dollars.”
  • “I’m only going to do it for companies I feel connected to.”
  • “There’s so much work to go around and it doesn’t feel competitive. Every single grant writer I talked to just wants to help other grant writers.”

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 16 Jan 2024 06:00:15 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1950 This episode, Jen Bowen explains how to become a freelance grant writer, get grant writing clients and secure your first grants. 

Jen Bowen is a member of the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and successfully transitioned in her career to become a full-time freelance grant writer. 

Jen joins us to discuss everything she’s learned about freelance grant writing, how the academy helped her progress in her grant writing skills, and the different grant writing support systems available in the academy. 

She also talks about why she changed career to become a freelance grant writer, how grant writing has affected her life, and the benefits of being a freelance grant writer. 

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • How to become a freelance grant writer. 
  • Securing your first grant and onboarding your first grant writing clients. 
  • How to pivot your career towards grant writing.
  • How fulfilling it is being a freelance grant writer. 
  • Resources to help you get your first grant writing clients. 
  • The support systems in the freelance grant writing academy. 
  • The power of having a grant writing support system. 
  • The community of grant writers in the freelance grant writing academy. 

About Jen Bowen

Jen Bowen, with 25 years of experience at HBO, most recently served as Senior VP of Worldwide  Content Sales, selling iconic Original Programming globally.

While she loved the creativity and  storytelling she was surrounded by, her motivation to continually take on new challenges and  contribute more meaningfully to society for the second half of her career led to a career pivot. 

She began immersing herself in the nonprofit world, including becoming Board Chair for Chance  2 Dance, an inclusive and accommodating dance studio for students of varying physical and  cognitive abilities. The passion and creativity of nonprofits fueled her, but having an inside look  into nonprofits, she quickly realized that the chaos of the nonprofit world could benefit from  some of the structure of corporate organizations. 

With an education in journalism and a passion for writing and research, Jen chose to capitalize  on her diverse skill set by specializing in grant writing. Her extensive experience in sales at HBO  honed her skills for crafting compelling pitches, as well as listening to clients’ needs and figuring  out the best approach to collaborate. Jen’s goal is to connect funders seeking to make a positive  impact with nonprofits poised to leverage their support for transformative change.  

With a blend of  corporate acumen and a heart for social impact, Jen Bowen is dedicated to bridging the gap  between profit and purpose, creating a lasting legacy of positive change.

Connect with Jen Bowen:

Quotables:

  • “I experimented with my first grants and I was amazed that it did really well and we ended up winning the grant for two hundred thousand dollars.”
  • “I’m only going to do it for companies I feel connected to.”
  • “There’s so much work to go around and it doesn’t feel competitive. Every single grant writer I talked to just wants to help other grant writers.”

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No How Tiffany is Quitting Her Full-Time Job Early with Freelance Grant Writing 305 305 How Tiffany is Quitting Her Full-Time Job Early with Freelance Grant Writing full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1707985659 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/how-tiffany-is-quitting-her-full-time-job-early-with-freelance-grant-writing This episode, Tiffany Thibodeau is a grant consultant, content writer and member of the freelance grant writing academy.

Tiffany joins us to discuss the amount of time it takes to get grant writing clients, how to attract the right type of clients for your grant writing business, and the benefits of offering both content writing and grant writing services.

She also talks about the lifestyle benefits of freelance grant writing, the mindset you need to be a successful freelancer, and what she learned from joining the freelance grant writing academy.

About Tiffany Thibodeau

Tiffany Thibodeau is a grant consultant and content writer specializing in education and youth development. She is passionate about helping organizations tell their stories, build connections, and inspire positive action. 

Tiffany has over 17 years of experience as an educator, spanning early childhood through secondary. She’s drawn to supporting missions in environmental education, STEM/STEAM education, college access and career readiness, literacy, and after-school programming. She is a member of the Grant Professionals Association and holds an M.S. in Childhood Education and a B.A. in Communication from The Sage Colleges. 

Tiffany is also an active community member, serving on her town’s Conservation Commission, Friends of the Library committee, and Stewardship committee for a local land trust. Tiffany lives in Massachusetts, where she spends her free time trudging through the woods with her partner and their two dogs.  

Connect with Tiffany Thibodeau:

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> This episode, Tiffany Thibodeau is a grant consultant, content writer and member of the freelance grant writing academy.

Tiffany joins us to discuss the amount of time it takes to get grant writing clients, how to attract the right type of clients for your grant writing business, and the benefits of offering both content writing and grant writing services.

She also talks about the lifestyle benefits of freelance grant writing, the mindset you need to be a successful freelancer, and what she learned from joining the freelance grant writing academy.

About Tiffany Thibodeau

Tiffany Thibodeau is a grant consultant and content writer specializing in education and youth development. She is passionate about helping organizations tell their stories, build connections, and inspire positive action. 

Tiffany has over 17 years of experience as an educator, spanning early childhood through secondary. She’s drawn to supporting missions in environmental education, STEM/STEAM education, college access and career readiness, literacy, and after-school programming. She is a member of the Grant Professionals Association and holds an M.S. in Childhood Education and a B.A. in Communication from The Sage Colleges. 

Tiffany is also an active community member, serving on her town’s Conservation Commission, Friends of the Library committee, and Stewardship committee for a local land trust. Tiffany lives in Massachusetts, where she spends her free time trudging through the woods with her partner and their two dogs.  

Connect with Tiffany Thibodeau:

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 09 Jan 2024 06:00:39 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2851 This episode, Tiffany Thibodeau is a grant consultant, content writer and member of the freelance grant writing academy.

Tiffany joins us to discuss the amount of time it takes to get grant writing clients, how to attract the right type of clients for your grant writing business, and the benefits of offering both content writing and grant writing services.

She also talks about the lifestyle benefits of freelance grant writing, the mindset you need to be a successful freelancer, and what she learned from joining the freelance grant writing academy.

About Tiffany Thibodeau

Tiffany Thibodeau is a grant consultant and content writer specializing in education and youth development. She is passionate about helping organizations tell their stories, build connections, and inspire positive action. 

Tiffany has over 17 years of experience as an educator, spanning early childhood through secondary. She’s drawn to supporting missions in environmental education, STEM/STEAM education, college access and career readiness, literacy, and after-school programming. She is a member of the Grant Professionals Association and holds an M.S. in Childhood Education and a B.A. in Communication from The Sage Colleges. 

Tiffany is also an active community member, serving on her town’s Conservation Commission, Friends of the Library committee, and Stewardship committee for a local land trust. Tiffany lives in Massachusetts, where she spends her free time trudging through the woods with her partner and their two dogs.  

Connect with Tiffany Thibodeau:

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Doubling Clients and Cutting Hours: $500K Grant Writing Journey inside the Academy 304 304 Doubling Clients and Cutting Hours: $500K Grant Writing Journey inside the Academy full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1704448980 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/doubling-clients-and-cutting-hours-500k-grant-writing-journey-inside-the-academy This episode, Dr. Lauren Hopkins explains how to package grant writing services, show organizations your value, and increase your impact. 

Dr. Lauren Hopkins is a social worker, program evaluator, grant writer, training developer, and facilitator. 

Dr. Hopkins joins us to discuss the different ways to structure grant writing services, why grant writers should use value based pricing, and how grant writers can show organizations their value. 

She also talks about the business side of being a grant professional, the importance of having a grant application plan, and how using systems has helped her build financial stability.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • What nonprofits can do if they can’t afford to hire a grant writer. 
  • The benefits of working with a freelance grant writer. 
  • Building a business plan for your first master grant application. 
  • How to carry out program evaluations for grant funders. 
  • The ways the freelance grant academy has helped Dr. Hopkins. 
  • How grant writers should structure the services they provide. 
  • Different ways to package grant writing services. 
  • Why grant writers should use value-based pricing. 
  • How to show organizations the value of using a grant writer. 
  • The resources and templates available in the freelance grant writing academy.

About Dr. Lauren Hopkins

Dr. Lauren Hopkins is the Owner and Principal Consultant of Prepared to Impact, LLC. She is a social worker passionate about helping organizational staff strengthen knowledge, gain skills, and achieve goals. Dr. Hopkins is a gifted program evaluator, experienced grant writer, skilled training developer, and knowledgeable facilitator. She holds a Bachelors in Nonprofit Leadership and Management from High Point University, a Masters in Social Work from the University of South Carolina, and a Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Southeastern University. She also earned a Grant Writing Certificate from the University of South Carolina. 

Connect with Dr. Lauren:

Quotables:

  • “Value based pricing is key and the academy taught me a lot about that.”
  • “The academy has helped me get out of my comfort zone and fine tune and become clear about my services.”
  • “A lot of the time freelance grant writers aren’t able to make income because they’re not marketing themselves or doing sales calls.”

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> This episode, Dr. Lauren Hopkins explains how to package grant writing services, show organizations your value, and increase your impact. 

Dr. Lauren Hopkins is a social worker, program evaluator, grant writer, training developer, and facilitator. 

Dr. Hopkins joins us to discuss the different ways to structure grant writing services, why grant writers should use value based pricing, and how grant writers can show organizations their value. 

She also talks about the business side of being a grant professional, the importance of having a grant application plan, and how using systems has helped her build financial stability.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • What nonprofits can do if they can’t afford to hire a grant writer. 
  • The benefits of working with a freelance grant writer. 
  • Building a business plan for your first master grant application. 
  • How to carry out program evaluations for grant funders. 
  • The ways the freelance grant academy has helped Dr. Hopkins. 
  • How grant writers should structure the services they provide. 
  • Different ways to package grant writing services. 
  • Why grant writers should use value-based pricing. 
  • How to show organizations the value of using a grant writer. 
  • The resources and templates available in the freelance grant writing academy.

About Dr. Lauren Hopkins

Dr. Lauren Hopkins is the Owner and Principal Consultant of Prepared to Impact, LLC. She is a social worker passionate about helping organizational staff strengthen knowledge, gain skills, and achieve goals. Dr. Hopkins is a gifted program evaluator, experienced grant writer, skilled training developer, and knowledgeable facilitator. She holds a Bachelors in Nonprofit Leadership and Management from High Point University, a Masters in Social Work from the University of South Carolina, and a Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Southeastern University. She also earned a Grant Writing Certificate from the University of South Carolina. 

Connect with Dr. Lauren:

Quotables:

  • “Value based pricing is key and the academy taught me a lot about that.”
  • “The academy has helped me get out of my comfort zone and fine tune and become clear about my services.”
  • “A lot of the time freelance grant writers aren’t able to make income because they’re not marketing themselves or doing sales calls.”

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 02 Jan 2024 06:00:19 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 3091 This episode, Dr. Lauren Hopkins explains how to package grant writing services, show organizations your value, and increase your impact. 

Dr. Lauren Hopkins is a social worker, program evaluator, grant writer, training developer, and facilitator. 

Dr. Hopkins joins us to discuss the different ways to structure grant writing services, why grant writers should use value based pricing, and how grant writers can show organizations their value. 

She also talks about the business side of being a grant professional, the importance of having a grant application plan, and how using systems has helped her build financial stability.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • What nonprofits can do if they can’t afford to hire a grant writer. 
  • The benefits of working with a freelance grant writer. 
  • Building a business plan for your first master grant application. 
  • How to carry out program evaluations for grant funders. 
  • The ways the freelance grant academy has helped Dr. Hopkins. 
  • How grant writers should structure the services they provide. 
  • Different ways to package grant writing services. 
  • Why grant writers should use value-based pricing. 
  • How to show organizations the value of using a grant writer. 
  • The resources and templates available in the freelance grant writing academy.

About Dr. Lauren Hopkins

Dr. Lauren Hopkins is the Owner and Principal Consultant of Prepared to Impact, LLC. She is a social worker passionate about helping organizational staff strengthen knowledge, gain skills, and achieve goals. Dr. Hopkins is a gifted program evaluator, experienced grant writer, skilled training developer, and knowledgeable facilitator. She holds a Bachelors in Nonprofit Leadership and Management from High Point University, a Masters in Social Work from the University of South Carolina, and a Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Southeastern University. She also earned a Grant Writing Certificate from the University of South Carolina. 

Connect with Dr. Lauren:

Quotables:

  • “Value based pricing is key and the academy taught me a lot about that.”
  • “The academy has helped me get out of my comfort zone and fine tune and become clear about my services.”
  • “A lot of the time freelance grant writers aren’t able to make income because they’re not marketing themselves or doing sales calls.”

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Freelance Grant Writing is More Financially Stable Than a Nonprofit Job 303 303 Freelance Grant Writing is More Financially Stable Than a Nonprofit Job full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1695851970 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-303-freelance-grant-writing-is-more-financially-stable-than-a-nonprofit-job Are nonprofit jobs really as stable as they seem?


In this episode, Holly breaks down a perspective that might surprise you—why freelance grant writing can actually offer more financial stability than traditional nonprofit roles.


We dive into how nonprofit salaries are often impacted by funding fluctuations and how inflation continues to affect wages across the sector. In contrast, freelance grant writing can provide more control over your income, allowing you to diversify clients and increase your earning potential.


Holly also shares insights into how much freelance grant writers can realistically earn in a year, along with the flexibility and freedom that come with running your own business. From setting your schedule to scaling your services, freelance grant writing offers benefits that go beyond income—including autonomy, work-life balance, and long-term sustainability.


If you’ve been considering making the shift or want to understand the financial realities of both paths, this episode will give you a clear and empowering perspective.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Holly Rustick is a world-renowned grant writing expert, bestselling author, and business coach who has helped thousands of aspiring and experienced grant writers build successful freelance businesses. As the founder of Grant Writing & Funding, she leads a global movement to help grant writers secure funding for nonprofits while creating profitable, flexible careers.

With over 20 years of experience, Holly specializes in teaching value-based pricing, ethical sales, and sustainable business systems that allow grant writers to replace their full-time income working part-time from home.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

———————————————————————————

This podcast episode is sponsored by Bloomerang!

Bloomerang is a donor management and fundraising platform built specifically for nonprofits to help you raise more, retain donors, and grow your impact. With powerful tools for donor engagement, reporting, and relationship management, Bloomerang makes it easier to build meaningful connections and drive sustainable funding.

Learn more at: https://bloomerang.com/

———————————————————————————

]]> Are nonprofit jobs really as stable as they seem?


In this episode, Holly breaks down a perspective that might surprise you—why freelance grant writing can actually offer more financial stability than traditional nonprofit roles.


We dive into how nonprofit salaries are often impacted by funding fluctuations and how inflation continues to affect wages across the sector. In contrast, freelance grant writing can provide more control over your income, allowing you to diversify clients and increase your earning potential.


Holly also shares insights into how much freelance grant writers can realistically earn in a year, along with the flexibility and freedom that come with running your own business. From setting your schedule to scaling your services, freelance grant writing offers benefits that go beyond income—including autonomy, work-life balance, and long-term sustainability.


If you’ve been considering making the shift or want to understand the financial realities of both paths, this episode will give you a clear and empowering perspective.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Holly Rustick is a world-renowned grant writing expert, bestselling author, and business coach who has helped thousands of aspiring and experienced grant writers build successful freelance businesses. As the founder of Grant Writing & Funding, she leads a global movement to help grant writers secure funding for nonprofits while creating profitable, flexible careers.

With over 20 years of experience, Holly specializes in teaching value-based pricing, ethical sales, and sustainable business systems that allow grant writers to replace their full-time income working part-time from home.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

———————————————————————————

This podcast episode is sponsored by Bloomerang!

Bloomerang is a donor management and fundraising platform built specifically for nonprofits to help you raise more, retain donors, and grow your impact. With powerful tools for donor engagement, reporting, and relationship management, Bloomerang makes it easier to build meaningful connections and drive sustainable funding.

Learn more at: https://bloomerang.com/

———————————————————————————

]]> Tue, 26 Dec 2023 06:00:00 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1732 Are nonprofit jobs really as stable as they seem?


In this episode, Holly breaks down a perspective that might surprise you—why freelance grant writing can actually offer more financial stability than traditional nonprofit roles.


We dive into how nonprofit salaries are often impacted by funding fluctuations and how inflation continues to affect wages across the sector. In contrast, freelance grant writing can provide more control over your income, allowing you to diversify clients and increase your earning potential.


Holly also shares insights into how much freelance grant writers can realistically earn in a year, along with the flexibility and freedom that come with running your own business. From setting your schedule to scaling your services, freelance grant writing offers benefits that go beyond income—including autonomy, work-life balance, and long-term sustainability.


If you’ve been considering making the shift or want to understand the financial realities of both paths, this episode will give you a clear and empowering perspective.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Holly Rustick is a world-renowned grant writing expert, bestselling author, and business coach who has helped thousands of aspiring and experienced grant writers build successful freelance businesses. As the founder of Grant Writing & Funding, she leads a global movement to help grant writers secure funding for nonprofits while creating profitable, flexible careers.

With over 20 years of experience, Holly specializes in teaching value-based pricing, ethical sales, and sustainable business systems that allow grant writers to replace their full-time income working part-time from home.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

———————————————————————————

This podcast episode is sponsored by Bloomerang!

Bloomerang is a donor management and fundraising platform built specifically for nonprofits to help you raise more, retain donors, and grow your impact. With powerful tools for donor engagement, reporting, and relationship management, Bloomerang makes it easier to build meaningful connections and drive sustainable funding.

Learn more at: https://bloomerang.com/

———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Replace Your Full-Time Income with Freelance Grant Writing 302 302 Replace Your Full-Time Income with Freelance Grant Writing full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1693236234 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/replace-your-full-time-income-with-freelance-grant-writing This episode, Holly Rustick explains how to earn more as a freelance grant writer, how long it takes to learn how to write a grant template, and how to get feedback on your grants. 

Holly Rustick is a world-renowned grant writing expert and Amazon bestselling author who has been coaching grant writers how to run successful 5-6 figure businesses since 2017. 

Holly explains how you can replace your full time income with a part time role writing grants, the ways a programme can help with your grant writing process, and how to ethically raise your grant writing revenue. 

She also talks about the common objections nonprofits have when hiring freelance grant writers, ethical sales strategies that grant writers can use, and how to do value based pricing.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • The ways a programme can help with your grant writing process.
  • How to ethically raise your revenue with freelance grant writing. 
  • How to replace your full time income with a part time role writing grants. 
  • The amount of time it takes to learn how to write a grant template. 
  • Using AI to write grant applications. 
  • Finding your unique industry concept. 
  • How to get feedback on your grants. 
  • Ethical sales strategies that work for introverts. 
  • Strategies on how to do value based pricing. 
  • Common objections nonprofits have when hiring freelance grant writers. 

Quotables:

  • “You can earn more money than working a regular job, you can work anywhere, and you can also create amazing change in the world and bring meaning to your life.”
  • “Once you get clear on your unique industry concept everything falls into place.”
  • “It’s amazing to see how many people in the program are quickly quitting their jobs because they are able to get booked out with clients.”

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

Thank you Bloomerang for sponsoring this week’s podcast!

Bloomerang offers donor management, online fundraising, and volunteer management software that helps small to medium nonprofits, like First Tee of Greater Akron.

After just one year with Bloomerang First Tee of Greater Akron doubled their unique donors, improved donor stewardship, and raised more funds. To hear the full story, visit bloomerang.com/grantwritingpodcast/ 

———————————————————————————

]]> This episode, Holly Rustick explains how to earn more as a freelance grant writer, how long it takes to learn how to write a grant template, and how to get feedback on your grants. 

Holly Rustick is a world-renowned grant writing expert and Amazon bestselling author who has been coaching grant writers how to run successful 5-6 figure businesses since 2017. 

Holly explains how you can replace your full time income with a part time role writing grants, the ways a programme can help with your grant writing process, and how to ethically raise your grant writing revenue. 

She also talks about the common objections nonprofits have when hiring freelance grant writers, ethical sales strategies that grant writers can use, and how to do value based pricing.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • The ways a programme can help with your grant writing process.
  • How to ethically raise your revenue with freelance grant writing. 
  • How to replace your full time income with a part time role writing grants. 
  • The amount of time it takes to learn how to write a grant template. 
  • Using AI to write grant applications. 
  • Finding your unique industry concept. 
  • How to get feedback on your grants. 
  • Ethical sales strategies that work for introverts. 
  • Strategies on how to do value based pricing. 
  • Common objections nonprofits have when hiring freelance grant writers. 

Quotables:

  • “You can earn more money than working a regular job, you can work anywhere, and you can also create amazing change in the world and bring meaning to your life.”
  • “Once you get clear on your unique industry concept everything falls into place.”
  • “It’s amazing to see how many people in the program are quickly quitting their jobs because they are able to get booked out with clients.”

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

Thank you Bloomerang for sponsoring this week’s podcast!

Bloomerang offers donor management, online fundraising, and volunteer management software that helps small to medium nonprofits, like First Tee of Greater Akron.

After just one year with Bloomerang First Tee of Greater Akron doubled their unique donors, improved donor stewardship, and raised more funds. To hear the full story, visit bloomerang.com/grantwritingpodcast/ 

———————————————————————————

]]> Tue, 19 Dec 2023 06:00:18 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1895 This episode, Holly Rustick explains how to earn more as a freelance grant writer, how long it takes to learn how to write a grant template, and how to get feedback on your grants. 

Holly Rustick is a world-renowned grant writing expert and Amazon bestselling author who has been coaching grant writers how to run successful 5-6 figure businesses since 2017. 

Holly explains how you can replace your full time income with a part time role writing grants, the ways a programme can help with your grant writing process, and how to ethically raise your grant writing revenue. 

She also talks about the common objections nonprofits have when hiring freelance grant writers, ethical sales strategies that grant writers can use, and how to do value based pricing.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • The ways a programme can help with your grant writing process.
  • How to ethically raise your revenue with freelance grant writing. 
  • How to replace your full time income with a part time role writing grants. 
  • The amount of time it takes to learn how to write a grant template. 
  • Using AI to write grant applications. 
  • Finding your unique industry concept. 
  • How to get feedback on your grants. 
  • Ethical sales strategies that work for introverts. 
  • Strategies on how to do value based pricing. 
  • Common objections nonprofits have when hiring freelance grant writers. 

Quotables:

  • “You can earn more money than working a regular job, you can work anywhere, and you can also create amazing change in the world and bring meaning to your life.”
  • “Once you get clear on your unique industry concept everything falls into place.”
  • “It’s amazing to see how many people in the program are quickly quitting their jobs because they are able to get booked out with clients.”

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

Thank you Bloomerang for sponsoring this week’s podcast!

Bloomerang offers donor management, online fundraising, and volunteer management software that helps small to medium nonprofits, like First Tee of Greater Akron.

After just one year with Bloomerang First Tee of Greater Akron doubled their unique donors, improved donor stewardship, and raised more funds. To hear the full story, visit bloomerang.com/grantwritingpodcast/ 

———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Quit Your Toxic Nonprofit Job: The Power of Freelance Grant Writing for Financial Freedom 301 301 Quit Your Toxic Nonprofit Job: The Power of Freelance Grant Writing for Financial Freedom full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1687574331 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-301-quit-your-toxic-nonprofit-job-the-power-of-freelance-grant-writing-for-financial-freedom In this solo episode, Holly Rustick shares her expertise on navigating the realities of working in the nonprofit sector and building a sustainable, profitable career in grant writing. 

She dives into why some nonprofit roles can become toxic, the structural challenges within nonprofit organizations, and why grant writers are often underpaid. Holly also breaks down how federal funding flows to nonprofits, the limitations placed on 501(c)(3) organizations, and how you can leverage freelance grant writing to replace your income and build a successful 5–6 figure business.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, and serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> In this solo episode, Holly Rustick shares her expertise on navigating the realities of working in the nonprofit sector and building a sustainable, profitable career in grant writing. 

She dives into why some nonprofit roles can become toxic, the structural challenges within nonprofit organizations, and why grant writers are often underpaid. Holly also breaks down how federal funding flows to nonprofits, the limitations placed on 501(c)(3) organizations, and how you can leverage freelance grant writing to replace your income and build a successful 5–6 figure business.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, and serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 12 Dec 2023 06:00:27 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1405 In this solo episode, Holly Rustick shares her expertise on navigating the realities of working in the nonprofit sector and building a sustainable, profitable career in grant writing. 

She dives into why some nonprofit roles can become toxic, the structural challenges within nonprofit organizations, and why grant writers are often underpaid. Holly also breaks down how federal funding flows to nonprofits, the limitations placed on 501(c)(3) organizations, and how you can leverage freelance grant writing to replace your income and build a successful 5–6 figure business.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, and serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Claim Your Free Book from Grant Writing & Funding and Boost Your Grant Writing Career 300 300 Claim Your Free Book from Grant Writing & Funding and Boost Your Grant Writing Career full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1680788469 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-300-claim-your-free-book-from-grant-writing-funding-and-boost-your-grant-writing-career We made it—300 episodes!

To celebrate this milestone, we’re giving you free access to our bestselling ebook, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing—because this podcast has always been about equipping you with the tools to succeed.

In this special episode, Holly reflects on why she started the Grant Writing & Funding podcast and how it has grown into a global movement supporting grant writers and nonprofits alike.

We dive into the power of podcasting—not just as a platform, but as a way to build meaningful relationships, share knowledge, and create impact across communities.

Holly also shares her vision for the future of the podcast, along with insights into the incredible power grant writers have to drive change. From helping nonprofits secure critical funding to building their own financial stability, grant writers play a vital role in shaping a better world.

If you’ve been part of this journey—or are just getting started—this episode is a celebration of what’s possible.

Be sure to give it a listen!

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

———————————————————————————

This podcast episode is sponsored by Bloomerang!

Bloomerang is a donor management and fundraising platform built specifically for nonprofits to help you raise more, retain donors, and grow your impact. With powerful tools for donor engagement, reporting, and relationship management, Bloomerang makes it easier to build meaningful connections and drive sustainable funding.

Learn more at: https://bloomerang.com/

———————————————————————————

]]> We made it—300 episodes!

To celebrate this milestone, we’re giving you free access to our bestselling ebook, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing—because this podcast has always been about equipping you with the tools to succeed.

In this special episode, Holly reflects on why she started the Grant Writing & Funding podcast and how it has grown into a global movement supporting grant writers and nonprofits alike.

We dive into the power of podcasting—not just as a platform, but as a way to build meaningful relationships, share knowledge, and create impact across communities.

Holly also shares her vision for the future of the podcast, along with insights into the incredible power grant writers have to drive change. From helping nonprofits secure critical funding to building their own financial stability, grant writers play a vital role in shaping a better world.

If you’ve been part of this journey—or are just getting started—this episode is a celebration of what’s possible.

Be sure to give it a listen!

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

———————————————————————————

This podcast episode is sponsored by Bloomerang!

Bloomerang is a donor management and fundraising platform built specifically for nonprofits to help you raise more, retain donors, and grow your impact. With powerful tools for donor engagement, reporting, and relationship management, Bloomerang makes it easier to build meaningful connections and drive sustainable funding.

Learn more at: https://bloomerang.com/

———————————————————————————

]]> Tue, 05 Dec 2023 06:00:17 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1715 We made it—300 episodes!

To celebrate this milestone, we’re giving you free access to our bestselling ebook, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing—because this podcast has always been about equipping you with the tools to succeed.

In this special episode, Holly reflects on why she started the Grant Writing & Funding podcast and how it has grown into a global movement supporting grant writers and nonprofits alike.

We dive into the power of podcasting—not just as a platform, but as a way to build meaningful relationships, share knowledge, and create impact across communities.

Holly also shares her vision for the future of the podcast, along with insights into the incredible power grant writers have to drive change. From helping nonprofits secure critical funding to building their own financial stability, grant writers play a vital role in shaping a better world.

If you’ve been part of this journey—or are just getting started—this episode is a celebration of what’s possible.

Be sure to give it a listen!

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

———————————————————————————

This podcast episode is sponsored by Bloomerang!

Bloomerang is a donor management and fundraising platform built specifically for nonprofits to help you raise more, retain donors, and grow your impact. With powerful tools for donor engagement, reporting, and relationship management, Bloomerang makes it easier to build meaningful connections and drive sustainable funding.

Learn more at: https://bloomerang.com/

———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Unleashing Generosity: Exploring the Power of Donor Giving for Your Nonprofit 299 299 Unleashing Generosity: Exploring the Power of Donor Giving for Your Nonprofit full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1669090980 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-299-unleashing-generosity-exploring-the-power-of-donor-giving-for-your-nonprofit In this episode, Emily Kelly, Bloomerang’s National Accounts Manager, joins us to share how nonprofits can strengthen donor relationships and improve retention through effective use of donor management software. We discuss how organizations can stay connected with donors, avoid losing critical donor data, and adapt to changes in donor sponsorship—especially in light of inflation and shifting giving trends.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Emily Kelly is Bloomerang’s National Accounts Manager, where she cultivates and maintains partnerships with national nonprofit organizations, affiliates, and existing partners. She brings expertise in donor engagement, retention strategies, and helping nonprofits leverage technology to grow sustainable fundraising.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

———————————————————————————

This podcast episode is sponsored by Bloomerang.

Bloomerang is a donor management and fundraising platform built specifically for nonprofits to help you acquire, retain, and engage donors more effectively. With powerful tools for donor data, communication, and reporting, Bloomerang helps organizations grow sustainable fundraising results while saving time. Learn more about how Bloomerang can support your nonprofit’s mission.

———————————————————————————

]]> In this episode, Emily Kelly, Bloomerang’s National Accounts Manager, joins us to share how nonprofits can strengthen donor relationships and improve retention through effective use of donor management software. We discuss how organizations can stay connected with donors, avoid losing critical donor data, and adapt to changes in donor sponsorship—especially in light of inflation and shifting giving trends.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Emily Kelly is Bloomerang’s National Accounts Manager, where she cultivates and maintains partnerships with national nonprofit organizations, affiliates, and existing partners. She brings expertise in donor engagement, retention strategies, and helping nonprofits leverage technology to grow sustainable fundraising.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

———————————————————————————

This podcast episode is sponsored by Bloomerang.

Bloomerang is a donor management and fundraising platform built specifically for nonprofits to help you acquire, retain, and engage donors more effectively. With powerful tools for donor data, communication, and reporting, Bloomerang helps organizations grow sustainable fundraising results while saving time. Learn more about how Bloomerang can support your nonprofit’s mission.

———————————————————————————

]]> Tue, 28 Nov 2023 06:00:06 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2900 In this episode, Emily Kelly, Bloomerang’s National Accounts Manager, joins us to share how nonprofits can strengthen donor relationships and improve retention through effective use of donor management software. We discuss how organizations can stay connected with donors, avoid losing critical donor data, and adapt to changes in donor sponsorship—especially in light of inflation and shifting giving trends.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Emily Kelly is Bloomerang’s National Accounts Manager, where she cultivates and maintains partnerships with national nonprofit organizations, affiliates, and existing partners. She brings expertise in donor engagement, retention strategies, and helping nonprofits leverage technology to grow sustainable fundraising.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

———————————————————————————

This podcast episode is sponsored by Bloomerang.

Bloomerang is a donor management and fundraising platform built specifically for nonprofits to help you acquire, retain, and engage donors more effectively. With powerful tools for donor data, communication, and reporting, Bloomerang helps organizations grow sustainable fundraising results while saving time. Learn more about how Bloomerang can support your nonprofit’s mission.

———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No The Real ROI of Grant Writing with Teresa Huff 298 298 The Real ROI of Grant Writing with Teresa Huff full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1667964789 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/the-real-roi-of-grant-writing-with-teresa-huff This episode, Teresa Huff is the host of the Grant Writing Simplified Podcast and the go-to expert in grant writer coaching and nonprofit grant strategy.

Teresa joins us to discuss the different ways to assess the ROI of grant writing, how nonprofits can optimize the process of their grant applications, and win more grants.

She also talks about how nonprofits can increase their relevance, the type of research you need to do before creating a nonprofit, and how nonprofits can leverage tools like ChatGPT.

About Teresa Huff

Teresa Huff is the host of the Grant Writing Simplified Podcast and the go-to expert in grant writer coaching and nonprofit grant strategy. She’s helped nonprofits triple their funding and maximize their impact. After winning over $7 million for schools and nonprofits, she now teaches grant writers and nonprofits the strategies they need to develop millions in sustainable, long-term funding. Her podcast has been downloaded in over 100 countries across 6 continents; more than 3,000 students worldwide have completed her online grant writing programs.

Teresa uses her Master’s in Education and over 20 years of experience in writing, special education, and business to help nonprofit leaders take their skills to the next level. She mentors grant writers through her interactive Fast Track to Grant Writer VIP Coaching Program, now available for university level credit.

Connect with Teresa

Resources mentioned in this episode

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


Thank you Bloomerang for sponsoring this week's podcast!

Bloomerang offers donor management, online fundraising, and volunteer management software that helps small to medium nonprofits, like First Tee of Greater Akron.

After just one year with Bloomerang First Tee of Greater Akron doubled their unique donors, improved donor stewardship, and raised more funds.

To hear the full story, visit bloomerang.com/grantwritingpodcast/ 

]]> This episode, Teresa Huff is the host of the Grant Writing Simplified Podcast and the go-to expert in grant writer coaching and nonprofit grant strategy.

Teresa joins us to discuss the different ways to assess the ROI of grant writing, how nonprofits can optimize the process of their grant applications, and win more grants.

She also talks about how nonprofits can increase their relevance, the type of research you need to do before creating a nonprofit, and how nonprofits can leverage tools like ChatGPT.

About Teresa Huff

Teresa Huff is the host of the Grant Writing Simplified Podcast and the go-to expert in grant writer coaching and nonprofit grant strategy. She’s helped nonprofits triple their funding and maximize their impact. After winning over $7 million for schools and nonprofits, she now teaches grant writers and nonprofits the strategies they need to develop millions in sustainable, long-term funding. Her podcast has been downloaded in over 100 countries across 6 continents; more than 3,000 students worldwide have completed her online grant writing programs.

Teresa uses her Master’s in Education and over 20 years of experience in writing, special education, and business to help nonprofit leaders take their skills to the next level. She mentors grant writers through her interactive Fast Track to Grant Writer VIP Coaching Program, now available for university level credit.

Connect with Teresa

Resources mentioned in this episode

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


Thank you Bloomerang for sponsoring this week's podcast!

Bloomerang offers donor management, online fundraising, and volunteer management software that helps small to medium nonprofits, like First Tee of Greater Akron.

After just one year with Bloomerang First Tee of Greater Akron doubled their unique donors, improved donor stewardship, and raised more funds.

To hear the full story, visit bloomerang.com/grantwritingpodcast/ 

]]> Tue, 21 Nov 2023 06:00:13 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2140 This episode, Teresa Huff is the host of the Grant Writing Simplified Podcast and the go-to expert in grant writer coaching and nonprofit grant strategy.

Teresa joins us to discuss the different ways to assess the ROI of grant writing, how nonprofits can optimize the process of their grant applications, and win more grants.

She also talks about how nonprofits can increase their relevance, the type of research you need to do before creating a nonprofit, and how nonprofits can leverage tools like ChatGPT.

About Teresa Huff

Teresa Huff is the host of the Grant Writing Simplified Podcast and the go-to expert in grant writer coaching and nonprofit grant strategy. She’s helped nonprofits triple their funding and maximize their impact. After winning over $7 million for schools and nonprofits, she now teaches grant writers and nonprofits the strategies they need to develop millions in sustainable, long-term funding. Her podcast has been downloaded in over 100 countries across 6 continents; more than 3,000 students worldwide have completed her online grant writing programs.

Teresa uses her Master’s in Education and over 20 years of experience in writing, special education, and business to help nonprofit leaders take their skills to the next level. She mentors grant writers through her interactive Fast Track to Grant Writer VIP Coaching Program, now available for university level credit.

Connect with Teresa

Resources mentioned in this episode

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


Thank you Bloomerang for sponsoring this week's podcast!

Bloomerang offers donor management, online fundraising, and volunteer management software that helps small to medium nonprofits, like First Tee of Greater Akron.

After just one year with Bloomerang First Tee of Greater Akron doubled their unique donors, improved donor stewardship, and raised more funds.

To hear the full story, visit bloomerang.com/grantwritingpodcast/ 

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No New Grant Funding Opportunities for Small and Emerging Nonprofits with DeaRonda Harrison 297 297 New Grant Funding Opportunities for Small and Emerging Nonprofits with DeaRonda Harrison full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1662796887 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/new-grant-funding-opportunities-for-small-and-emerging-nonprofits-with-dearonda-harrison This episode, DeaRonda Harrison explains how nonprofits can get funding, build relationships, and grow their business. 

DeaRonda Harrison is a grant writing specialist who works with nonprofits to help them win grants. 

DeaRonda joins us to discuss the funding options for small nonprofits, how nonprofits can build relationships with funding boards, and get past grant funding gatekeepers. 

She also talks about the business aspect of nonprofits, how to put together a grant plan, and what to do if your grant applications are unsuccessful. 

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • New and emerging grant opportunities for small nonprofits.
  • How to put together a grant plan. 
  • What it’s like being a nonprofit startup. 
  • Ways nonprofits can start to get funding.  
  • What to do if you’re not having success in your grant applications. 
  • How to build a relationship with funding boards. 
  • Different systems to get grant funders. 
  • The gatekeepers involved in getting grant funding. 
  • The business aspect of nonprofits. 
  • How nonprofits can demonstrate they have experience with money management. 

About DeaRonda Harrison

DeaRonda Harrison is the founder and President of June First Firm, a grant writing firm specializing in assisting nonprofits under new leadership transform their organization. She works to onboard and train their new grants team reducing burnout, turnover, and lack of support. DeaRonda knows and understands too well why quality grant professionals are leaving nonprofits in droves and wants to be a support system to properly train and onboard those new to the industry as well as more seasoned professionals. DeaRonda has worked at and consulted with numerous leading nonprofits as a grant professional and has 10 years of experience as a grant writer winning awards totaling $35M over the course of her career. Her nonprofit specialty are those that focus on human services, K-12 education, workforce development, housing, and healthcare services. 

DeaRonda is a member of the Grant Professionals Association (GPA) where she served as Georgia Chapter President for two years. She obtained her Master of Business Administration from Ashford University and Bachelor of Science degree from the prestigious Tuskegee University.    

Connect with DeaRonda:

Quotables:

  • “Putting numbers to everything they were doing really helped them take their programs to another level because of the structure.”
  • “An important step is cultivation. My most successful clients develop relationships with funders, they introduce them to the organization so when they get the application it’s not the first time they’ve heard of the organization.”
  • “Instead of just asking for money, date those funders.”

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

Thank you Bloomerang for sponsoring this week’s podcast!

Bloomerang offers donor management, online fundraising, and volunteer management software that helps small to medium nonprofits, like First Tee of Greater Akron.

After just one year with Bloomerang First Tee of Greater Akron doubled their unique donors, improved donor stewardship, and raised more funds.

To hear the full story, visit bloomerang.com/grantwritingpodcast/ 

———————————————————————————

]]> This episode, DeaRonda Harrison explains how nonprofits can get funding, build relationships, and grow their business. 

DeaRonda Harrison is a grant writing specialist who works with nonprofits to help them win grants. 

DeaRonda joins us to discuss the funding options for small nonprofits, how nonprofits can build relationships with funding boards, and get past grant funding gatekeepers. 

She also talks about the business aspect of nonprofits, how to put together a grant plan, and what to do if your grant applications are unsuccessful. 

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • New and emerging grant opportunities for small nonprofits.
  • How to put together a grant plan. 
  • What it’s like being a nonprofit startup. 
  • Ways nonprofits can start to get funding.  
  • What to do if you’re not having success in your grant applications. 
  • How to build a relationship with funding boards. 
  • Different systems to get grant funders. 
  • The gatekeepers involved in getting grant funding. 
  • The business aspect of nonprofits. 
  • How nonprofits can demonstrate they have experience with money management. 

About DeaRonda Harrison

DeaRonda Harrison is the founder and President of June First Firm, a grant writing firm specializing in assisting nonprofits under new leadership transform their organization. She works to onboard and train their new grants team reducing burnout, turnover, and lack of support. DeaRonda knows and understands too well why quality grant professionals are leaving nonprofits in droves and wants to be a support system to properly train and onboard those new to the industry as well as more seasoned professionals. DeaRonda has worked at and consulted with numerous leading nonprofits as a grant professional and has 10 years of experience as a grant writer winning awards totaling $35M over the course of her career. Her nonprofit specialty are those that focus on human services, K-12 education, workforce development, housing, and healthcare services. 

DeaRonda is a member of the Grant Professionals Association (GPA) where she served as Georgia Chapter President for two years. She obtained her Master of Business Administration from Ashford University and Bachelor of Science degree from the prestigious Tuskegee University.    

Connect with DeaRonda:

Quotables:

  • “Putting numbers to everything they were doing really helped them take their programs to another level because of the structure.”
  • “An important step is cultivation. My most successful clients develop relationships with funders, they introduce them to the organization so when they get the application it’s not the first time they’ve heard of the organization.”
  • “Instead of just asking for money, date those funders.”

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

Thank you Bloomerang for sponsoring this week’s podcast!

Bloomerang offers donor management, online fundraising, and volunteer management software that helps small to medium nonprofits, like First Tee of Greater Akron.

After just one year with Bloomerang First Tee of Greater Akron doubled their unique donors, improved donor stewardship, and raised more funds.

To hear the full story, visit bloomerang.com/grantwritingpodcast/ 

———————————————————————————

]]> Tue, 14 Nov 2023 06:00:16 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2028 This episode, DeaRonda Harrison explains how nonprofits can get funding, build relationships, and grow their business. 

DeaRonda Harrison is a grant writing specialist who works with nonprofits to help them win grants. 

DeaRonda joins us to discuss the funding options for small nonprofits, how nonprofits can build relationships with funding boards, and get past grant funding gatekeepers. 

She also talks about the business aspect of nonprofits, how to put together a grant plan, and what to do if your grant applications are unsuccessful. 

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • New and emerging grant opportunities for small nonprofits.
  • How to put together a grant plan. 
  • What it’s like being a nonprofit startup. 
  • Ways nonprofits can start to get funding.  
  • What to do if you’re not having success in your grant applications. 
  • How to build a relationship with funding boards. 
  • Different systems to get grant funders. 
  • The gatekeepers involved in getting grant funding. 
  • The business aspect of nonprofits. 
  • How nonprofits can demonstrate they have experience with money management. 

About DeaRonda Harrison

DeaRonda Harrison is the founder and President of June First Firm, a grant writing firm specializing in assisting nonprofits under new leadership transform their organization. She works to onboard and train their new grants team reducing burnout, turnover, and lack of support. DeaRonda knows and understands too well why quality grant professionals are leaving nonprofits in droves and wants to be a support system to properly train and onboard those new to the industry as well as more seasoned professionals. DeaRonda has worked at and consulted with numerous leading nonprofits as a grant professional and has 10 years of experience as a grant writer winning awards totaling $35M over the course of her career. Her nonprofit specialty are those that focus on human services, K-12 education, workforce development, housing, and healthcare services. 

DeaRonda is a member of the Grant Professionals Association (GPA) where she served as Georgia Chapter President for two years. She obtained her Master of Business Administration from Ashford University and Bachelor of Science degree from the prestigious Tuskegee University.    

Connect with DeaRonda:

Quotables:

  • “Putting numbers to everything they were doing really helped them take their programs to another level because of the structure.”
  • “An important step is cultivation. My most successful clients develop relationships with funders, they introduce them to the organization so when they get the application it’s not the first time they’ve heard of the organization.”
  • “Instead of just asking for money, date those funders.”

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

Thank you Bloomerang for sponsoring this week’s podcast!

Bloomerang offers donor management, online fundraising, and volunteer management software that helps small to medium nonprofits, like First Tee of Greater Akron.

After just one year with Bloomerang First Tee of Greater Akron doubled their unique donors, improved donor stewardship, and raised more funds.

To hear the full story, visit bloomerang.com/grantwritingpodcast/ 

———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No How Nonprofits can implement cyber security protocols to protect grant and donor funding 296 296 How Nonprofits can implement cyber security protocols to protect grant and donor funding full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1653240165 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-296-how-nonprofits-can-implement-cyber-security-protocols-to-protect-grant-and-donor-funding Elvis joins us to discuss the data security and privacy risks for nonprofits, the effect cybersecurity breaches can have on funding, and how nonprofits can reduce data breaches. He also shares why nonprofits are often targeted by hackers, the SOPs organizations should implement to minimize risk, and what really happens when a nonprofit gets hacked.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Elvis Moreland is an award-winning senior executive and subject matter expert in cyber risk management. He is recognized as a Computerworld Premier 100 Leader and brings deep expertise in helping organizations strengthen their cybersecurity posture and mitigate risk.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Elvis joins us to discuss the data security and privacy risks for nonprofits, the effect cybersecurity breaches can have on funding, and how nonprofits can reduce data breaches. He also shares why nonprofits are often targeted by hackers, the SOPs organizations should implement to minimize risk, and what really happens when a nonprofit gets hacked.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Elvis Moreland is an award-winning senior executive and subject matter expert in cyber risk management. He is recognized as a Computerworld Premier 100 Leader and brings deep expertise in helping organizations strengthen their cybersecurity posture and mitigate risk.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 07 Nov 2023 06:00:04 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2301 Elvis joins us to discuss the data security and privacy risks for nonprofits, the effect cybersecurity breaches can have on funding, and how nonprofits can reduce data breaches. He also shares why nonprofits are often targeted by hackers, the SOPs organizations should implement to minimize risk, and what really happens when a nonprofit gets hacked.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Elvis Moreland is an award-winning senior executive and subject matter expert in cyber risk management. He is recognized as a Computerworld Premier 100 Leader and brings deep expertise in helping organizations strengthen their cybersecurity posture and mitigate risk.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Stop Doing the Hamster Wheel Campaigns and Focus on Evergreen Donor Email Strategies 295 295 Stop Doing the Hamster Wheel Campaigns and Focus on Evergreen Donor Email Strategies full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1646470794 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-295-stop-doing-the-hamster-wheel-campaigns-and-focus-on-evergreen-donor-email-strategies Are you relying too heavily on social media to connect with your audience?


In this episode, Kirsten Roland, Founder of Million Dollar CEO and expert marketing coach, shares why email marketing is one of the most powerful—and often underutilized—tools for nonprofits.


We dive into why email marketing can be more effective than social media when it comes to building real relationships and driving action from donors and supporters. Kirsten explains how nonprofits can use email to create deeper connections, increase engagement, and ultimately grow their funding.


We also explore practical email strategies, including what types of content nonprofits should be sending, how to nurture your audience through consistent communication, and how to structure emails for better results. Kirsten breaks down what size your email list should be—and why quality and engagement matter more than just numbers.


If you want to strengthen your donor relationships and create a more reliable communication channel, this episode will show you how to leverage email marketing effectively.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Kirsten Roland is the Founder of Million Dollar CEO and a highly respected marketing coach who helps entrepreneurs and organizations grow their businesses through strategic marketing. She specializes in email marketing, client communication, and scalable marketing systems.

Kirsten is passionate about helping nonprofits and business owners build authentic connections with their audiences and create marketing strategies that drive real results.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Are you relying too heavily on social media to connect with your audience?


In this episode, Kirsten Roland, Founder of Million Dollar CEO and expert marketing coach, shares why email marketing is one of the most powerful—and often underutilized—tools for nonprofits.


We dive into why email marketing can be more effective than social media when it comes to building real relationships and driving action from donors and supporters. Kirsten explains how nonprofits can use email to create deeper connections, increase engagement, and ultimately grow their funding.


We also explore practical email strategies, including what types of content nonprofits should be sending, how to nurture your audience through consistent communication, and how to structure emails for better results. Kirsten breaks down what size your email list should be—and why quality and engagement matter more than just numbers.


If you want to strengthen your donor relationships and create a more reliable communication channel, this episode will show you how to leverage email marketing effectively.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Kirsten Roland is the Founder of Million Dollar CEO and a highly respected marketing coach who helps entrepreneurs and organizations grow their businesses through strategic marketing. She specializes in email marketing, client communication, and scalable marketing systems.

Kirsten is passionate about helping nonprofits and business owners build authentic connections with their audiences and create marketing strategies that drive real results.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 31 Oct 2023 07:00:04 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2796 Are you relying too heavily on social media to connect with your audience?


In this episode, Kirsten Roland, Founder of Million Dollar CEO and expert marketing coach, shares why email marketing is one of the most powerful—and often underutilized—tools for nonprofits.


We dive into why email marketing can be more effective than social media when it comes to building real relationships and driving action from donors and supporters. Kirsten explains how nonprofits can use email to create deeper connections, increase engagement, and ultimately grow their funding.


We also explore practical email strategies, including what types of content nonprofits should be sending, how to nurture your audience through consistent communication, and how to structure emails for better results. Kirsten breaks down what size your email list should be—and why quality and engagement matter more than just numbers.


If you want to strengthen your donor relationships and create a more reliable communication channel, this episode will show you how to leverage email marketing effectively.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Kirsten Roland is the Founder of Million Dollar CEO and a highly respected marketing coach who helps entrepreneurs and organizations grow their businesses through strategic marketing. She specializes in email marketing, client communication, and scalable marketing systems.

Kirsten is passionate about helping nonprofits and business owners build authentic connections with their audiences and create marketing strategies that drive real results.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No The 3 Elements of Nonprofit's CEO: Fundraising, Board, and Marketing 294 294 The 3 Elements of Nonprofit's CEO: Fundraising, Board, and Marketing full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1646440128 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/the-3-elements-of-nonprofits-ceo-fundraising-board-and-marketing This episode, Sabrina Walker-Hernandez explains the ways to create a good board, how you should interact with your board members, and the different ways to get board members engaged with funding. 

Sabrina Walker-Hernandez is the CEO of Supporting World Hope and has over 25 years of experience in nonprofit management, fundraising, and leadership.

Sabrina joins us to discuss board development, the different aspects of fundraising, and how nonprofits should market themselves. 

She also talks about the best practices of running a board, the type of relationship CEOs should have with their board, and the power of the title CEO. 

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • The role of a nonprofit Executive Director with their board. 
  • Ways to engage your board throughout the year. 
  • How to get your board involved with fundraising. 
  • Common mistakes Executive Director’s make when creating a board. 
  • How to create a good board of directors. 
  • Who you should have as your board members.
  • How to interact with your board members.
  • Best practices of running a board. 
  • The different aspects of fundraising. 

About Sabrina Walker-Hernandez

Sabrina Walker-Hernandez is the CEO of Supporting World Hope and has over 25 years of experience in nonprofit management, fundraising, and leadership.

She grew her operation revenue from $750,000 to $2.5M and completed a $12M capital campaign.

Sabrina is certified in Nonprofit Management by Harvard Business School and is a bestselling author.

Connect with Sabrina Walker Hernandez:

Quotables:

  • “A lot of people say they have a fundraising problem but it really is a board problem.”
  • “Get the board right and the fundraising will come.”
  • “You always need to be fundraising. For a healthy organization no more than 20 percent of your budget should rely on one source.”

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

Thank you Bloomerang for sponsoring this week’s podcast!

Bloomerang offers donor management, online fundraising, and volunteer management software that helps small to medium nonprofits, like First Tee of Greater Akron.

After just one year with Bloomerang First Tee of Greater Akron doubled their unique donors, improved donor stewardship, and raised more funds.

To hear the full story, visit bloomerang.com/grantwritingpodcast/ 
———————————————————————————

]]> This episode, Sabrina Walker-Hernandez explains the ways to create a good board, how you should interact with your board members, and the different ways to get board members engaged with funding. 

Sabrina Walker-Hernandez is the CEO of Supporting World Hope and has over 25 years of experience in nonprofit management, fundraising, and leadership.

Sabrina joins us to discuss board development, the different aspects of fundraising, and how nonprofits should market themselves. 

She also talks about the best practices of running a board, the type of relationship CEOs should have with their board, and the power of the title CEO. 

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • The role of a nonprofit Executive Director with their board. 
  • Ways to engage your board throughout the year. 
  • How to get your board involved with fundraising. 
  • Common mistakes Executive Director’s make when creating a board. 
  • How to create a good board of directors. 
  • Who you should have as your board members.
  • How to interact with your board members.
  • Best practices of running a board. 
  • The different aspects of fundraising. 

About Sabrina Walker-Hernandez

Sabrina Walker-Hernandez is the CEO of Supporting World Hope and has over 25 years of experience in nonprofit management, fundraising, and leadership.

She grew her operation revenue from $750,000 to $2.5M and completed a $12M capital campaign.

Sabrina is certified in Nonprofit Management by Harvard Business School and is a bestselling author.

Connect with Sabrina Walker Hernandez:

Quotables:

  • “A lot of people say they have a fundraising problem but it really is a board problem.”
  • “Get the board right and the fundraising will come.”
  • “You always need to be fundraising. For a healthy organization no more than 20 percent of your budget should rely on one source.”

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

Thank you Bloomerang for sponsoring this week’s podcast!

Bloomerang offers donor management, online fundraising, and volunteer management software that helps small to medium nonprofits, like First Tee of Greater Akron.

After just one year with Bloomerang First Tee of Greater Akron doubled their unique donors, improved donor stewardship, and raised more funds.

To hear the full story, visit bloomerang.com/grantwritingpodcast/ 
———————————————————————————

]]> Tue, 24 Oct 2023 07:00:12 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2366 This episode, Sabrina Walker-Hernandez explains the ways to create a good board, how you should interact with your board members, and the different ways to get board members engaged with funding. 

Sabrina Walker-Hernandez is the CEO of Supporting World Hope and has over 25 years of experience in nonprofit management, fundraising, and leadership.

Sabrina joins us to discuss board development, the different aspects of fundraising, and how nonprofits should market themselves. 

She also talks about the best practices of running a board, the type of relationship CEOs should have with their board, and the power of the title CEO. 

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • The role of a nonprofit Executive Director with their board. 
  • Ways to engage your board throughout the year. 
  • How to get your board involved with fundraising. 
  • Common mistakes Executive Director’s make when creating a board. 
  • How to create a good board of directors. 
  • Who you should have as your board members.
  • How to interact with your board members.
  • Best practices of running a board. 
  • The different aspects of fundraising. 

About Sabrina Walker-Hernandez

Sabrina Walker-Hernandez is the CEO of Supporting World Hope and has over 25 years of experience in nonprofit management, fundraising, and leadership.

She grew her operation revenue from $750,000 to $2.5M and completed a $12M capital campaign.

Sabrina is certified in Nonprofit Management by Harvard Business School and is a bestselling author.

Connect with Sabrina Walker Hernandez:

Quotables:

  • “A lot of people say they have a fundraising problem but it really is a board problem.”
  • “Get the board right and the fundraising will come.”
  • “You always need to be fundraising. For a healthy organization no more than 20 percent of your budget should rely on one source.”

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

Thank you Bloomerang for sponsoring this week’s podcast!

Bloomerang offers donor management, online fundraising, and volunteer management software that helps small to medium nonprofits, like First Tee of Greater Akron.

After just one year with Bloomerang First Tee of Greater Akron doubled their unique donors, improved donor stewardship, and raised more funds.

To hear the full story, visit bloomerang.com/grantwritingpodcast/ 
———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No How Habits Impact an Executive Director's Fundraising and Philanthropy with Gregory Nielson 293 293 How Habits Impact an Executive Director's Fundraising and Philanthropy with Gregory Nielson full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1635759567 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-293-how-habits-impact-an-executive-directors-fundraising-and-philanthropy-with-gregory-nielson Gregory joins us to share his expertise on nonprofit leadership and governance, breaking down the essential habits every board member should develop to effectively support an organization’s mission. He discusses how to communicate clearly with board members, properly onboard new members, and create a strong foundation for engagement and accountability.

We also explore practical ways to teach board members what good governance looks like, how bringing in consultants can help reinforce key messages, and strategies to ensure board members stay actively involved and committed to their roles.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Gregory is an experienced nonprofit CEO, consultant, and public speaker specializing in nonprofit leadership and governance. He is BoardSource Certified in Nonprofit Board Consulting and has helped hundreds of organizations strengthen their leadership and impact. As former CEO of the Center for Nonprofit Excellence (CNPE), he expanded services to support over 500 nonprofits and launched key leadership development programs for executives.

With a background spanning the nonprofit, corporate, and public sectors—including roles as Executive Director of Green Hill Therapy and Vice President at Bank of America—Gregory brings a well-rounded perspective to his work. He is also a military veteran and former attorney in the U.S. Army JAG Corps, and holds degrees from the University of Notre Dame and Notre Dame Law School. His leadership has been recognized nationally, including being named a “40 Under 40” honoree.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Website

Email

Podcast


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

—————————————————————————————
Support for this episode is brought to you by our friends at Bloomerang. 
Bloomerang offers donor management, online fundraising, and volunteer management software that helps small to medium nonprofits, like First Tee of Greater Akron. After just one year with Bloomerang, First Tee of Greater Akron doubled their unique donors, improved donor stewardship, and raised more funds. To hear the full story visit bloomerang.com/grantwritingpodcast/.
—————————————————————————————

]]> Gregory joins us to share his expertise on nonprofit leadership and governance, breaking down the essential habits every board member should develop to effectively support an organization’s mission. He discusses how to communicate clearly with board members, properly onboard new members, and create a strong foundation for engagement and accountability.

We also explore practical ways to teach board members what good governance looks like, how bringing in consultants can help reinforce key messages, and strategies to ensure board members stay actively involved and committed to their roles.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Gregory is an experienced nonprofit CEO, consultant, and public speaker specializing in nonprofit leadership and governance. He is BoardSource Certified in Nonprofit Board Consulting and has helped hundreds of organizations strengthen their leadership and impact. As former CEO of the Center for Nonprofit Excellence (CNPE), he expanded services to support over 500 nonprofits and launched key leadership development programs for executives.

With a background spanning the nonprofit, corporate, and public sectors—including roles as Executive Director of Green Hill Therapy and Vice President at Bank of America—Gregory brings a well-rounded perspective to his work. He is also a military veteran and former attorney in the U.S. Army JAG Corps, and holds degrees from the University of Notre Dame and Notre Dame Law School. His leadership has been recognized nationally, including being named a “40 Under 40” honoree.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Website

Email

Podcast


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

—————————————————————————————
Support for this episode is brought to you by our friends at Bloomerang. 
Bloomerang offers donor management, online fundraising, and volunteer management software that helps small to medium nonprofits, like First Tee of Greater Akron. After just one year with Bloomerang, First Tee of Greater Akron doubled their unique donors, improved donor stewardship, and raised more funds. To hear the full story visit bloomerang.com/grantwritingpodcast/.
—————————————————————————————

]]> Tue, 17 Oct 2023 07:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2335 Gregory joins us to share his expertise on nonprofit leadership and governance, breaking down the essential habits every board member should develop to effectively support an organization’s mission. He discusses how to communicate clearly with board members, properly onboard new members, and create a strong foundation for engagement and accountability.

We also explore practical ways to teach board members what good governance looks like, how bringing in consultants can help reinforce key messages, and strategies to ensure board members stay actively involved and committed to their roles.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Gregory is an experienced nonprofit CEO, consultant, and public speaker specializing in nonprofit leadership and governance. He is BoardSource Certified in Nonprofit Board Consulting and has helped hundreds of organizations strengthen their leadership and impact. As former CEO of the Center for Nonprofit Excellence (CNPE), he expanded services to support over 500 nonprofits and launched key leadership development programs for executives.

With a background spanning the nonprofit, corporate, and public sectors—including roles as Executive Director of Green Hill Therapy and Vice President at Bank of America—Gregory brings a well-rounded perspective to his work. He is also a military veteran and former attorney in the U.S. Army JAG Corps, and holds degrees from the University of Notre Dame and Notre Dame Law School. His leadership has been recognized nationally, including being named a “40 Under 40” honoree.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Website

Email

Podcast


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

—————————————————————————————
Support for this episode is brought to you by our friends at Bloomerang. 
Bloomerang offers donor management, online fundraising, and volunteer management software that helps small to medium nonprofits, like First Tee of Greater Akron. After just one year with Bloomerang, First Tee of Greater Akron doubled their unique donors, improved donor stewardship, and raised more funds. To hear the full story visit bloomerang.com/grantwritingpodcast/.
—————————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No How to maximize your nonprofit's end of year donors with Jess Campbell 292 292 How to maximize your nonprofit's end of year donors with Jess Campbell full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1635078132 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-292-how-to-maximize-your-nonprofits-end-of-year-donors-with-jess-campbell Jess Campbell is an email list expert and seasoned nonprofit fundraiser who has raised over $17 million throughout her career—and in this episode, she shares exactly how you can strengthen your digital fundraising strategy.

We dive into how to run effective end-of-year campaigns that not only bring in donations but also create long-term donor relationships.

Jess breaks down how to turn one-time end-of-year donors into consistent monthly supporters, why donor retention should be a top priority, and how building a strong donor base can create more sustainable funding for your nonprofit.

We also explore what makes an email marketing campaign truly effective—from messaging to strategy—and how to grow your digital campaigns in a way that feels both authentic and impactful.

If you’re looking to level up your fundraising, especially during your most important giving season, this episode is packed with insights you can put into action right away.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Jess Campbell is an email marketing expert and nonprofit fundraising strategist with nearly two decades of experience helping organizations grow their donor base and increase revenue. Over her career, she has raised more than $17 million for nonprofits through strategic campaigns, donor engagement, and digital marketing.

Jess specializes in helping nonprofits leverage email marketing to build stronger relationships, improve donor retention, and create sustainable, recurring revenue streams.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

This helps me support more people — just like you — move toward writing higher quality grants without overwhelm, and to start and grow successful grant writing businesses!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

———————————————————————————

This podcast episode is sponsored by Bloomerang!

Bloomerang is a donor management and fundraising platform built specifically for nonprofits to help you raise more, retain donors, and grow your impact. With powerful tools for donor engagement, reporting, and relationship management, Bloomerang makes it easier to build meaningful connections and drive sustainable funding.

Learn more at: https://bloomerang.com/

———————————————————————————

]]> Jess Campbell is an email list expert and seasoned nonprofit fundraiser who has raised over $17 million throughout her career—and in this episode, she shares exactly how you can strengthen your digital fundraising strategy.

We dive into how to run effective end-of-year campaigns that not only bring in donations but also create long-term donor relationships.

Jess breaks down how to turn one-time end-of-year donors into consistent monthly supporters, why donor retention should be a top priority, and how building a strong donor base can create more sustainable funding for your nonprofit.

We also explore what makes an email marketing campaign truly effective—from messaging to strategy—and how to grow your digital campaigns in a way that feels both authentic and impactful.

If you’re looking to level up your fundraising, especially during your most important giving season, this episode is packed with insights you can put into action right away.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Jess Campbell is an email marketing expert and nonprofit fundraising strategist with nearly two decades of experience helping organizations grow their donor base and increase revenue. Over her career, she has raised more than $17 million for nonprofits through strategic campaigns, donor engagement, and digital marketing.

Jess specializes in helping nonprofits leverage email marketing to build stronger relationships, improve donor retention, and create sustainable, recurring revenue streams.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

This helps me support more people — just like you — move toward writing higher quality grants without overwhelm, and to start and grow successful grant writing businesses!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

———————————————————————————

This podcast episode is sponsored by Bloomerang!

Bloomerang is a donor management and fundraising platform built specifically for nonprofits to help you raise more, retain donors, and grow your impact. With powerful tools for donor engagement, reporting, and relationship management, Bloomerang makes it easier to build meaningful connections and drive sustainable funding.

Learn more at: https://bloomerang.com/

———————————————————————————

]]> Tue, 10 Oct 2023 07:00:18 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2390 Jess Campbell is an email list expert and seasoned nonprofit fundraiser who has raised over $17 million throughout her career—and in this episode, she shares exactly how you can strengthen your digital fundraising strategy.

We dive into how to run effective end-of-year campaigns that not only bring in donations but also create long-term donor relationships.

Jess breaks down how to turn one-time end-of-year donors into consistent monthly supporters, why donor retention should be a top priority, and how building a strong donor base can create more sustainable funding for your nonprofit.

We also explore what makes an email marketing campaign truly effective—from messaging to strategy—and how to grow your digital campaigns in a way that feels both authentic and impactful.

If you’re looking to level up your fundraising, especially during your most important giving season, this episode is packed with insights you can put into action right away.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Jess Campbell is an email marketing expert and nonprofit fundraising strategist with nearly two decades of experience helping organizations grow their donor base and increase revenue. Over her career, she has raised more than $17 million for nonprofits through strategic campaigns, donor engagement, and digital marketing.

Jess specializes in helping nonprofits leverage email marketing to build stronger relationships, improve donor retention, and create sustainable, recurring revenue streams.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

This helps me support more people — just like you — move toward writing higher quality grants without overwhelm, and to start and grow successful grant writing businesses!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

———————————————————————————

This podcast episode is sponsored by Bloomerang!

Bloomerang is a donor management and fundraising platform built specifically for nonprofits to help you raise more, retain donors, and grow your impact. With powerful tools for donor engagement, reporting, and relationship management, Bloomerang makes it easier to build meaningful connections and drive sustainable funding.

Learn more at: https://bloomerang.com/

———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ep. 291: 4 Steps Executive Directors of Nonprofits Can Lead with Confidence with Dr. Patton McDowell 291 291 Ep. 291: 4 Steps Executive Directors of Nonprofits Can Lead with Confidence with Dr. Patton McDowell full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1629736704 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-291-4-steps-executive-directors-of-nonprofits-can-lead-with-confidence-with-dr-patton-mcdowell Tue, 03 Oct 2023 07:00:06 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2333 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ep. 290: The Peaceful SCALE System: Transforming Your Grant Writing Business for Peace & Profit 290 290 Ep. 290: The Peaceful SCALE System: Transforming Your Grant Writing Business for Peace & Profit full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1623973362 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-290-the-peaceful-scale-system-transforming-your-grant-writing-business-for-peace-profit Tue, 26 Sep 2023 07:00:16 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1779 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Navigating Grant Rejections: Yvonne's Insights on Turning Setbacks into Opportunities 289 289 Navigating Grant Rejections: Yvonne's Insights on Turning Setbacks into Opportunities full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1618235292 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/navigating-grant-rejections-yvonnes-insights-on-turning-setbacks-into-opportunities Welcome to another episode of “Grant Writing & Funding” with your host, Holly Rustick. In this week’s episode, we have a special guest joining us: Yvonne White-Morey, a successful grant writer with a thriving freelance grant writing business. 

During our conversation, we will delve into the impact the mentorship program has had on Yvonne’s business, as well as the valuable tips and insights she has to offer for grant writers looking to start or grow their own freelance grant writing businesses. We are excited to hear Yvonne’s personal story and discover how she got started in the world of grant writing.

Yvonne addresses the importance of handling grant rejection in the grant writing world and offers strategies for turning rejection into opportunities for growth and improvement.

Additionally, she will touch on the significant role of artificial intelligence in the grant proposal process, and explore both the positive advantages and potential challenges it presents. 

Yvonne also shares her experience in the Grant Professional Mentorship program and how it has benefited her grant writing career. 

Join us as we connect with Yvonne White-Morey to learn more about her journey in grant writing and the valuable insights she has to offer. 

Plus, we will reveal how you can connect with Yvonne and the resources she provides. So grab your headphones and get ready for another informative and inspiring episode of “Grant Writing & Funding” with Holly Rustick.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • How the Grant Professional Mentorship has been beneficial Yvonne’s grant writing business
  • The Role of Artificial Intelligence in the Grant Proposal Process
  • Positive and negative implications of AI and large language models in grant writing
  • Handling Rejection and Building Relationships in Grant Seeking
  • – The tendency to feel discouraged after a grant proposal rejection
  • The importance of evaluating the fit between the proposal and funder’s values
  • Embracing rejection as an opportunity to demonstrate organizational integrity
  • Grant writing as part of the revenue stream and flow for organizations
  • Building a sustainable funding model for organizations
  • Considering the overall funding picture and incorporating grants into the organization’s strategy
  • The challenge of low scores on grant proposals with minimal feedback

About Yvonne White-Morey

Yvonne White-Morey, RSM is CEO & Principal Grant Strategist at GrantStream Consulting LLC, bridging the gap between mission and impact, through stress-free grant seeking and management, so that people who help people can afford to make a difference. GrantStream’s clientele include growing small-mid sized nonprofits and small businesses helped to secure more than $14 million in funding.

Yvonne brings expertise working in government, nonprofit and the private sector; with faith-based groups and community-led organizations, celebrating the opportunity of assisting others to do great work creating a more just and humane world. 

In addition to extensive grant training, Yvonne holds a Masters of Divinity from Chicago Theological Seminary; earned a BS in Psychology and BA in Speech and Drama from DePaul University and, Certificates in Litigation and Employee Benefit Plans from the ABA Approved Lawyers’ Assistant Program at Roosevelt University; and is credentialed by Scrum, Inc. as a Register Scrum Master (RSM). Each of these areas of professional development helped her to hone skills in research, writing and project management.

Yvonne is a proud member of the Grant Professionals Association (GPA), currently serving as a board member and Programs Co-Chair of the GPA Chicago Area Chapter, and member of the GPA Great Lakes Virtual Chapter.  An active member of the Association of Consultants to Nonprofits;  a Chicago Conservation Corps leader since 2010, as well as a Climate Reality Project Leader, Chicago Metro Chapter and trained as a public engagement interpreter of the Chicago Academy of Sciences Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Yvonne is part of an extensive network of environmental and environmental justice organizations. 

When not absorbed with grants, nonprofit consulting, proposal development and character counts, she enjoys the brilliant and colorful Midwestern change of seasons, especially in Autumn/Winter, where you will most likely find her tucked in with a cup of hot tea, a cozy mystery and in the company of either an exuberant Hurricane Maria rescue dog named Rico or a frolicking feline called Selina Kyle (aka Cat Woman) her Co-Directors of Work/Life Balance.

Connect with Yvonne:

Quotables:

  • Dealing with Grant Rejection: “Just because it didn’t get funded doesn’t mean that one can’t be funded somewhere else. If it’s a solid program, it can be rewritten and reworked so that it does meet the needs of the organization and a particular funder… See it as an opportunity to build relationships and demonstrate the integrity of the organization.”
  • The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Grant Funding: “Two things along that line. One is actually the newer invention with everyone talking about artificial intelligence and large language models. That’s a two sided coin.”
  • The Importance of Grant Strategy: “So if seeking grants are going to be a major revenue stream for your organization, then how to build out that strategy? I think we get this sense that grants are just like raining down from heaven, and you just put your bucket out and the water will come in, and then you take it. And there’s really no need for that kind of plan.”
  • The Benefits of Joining the Mentorship: “The Grant Professional Mentorship has been phenomenal… I love Book Club because we read two books a quarter and I found most of the books to be not only interesting, but actionable.”
  • Finding Success in Business: “Being in the Grant Professional Mentorship gives me the confidence that I can reach out to areas outside of my comfort zone and still be able to bring in clients.”

GrantStream Consulting LLC Services:

  • Pre-Award Wellness & Readiness Assessments preparing for private & public funding
  • Brand Audit & Analysis of community and funder awareness of your public & online branding
  • Grant Strategy to help your organization determine how grants impact sustainability
  • Prospect Research to discover multiple mission-aligned funding sources
  • Proposal Development to present a well-crafted competitive proposal or LOl
  • Proposal Review & Editing to provide an additional pair of eyes for error-free submissions
  • Post-Submission Audits...
]]> Welcome to another episode of “Grant Writing & Funding” with your host, Holly Rustick. In this week’s episode, we have a special guest joining us: Yvonne White-Morey, a successful grant writer with a thriving freelance grant writing business. 

During our conversation, we will delve into the impact the mentorship program has had on Yvonne’s business, as well as the valuable tips and insights she has to offer for grant writers looking to start or grow their own freelance grant writing businesses. We are excited to hear Yvonne’s personal story and discover how she got started in the world of grant writing.

Yvonne addresses the importance of handling grant rejection in the grant writing world and offers strategies for turning rejection into opportunities for growth and improvement.

Additionally, she will touch on the significant role of artificial intelligence in the grant proposal process, and explore both the positive advantages and potential challenges it presents. 

Yvonne also shares her experience in the Grant Professional Mentorship program and how it has benefited her grant writing career. 

Join us as we connect with Yvonne White-Morey to learn more about her journey in grant writing and the valuable insights she has to offer. 

Plus, we will reveal how you can connect with Yvonne and the resources she provides. So grab your headphones and get ready for another informative and inspiring episode of “Grant Writing & Funding” with Holly Rustick.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • How the Grant Professional Mentorship has been beneficial Yvonne’s grant writing business
  • The Role of Artificial Intelligence in the Grant Proposal Process
  • Positive and negative implications of AI and large language models in grant writing
  • Handling Rejection and Building Relationships in Grant Seeking
  • – The tendency to feel discouraged after a grant proposal rejection
  • The importance of evaluating the fit between the proposal and funder’s values
  • Embracing rejection as an opportunity to demonstrate organizational integrity
  • Grant writing as part of the revenue stream and flow for organizations
  • Building a sustainable funding model for organizations
  • Considering the overall funding picture and incorporating grants into the organization’s strategy
  • The challenge of low scores on grant proposals with minimal feedback

About Yvonne White-Morey

Yvonne White-Morey, RSM is CEO & Principal Grant Strategist at GrantStream Consulting LLC, bridging the gap between mission and impact, through stress-free grant seeking and management, so that people who help people can afford to make a difference. GrantStream’s clientele include growing small-mid sized nonprofits and small businesses helped to secure more than $14 million in funding.

Yvonne brings expertise working in government, nonprofit and the private sector; with faith-based groups and community-led organizations, celebrating the opportunity of assisting others to do great work creating a more just and humane world. 

In addition to extensive grant training, Yvonne holds a Masters of Divinity from Chicago Theological Seminary; earned a BS in Psychology and BA in Speech and Drama from DePaul University and, Certificates in Litigation and Employee Benefit Plans from the ABA Approved Lawyers’ Assistant Program at Roosevelt University; and is credentialed by Scrum, Inc. as a Register Scrum Master (RSM). Each of these areas of professional development helped her to hone skills in research, writing and project management.

Yvonne is a proud member of the Grant Professionals Association (GPA), currently serving as a board member and Programs Co-Chair of the GPA Chicago Area Chapter, and member of the GPA Great Lakes Virtual Chapter.  An active member of the Association of Consultants to Nonprofits;  a Chicago Conservation Corps leader since 2010, as well as a Climate Reality Project Leader, Chicago Metro Chapter and trained as a public engagement interpreter of the Chicago Academy of Sciences Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Yvonne is part of an extensive network of environmental and environmental justice organizations. 

When not absorbed with grants, nonprofit consulting, proposal development and character counts, she enjoys the brilliant and colorful Midwestern change of seasons, especially in Autumn/Winter, where you will most likely find her tucked in with a cup of hot tea, a cozy mystery and in the company of either an exuberant Hurricane Maria rescue dog named Rico or a frolicking feline called Selina Kyle (aka Cat Woman) her Co-Directors of Work/Life Balance.

Connect with Yvonne:

Quotables:

  • Dealing with Grant Rejection: “Just because it didn’t get funded doesn’t mean that one can’t be funded somewhere else. If it’s a solid program, it can be rewritten and reworked so that it does meet the needs of the organization and a particular funder… See it as an opportunity to build relationships and demonstrate the integrity of the organization.”
  • The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Grant Funding: “Two things along that line. One is actually the newer invention with everyone talking about artificial intelligence and large language models. That’s a two sided coin.”
  • The Importance of Grant Strategy: “So if seeking grants are going to be a major revenue stream for your organization, then how to build out that strategy? I think we get this sense that grants are just like raining down from heaven, and you just put your bucket out and the water will come in, and then you take it. And there’s really no need for that kind of plan.”
  • The Benefits of Joining the Mentorship: “The Grant Professional Mentorship has been phenomenal… I love Book Club because we read two books a quarter and I found most of the books to be not only interesting, but actionable.”
  • Finding Success in Business: “Being in the Grant Professional Mentorship gives me the confidence that I can reach out to areas outside of my comfort zone and still be able to bring in clients.”

GrantStream Consulting LLC Services:

  • Pre-Award Wellness & Readiness Assessments preparing for private & public funding
  • Brand Audit & Analysis of community and funder awareness of your public & online branding
  • Grant Strategy to help your organization determine how grants impact sustainability
  • Prospect Research to discover multiple mission-aligned funding sources
  • Proposal Development to present a well-crafted competitive proposal or LOl
  • Proposal Review & Editing to provide an additional pair of eyes for error-free submissions
  • Post-Submission Audits...
]]> Tue, 19 Sep 2023 07:00:13 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2850 Welcome to another episode of “Grant Writing & Funding” with your host, Holly Rustick. In this week’s episode, we have a special guest joining us: Yvonne White-Morey, a successful grant writer with a thriving freelance grant writing business. 

During our conversation, we will delve into the impact the mentorship program has had on Yvonne’s business, as well as the valuable tips and insights she has to offer for grant writers looking to start or grow their own freelance grant writing businesses. We are excited to hear Yvonne’s personal story and discover how she got started in the world of grant writing.

Yvonne addresses the importance of handling grant rejection in the grant writing world and offers strategies for turning rejection into opportunities for growth and improvement.

Additionally, she will touch on the significant role of artificial intelligence in the grant proposal process, and explore both the positive advantages and potential challenges it presents. 

Yvonne also shares her experience in the Grant Professional Mentorship program and how it has benefited her grant writing career. 

Join us as we connect with Yvonne White-Morey to learn more about her journey in grant writing and the valuable insights she has to offer. 

Plus, we will reveal how you can connect with Yvonne and the resources she provides. So grab your headphones and get ready for another informative and inspiring episode of “Grant Writing & Funding” with Holly Rustick.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • How the Grant Professional Mentorship has been beneficial Yvonne’s grant writing business
  • The Role of Artificial Intelligence in the Grant Proposal Process
  • Positive and negative implications of AI and large language models in grant writing
  • Handling Rejection and Building Relationships in Grant Seeking
  • – The tendency to feel discouraged after a grant proposal rejection
  • The importance of evaluating the fit between the proposal and funder’s values
  • Embracing rejection as an opportunity to demonstrate organizational integrity
  • Grant writing as part of the revenue stream and flow for organizations
  • Building a sustainable funding model for organizations
  • Considering the overall funding picture and incorporating grants into the organization’s strategy
  • The challenge of low scores on grant proposals with minimal feedback

About Yvonne White-Morey

Yvonne White-Morey, RSM is CEO & Principal Grant Strategist at GrantStream Consulting LLC, bridging the gap between mission and impact, through stress-free grant seeking and management, so that people who help people can afford to make a difference. GrantStream’s clientele include growing small-mid sized nonprofits and small businesses helped to secure more than $14 million in funding.

Yvonne brings expertise working in government, nonprofit and the private sector; with faith-based groups and community-led organizations, celebrating the opportunity of assisting others to do great work creating a more just and humane world. 

In addition to extensive grant training, Yvonne holds a Masters of Divinity from Chicago Theological Seminary; earned a BS in Psychology and BA in Speech and Drama from DePaul University and, Certificates in Litigation and Employee Benefit Plans from the ABA Approved Lawyers’ Assistant Program at Roosevelt University; and is credentialed by Scrum, Inc. as a Register Scrum Master (RSM). Each of these areas of professional development helped her to hone skills in research, writing and project management.

Yvonne is a proud member of the Grant Professionals Association (GPA), currently serving as a board member and Programs Co-Chair of the GPA Chicago Area Chapter, and member of the GPA Great Lakes Virtual Chapter.  An active member of the Association of Consultants to Nonprofits;  a Chicago Conservation Corps leader since 2010, as well as a Climate Reality Project Leader, Chicago Metro Chapter and trained as a public engagement interpreter of the Chicago Academy of Sciences Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Yvonne is part of an extensive network of environmental and environmental justice organizations. 

When not absorbed with grants, nonprofit consulting, proposal development and character counts, she enjoys the brilliant and colorful Midwestern change of seasons, especially in Autumn/Winter, where you will most likely find her tucked in with a cup of hot tea, a cozy mystery and in the company of either an exuberant Hurricane Maria rescue dog named Rico or a frolicking feline called Selina Kyle (aka Cat Woman) her Co-Directors of Work/Life Balance.

Connect with Yvonne:

Quotables:

  • Dealing with Grant Rejection: “Just because it didn’t get funded doesn’t mean that one can’t be funded somewhere else. If it’s a solid program, it can be rewritten and reworked so that it does meet the needs of the organization and a particular funder… See it as an opportunity to build relationships and demonstrate the integrity of the organization.”
  • The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Grant Funding: “Two things along that line. One is actually the newer invention with everyone talking about artificial intelligence and large language models. That’s a two sided coin.”
  • The Importance of Grant Strategy: “So if seeking grants are going to be a major revenue stream for your organization, then how to build out that strategy? I think we get this sense that grants are just like raining down from heaven, and you just put your bucket out and the water will come in, and then you take it. And there’s really no need for that kind of plan.”
  • The Benefits of Joining the Mentorship: “The Grant Professional Mentorship has been phenomenal… I love Book Club because we read two books a quarter and I found most of the books to be not only interesting, but actionable.”
  • Finding Success in Business: “Being in the Grant Professional Mentorship gives me the confidence that I can reach out to areas outside of my comfort zone and still be able to bring in clients.”

GrantStream Consulting LLC Services:

  • Pre-Award Wellness & Readiness Assessments preparing for private & public funding
  • Brand Audit & Analysis of community and funder awareness of your public & online branding
  • Grant Strategy to help your organization determine how grants impact sustainability
  • Prospect Research to discover multiple mission-aligned funding sources
  • Proposal Development to present a well-crafted competitive proposal or LOl
  • Proposal Review & Editing to provide an additional pair of eyes for error-free submissions
  • Post-Submission Audits...
]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No How Christine Became a Federal Grant Peer Reviewer, Increased her Grant Awards and Business 288 288 How Christine Became a Federal Grant Peer Reviewer, Increased her Grant Awards and Business full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1612784811 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-288-how-christine-became-a-federal-grant-peer-reviewer-increased-her-grant-awards-and-business What does it really take to grow as a grant writer?


In this episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Christine Taylor to discuss her experience inside the Grant Professional Mentorship and the key lessons that have helped her strengthen her grant writing skills and business.


We dive into the importance of embracing feedback as a tool for growth, and how the grant review process can sharpen your proposals and elevate your work. Christine also shares why stepping outside your comfort zone is essential for progress—and how pushing yourself can open new opportunities.


One of the standout moments in Christine’s journey was becoming a federal grant peer reviewer. She explains how this experience deepened her understanding of what funders are truly looking for, including insights into budgets and evaluation criteria.

We also explore the power of community—why having a support system of like-minded grant writers can provide accountability, encouragement, and meaningful connections that help you grow faster.


If you’re looking to improve your skills, gain confidence, and build a stronger grant writing career, this episode is packed with practical insights and inspiration.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Christine Taylor is a grant writer and consultant who has advanced her skills through the Grant Professional Mentorship program. With a strong focus on continuous improvement, she has leveraged feedback, peer collaboration, and hands-on experience to strengthen her grant writing expertise.

Christine has also served as a federal grant peer reviewer, gaining valuable insight into the grant evaluation process and bringing that knowledge back into her work to create stronger, more competitive proposals.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> What does it really take to grow as a grant writer?


In this episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Christine Taylor to discuss her experience inside the Grant Professional Mentorship and the key lessons that have helped her strengthen her grant writing skills and business.


We dive into the importance of embracing feedback as a tool for growth, and how the grant review process can sharpen your proposals and elevate your work. Christine also shares why stepping outside your comfort zone is essential for progress—and how pushing yourself can open new opportunities.


One of the standout moments in Christine’s journey was becoming a federal grant peer reviewer. She explains how this experience deepened her understanding of what funders are truly looking for, including insights into budgets and evaluation criteria.

We also explore the power of community—why having a support system of like-minded grant writers can provide accountability, encouragement, and meaningful connections that help you grow faster.


If you’re looking to improve your skills, gain confidence, and build a stronger grant writing career, this episode is packed with practical insights and inspiration.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Christine Taylor is a grant writer and consultant who has advanced her skills through the Grant Professional Mentorship program. With a strong focus on continuous improvement, she has leveraged feedback, peer collaboration, and hands-on experience to strengthen her grant writing expertise.

Christine has also served as a federal grant peer reviewer, gaining valuable insight into the grant evaluation process and bringing that knowledge back into her work to create stronger, more competitive proposals.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 12 Sep 2023 07:00:08 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2104 What does it really take to grow as a grant writer?


In this episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Christine Taylor to discuss her experience inside the Grant Professional Mentorship and the key lessons that have helped her strengthen her grant writing skills and business.


We dive into the importance of embracing feedback as a tool for growth, and how the grant review process can sharpen your proposals and elevate your work. Christine also shares why stepping outside your comfort zone is essential for progress—and how pushing yourself can open new opportunities.


One of the standout moments in Christine’s journey was becoming a federal grant peer reviewer. She explains how this experience deepened her understanding of what funders are truly looking for, including insights into budgets and evaluation criteria.

We also explore the power of community—why having a support system of like-minded grant writers can provide accountability, encouragement, and meaningful connections that help you grow faster.


If you’re looking to improve your skills, gain confidence, and build a stronger grant writing career, this episode is packed with practical insights and inspiration.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Christine Taylor is a grant writer and consultant who has advanced her skills through the Grant Professional Mentorship program. With a strong focus on continuous improvement, she has leveraged feedback, peer collaboration, and hands-on experience to strengthen her grant writing expertise.

Christine has also served as a federal grant peer reviewer, gaining valuable insight into the grant evaluation process and bringing that knowledge back into her work to create stronger, more competitive proposals.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Alejandra’s Journey to Becoming a Niche Expert in Environmental Grant Writing 287 287 Alejandra’s Journey to Becoming a Niche Expert in Environmental Grant Writing full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1607732310 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/alejandra-s-journey-to-becoming-a-niche-expert-in-environmental-grant-writing Welcome to another episode of “Grant Writing & Funding”! In this week’s episode, we have a very special guest joining us: Alejandra Salazar, a seasoned grant writer and business owner. Alejandra has been in the grant writing space for over 20 years, working closely with founders on various projects. Today, she shares with us her valuable insights and experiences in managing multiple projects and teams within a non-profit organization.

Alejandra emphasizes the importance of being strategic and authentic in grant applications, cautioning against making promises that cannot be kept to funding sources. She advises against chasing every opportunity, highlighting the need to focus and build expertise in order to increase success and position oneself as an expert in the field.

Furthermore, Alejandra shares her passion for conservation and her journey in the environmental sector, discussing the difference between being a grant writer within an organization and being a freelance grant writer consultant. She opens up about the challenges she faced in finding a job in the environmental sector and her decision to pursue a master’s degree in natural resources management. Alejandra also shares her experiences working with NGOs in Latin America and Central America, highlighting the limited funds and challenges faced by smaller organizations.

We delve into the impact of grant writing on the conservation field, and Alejandra’s company, the Social Environmental Design Project, which aims to help NGOs increase funding and impact. She also discusses her personal growth as a business owner and the importance of setting higher prices to achieve financial stability and invest in oneself.

She also shares how she has been able to get clear about her business within the Grant Professional Mentorship, and that she now has joy and freedom in her business and life!

You won’t want to miss this insightful conversation with Alejandra as she shares her expertise as a grant writer and the lessons she has learned along the way. So, sit back, relax, and let’s dive into this episode of “Grant Writing & Funding”!

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • How the Grant Professional Mentorship has been beneficial for Alejandra’s freelance grant writing business
  • Through the mentorship program, Alejandra is continuously learning new skills and abilities as an independent nonprofit worker and business owner.
  • How Alejandra identified her target population nonprofit client and developed strategies to position her business for success.
  • Designing effective projects for social and environmental problems
  • Alejandra’s journey in the environmental sector
  • The difference between being a consultant and an in-house grant writer
  • Alejandra’s expertise in biodiversity, conservation, and grant writing as a consultant
  • Developing accessible products for small and medium organizations

About Alejandra Salazar:

Alejandra is a certified grant writer and funding expert, with a passion for helping civil society organizations increase their funding and impact. She has 19 years of experience working in the nonprofit sector on biodiversity conservation, climate change, and sustainable development in Latin America and the Caribbean. She holds a degree in international relations (2000) and a master’s degree in environmental legislation (2004). She has been a freelance certified grant writer for nonprofits since 2019. In 2022 she launched her signature company “Diseño de proyectos socioambientales”, serving clients in Mexico, Central America, Germany, and the United States of America.

During her career, she has co-developed and implemented on ecosystem-based adaptation, environmental education, environmental policy, community forest management, forest conservation,  green finances, mainstreaming biodiversity in agriculture, migratory bird conservation, protected areas effective management, REDD+, resilient cities, sustainable fisheries, voluntary forest carbon markets,  wetland conservation, among others. She has worked with private, public, and social sectors,  helping secure millions of dollars from international and national funding sources.

She lives in Mexico City with her husband, two kids, a dog, and a cat.

Contact Alejandra:

Quotables:

  • The Importance of Increasing Prices: “If you want to do it all alone, it won’t work. So you have to keep in mind that you have to increase your prices so you also have the bandwidth to outsource other services. And then you can really improve the service that you’re giving and get it’s not about growing and getting more clients and getting more money. No. That’s not the mindset. The mindset is to make a living where you are financially stable, and you can do what you love. I think that is the main goal.”
  • Grant Writing: “One of the most valuable things that grant writers bring to the table is this expertise or know-how in really looking at the design of the project. Find out where the gaps are and ask yourself, ‘What are we not saying that this is important?’
  • About the Grant Professional Mentorship Program: “The mentorship has helped me identify my target population and broaden my perspective beyond just working in Mexico. Another great thing about the Grant Professional Mentorship is that you learn all of these different strategies and you feel the support. You’re not alone. You have a space where you can just say, ‘Look, I’m thinking about doing this,’ and someone else has done it and they help you out. They have templates. And, well, that’s been, yeah, an incredible support.”

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

]]> Welcome to another episode of “Grant Writing & Funding”! In this week’s episode, we have a very special guest joining us: Alejandra Salazar, a seasoned grant writer and business owner. Alejandra has been in the grant writing space for over 20 years, working closely with founders on various projects. Today, she shares with us her valuable insights and experiences in managing multiple projects and teams within a non-profit organization.

Alejandra emphasizes the importance of being strategic and authentic in grant applications, cautioning against making promises that cannot be kept to funding sources. She advises against chasing every opportunity, highlighting the need to focus and build expertise in order to increase success and position oneself as an expert in the field.

Furthermore, Alejandra shares her passion for conservation and her journey in the environmental sector, discussing the difference between being a grant writer within an organization and being a freelance grant writer consultant. She opens up about the challenges she faced in finding a job in the environmental sector and her decision to pursue a master’s degree in natural resources management. Alejandra also shares her experiences working with NGOs in Latin America and Central America, highlighting the limited funds and challenges faced by smaller organizations.

We delve into the impact of grant writing on the conservation field, and Alejandra’s company, the Social Environmental Design Project, which aims to help NGOs increase funding and impact. She also discusses her personal growth as a business owner and the importance of setting higher prices to achieve financial stability and invest in oneself.

She also shares how she has been able to get clear about her business within the Grant Professional Mentorship, and that she now has joy and freedom in her business and life!

You won’t want to miss this insightful conversation with Alejandra as she shares her expertise as a grant writer and the lessons she has learned along the way. So, sit back, relax, and let’s dive into this episode of “Grant Writing & Funding”!

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • How the Grant Professional Mentorship has been beneficial for Alejandra’s freelance grant writing business
  • Through the mentorship program, Alejandra is continuously learning new skills and abilities as an independent nonprofit worker and business owner.
  • How Alejandra identified her target population nonprofit client and developed strategies to position her business for success.
  • Designing effective projects for social and environmental problems
  • Alejandra’s journey in the environmental sector
  • The difference between being a consultant and an in-house grant writer
  • Alejandra’s expertise in biodiversity, conservation, and grant writing as a consultant
  • Developing accessible products for small and medium organizations

About Alejandra Salazar:

Alejandra is a certified grant writer and funding expert, with a passion for helping civil society organizations increase their funding and impact. She has 19 years of experience working in the nonprofit sector on biodiversity conservation, climate change, and sustainable development in Latin America and the Caribbean. She holds a degree in international relations (2000) and a master’s degree in environmental legislation (2004). She has been a freelance certified grant writer for nonprofits since 2019. In 2022 she launched her signature company “Diseño de proyectos socioambientales”, serving clients in Mexico, Central America, Germany, and the United States of America.

During her career, she has co-developed and implemented on ecosystem-based adaptation, environmental education, environmental policy, community forest management, forest conservation,  green finances, mainstreaming biodiversity in agriculture, migratory bird conservation, protected areas effective management, REDD+, resilient cities, sustainable fisheries, voluntary forest carbon markets,  wetland conservation, among others. She has worked with private, public, and social sectors,  helping secure millions of dollars from international and national funding sources.

She lives in Mexico City with her husband, two kids, a dog, and a cat.

Contact Alejandra:

Quotables:

  • The Importance of Increasing Prices: “If you want to do it all alone, it won’t work. So you have to keep in mind that you have to increase your prices so you also have the bandwidth to outsource other services. And then you can really improve the service that you’re giving and get it’s not about growing and getting more clients and getting more money. No. That’s not the mindset. The mindset is to make a living where you are financially stable, and you can do what you love. I think that is the main goal.”
  • Grant Writing: “One of the most valuable things that grant writers bring to the table is this expertise or know-how in really looking at the design of the project. Find out where the gaps are and ask yourself, ‘What are we not saying that this is important?’
  • About the Grant Professional Mentorship Program: “The mentorship has helped me identify my target population and broaden my perspective beyond just working in Mexico. Another great thing about the Grant Professional Mentorship is that you learn all of these different strategies and you feel the support. You’re not alone. You have a space where you can just say, ‘Look, I’m thinking about doing this,’ and someone else has done it and they help you out. They have templates. And, well, that’s been, yeah, an incredible support.”

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

]]> Tue, 05 Sep 2023 07:00:19 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2675 Welcome to another episode of “Grant Writing & Funding”! In this week’s episode, we have a very special guest joining us: Alejandra Salazar, a seasoned grant writer and business owner. Alejandra has been in the grant writing space for over 20 years, working closely with founders on various projects. Today, she shares with us her valuable insights and experiences in managing multiple projects and teams within a non-profit organization.

Alejandra emphasizes the importance of being strategic and authentic in grant applications, cautioning against making promises that cannot be kept to funding sources. She advises against chasing every opportunity, highlighting the need to focus and build expertise in order to increase success and position oneself as an expert in the field.

Furthermore, Alejandra shares her passion for conservation and her journey in the environmental sector, discussing the difference between being a grant writer within an organization and being a freelance grant writer consultant. She opens up about the challenges she faced in finding a job in the environmental sector and her decision to pursue a master’s degree in natural resources management. Alejandra also shares her experiences working with NGOs in Latin America and Central America, highlighting the limited funds and challenges faced by smaller organizations.

We delve into the impact of grant writing on the conservation field, and Alejandra’s company, the Social Environmental Design Project, which aims to help NGOs increase funding and impact. She also discusses her personal growth as a business owner and the importance of setting higher prices to achieve financial stability and invest in oneself.

She also shares how she has been able to get clear about her business within the Grant Professional Mentorship, and that she now has joy and freedom in her business and life!

You won’t want to miss this insightful conversation with Alejandra as she shares her expertise as a grant writer and the lessons she has learned along the way. So, sit back, relax, and let’s dive into this episode of “Grant Writing & Funding”!

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • How the Grant Professional Mentorship has been beneficial for Alejandra’s freelance grant writing business
  • Through the mentorship program, Alejandra is continuously learning new skills and abilities as an independent nonprofit worker and business owner.
  • How Alejandra identified her target population nonprofit client and developed strategies to position her business for success.
  • Designing effective projects for social and environmental problems
  • Alejandra’s journey in the environmental sector
  • The difference between being a consultant and an in-house grant writer
  • Alejandra’s expertise in biodiversity, conservation, and grant writing as a consultant
  • Developing accessible products for small and medium organizations

About Alejandra Salazar:

Alejandra is a certified grant writer and funding expert, with a passion for helping civil society organizations increase their funding and impact. She has 19 years of experience working in the nonprofit sector on biodiversity conservation, climate change, and sustainable development in Latin America and the Caribbean. She holds a degree in international relations (2000) and a master’s degree in environmental legislation (2004). She has been a freelance certified grant writer for nonprofits since 2019. In 2022 she launched her signature company “Diseño de proyectos socioambientales”, serving clients in Mexico, Central America, Germany, and the United States of America.

During her career, she has co-developed and implemented on ecosystem-based adaptation, environmental education, environmental policy, community forest management, forest conservation,  green finances, mainstreaming biodiversity in agriculture, migratory bird conservation, protected areas effective management, REDD+, resilient cities, sustainable fisheries, voluntary forest carbon markets,  wetland conservation, among others. She has worked with private, public, and social sectors,  helping secure millions of dollars from international and national funding sources.

She lives in Mexico City with her husband, two kids, a dog, and a cat.

Contact Alejandra:

Quotables:

  • The Importance of Increasing Prices: “If you want to do it all alone, it won’t work. So you have to keep in mind that you have to increase your prices so you also have the bandwidth to outsource other services. And then you can really improve the service that you’re giving and get it’s not about growing and getting more clients and getting more money. No. That’s not the mindset. The mindset is to make a living where you are financially stable, and you can do what you love. I think that is the main goal.”
  • Grant Writing: “One of the most valuable things that grant writers bring to the table is this expertise or know-how in really looking at the design of the project. Find out where the gaps are and ask yourself, ‘What are we not saying that this is important?’
  • About the Grant Professional Mentorship Program: “The mentorship has helped me identify my target population and broaden my perspective beyond just working in Mexico. Another great thing about the Grant Professional Mentorship is that you learn all of these different strategies and you feel the support. You’re not alone. You have a space where you can just say, ‘Look, I’m thinking about doing this,’ and someone else has done it and they help you out. They have templates. And, well, that’s been, yeah, an incredible support.”

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Creating a Value-Driven Grant Writing Business Doubled Clients, Peace, and Revenue 286 286 Creating a Value-Driven Grant Writing Business Doubled Clients, Peace, and Revenue full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1602657015 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-286-creating-a-value-driven-grant-writing-business-doubled-clients-peace-and-revenue Kim Collier joins us to explore how aligning your values with your grant writing business can lead to greater clarity, stronger client relationships, and increased revenue. She shares how learning to say no to the wrong opportunities can actually attract ideal clients and create more peace in your work. We also dive into her journey in the nonprofit sector, the importance of building relationships with government officials, setting meaningful objectives, and how mentorship can support long-term success in creating a value-driven grant writing business.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Kim Collier is an experienced nonprofit consultant who specializes in helping grant writers and organizations align their work with their core values to build sustainable and impactful businesses. With a background in the nonprofit sector, Kim brings a thoughtful and strategic approach to grant writing, relationship-building, and long-term growth. She is passionate about helping professionals create meaningful work, strengthen partnerships, and achieve success through clarity, purpose, and intentional decision-making.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Kim Collier joins us to explore how aligning your values with your grant writing business can lead to greater clarity, stronger client relationships, and increased revenue. She shares how learning to say no to the wrong opportunities can actually attract ideal clients and create more peace in your work. We also dive into her journey in the nonprofit sector, the importance of building relationships with government officials, setting meaningful objectives, and how mentorship can support long-term success in creating a value-driven grant writing business.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Kim Collier is an experienced nonprofit consultant who specializes in helping grant writers and organizations align their work with their core values to build sustainable and impactful businesses. With a background in the nonprofit sector, Kim brings a thoughtful and strategic approach to grant writing, relationship-building, and long-term growth. She is passionate about helping professionals create meaningful work, strengthen partnerships, and achieve success through clarity, purpose, and intentional decision-making.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 29 Aug 2023 07:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 3388 Kim Collier joins us to explore how aligning your values with your grant writing business can lead to greater clarity, stronger client relationships, and increased revenue. She shares how learning to say no to the wrong opportunities can actually attract ideal clients and create more peace in your work. We also dive into her journey in the nonprofit sector, the importance of building relationships with government officials, setting meaningful objectives, and how mentorship can support long-term success in creating a value-driven grant writing business.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Kim Collier is an experienced nonprofit consultant who specializes in helping grant writers and organizations align their work with their core values to build sustainable and impactful businesses. With a background in the nonprofit sector, Kim brings a thoughtful and strategic approach to grant writing, relationship-building, and long-term growth. She is passionate about helping professionals create meaningful work, strengthen partnerships, and achieve success through clarity, purpose, and intentional decision-making.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ep. 285: Why You Should Charge Grant Research as a Stand-Alone Service 285 285 Ep. 285: Why You Should Charge Grant Research as a Stand-Alone Service full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1591339963 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-285-why-you-should-charge-grant-research-as-a-stand-alone-service Tue, 22 Aug 2023 07:00:19 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1591 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Growing your nonprofit consultancy practice with Andy Robinson 284 284 Growing your nonprofit consultancy practice with Andy Robinson full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1590449043 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-284-growing-your-nonprofit-consultancy-practice-with-andy-robinson Thinking about starting your own consulting business—but not sure where to begin?


In this episode, Andy Robinson brings over 27 years of experience running a successful consultancy to break down what it really takes to build and sustain a consulting practice.


We dive into the different business models consultants can follow and how to choose the right one for your goals. Andy shares practical strategies for networking effectively with nonprofits, how to land your first clients, and what to expect when transitioning from a traditional day job into consulting.


We also discuss the realities behind the scenes—like how much of your time will actually be spent on non-billable work, the importance of planning for additional tax responsibilities, and how to set yourself up for long-term success.


If you’re considering consulting or want to grow your current practice, this episode offers real-world insights to help you move forward with confidence.


ABOUT OUR GUEST

Andy Robinson is a nationally recognized consultant, trainer, and author with over 27 years of experience working with nonprofits, businesses, and government agencies. He specializes in fundraising, board development, and nonprofit leadership, helping organizations strengthen their impact and sustainability.


Andy is the author of several books on nonprofit management and consulting, and is known for his practical, straightforward approach to helping consultants and organizations succeed.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Thinking about starting your own consulting business—but not sure where to begin?


In this episode, Andy Robinson brings over 27 years of experience running a successful consultancy to break down what it really takes to build and sustain a consulting practice.


We dive into the different business models consultants can follow and how to choose the right one for your goals. Andy shares practical strategies for networking effectively with nonprofits, how to land your first clients, and what to expect when transitioning from a traditional day job into consulting.


We also discuss the realities behind the scenes—like how much of your time will actually be spent on non-billable work, the importance of planning for additional tax responsibilities, and how to set yourself up for long-term success.


If you’re considering consulting or want to grow your current practice, this episode offers real-world insights to help you move forward with confidence.


ABOUT OUR GUEST

Andy Robinson is a nationally recognized consultant, trainer, and author with over 27 years of experience working with nonprofits, businesses, and government agencies. He specializes in fundraising, board development, and nonprofit leadership, helping organizations strengthen their impact and sustainability.


Andy is the author of several books on nonprofit management and consulting, and is known for his practical, straightforward approach to helping consultants and organizations succeed.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 15 Aug 2023 07:01:06 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2937 Thinking about starting your own consulting business—but not sure where to begin?


In this episode, Andy Robinson brings over 27 years of experience running a successful consultancy to break down what it really takes to build and sustain a consulting practice.


We dive into the different business models consultants can follow and how to choose the right one for your goals. Andy shares practical strategies for networking effectively with nonprofits, how to land your first clients, and what to expect when transitioning from a traditional day job into consulting.


We also discuss the realities behind the scenes—like how much of your time will actually be spent on non-billable work, the importance of planning for additional tax responsibilities, and how to set yourself up for long-term success.


If you’re considering consulting or want to grow your current practice, this episode offers real-world insights to help you move forward with confidence.


ABOUT OUR GUEST

Andy Robinson is a nationally recognized consultant, trainer, and author with over 27 years of experience working with nonprofits, businesses, and government agencies. He specializes in fundraising, board development, and nonprofit leadership, helping organizations strengthen their impact and sustainability.


Andy is the author of several books on nonprofit management and consulting, and is known for his practical, straightforward approach to helping consultants and organizations succeed.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Building and Growing a Nonprofit Consultancy with Sean Kosofsky 283 283 Building and Growing a Nonprofit Consultancy with Sean Kosofsky full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1572398803 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-283-building-and-growing-a-nonprofit-consultancy-with-sean-kosofsky Are you thinking about starting your own nonprofit consultancy—or wondering how to grow the one you already have?


In this episode, Sean Kosofsky, also known as the NonProfit Fixer, brings nearly three decades of experience in the nonprofit sector to share what it really takes to build a successful consulting business. We dive into why nonprofits need consultants and the value they bring to organizations looking to grow, stabilize, or scale. Sean also breaks down how nonprofit consultancies are structured and why it’s critical not to offer every service you’re asked for—instead, focusing on what you do best.


We explore how to know when you’re ready to launch your own consultancy, the essential systems you need to have in place from the beginning, and how consultancies evolve and grow over time.

If you’re looking to build a focused, effective, and sustainable consulting business, this episode is packed with practical advice from someone who has done it successfully for decades.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Sean Kosofsky, known as the NonProfit Fixer, has nearly 30 years of experience working in the nonprofit sector, including serving as executive director for five organizations. His expertise spans fundraising, communications, advocacy, management, and organizational development.


Sean has raised millions of dollars for causes, campaigns, and organizations, and his work has been featured in media outlets around the world. He is a sought-after consultant, speaker, and trainer who helps nonprofits and consultants build stronger, more effective organizations.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Are you thinking about starting your own nonprofit consultancy—or wondering how to grow the one you already have?


In this episode, Sean Kosofsky, also known as the NonProfit Fixer, brings nearly three decades of experience in the nonprofit sector to share what it really takes to build a successful consulting business. We dive into why nonprofits need consultants and the value they bring to organizations looking to grow, stabilize, or scale. Sean also breaks down how nonprofit consultancies are structured and why it’s critical not to offer every service you’re asked for—instead, focusing on what you do best.


We explore how to know when you’re ready to launch your own consultancy, the essential systems you need to have in place from the beginning, and how consultancies evolve and grow over time.

If you’re looking to build a focused, effective, and sustainable consulting business, this episode is packed with practical advice from someone who has done it successfully for decades.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Sean Kosofsky, known as the NonProfit Fixer, has nearly 30 years of experience working in the nonprofit sector, including serving as executive director for five organizations. His expertise spans fundraising, communications, advocacy, management, and organizational development.


Sean has raised millions of dollars for causes, campaigns, and organizations, and his work has been featured in media outlets around the world. He is a sought-after consultant, speaker, and trainer who helps nonprofits and consultants build stronger, more effective organizations.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 08 Aug 2023 07:00:06 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2400 Are you thinking about starting your own nonprofit consultancy—or wondering how to grow the one you already have?


In this episode, Sean Kosofsky, also known as the NonProfit Fixer, brings nearly three decades of experience in the nonprofit sector to share what it really takes to build a successful consulting business. We dive into why nonprofits need consultants and the value they bring to organizations looking to grow, stabilize, or scale. Sean also breaks down how nonprofit consultancies are structured and why it’s critical not to offer every service you’re asked for—instead, focusing on what you do best.


We explore how to know when you’re ready to launch your own consultancy, the essential systems you need to have in place from the beginning, and how consultancies evolve and grow over time.

If you’re looking to build a focused, effective, and sustainable consulting business, this episode is packed with practical advice from someone who has done it successfully for decades.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Sean Kosofsky, known as the NonProfit Fixer, has nearly 30 years of experience working in the nonprofit sector, including serving as executive director for five organizations. His expertise spans fundraising, communications, advocacy, management, and organizational development.


Sean has raised millions of dollars for causes, campaigns, and organizations, and his work has been featured in media outlets around the world. He is a sought-after consultant, speaker, and trainer who helps nonprofits and consultants build stronger, more effective organizations.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No How to Love Marketing with Splendid Consulting’s Christina Edwards 282 282 How to Love Marketing with Splendid Consulting’s Christina Edwards full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1567087870 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/how-to-love-marketing-with-splendid-consulting-s-christina-edwards This episode, Christian Edwards explains the ways to create a passive income using evergreen courses, the central role marketing plays in creating a passive income, and the techniques introverts can use to learn to love selling.

Christina Edwards is the Founder of Splendid Consulting and a marketing expert and experienced coach.

Christiana joins us to discuss how evergreen courses can be used to create passive income, the importance of marketing when creating passive income streams, and the different ways to sell an online course.

She also talks about how people can teach themselves to enjoy marketing, the marketing tricks introverts can use, and how you can market an online course without using social media.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • How to build a love for marketing and selling.
  • How to create passive income with evergreen courses.
  • The skills you need to effectively run online marketing and fundraising campaigns.
  • The difference between an online business and an in-person agency.
  • How introverts can learn to love selling.
  • Different ways to sell an online course.
  • The benefits of selling a course before you build it.
  • How to market a course without using social media.
  • Different ways to use data to improve your online course.

About Christina Edwards

Christina Edwards is the Founder of Splendid Consulting and a marketing expert and coach who helps ambitious social impact businesses and nonprofits increase revenue, supporters, and engagement.

She’s ever-passionate about equipping organizations to step into their expertise, be bold, and find their unique voice and audience online. Her packed-out workshops and courses spark enthusiasm, social action, and powerful results.

Amplify Social Impact, her signature online course teaches organizations how to make marketing movements that matter online. For more information, visit: Splendid Consulting

Connect with Christina: 

Quotables:

  • “When building an online business you need to figure out how to love selling.” 
  • “The best thing about running an online business is that you get to decide the platforms you use, so if you don’t want to be on YouTube Live, you can devote your lead gen in different ways.”
  • “It is so important that you are regularly getting in front of people, it’s not a hobby, it’s a business, so you need to be regularly selling it and you can do it if you’re an introvert you don’t have to be the loudest person in the room.”

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> This episode, Christian Edwards explains the ways to create a passive income using evergreen courses, the central role marketing plays in creating a passive income, and the techniques introverts can use to learn to love selling.

Christina Edwards is the Founder of Splendid Consulting and a marketing expert and experienced coach.

Christiana joins us to discuss how evergreen courses can be used to create passive income, the importance of marketing when creating passive income streams, and the different ways to sell an online course.

She also talks about how people can teach themselves to enjoy marketing, the marketing tricks introverts can use, and how you can market an online course without using social media.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • How to build a love for marketing and selling.
  • How to create passive income with evergreen courses.
  • The skills you need to effectively run online marketing and fundraising campaigns.
  • The difference between an online business and an in-person agency.
  • How introverts can learn to love selling.
  • Different ways to sell an online course.
  • The benefits of selling a course before you build it.
  • How to market a course without using social media.
  • Different ways to use data to improve your online course.

About Christina Edwards

Christina Edwards is the Founder of Splendid Consulting and a marketing expert and coach who helps ambitious social impact businesses and nonprofits increase revenue, supporters, and engagement.

She’s ever-passionate about equipping organizations to step into their expertise, be bold, and find their unique voice and audience online. Her packed-out workshops and courses spark enthusiasm, social action, and powerful results.

Amplify Social Impact, her signature online course teaches organizations how to make marketing movements that matter online. For more information, visit: Splendid Consulting

Connect with Christina: 

Quotables:

  • “When building an online business you need to figure out how to love selling.” 
  • “The best thing about running an online business is that you get to decide the platforms you use, so if you don’t want to be on YouTube Live, you can devote your lead gen in different ways.”
  • “It is so important that you are regularly getting in front of people, it’s not a hobby, it’s a business, so you need to be regularly selling it and you can do it if you’re an introvert you don’t have to be the loudest person in the room.”

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> Tue, 01 Aug 2023 07:00:06 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2149 This episode, Christian Edwards explains the ways to create a passive income using evergreen courses, the central role marketing plays in creating a passive income, and the techniques introverts can use to learn to love selling.

Christina Edwards is the Founder of Splendid Consulting and a marketing expert and experienced coach.

Christiana joins us to discuss how evergreen courses can be used to create passive income, the importance of marketing when creating passive income streams, and the different ways to sell an online course.

She also talks about how people can teach themselves to enjoy marketing, the marketing tricks introverts can use, and how you can market an online course without using social media.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • How to build a love for marketing and selling.
  • How to create passive income with evergreen courses.
  • The skills you need to effectively run online marketing and fundraising campaigns.
  • The difference between an online business and an in-person agency.
  • How introverts can learn to love selling.
  • Different ways to sell an online course.
  • The benefits of selling a course before you build it.
  • How to market a course without using social media.
  • Different ways to use data to improve your online course.

About Christina Edwards

Christina Edwards is the Founder of Splendid Consulting and a marketing expert and coach who helps ambitious social impact businesses and nonprofits increase revenue, supporters, and engagement.

She’s ever-passionate about equipping organizations to step into their expertise, be bold, and find their unique voice and audience online. Her packed-out workshops and courses spark enthusiasm, social action, and powerful results.

Amplify Social Impact, her signature online course teaches organizations how to make marketing movements that matter online. For more information, visit: Splendid Consulting

Connect with Christina: 

Quotables:

  • “When building an online business you need to figure out how to love selling.” 
  • “The best thing about running an online business is that you get to decide the platforms you use, so if you don’t want to be on YouTube Live, you can devote your lead gen in different ways.”
  • “It is so important that you are regularly getting in front of people, it’s not a hobby, it’s a business, so you need to be regularly selling it and you can do it if you’re an introvert you don’t have to be the loudest person in the room.”

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No The Power of a Nonprofit's Website with Adztech’s Geri Leon Guerrero 281 281 The Power of a Nonprofit's Website with Adztech’s Geri Leon Guerrero full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1565579599 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-281-the-power-of-a-nonprofits-website-with-adztech-s-geri-leon-guerrero Geri Leon Guerrero joins us to share why having a strong online presence is essential for nonprofits, and why a website is more than just a digital placeholder. With nearly two decades of experience in sales, marketing, and digital strategy, she breaks down the key functions of a nonprofit website, the importance of collecting and leveraging supporter data, and how to effectively brand your organization online. 

We also explore why social media alone isn’t enough, how to create a more impactful and conversion-driven donate button, and practical ways nonprofits can strengthen their visibility and engagement in today’s digital landscape.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Geri Leon Guerrero is the President and General Manager of Adztech & Public Relations, Inc. and Adztech Wholesale, with over 18 years of experience leading innovative sales and marketing strategies in online and social media management. She oversees company operations while directing the concept, development, and execution of media campaigns, public relations, and outreach programs tailored to client needs.

Geri has extensive experience in procurement, grants, accounts, and client services, and has led numerous local community outreach projects across Guam. She is an active board member of several civic organizations, including the Guam Contractors Association, Special Olympics Guam, Lupus Awareness Group of Guam, and the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce. Her company is HUBZone certified and the only business in its industry on the island designated as an Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB).

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

LinkedIn

Adztech

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Geri Leon Guerrero joins us to share why having a strong online presence is essential for nonprofits, and why a website is more than just a digital placeholder. With nearly two decades of experience in sales, marketing, and digital strategy, she breaks down the key functions of a nonprofit website, the importance of collecting and leveraging supporter data, and how to effectively brand your organization online. 

We also explore why social media alone isn’t enough, how to create a more impactful and conversion-driven donate button, and practical ways nonprofits can strengthen their visibility and engagement in today’s digital landscape.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Geri Leon Guerrero is the President and General Manager of Adztech & Public Relations, Inc. and Adztech Wholesale, with over 18 years of experience leading innovative sales and marketing strategies in online and social media management. She oversees company operations while directing the concept, development, and execution of media campaigns, public relations, and outreach programs tailored to client needs.

Geri has extensive experience in procurement, grants, accounts, and client services, and has led numerous local community outreach projects across Guam. She is an active board member of several civic organizations, including the Guam Contractors Association, Special Olympics Guam, Lupus Awareness Group of Guam, and the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce. Her company is HUBZone certified and the only business in its industry on the island designated as an Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB).

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

LinkedIn

Adztech

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 25 Jul 2023 07:00:04 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2574 Geri Leon Guerrero joins us to share why having a strong online presence is essential for nonprofits, and why a website is more than just a digital placeholder. With nearly two decades of experience in sales, marketing, and digital strategy, she breaks down the key functions of a nonprofit website, the importance of collecting and leveraging supporter data, and how to effectively brand your organization online. 

We also explore why social media alone isn’t enough, how to create a more impactful and conversion-driven donate button, and practical ways nonprofits can strengthen their visibility and engagement in today’s digital landscape.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Geri Leon Guerrero is the President and General Manager of Adztech & Public Relations, Inc. and Adztech Wholesale, with over 18 years of experience leading innovative sales and marketing strategies in online and social media management. She oversees company operations while directing the concept, development, and execution of media campaigns, public relations, and outreach programs tailored to client needs.

Geri has extensive experience in procurement, grants, accounts, and client services, and has led numerous local community outreach projects across Guam. She is an active board member of several civic organizations, including the Guam Contractors Association, Special Olympics Guam, Lupus Awareness Group of Guam, and the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce. Her company is HUBZone certified and the only business in its industry on the island designated as an Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB).

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

LinkedIn

Adztech

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Improving the communication between grant funders and nonprofits 280 280 Improving the communication between grant funders and nonprofits full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1565472835 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-280-improving-the-communication-between-grant-funders-and-nonprofits In this episode, Tammy Tilzey joins us to share her insights from nearly a decade in the philanthropy sector. As the Nonprofit Relationship Manager at Foundant Technologies and a board member of the Grant Professionals Certification Institute, Tammy brings a unique perspective on bridging the gap between grant-making foundations and grant writers.

We discuss how foundations can make applications more accessible, the evolving landscape of grant-making, and why creating clear systems—separate from individuals—is essential for nonprofit success. Tammy also shares how streamlined grant writing processes can save time, increase efficiency, and ultimately boost a nonprofit’s credibility.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Tammy Tilzey has nearly a decade of experience in the philanthropy sector and currently serves as the Nonprofit Relationship Manager at Foundant Technologies. She also sits on the board of the Grant Professionals Certification Institute, supporting the advancement and professionalism of grant writers.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> In this episode, Tammy Tilzey joins us to share her insights from nearly a decade in the philanthropy sector. As the Nonprofit Relationship Manager at Foundant Technologies and a board member of the Grant Professionals Certification Institute, Tammy brings a unique perspective on bridging the gap between grant-making foundations and grant writers.

We discuss how foundations can make applications more accessible, the evolving landscape of grant-making, and why creating clear systems—separate from individuals—is essential for nonprofit success. Tammy also shares how streamlined grant writing processes can save time, increase efficiency, and ultimately boost a nonprofit’s credibility.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Tammy Tilzey has nearly a decade of experience in the philanthropy sector and currently serves as the Nonprofit Relationship Manager at Foundant Technologies. She also sits on the board of the Grant Professionals Certification Institute, supporting the advancement and professionalism of grant writers.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 18 Jul 2023 07:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2734 In this episode, Tammy Tilzey joins us to share her insights from nearly a decade in the philanthropy sector. As the Nonprofit Relationship Manager at Foundant Technologies and a board member of the Grant Professionals Certification Institute, Tammy brings a unique perspective on bridging the gap between grant-making foundations and grant writers.

We discuss how foundations can make applications more accessible, the evolving landscape of grant-making, and why creating clear systems—separate from individuals—is essential for nonprofit success. Tammy also shares how streamlined grant writing processes can save time, increase efficiency, and ultimately boost a nonprofit’s credibility.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Tammy Tilzey has nearly a decade of experience in the philanthropy sector and currently serves as the Nonprofit Relationship Manager at Foundant Technologies. She also sits on the board of the Grant Professionals Certification Institute, supporting the advancement and professionalism of grant writers.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Using Chat GPT and AI for Grant Writing with Grantable’s Philip Deng 279 279 Using Chat GPT and AI for Grant Writing with Grantable’s Philip Deng full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1554124471 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/using-chat-gpt-and-ai-for-grant-writing-with-grantable-s-philip-deng Philip Deng has over a decade of experience in grant writing and is the creator of Grantable, an AI-powered world-class grant writing assistant.

Philip joins us to discuss how AI will affect future grant funding, the ways AI can help grant writers submit more grants, and how AI will affect grant writing jobs.

He also explains the ways AI is already integrated into our lives, how technology can be used to improve grant writing processes, and how we can further streamline the grant writing process.

About Philip Deng

Philip is the Co-founder and CEO of Grantable, a world-class grant writing assistant for any organization, powered by AI. He devised the prototype from 15 years of experience working with grant-funded organizations in the nonprofit sector. 

Connect with Philip:

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> Philip Deng has over a decade of experience in grant writing and is the creator of Grantable, an AI-powered world-class grant writing assistant.

Philip joins us to discuss how AI will affect future grant funding, the ways AI can help grant writers submit more grants, and how AI will affect grant writing jobs.

He also explains the ways AI is already integrated into our lives, how technology can be used to improve grant writing processes, and how we can further streamline the grant writing process.

About Philip Deng

Philip is the Co-founder and CEO of Grantable, a world-class grant writing assistant for any organization, powered by AI. He devised the prototype from 15 years of experience working with grant-funded organizations in the nonprofit sector. 

Connect with Philip:

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> Tue, 11 Jul 2023 07:00:05 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 3778 Philip Deng has over a decade of experience in grant writing and is the creator of Grantable, an AI-powered world-class grant writing assistant.

Philip joins us to discuss how AI will affect future grant funding, the ways AI can help grant writers submit more grants, and how AI will affect grant writing jobs.

He also explains the ways AI is already integrated into our lives, how technology can be used to improve grant writing processes, and how we can further streamline the grant writing process.

About Philip Deng

Philip is the Co-founder and CEO of Grantable, a world-class grant writing assistant for any organization, powered by AI. He devised the prototype from 15 years of experience working with grant-funded organizations in the nonprofit sector. 

Connect with Philip:

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Grant Writing Consulting: A Path to Financial Stability and Growth with Meredith Noble 278 278 Grant Writing Consulting: A Path to Financial Stability and Growth with Meredith Noble full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1554100351 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/grant-writing-consulting-a-path-to-financial-stability-and-growth-with-meredith-noble On this episode of Grant Writing & Funding, our guest Meredith Noble from Learn Grant Writing shares an inspiring journey from corporate grant writing to launching a startup idea. We learn about the challenges she faced when realizing the idea wasn’t solving a real problem that people were willing to pay for. 

Meredith emphasizes the importance of grounding ideas in addressing real problems, and she shares the lifestyle freedom she gained from entrepreneurship despite the financial difficulties. To supplement her income, Meredith started grant writing consulting and took on various projects, including returning to her family’s cattle ranch during Calving season. 

She stresses the significance of surrounding oneself with successful people and shares a personal experience of seeking coaching and mentorship from a successful female entrepreneur. The episode dives into the topic of pricing in freelance grant writing business and the importance of mindset in overcoming resistances and blocks. 

Meredith also explores the three types of work days: management days, mission days, and money days, and the need for self-care to maintain mental clarity and creativity. 

We also learn about the value of attending conferences, creating spaciousness in our lives for creativity to flow, and the important role of understanding and valuing the services we offer to clients. 

Meredith debunks misconceptions about nonprofits, discusses the impact of grants on nonprofit missions, and shares her organic networking framework to build relationships and opportunities. 

Throughout the episode, Meredith highlights the power of simplicity, focusing on principles rather than chasing trends. She also shares her experience of building a supportive community within her company and the positive impact it has on grant writers. 

We also have a discussion on the scarcity mindset ingrained in the nonprofit industry and the shift towards cultivating a positive and expansive mindset. Join us on this episode of Grant Writing & Funding as we explore the world of grant writing, entrepreneurship, and the drive for change in the nonprofit sector.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • Lifestyle freedom gained from entrepreneurship
  • Supplementing income through grant writing consulting
  • Different types of work days: management days, mission days, and money days
  • The value of attending conferences for fresh perspectives
  • The value of understanding the worth one brings to clients
  • Misconceptions about nonprofit budget constraints and financial needs
  • The value of grants in allowing nonprofits to focus on mission instead of fundraising
  • The organic networking framework for building relationships with organizations
  • Funding strategy as a way to build trust and rapport with organizations
  • Keeping things simple and focusing on principles rather than chasing trends
  • Celebrating wins as a cultural practice within the company
  • Building a supportive community of grant writers
  • Criticizing the practice of hourly rates in the industry
  • Cultivating a positive and expansive mindset in the nonprofit sector
  • Shifting away from a scarcity mindset in nonprofits

About Meredith Noble

Meredith Noble helps the entrecurious build lifestyle freedom by taking imperfect action. She is the co-founder of Learn Grant Writing, an online membership for those building their careers in grant writing. Her book, How to Write a Grant: Become a Grant Writing Unicorn, is a bestseller for nonprofit fundraising and grants. Her expertise has been featured in NASDAQ, Forbes, Fast Company, Authority Magazine, and other top publications. She has secured over $42 million in grant funding, and her students have secured over $550 million – a number that grows daily.  If Meredith’s not biking or skiing in Alaska, she can be found curled around a steaming cup of green-tea and a good book. 

Quotables:

  •  “Surrounding yourself with successful people can have a profound impact on your own success.”
  •  “Grounding your ideas in a problem that people are willing to pay for is key to creating meaningful solutions.”
  • “Creating spaciousness in our lives allows for creativity to flow.”
  • “Your network determines your net worth.”
  • “The shift away from a scarcity mindset in the nonprofit sector is a big deal, but it is still an uphill battle.”

Connect with Meredith:

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now!

]]> On this episode of Grant Writing & Funding, our guest Meredith Noble from Learn Grant Writing shares an inspiring journey from corporate grant writing to launching a startup idea. We learn about the challenges she faced when realizing the idea wasn’t solving a real problem that people were willing to pay for. 

Meredith emphasizes the importance of grounding ideas in addressing real problems, and she shares the lifestyle freedom she gained from entrepreneurship despite the financial difficulties. To supplement her income, Meredith started grant writing consulting and took on various projects, including returning to her family’s cattle ranch during Calving season. 

She stresses the significance of surrounding oneself with successful people and shares a personal experience of seeking coaching and mentorship from a successful female entrepreneur. The episode dives into the topic of pricing in freelance grant writing business and the importance of mindset in overcoming resistances and blocks. 

Meredith also explores the three types of work days: management days, mission days, and money days, and the need for self-care to maintain mental clarity and creativity. 

We also learn about the value of attending conferences, creating spaciousness in our lives for creativity to flow, and the important role of understanding and valuing the services we offer to clients. 

Meredith debunks misconceptions about nonprofits, discusses the impact of grants on nonprofit missions, and shares her organic networking framework to build relationships and opportunities. 

Throughout the episode, Meredith highlights the power of simplicity, focusing on principles rather than chasing trends. She also shares her experience of building a supportive community within her company and the positive impact it has on grant writers. 

We also have a discussion on the scarcity mindset ingrained in the nonprofit industry and the shift towards cultivating a positive and expansive mindset. Join us on this episode of Grant Writing & Funding as we explore the world of grant writing, entrepreneurship, and the drive for change in the nonprofit sector.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • Lifestyle freedom gained from entrepreneurship
  • Supplementing income through grant writing consulting
  • Different types of work days: management days, mission days, and money days
  • The value of attending conferences for fresh perspectives
  • The value of understanding the worth one brings to clients
  • Misconceptions about nonprofit budget constraints and financial needs
  • The value of grants in allowing nonprofits to focus on mission instead of fundraising
  • The organic networking framework for building relationships with organizations
  • Funding strategy as a way to build trust and rapport with organizations
  • Keeping things simple and focusing on principles rather than chasing trends
  • Celebrating wins as a cultural practice within the company
  • Building a supportive community of grant writers
  • Criticizing the practice of hourly rates in the industry
  • Cultivating a positive and expansive mindset in the nonprofit sector
  • Shifting away from a scarcity mindset in nonprofits

About Meredith Noble

Meredith Noble helps the entrecurious build lifestyle freedom by taking imperfect action. She is the co-founder of Learn Grant Writing, an online membership for those building their careers in grant writing. Her book, How to Write a Grant: Become a Grant Writing Unicorn, is a bestseller for nonprofit fundraising and grants. Her expertise has been featured in NASDAQ, Forbes, Fast Company, Authority Magazine, and other top publications. She has secured over $42 million in grant funding, and her students have secured over $550 million – a number that grows daily.  If Meredith’s not biking or skiing in Alaska, she can be found curled around a steaming cup of green-tea and a good book. 

Quotables:

  •  “Surrounding yourself with successful people can have a profound impact on your own success.”
  •  “Grounding your ideas in a problem that people are willing to pay for is key to creating meaningful solutions.”
  • “Creating spaciousness in our lives allows for creativity to flow.”
  • “Your network determines your net worth.”
  • “The shift away from a scarcity mindset in the nonprofit sector is a big deal, but it is still an uphill battle.”

Connect with Meredith:

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now!

]]> Tue, 04 Jul 2023 07:00:05 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2967 On this episode of Grant Writing & Funding, our guest Meredith Noble from Learn Grant Writing shares an inspiring journey from corporate grant writing to launching a startup idea. We learn about the challenges she faced when realizing the idea wasn’t solving a real problem that people were willing to pay for. 

Meredith emphasizes the importance of grounding ideas in addressing real problems, and she shares the lifestyle freedom she gained from entrepreneurship despite the financial difficulties. To supplement her income, Meredith started grant writing consulting and took on various projects, including returning to her family’s cattle ranch during Calving season. 

She stresses the significance of surrounding oneself with successful people and shares a personal experience of seeking coaching and mentorship from a successful female entrepreneur. The episode dives into the topic of pricing in freelance grant writing business and the importance of mindset in overcoming resistances and blocks. 

Meredith also explores the three types of work days: management days, mission days, and money days, and the need for self-care to maintain mental clarity and creativity. 

We also learn about the value of attending conferences, creating spaciousness in our lives for creativity to flow, and the important role of understanding and valuing the services we offer to clients. 

Meredith debunks misconceptions about nonprofits, discusses the impact of grants on nonprofit missions, and shares her organic networking framework to build relationships and opportunities. 

Throughout the episode, Meredith highlights the power of simplicity, focusing on principles rather than chasing trends. She also shares her experience of building a supportive community within her company and the positive impact it has on grant writers. 

We also have a discussion on the scarcity mindset ingrained in the nonprofit industry and the shift towards cultivating a positive and expansive mindset. Join us on this episode of Grant Writing & Funding as we explore the world of grant writing, entrepreneurship, and the drive for change in the nonprofit sector.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • Lifestyle freedom gained from entrepreneurship
  • Supplementing income through grant writing consulting
  • Different types of work days: management days, mission days, and money days
  • The value of attending conferences for fresh perspectives
  • The value of understanding the worth one brings to clients
  • Misconceptions about nonprofit budget constraints and financial needs
  • The value of grants in allowing nonprofits to focus on mission instead of fundraising
  • The organic networking framework for building relationships with organizations
  • Funding strategy as a way to build trust and rapport with organizations
  • Keeping things simple and focusing on principles rather than chasing trends
  • Celebrating wins as a cultural practice within the company
  • Building a supportive community of grant writers
  • Criticizing the practice of hourly rates in the industry
  • Cultivating a positive and expansive mindset in the nonprofit sector
  • Shifting away from a scarcity mindset in nonprofits

About Meredith Noble

Meredith Noble helps the entrecurious build lifestyle freedom by taking imperfect action. She is the co-founder of Learn Grant Writing, an online membership for those building their careers in grant writing. Her book, How to Write a Grant: Become a Grant Writing Unicorn, is a bestseller for nonprofit fundraising and grants. Her expertise has been featured in NASDAQ, Forbes, Fast Company, Authority Magazine, and other top publications. She has secured over $42 million in grant funding, and her students have secured over $550 million – a number that grows daily.  If Meredith’s not biking or skiing in Alaska, she can be found curled around a steaming cup of green-tea and a good book. 

Quotables:

  •  “Surrounding yourself with successful people can have a profound impact on your own success.”
  •  “Grounding your ideas in a problem that people are willing to pay for is key to creating meaningful solutions.”
  • “Creating spaciousness in our lives allows for creativity to flow.”
  • “Your network determines your net worth.”
  • “The shift away from a scarcity mindset in the nonprofit sector is a big deal, but it is still an uphill battle.”

Connect with Meredith:

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now!

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Lessons Learned in Partnerships with Funding for Good’s Mandy Pearce 277 277 Lessons Learned in Partnerships with Funding for Good’s Mandy Pearce full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1531207816 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/lessons-learned-in-partnerships-with-funding-for-good-s-mandy-pearce Mandy Pearce explains the strategies for building strategic partnerships, how to know who will be a good partner for your business, and when to turn down a potential partnership.

Over a decade ago Mandy Pearce founded Funding for Good to equip organizations with all the skills and tools they need to become successful and sustainable.

Mandy joins us to discuss how most partnerships are formed, the vetting process involved in potential partnerships, and how to know who will be a good partner for your business.

She also explains the metrics you need to know before agreeing to a partnership, the type of business partnerships that you should avoid, and the downsides of affiliate marketing.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • The difference between partnerships and sponsorships.
  • How most partnerships are formed.
  • When to turn down a strategic partnership.
  • The vetting process involved in potential partnerships.
  • How to know who will be a good partner for you.
  • What partnerships are used for.
  • The metrics you need to know before starting a partnership.
  • The downsides of affiliate marketing.
  • Strategies for building strategic partnerships.

About Mandy Pearce

In 2009 Mandy Pearce, founded her flagship company, Funding for Good, to equip organizations with all of the skills and tools needed to become successful and sustainable. She continues to enjoy evolving this company to meet the changing demands of the nonprofit world.

For over two decades, Mandy and her team of experts have shared their proficiency in fundraising through executive coaching, strategic and development planning, seminars and specialized consulting programs. Mandy’s dynamic teaching style has brought thousands of people to her presentations at conventions, training workshops and online platforms.

Mandy established Funding for Good, Inc. upon the core values of honesty, efficiency, direct communication and bringing sustainable dollars to local communities.

Quotables:

  • “Some people are in your life for a moment and some people are there for a lifetime and partnerships are the same way. Some will constantly be there and you’ll need them in your business and others will be great for the moment and then you’ll move on”
  • “I hate when nonprofits ask someone who has a company to do something for free because they’re going to get exposure, exposure doesn’t pay the bills. If you want me to speak for you it’s going to cost you money, and it should because of the area of expertise I’ve grown.”
  • “You can’t compete with a personal reference, so asking who can benefit your business, what are your goals, who do I know that could help you, and who do you know? That personal reference is huge, you can’t compete with that approach of how can we help each other.”

Connect with Mandy:

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> Mandy Pearce explains the strategies for building strategic partnerships, how to know who will be a good partner for your business, and when to turn down a potential partnership.

Over a decade ago Mandy Pearce founded Funding for Good to equip organizations with all the skills and tools they need to become successful and sustainable.

Mandy joins us to discuss how most partnerships are formed, the vetting process involved in potential partnerships, and how to know who will be a good partner for your business.

She also explains the metrics you need to know before agreeing to a partnership, the type of business partnerships that you should avoid, and the downsides of affiliate marketing.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • The difference between partnerships and sponsorships.
  • How most partnerships are formed.
  • When to turn down a strategic partnership.
  • The vetting process involved in potential partnerships.
  • How to know who will be a good partner for you.
  • What partnerships are used for.
  • The metrics you need to know before starting a partnership.
  • The downsides of affiliate marketing.
  • Strategies for building strategic partnerships.

About Mandy Pearce

In 2009 Mandy Pearce, founded her flagship company, Funding for Good, to equip organizations with all of the skills and tools needed to become successful and sustainable. She continues to enjoy evolving this company to meet the changing demands of the nonprofit world.

For over two decades, Mandy and her team of experts have shared their proficiency in fundraising through executive coaching, strategic and development planning, seminars and specialized consulting programs. Mandy’s dynamic teaching style has brought thousands of people to her presentations at conventions, training workshops and online platforms.

Mandy established Funding for Good, Inc. upon the core values of honesty, efficiency, direct communication and bringing sustainable dollars to local communities.

Quotables:

  • “Some people are in your life for a moment and some people are there for a lifetime and partnerships are the same way. Some will constantly be there and you’ll need them in your business and others will be great for the moment and then you’ll move on”
  • “I hate when nonprofits ask someone who has a company to do something for free because they’re going to get exposure, exposure doesn’t pay the bills. If you want me to speak for you it’s going to cost you money, and it should because of the area of expertise I’ve grown.”
  • “You can’t compete with a personal reference, so asking who can benefit your business, what are your goals, who do I know that could help you, and who do you know? That personal reference is huge, you can’t compete with that approach of how can we help each other.”

Connect with Mandy:

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> Tue, 27 Jun 2023 07:00:01 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2901 Mandy Pearce explains the strategies for building strategic partnerships, how to know who will be a good partner for your business, and when to turn down a potential partnership.

Over a decade ago Mandy Pearce founded Funding for Good to equip organizations with all the skills and tools they need to become successful and sustainable.

Mandy joins us to discuss how most partnerships are formed, the vetting process involved in potential partnerships, and how to know who will be a good partner for your business.

She also explains the metrics you need to know before agreeing to a partnership, the type of business partnerships that you should avoid, and the downsides of affiliate marketing.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • The difference between partnerships and sponsorships.
  • How most partnerships are formed.
  • When to turn down a strategic partnership.
  • The vetting process involved in potential partnerships.
  • How to know who will be a good partner for you.
  • What partnerships are used for.
  • The metrics you need to know before starting a partnership.
  • The downsides of affiliate marketing.
  • Strategies for building strategic partnerships.

About Mandy Pearce

In 2009 Mandy Pearce, founded her flagship company, Funding for Good, to equip organizations with all of the skills and tools needed to become successful and sustainable. She continues to enjoy evolving this company to meet the changing demands of the nonprofit world.

For over two decades, Mandy and her team of experts have shared their proficiency in fundraising through executive coaching, strategic and development planning, seminars and specialized consulting programs. Mandy’s dynamic teaching style has brought thousands of people to her presentations at conventions, training workshops and online platforms.

Mandy established Funding for Good, Inc. upon the core values of honesty, efficiency, direct communication and bringing sustainable dollars to local communities.

Quotables:

  • “Some people are in your life for a moment and some people are there for a lifetime and partnerships are the same way. Some will constantly be there and you’ll need them in your business and others will be great for the moment and then you’ll move on”
  • “I hate when nonprofits ask someone who has a company to do something for free because they’re going to get exposure, exposure doesn’t pay the bills. If you want me to speak for you it’s going to cost you money, and it should because of the area of expertise I’ve grown.”
  • “You can’t compete with a personal reference, so asking who can benefit your business, what are your goals, who do I know that could help you, and who do you know? That personal reference is huge, you can’t compete with that approach of how can we help each other.”

Connect with Mandy:

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Increasing Prices With Streamlined Processes with Funding for Good’s Marie Palacios 276 276 Increasing Prices With Streamlined Processes with Funding for Good’s Marie Palacios full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1529606242 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-276-increasing-prices-with-streamlined-processes-with-funding-for-good-s-marie-palacios Marie Palacios, Lead Consultant for Funding for Good, joins us to share how having clear, structured processes can transform your grant writing success and overall consulting business. She breaks down how to better understand and implement effective workflows, streamline your grant writing systems, and improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. 

We also explore the benefits of building your own business, the importance of identifying your “why,” and how to grow a sustainable consulting practice to six figures.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Marie Palacios is the Lead Consultant for Funding for Good, an expert facilitator, and is certified by The Institute of Cultural Affairs in the USA in evidence-based facilitation practices. She specializes in helping nonprofits and consultants develop clear processes, strengthen grant writing strategies, and build capacity for long-term success. 

Marie is passionate about guiding professionals to create impactful, sustainable businesses while aligning their work with purpose.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Marie Palacios, Lead Consultant for Funding for Good, joins us to share how having clear, structured processes can transform your grant writing success and overall consulting business. She breaks down how to better understand and implement effective workflows, streamline your grant writing systems, and improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. 

We also explore the benefits of building your own business, the importance of identifying your “why,” and how to grow a sustainable consulting practice to six figures.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Marie Palacios is the Lead Consultant for Funding for Good, an expert facilitator, and is certified by The Institute of Cultural Affairs in the USA in evidence-based facilitation practices. She specializes in helping nonprofits and consultants develop clear processes, strengthen grant writing strategies, and build capacity for long-term success. 

Marie is passionate about guiding professionals to create impactful, sustainable businesses while aligning their work with purpose.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 20 Jun 2023 07:00:06 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2328 Marie Palacios, Lead Consultant for Funding for Good, joins us to share how having clear, structured processes can transform your grant writing success and overall consulting business. She breaks down how to better understand and implement effective workflows, streamline your grant writing systems, and improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. 

We also explore the benefits of building your own business, the importance of identifying your “why,” and how to grow a sustainable consulting practice to six figures.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Marie Palacios is the Lead Consultant for Funding for Good, an expert facilitator, and is certified by The Institute of Cultural Affairs in the USA in evidence-based facilitation practices. She specializes in helping nonprofits and consultants develop clear processes, strengthen grant writing strategies, and build capacity for long-term success. 

Marie is passionate about guiding professionals to create impactful, sustainable businesses while aligning their work with purpose.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Finding a Community of Grant Writers with All Funded Consulting’s Deborah Reed 275 275 Finding a Community of Grant Writers with All Funded Consulting’s Deborah Reed full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1529563507 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/finding-a-community-of-grant-writers-with-all-funded-consulting-s-deborah-reed Deborah Reed, founder of All Funded, explains what she learned from the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, the benefits of having a community of grant writers, and how she increased her grant writing rates.

Deborah Reed is a full-time consultant and grant writer who completely changed the way she was running her business after joining the Grant Writing Academy.

Deborah joins us to discuss what she learned from the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, the ways it changed her grant writing business to be more sustainable, and the lessons it taught her about how to charge grant writing clients.

She also explains what you need to build a grant writing consultancy, why consultants get treated better than employees, and the ways to position yourself as a thought leader.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • How to find a community of grant writers
  • The value of defining your ideal non-profit client
  • The benefits of having a niche for your grant writing services
  • What you need to build a grant writing business
  • How to charge for your grant writing service
  • Defining what success means for you
  • Why consultants get paid better than employees
  • How to become a thought leader in your space
  • Ways to find clients for your grant writing business
  • What Deborah learned from the Freelance Grant Writer Academy

About Deborah Reed

Deborah Reed, founder of All Funded Consulting, is a highly experienced professional with a strong background in grant writing and management. With over fifteen years of expertise, Deborah has worked with esteemed arts organizations and has extensive experience in the nonprofit sector including leadership roles within multiple performing arts organizations.

Throughout her career, Deborah has actively contributed to the arts community, has served on the board of Buzzworks Theater Company for eight years, and played a vital role as a voter for the Ovation Awards for nine years.

Deborah is also a member of the Grant Professionals Association, showcasing her dedication to professional excellence in the field, and holds a Masters Degree in Arts Management from Claremont Graduate University.

Quotables:

  • “I think there’s a language that different sectors have, scientists understand scientists, and artists understand artists, and those are the people on the other side who are receiving the grant too, so it’s really helpful if you can speak the same language as your grant panel.”
  • “The beauty of being a full time consultant is I can start as early as I want, I can work as late as I want, I can take a break in the middle, I try not to work on the weekends but if I need to or want to I can.”
  • “I’ve had some jobs that I really liked but as a consultant they treat you better and they pay you better so it’s nicer on this side.”

Connect with Deborah:

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> Deborah Reed, founder of All Funded, explains what she learned from the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, the benefits of having a community of grant writers, and how she increased her grant writing rates.

Deborah Reed is a full-time consultant and grant writer who completely changed the way she was running her business after joining the Grant Writing Academy.

Deborah joins us to discuss what she learned from the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, the ways it changed her grant writing business to be more sustainable, and the lessons it taught her about how to charge grant writing clients.

She also explains what you need to build a grant writing consultancy, why consultants get treated better than employees, and the ways to position yourself as a thought leader.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • How to find a community of grant writers
  • The value of defining your ideal non-profit client
  • The benefits of having a niche for your grant writing services
  • What you need to build a grant writing business
  • How to charge for your grant writing service
  • Defining what success means for you
  • Why consultants get paid better than employees
  • How to become a thought leader in your space
  • Ways to find clients for your grant writing business
  • What Deborah learned from the Freelance Grant Writer Academy

About Deborah Reed

Deborah Reed, founder of All Funded Consulting, is a highly experienced professional with a strong background in grant writing and management. With over fifteen years of expertise, Deborah has worked with esteemed arts organizations and has extensive experience in the nonprofit sector including leadership roles within multiple performing arts organizations.

Throughout her career, Deborah has actively contributed to the arts community, has served on the board of Buzzworks Theater Company for eight years, and played a vital role as a voter for the Ovation Awards for nine years.

Deborah is also a member of the Grant Professionals Association, showcasing her dedication to professional excellence in the field, and holds a Masters Degree in Arts Management from Claremont Graduate University.

Quotables:

  • “I think there’s a language that different sectors have, scientists understand scientists, and artists understand artists, and those are the people on the other side who are receiving the grant too, so it’s really helpful if you can speak the same language as your grant panel.”
  • “The beauty of being a full time consultant is I can start as early as I want, I can work as late as I want, I can take a break in the middle, I try not to work on the weekends but if I need to or want to I can.”
  • “I’ve had some jobs that I really liked but as a consultant they treat you better and they pay you better so it’s nicer on this side.”

Connect with Deborah:

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> Tue, 13 Jun 2023 06:59:59 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2612 Deborah Reed, founder of All Funded, explains what she learned from the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, the benefits of having a community of grant writers, and how she increased her grant writing rates.

Deborah Reed is a full-time consultant and grant writer who completely changed the way she was running her business after joining the Grant Writing Academy.

Deborah joins us to discuss what she learned from the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, the ways it changed her grant writing business to be more sustainable, and the lessons it taught her about how to charge grant writing clients.

She also explains what you need to build a grant writing consultancy, why consultants get treated better than employees, and the ways to position yourself as a thought leader.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • How to find a community of grant writers
  • The value of defining your ideal non-profit client
  • The benefits of having a niche for your grant writing services
  • What you need to build a grant writing business
  • How to charge for your grant writing service
  • Defining what success means for you
  • Why consultants get paid better than employees
  • How to become a thought leader in your space
  • Ways to find clients for your grant writing business
  • What Deborah learned from the Freelance Grant Writer Academy

About Deborah Reed

Deborah Reed, founder of All Funded Consulting, is a highly experienced professional with a strong background in grant writing and management. With over fifteen years of expertise, Deborah has worked with esteemed arts organizations and has extensive experience in the nonprofit sector including leadership roles within multiple performing arts organizations.

Throughout her career, Deborah has actively contributed to the arts community, has served on the board of Buzzworks Theater Company for eight years, and played a vital role as a voter for the Ovation Awards for nine years.

Deborah is also a member of the Grant Professionals Association, showcasing her dedication to professional excellence in the field, and holds a Masters Degree in Arts Management from Claremont Graduate University.

Quotables:

  • “I think there’s a language that different sectors have, scientists understand scientists, and artists understand artists, and those are the people on the other side who are receiving the grant too, so it’s really helpful if you can speak the same language as your grant panel.”
  • “The beauty of being a full time consultant is I can start as early as I want, I can work as late as I want, I can take a break in the middle, I try not to work on the weekends but if I need to or want to I can.”
  • “I’ve had some jobs that I really liked but as a consultant they treat you better and they pay you better so it’s nicer on this side.”

Connect with Deborah:

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No From Side Hustle to Success: How She Tripled her Grant Writing Income in 6 Months 274 274 From Side Hustle to Success: How She Tripled her Grant Writing Income in 6 Months full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1520267293 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/from-side-hustle-to-success-how-she-tripled-her-grant-writing-income-in-6-months Jill Turner explains how to make writing grants a full-time job, the benefits of having systems in your grant writing, and how to properly price your grant writing services.

Jill Turner was based in northern Idaho and got into grant writing after being asked to help some friends while in grad school.

After writing grants as a side hustle, Jill turned it into a full-time business in less than a year, tripling her income and working with clients nationally and internationally.

Jill joins us to discuss how she turned writing grants into a full-time job, the importance of having systems in your grant writing, and how to properly price your grant writing services.

She also explains how The Grant Writing Academy helped her scale her business, the ways to manage your time to maintain a work-life balance, and how charging more for your services can actually help you win more clients.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • How to move from writing grants as a side hustle to a full-time job.
  • The importance of having systems in your grant writing.
  • The benefits of writing grants in a systematic way.
  • How to start a freelance grant writing business.
  • How to price your grant writing services.
  • The importance of understanding the market and adjusting prices accordingly for different states and international clients. 
  • Why charging too little for your services can make you less competitive.
  • How to schedule your time to maintain a work-life balance.
  • What you need to scale your grant writing business.

About Jill Turner:

Jill Turner is CEO of Tri-Cord Visionaries and is a highly skilled professional specializing in non-profit funding consultation, strategic planning facilitation, and funding expertise. With a focus on donor optimization, grants research, and grant writing, Jill has a proven track record of success in securing vital resources for organizations.

Jill Turner is a passionate professional who excels in non-profit funding consultation, strategic planning facilitation, and grant acquisition. With her expertise and commitment to collaboration, she empowers organizations to make a lasting impact on the world.

Quotables:

  • “Grant writing is no longer a side hustle it has more than tripled my bottom line, this is my job now and I love coming to work every day, and I get to hear about people, what they’re passionate about, and the difference they’re making in the world, and I get to do my research and my writing, and I get to partner them.”
  • “Work didn’t have to dominate everything because I had a scheduled system in place and those systems enable me to do what I do now because they were established and I’ve written the framework, I may update them but I’m not reinventing the wheel anymore I have templates for everything.”
  • “Know your systems, know how to write your smart objectives, follow through with it. The other stuff is like frosting, it might be pretty but it’s not absolutely necessary.”

Connect with Jill:

Resources mentioned in this episode:

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Jill Turner explains how to make writing grants a full-time job, the benefits of having systems in your grant writing, and how to properly price your grant writing services.

Jill Turner was based in northern Idaho and got into grant writing after being asked to help some friends while in grad school.

After writing grants as a side hustle, Jill turned it into a full-time business in less than a year, tripling her income and working with clients nationally and internationally.

Jill joins us to discuss how she turned writing grants into a full-time job, the importance of having systems in your grant writing, and how to properly price your grant writing services.

She also explains how The Grant Writing Academy helped her scale her business, the ways to manage your time to maintain a work-life balance, and how charging more for your services can actually help you win more clients.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • How to move from writing grants as a side hustle to a full-time job.
  • The importance of having systems in your grant writing.
  • The benefits of writing grants in a systematic way.
  • How to start a freelance grant writing business.
  • How to price your grant writing services.
  • The importance of understanding the market and adjusting prices accordingly for different states and international clients. 
  • Why charging too little for your services can make you less competitive.
  • How to schedule your time to maintain a work-life balance.
  • What you need to scale your grant writing business.

About Jill Turner:

Jill Turner is CEO of Tri-Cord Visionaries and is a highly skilled professional specializing in non-profit funding consultation, strategic planning facilitation, and funding expertise. With a focus on donor optimization, grants research, and grant writing, Jill has a proven track record of success in securing vital resources for organizations.

Jill Turner is a passionate professional who excels in non-profit funding consultation, strategic planning facilitation, and grant acquisition. With her expertise and commitment to collaboration, she empowers organizations to make a lasting impact on the world.

Quotables:

  • “Grant writing is no longer a side hustle it has more than tripled my bottom line, this is my job now and I love coming to work every day, and I get to hear about people, what they’re passionate about, and the difference they’re making in the world, and I get to do my research and my writing, and I get to partner them.”
  • “Work didn’t have to dominate everything because I had a scheduled system in place and those systems enable me to do what I do now because they were established and I’ve written the framework, I may update them but I’m not reinventing the wheel anymore I have templates for everything.”
  • “Know your systems, know how to write your smart objectives, follow through with it. The other stuff is like frosting, it might be pretty but it’s not absolutely necessary.”

Connect with Jill:

Resources mentioned in this episode:

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 06 Jun 2023 07:00:04 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2095 Jill Turner explains how to make writing grants a full-time job, the benefits of having systems in your grant writing, and how to properly price your grant writing services.

Jill Turner was based in northern Idaho and got into grant writing after being asked to help some friends while in grad school.

After writing grants as a side hustle, Jill turned it into a full-time business in less than a year, tripling her income and working with clients nationally and internationally.

Jill joins us to discuss how she turned writing grants into a full-time job, the importance of having systems in your grant writing, and how to properly price your grant writing services.

She also explains how The Grant Writing Academy helped her scale her business, the ways to manage your time to maintain a work-life balance, and how charging more for your services can actually help you win more clients.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • How to move from writing grants as a side hustle to a full-time job.
  • The importance of having systems in your grant writing.
  • The benefits of writing grants in a systematic way.
  • How to start a freelance grant writing business.
  • How to price your grant writing services.
  • The importance of understanding the market and adjusting prices accordingly for different states and international clients. 
  • Why charging too little for your services can make you less competitive.
  • How to schedule your time to maintain a work-life balance.
  • What you need to scale your grant writing business.

About Jill Turner:

Jill Turner is CEO of Tri-Cord Visionaries and is a highly skilled professional specializing in non-profit funding consultation, strategic planning facilitation, and funding expertise. With a focus on donor optimization, grants research, and grant writing, Jill has a proven track record of success in securing vital resources for organizations.

Jill Turner is a passionate professional who excels in non-profit funding consultation, strategic planning facilitation, and grant acquisition. With her expertise and commitment to collaboration, she empowers organizations to make a lasting impact on the world.

Quotables:

  • “Grant writing is no longer a side hustle it has more than tripled my bottom line, this is my job now and I love coming to work every day, and I get to hear about people, what they’re passionate about, and the difference they’re making in the world, and I get to do my research and my writing, and I get to partner them.”
  • “Work didn’t have to dominate everything because I had a scheduled system in place and those systems enable me to do what I do now because they were established and I’ve written the framework, I may update them but I’m not reinventing the wheel anymore I have templates for everything.”
  • “Know your systems, know how to write your smart objectives, follow through with it. The other stuff is like frosting, it might be pretty but it’s not absolutely necessary.”

Connect with Jill:

Resources mentioned in this episode:

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Using Grant Easy Management Software - A Panel Discussion 273 273 Using Grant Easy Management Software - A Panel Discussion full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1519652470 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/using-grant-easy-management-software-a-panel-discussion As a panel we discuss the benefits of using Grant Easy Management Software, how it makes working with non-profits more efficient, and the different ways it helps you analyze data faster. 

As you write more grants the amount of time you spend tracking grants and analyzing data increases to a point where it can seem impossible to scale any further.

Grant Easy Management Software can help optimize grant writing and make working with non-profits more efficient and productive. 

We’re joined by a team of grant writing experts to discuss their experience using grant management software and the ways it’s saved them time and improved their businesses.

Get to hear how this Grant Management Software helps these 3 grant writing experts as they have very different business models!

We also explain why we all moved to using Grant Easy Management Software, the different features it has, and why grant specific software is better than Google Drive.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • Different ways to track grants.
  • How software can help you scale your grant writing business.
  • How Grant Easy Management Software optimizes the grant writing process.
  • How to reduce the number of meetings you need with contractors.
  • The grant writing community that Grant Easy Management Software provides.
  • How Grant Easy Management Software makes working with non-profits easier and more efficient.
  • The benefits of having external users access your account.
  • What makes Grant Easy Management Software better than Google Drive.
  • The different features Grant Easy Management Software has.
  • How to analyze your data faster.

About Rachel Waterman:

Rachel is the creator of Grant Easy Management Software and the CEO of Global Development Solutions. As well as creating the grant easy management software she also helps organizations use data and systems to build grant revenues.

Connect with Rachel:

About Jan Rodusky:

Jan is the Founder of Venn There Grants Consulting, where she helps nonprofits create grant systems to increase their funding. With over 25 years of experience as a grantmaker and grant writer, Jan has raised over $18 million for organizations in the arts, healthcare, and education sectors. She is a GPA approved trainer and mentor and a certified business coach. In addition to her work at Venn There, Jan serves as the Vice Mayor for the Village of Royal Palm Beach, Florida.

Connect with Jan:

About Jacquelyn Ahrenberg:

Jacque brings 18 years of experience and training in nonprofit development and organizational management to any new engagement. Her company, Resolute Nonprofit Consulting, focuses on Corporate & Foundation Development, Development Program Audits, and Fundraising Guidance to help nonprofits diversify their funding to be resilient to change.

Connect with Jacquelyn:

About Yvonne White-Morey

Yvonne White-Morey is CEO & Principal Grant Strategist at GrantStream Consulting LLC. She specializes in stress-free grant seeking and management for nonprofits, allowing them to focus on their mission and make a difference. When not working, Yvonne enjoys the Midwestern seasons with her rescue dog Rico and feline companion Selina Kyle.

Connect with Yvonne:

Quotables:

  • “Get a system in place because you can’t scale without a system. If you’re happy with where you are that’s fine but if you want to go anywhere else you’ve got to have a system.”
  • “GEMS solves the problem of your Google Drive filling up with hundreds of old files that you end up having to pay to store because you don’t have time to go through.”
  • “You can see according to how many proposals you’re writing how many are getting awarded, for which clients, and where you’re seeing more awards coming in and areas of possible growth. That can take a lot of time to find out if you’re doing that on your own, GEMS does it in the click of one button.”

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software an...

]]> As a panel we discuss the benefits of using Grant Easy Management Software, how it makes working with non-profits more efficient, and the different ways it helps you analyze data faster. 

As you write more grants the amount of time you spend tracking grants and analyzing data increases to a point where it can seem impossible to scale any further.

Grant Easy Management Software can help optimize grant writing and make working with non-profits more efficient and productive. 

We’re joined by a team of grant writing experts to discuss their experience using grant management software and the ways it’s saved them time and improved their businesses.

Get to hear how this Grant Management Software helps these 3 grant writing experts as they have very different business models!

We also explain why we all moved to using Grant Easy Management Software, the different features it has, and why grant specific software is better than Google Drive.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • Different ways to track grants.
  • How software can help you scale your grant writing business.
  • How Grant Easy Management Software optimizes the grant writing process.
  • How to reduce the number of meetings you need with contractors.
  • The grant writing community that Grant Easy Management Software provides.
  • How Grant Easy Management Software makes working with non-profits easier and more efficient.
  • The benefits of having external users access your account.
  • What makes Grant Easy Management Software better than Google Drive.
  • The different features Grant Easy Management Software has.
  • How to analyze your data faster.

About Rachel Waterman:

Rachel is the creator of Grant Easy Management Software and the CEO of Global Development Solutions. As well as creating the grant easy management software she also helps organizations use data and systems to build grant revenues.

Connect with Rachel:

About Jan Rodusky:

Jan is the Founder of Venn There Grants Consulting, where she helps nonprofits create grant systems to increase their funding. With over 25 years of experience as a grantmaker and grant writer, Jan has raised over $18 million for organizations in the arts, healthcare, and education sectors. She is a GPA approved trainer and mentor and a certified business coach. In addition to her work at Venn There, Jan serves as the Vice Mayor for the Village of Royal Palm Beach, Florida.

Connect with Jan:

About Jacquelyn Ahrenberg:

Jacque brings 18 years of experience and training in nonprofit development and organizational management to any new engagement. Her company, Resolute Nonprofit Consulting, focuses on Corporate & Foundation Development, Development Program Audits, and Fundraising Guidance to help nonprofits diversify their funding to be resilient to change.

Connect with Jacquelyn:

About Yvonne White-Morey

Yvonne White-Morey is CEO & Principal Grant Strategist at GrantStream Consulting LLC. She specializes in stress-free grant seeking and management for nonprofits, allowing them to focus on their mission and make a difference. When not working, Yvonne enjoys the Midwestern seasons with her rescue dog Rico and feline companion Selina Kyle.

Connect with Yvonne:

Quotables:

  • “Get a system in place because you can’t scale without a system. If you’re happy with where you are that’s fine but if you want to go anywhere else you’ve got to have a system.”
  • “GEMS solves the problem of your Google Drive filling up with hundreds of old files that you end up having to pay to store because you don’t have time to go through.”
  • “You can see according to how many proposals you’re writing how many are getting awarded, for which clients, and where you’re seeing more awards coming in and areas of possible growth. That can take a lot of time to find out if you’re doing that on your own, GEMS does it in the click of one button.”

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software an...

]]> Tue, 30 May 2023 07:00:08 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 3144 As a panel we discuss the benefits of using Grant Easy Management Software, how it makes working with non-profits more efficient, and the different ways it helps you analyze data faster. 

As you write more grants the amount of time you spend tracking grants and analyzing data increases to a point where it can seem impossible to scale any further.

Grant Easy Management Software can help optimize grant writing and make working with non-profits more efficient and productive. 

We’re joined by a team of grant writing experts to discuss their experience using grant management software and the ways it’s saved them time and improved their businesses.

Get to hear how this Grant Management Software helps these 3 grant writing experts as they have very different business models!

We also explain why we all moved to using Grant Easy Management Software, the different features it has, and why grant specific software is better than Google Drive.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • Different ways to track grants.
  • How software can help you scale your grant writing business.
  • How Grant Easy Management Software optimizes the grant writing process.
  • How to reduce the number of meetings you need with contractors.
  • The grant writing community that Grant Easy Management Software provides.
  • How Grant Easy Management Software makes working with non-profits easier and more efficient.
  • The benefits of having external users access your account.
  • What makes Grant Easy Management Software better than Google Drive.
  • The different features Grant Easy Management Software has.
  • How to analyze your data faster.

About Rachel Waterman:

Rachel is the creator of Grant Easy Management Software and the CEO of Global Development Solutions. As well as creating the grant easy management software she also helps organizations use data and systems to build grant revenues.

Connect with Rachel:

About Jan Rodusky:

Jan is the Founder of Venn There Grants Consulting, where she helps nonprofits create grant systems to increase their funding. With over 25 years of experience as a grantmaker and grant writer, Jan has raised over $18 million for organizations in the arts, healthcare, and education sectors. She is a GPA approved trainer and mentor and a certified business coach. In addition to her work at Venn There, Jan serves as the Vice Mayor for the Village of Royal Palm Beach, Florida.

Connect with Jan:

About Jacquelyn Ahrenberg:

Jacque brings 18 years of experience and training in nonprofit development and organizational management to any new engagement. Her company, Resolute Nonprofit Consulting, focuses on Corporate & Foundation Development, Development Program Audits, and Fundraising Guidance to help nonprofits diversify their funding to be resilient to change.

Connect with Jacquelyn:

About Yvonne White-Morey

Yvonne White-Morey is CEO & Principal Grant Strategist at GrantStream Consulting LLC. She specializes in stress-free grant seeking and management for nonprofits, allowing them to focus on their mission and make a difference. When not working, Yvonne enjoys the Midwestern seasons with her rescue dog Rico and feline companion Selina Kyle.

Connect with Yvonne:

Quotables:

  • “Get a system in place because you can’t scale without a system. If you’re happy with where you are that’s fine but if you want to go anywhere else you’ve got to have a system.”
  • “GEMS solves the problem of your Google Drive filling up with hundreds of old files that you end up having to pay to store because you don’t have time to go through.”
  • “You can see according to how many proposals you’re writing how many are getting awarded, for which clients, and where you’re seeing more awards coming in and areas of possible growth. That can take a lot of time to find out if you’re doing that on your own, GEMS does it in the click of one button.”

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software an...

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No How Freelance Grant Writers Get Paid 272 272 How Freelance Grant Writers Get Paid full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1513759069 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/how-freelance-grant-writers-get-paid This episode, Holly explains the problems with paying grant writers commission, the reasons why nonprofits miss out on funding, and how nonprofits should pay freelance grant writers.

Nonprofits often think that paying freelance grant writers on a commission basis is a win-win, but this could not be further from the truth.

Not only is paying grant writers a commission unethical and against industry best practices, but there are also some pretty serious legality issues.

This episode, Holly explains the problems with paying grant writers a commission, the legality of paying grant writers on a commission only basis, and how most nonprofits pay freelance grant writers.

Holly also talks about why nonprofits miss out on grants they’ve applied to, how to repurpose a grant for other uses, and the different reasons nonprofits have a website.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • How freelance grant writers make money.
  • How nonprofits pay grant writers.
  • Why you shouldn’t pay grant writers commission.
  • The reasons nonprofits don’t get grants they’ve applied to.
  • Why paying commission for grant writers is against best practice.
  • How to repurpose a grant and other things a grant application can be used for.
  • The legality of paying grant writer’s commission.
  • Why nonprofits need to have a website.
  • How to learn the skills you need to become a grant writer.

Quotables:

  • “Even if you don’t get awarded a grant when you submit it, you may get feedback and be able to change a few things, tweak a few things, submit to the next funding cycle, and get it awarded.”
  • “You have to start a relationship so even that first no can be a very positive thing because at least you’re starting a relationship and getting your foot in the door now so in the next couple of cycles you might get funded but if you don’t even start or are too scared to get a no then that might not happen.”
  • “Grant writers can never guarantee funding so how they get paid is the same as any other service provider. For a certain scope of work for a certain amount of time, you pay them a certain amount.”

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> This episode, Holly explains the problems with paying grant writers commission, the reasons why nonprofits miss out on funding, and how nonprofits should pay freelance grant writers.

Nonprofits often think that paying freelance grant writers on a commission basis is a win-win, but this could not be further from the truth.

Not only is paying grant writers a commission unethical and against industry best practices, but there are also some pretty serious legality issues.

This episode, Holly explains the problems with paying grant writers a commission, the legality of paying grant writers on a commission only basis, and how most nonprofits pay freelance grant writers.

Holly also talks about why nonprofits miss out on grants they’ve applied to, how to repurpose a grant for other uses, and the different reasons nonprofits have a website.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • How freelance grant writers make money.
  • How nonprofits pay grant writers.
  • Why you shouldn’t pay grant writers commission.
  • The reasons nonprofits don’t get grants they’ve applied to.
  • Why paying commission for grant writers is against best practice.
  • How to repurpose a grant and other things a grant application can be used for.
  • The legality of paying grant writer’s commission.
  • Why nonprofits need to have a website.
  • How to learn the skills you need to become a grant writer.

Quotables:

  • “Even if you don’t get awarded a grant when you submit it, you may get feedback and be able to change a few things, tweak a few things, submit to the next funding cycle, and get it awarded.”
  • “You have to start a relationship so even that first no can be a very positive thing because at least you’re starting a relationship and getting your foot in the door now so in the next couple of cycles you might get funded but if you don’t even start or are too scared to get a no then that might not happen.”
  • “Grant writers can never guarantee funding so how they get paid is the same as any other service provider. For a certain scope of work for a certain amount of time, you pay them a certain amount.”

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 23 May 2023 07:00:08 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1153 This episode, Holly explains the problems with paying grant writers commission, the reasons why nonprofits miss out on funding, and how nonprofits should pay freelance grant writers.

Nonprofits often think that paying freelance grant writers on a commission basis is a win-win, but this could not be further from the truth.

Not only is paying grant writers a commission unethical and against industry best practices, but there are also some pretty serious legality issues.

This episode, Holly explains the problems with paying grant writers a commission, the legality of paying grant writers on a commission only basis, and how most nonprofits pay freelance grant writers.

Holly also talks about why nonprofits miss out on grants they’ve applied to, how to repurpose a grant for other uses, and the different reasons nonprofits have a website.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • How freelance grant writers make money.
  • How nonprofits pay grant writers.
  • Why you shouldn’t pay grant writers commission.
  • The reasons nonprofits don’t get grants they’ve applied to.
  • Why paying commission for grant writers is against best practice.
  • How to repurpose a grant and other things a grant application can be used for.
  • The legality of paying grant writer’s commission.
  • Why nonprofits need to have a website.
  • How to learn the skills you need to become a grant writer.

Quotables:

  • “Even if you don’t get awarded a grant when you submit it, you may get feedback and be able to change a few things, tweak a few things, submit to the next funding cycle, and get it awarded.”
  • “You have to start a relationship so even that first no can be a very positive thing because at least you’re starting a relationship and getting your foot in the door now so in the next couple of cycles you might get funded but if you don’t even start or are too scared to get a no then that might not happen.”
  • “Grant writers can never guarantee funding so how they get paid is the same as any other service provider. For a certain scope of work for a certain amount of time, you pay them a certain amount.”

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Freelance Grant Writing During Inflation & Recession 271 271 Freelance Grant Writing During Inflation & Recession full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1513733134 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-271-freelance-grant-writing-during-inflation-recession In this episode, Holly Rustick breaks down why becoming a freelance grant writer—even during a recession—is not only viable, but a strategic opportunity. She explains the key benefits of freelancing, including the ability to adjust your rates, services, and client base in response to economic changes, unlike traditional employees with fixed salaries. 

Holly dives into how freelance grant writers actually make money, how many clients are typically needed to sustain a business, and how competitive the market truly is. She also highlights why the nonprofit sector often continues to grow during economic downturns, the significant amount of funding allocated through grants each year, and how many federal grants are released annually. 

Additionally, Holly shares why nonprofits benefit from hiring freelancers over full-time staff and how much freelance grant writers can realistically charge. If you’ve been considering stepping into freelance grant writing, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to see why now may be the perfect time to start.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> In this episode, Holly Rustick breaks down why becoming a freelance grant writer—even during a recession—is not only viable, but a strategic opportunity. She explains the key benefits of freelancing, including the ability to adjust your rates, services, and client base in response to economic changes, unlike traditional employees with fixed salaries. 

Holly dives into how freelance grant writers actually make money, how many clients are typically needed to sustain a business, and how competitive the market truly is. She also highlights why the nonprofit sector often continues to grow during economic downturns, the significant amount of funding allocated through grants each year, and how many federal grants are released annually. 

Additionally, Holly shares why nonprofits benefit from hiring freelancers over full-time staff and how much freelance grant writers can realistically charge. If you’ve been considering stepping into freelance grant writing, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to see why now may be the perfect time to start.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 16 May 2023 07:00:08 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1631 In this episode, Holly Rustick breaks down why becoming a freelance grant writer—even during a recession—is not only viable, but a strategic opportunity. She explains the key benefits of freelancing, including the ability to adjust your rates, services, and client base in response to economic changes, unlike traditional employees with fixed salaries. 

Holly dives into how freelance grant writers actually make money, how many clients are typically needed to sustain a business, and how competitive the market truly is. She also highlights why the nonprofit sector often continues to grow during economic downturns, the significant amount of funding allocated through grants each year, and how many federal grants are released annually. 

Additionally, Holly shares why nonprofits benefit from hiring freelancers over full-time staff and how much freelance grant writers can realistically charge. If you’ve been considering stepping into freelance grant writing, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to see why now may be the perfect time to start.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No How to Write a Budget for a Grant - With Holly Rustick 270 270 How to Write a Budget for a Grant - With Holly Rustick full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1489057633 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/how-to-write-a-budget-for-a-grant-with-holly-rustick This episode, Holly explains how to write a budget for a grant, the math grant writers need to understand, and the different categories to include in a budget.

The budget can seem like the scariest part of writing a grant for people who get into writing grants. Why? Because the typical grant writer considers themselves more of a writer than a mathematician. 

But as a grant writer, you will master both writing and math.

Don’t worry, you don’t need to be CPA or have taken calculus!

Fortunately, a grant budget is very logical and if you follow the right framework it’s actually quite straightforward.

This episode, Holly explains how to write a grant’s budget, the math you need to include in the budget section of a grant, and the best time to write a grant’s budget.

Holly also talks about the different categories to include in a budget, how to write a budget as a narrative, and common mistakes people make in the budget section.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • Why people become grant writers
  • The math grant writers need to do
  • How to write a grant’s budget
  • When you should write the budget
  • How to efficiently write a grant’s narrative
  • The different categories to include in a budget
  • The benefits of hiring contractors over employees
  • How to make your budget balances narrative

Quotables:

  • “Grant Writers need to be able to write well and carry out accurate mathematics. You need to know how to do a budget, but the budget is very logical and can include both words and numbers.”
  • “Use a US Federal Budget for all of your grants. Use this as your basis, then if you get Federal grants in the future it’ll be easier for your accountant because all of your categories are unified.“
  • “What funding sources want to know is can you implement programs and can you manage money. To implement programs you need to be able to properly manage money.”

Resources mentioned in this episode:

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> This episode, Holly explains how to write a budget for a grant, the math grant writers need to understand, and the different categories to include in a budget.

The budget can seem like the scariest part of writing a grant for people who get into writing grants. Why? Because the typical grant writer considers themselves more of a writer than a mathematician. 

But as a grant writer, you will master both writing and math.

Don’t worry, you don’t need to be CPA or have taken calculus!

Fortunately, a grant budget is very logical and if you follow the right framework it’s actually quite straightforward.

This episode, Holly explains how to write a grant’s budget, the math you need to include in the budget section of a grant, and the best time to write a grant’s budget.

Holly also talks about the different categories to include in a budget, how to write a budget as a narrative, and common mistakes people make in the budget section.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • Why people become grant writers
  • The math grant writers need to do
  • How to write a grant’s budget
  • When you should write the budget
  • How to efficiently write a grant’s narrative
  • The different categories to include in a budget
  • The benefits of hiring contractors over employees
  • How to make your budget balances narrative

Quotables:

  • “Grant Writers need to be able to write well and carry out accurate mathematics. You need to know how to do a budget, but the budget is very logical and can include both words and numbers.”
  • “Use a US Federal Budget for all of your grants. Use this as your basis, then if you get Federal grants in the future it’ll be easier for your accountant because all of your categories are unified.“
  • “What funding sources want to know is can you implement programs and can you manage money. To implement programs you need to be able to properly manage money.”

Resources mentioned in this episode:

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 09 May 2023 07:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 714 This episode, Holly explains how to write a budget for a grant, the math grant writers need to understand, and the different categories to include in a budget.

The budget can seem like the scariest part of writing a grant for people who get into writing grants. Why? Because the typical grant writer considers themselves more of a writer than a mathematician. 

But as a grant writer, you will master both writing and math.

Don’t worry, you don’t need to be CPA or have taken calculus!

Fortunately, a grant budget is very logical and if you follow the right framework it’s actually quite straightforward.

This episode, Holly explains how to write a grant’s budget, the math you need to include in the budget section of a grant, and the best time to write a grant’s budget.

Holly also talks about the different categories to include in a budget, how to write a budget as a narrative, and common mistakes people make in the budget section.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • Why people become grant writers
  • The math grant writers need to do
  • How to write a grant’s budget
  • When you should write the budget
  • How to efficiently write a grant’s narrative
  • The different categories to include in a budget
  • The benefits of hiring contractors over employees
  • How to make your budget balances narrative

Quotables:

  • “Grant Writers need to be able to write well and carry out accurate mathematics. You need to know how to do a budget, but the budget is very logical and can include both words and numbers.”
  • “Use a US Federal Budget for all of your grants. Use this as your basis, then if you get Federal grants in the future it’ll be easier for your accountant because all of your categories are unified.“
  • “What funding sources want to know is can you implement programs and can you manage money. To implement programs you need to be able to properly manage money.”

Resources mentioned in this episode:

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No 2023 Grant Funding Changes - with Steve Boland of Next in Nonprofits 269 269 2023 Grant Funding Changes - with Steve Boland of Next in Nonprofits full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1489039549 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-269-2023-grant-funding-changes-with-steve-boland-of-next-in-nonprofits Steve Bollard joins us to break down how grant funding is shifting in 2023 as the sector moves beyond Covid and into a rapidly evolving AI-driven landscape. He shares how the traditional grant application process is being restructured, the increasing barriers and gatekeepers to government funding, and the lasting changes brought on by the pandemic. 

We also explore how major philanthropic shifts—like MacKenzie Scott’s approach—are influencing the nonprofit sector, alongside growing concerns around monopolization. 

Steve highlights practical ways nonprofits can access funding today and unpacks how tools like ChatGPT are already transforming grant writing, strategy, and the overall funding outlook for 2023.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Steve Bollard joins us to break down how grant funding is shifting in 2023 as the sector moves beyond Covid and into a rapidly evolving AI-driven landscape. He shares how the traditional grant application process is being restructured, the increasing barriers and gatekeepers to government funding, and the lasting changes brought on by the pandemic. 

We also explore how major philanthropic shifts—like MacKenzie Scott’s approach—are influencing the nonprofit sector, alongside growing concerns around monopolization. 

Steve highlights practical ways nonprofits can access funding today and unpacks how tools like ChatGPT are already transforming grant writing, strategy, and the overall funding outlook for 2023.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 02 May 2023 07:00:07 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2888 Steve Bollard joins us to break down how grant funding is shifting in 2023 as the sector moves beyond Covid and into a rapidly evolving AI-driven landscape. He shares how the traditional grant application process is being restructured, the increasing barriers and gatekeepers to government funding, and the lasting changes brought on by the pandemic. 

We also explore how major philanthropic shifts—like MacKenzie Scott’s approach—are influencing the nonprofit sector, alongside growing concerns around monopolization. 

Steve highlights practical ways nonprofits can access funding today and unpacks how tools like ChatGPT are already transforming grant writing, strategy, and the overall funding outlook for 2023.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Writing Goals for Your Grant Proposal - With Holly Rustick 268 268 Writing Goals for Your Grant Proposal - With Holly Rustick full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1488500335 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/writing-goals-for-your-grant-proposal-with-holly-rustick This episode, Holly explains how to write a goal in a grant, what to include in a grant’s objective, and how to put a task in a grant.

The goal of a grant is one of the most important sections of a grant application and is usually where you’ll get the most points.

But what should you include in the goal section of a grant? How should you structure it? And how ambitious should you be?

This episode, Holly explains why this section is so important, how to write a goal in a grant, and everything you need to include in this part of your grants application.

Holly also talks about how to write a grant’s objective, the best way to include a timeline in a grant, and how to put a task in a grant.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • How to write a goal in a grant.
  • What to include in a grant’s goal.
  • How to write a grant’s objective.
  • What to include in a grant’s objective.
  • How to include a timeline in a grant.
  • How to put a task in a grant.
  • Why you need a work plan for grant funding.
  • What to include in a work plan.

Quotables:

  • “The goal of a grant needs to include your main outcome while staying grounded on the budget of the grant and the time it will take to deliver. Your budget and time constraints are central to how ambitious your goal can be.” 
  • “An objective has to be SMART, specific, measurable, achievable, relevant or realistic, and time-bound. This is important because when you’re writing an objective it has to be clear on each of these points.”
  • “Use time-bound terms rather than specific dates. If you use specific dates rather than ‘by the end of year one’ you may have to rework your entire time schedule if your grant is delayed in its approval.”


ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> This episode, Holly explains how to write a goal in a grant, what to include in a grant’s objective, and how to put a task in a grant.

The goal of a grant is one of the most important sections of a grant application and is usually where you’ll get the most points.

But what should you include in the goal section of a grant? How should you structure it? And how ambitious should you be?

This episode, Holly explains why this section is so important, how to write a goal in a grant, and everything you need to include in this part of your grants application.

Holly also talks about how to write a grant’s objective, the best way to include a timeline in a grant, and how to put a task in a grant.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • How to write a goal in a grant.
  • What to include in a grant’s goal.
  • How to write a grant’s objective.
  • What to include in a grant’s objective.
  • How to include a timeline in a grant.
  • How to put a task in a grant.
  • Why you need a work plan for grant funding.
  • What to include in a work plan.

Quotables:

  • “The goal of a grant needs to include your main outcome while staying grounded on the budget of the grant and the time it will take to deliver. Your budget and time constraints are central to how ambitious your goal can be.” 
  • “An objective has to be SMART, specific, measurable, achievable, relevant or realistic, and time-bound. This is important because when you’re writing an objective it has to be clear on each of these points.”
  • “Use time-bound terms rather than specific dates. If you use specific dates rather than ‘by the end of year one’ you may have to rework your entire time schedule if your grant is delayed in its approval.”


ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> Tue, 25 Apr 2023 07:00:06 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 696 This episode, Holly explains how to write a goal in a grant, what to include in a grant’s objective, and how to put a task in a grant.

The goal of a grant is one of the most important sections of a grant application and is usually where you’ll get the most points.

But what should you include in the goal section of a grant? How should you structure it? And how ambitious should you be?

This episode, Holly explains why this section is so important, how to write a goal in a grant, and everything you need to include in this part of your grants application.

Holly also talks about how to write a grant’s objective, the best way to include a timeline in a grant, and how to put a task in a grant.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • How to write a goal in a grant.
  • What to include in a grant’s goal.
  • How to write a grant’s objective.
  • What to include in a grant’s objective.
  • How to include a timeline in a grant.
  • How to put a task in a grant.
  • Why you need a work plan for grant funding.
  • What to include in a work plan.

Quotables:

  • “The goal of a grant needs to include your main outcome while staying grounded on the budget of the grant and the time it will take to deliver. Your budget and time constraints are central to how ambitious your goal can be.” 
  • “An objective has to be SMART, specific, measurable, achievable, relevant or realistic, and time-bound. This is important because when you’re writing an objective it has to be clear on each of these points.”
  • “Use time-bound terms rather than specific dates. If you use specific dates rather than ‘by the end of year one’ you may have to rework your entire time schedule if your grant is delayed in its approval.”


ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


Resources mentioned in this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No How to Secure Funding for Your School or Nonprofit 267 267 How to Secure Funding for Your School or Nonprofit full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1488415687 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-267-how-to-secure-funding-for-your-school-or-nonprofit Navigating funding for educational programs can feel overwhelming, especially when it’s unclear where to find the right opportunities or how to apply successfully. 

In this episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Chiara to break down how nonprofits and schools can access Department of Education grants and tap into the wide range of funding still available. They discuss how to identify the right grant opportunities, which Department of Education funds are currently open for applications, and how to strategically position your organization for success.

Chiara also shares insights on the impact grants can have on educational institutions, the importance of strong evaluation metrics, and why a well-developed evaluation section is critical to a winning proposal. Whether you're new to education grants or looking to strengthen your applications, this episode provides clear, actionable guidance to help you move forward with confidence.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Chiara is a grant funding expert specializing in Department of Education grants and funding strategies for schools and nonprofit organizations. With extensive experience in identifying funding opportunities and developing competitive grant proposals, she helps organizations secure the resources they need to expand educational programs and increase their impact. 

Chiara is passionate about demystifying the grant process and equipping leaders with the tools and knowledge to successfully navigate education funding.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Navigating funding for educational programs can feel overwhelming, especially when it’s unclear where to find the right opportunities or how to apply successfully. 

In this episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Chiara to break down how nonprofits and schools can access Department of Education grants and tap into the wide range of funding still available. They discuss how to identify the right grant opportunities, which Department of Education funds are currently open for applications, and how to strategically position your organization for success.

Chiara also shares insights on the impact grants can have on educational institutions, the importance of strong evaluation metrics, and why a well-developed evaluation section is critical to a winning proposal. Whether you're new to education grants or looking to strengthen your applications, this episode provides clear, actionable guidance to help you move forward with confidence.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Chiara is a grant funding expert specializing in Department of Education grants and funding strategies for schools and nonprofit organizations. With extensive experience in identifying funding opportunities and developing competitive grant proposals, she helps organizations secure the resources they need to expand educational programs and increase their impact. 

Chiara is passionate about demystifying the grant process and equipping leaders with the tools and knowledge to successfully navigate education funding.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 18 Apr 2023 07:00:06 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2402 Navigating funding for educational programs can feel overwhelming, especially when it’s unclear where to find the right opportunities or how to apply successfully. 

In this episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Chiara to break down how nonprofits and schools can access Department of Education grants and tap into the wide range of funding still available. They discuss how to identify the right grant opportunities, which Department of Education funds are currently open for applications, and how to strategically position your organization for success.

Chiara also shares insights on the impact grants can have on educational institutions, the importance of strong evaluation metrics, and why a well-developed evaluation section is critical to a winning proposal. Whether you're new to education grants or looking to strengthen your applications, this episode provides clear, actionable guidance to help you move forward with confidence.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Chiara is a grant funding expert specializing in Department of Education grants and funding strategies for schools and nonprofit organizations. With extensive experience in identifying funding opportunities and developing competitive grant proposals, she helps organizations secure the resources they need to expand educational programs and increase their impact. 

Chiara is passionate about demystifying the grant process and equipping leaders with the tools and knowledge to successfully navigate education funding.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Scoring Points in Your Grant Proposal's Research Section - With Holly Rustick 266 266 Scoring Points in Your Grant Proposal's Research Section - With Holly Rustick full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1488399877 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-266-scoring-points-in-your-grant-proposals-research-section-with-holly-rustick In this episode, Holly Rustick breaks down one of the most critical components of a winning grant proposal—the research section. She explains how this section is evaluated by funders, what specific elements you need to include, and the type of data required to make your proposal competitive. 

While it can be tempting to rely on emotional storytelling, Holly emphasizes that the research section must be grounded in strong, data-driven evidence to earn points. She shares how to structure your research section effectively, the kind of language to use, and how to clearly demonstrate the need for your project. 

Holly also dives into strategies for maximizing your score, including the importance of credible data sources, proper referencing styles, and aligning your research with funder expectations. Whether you're new to grant writing or looking to strengthen your proposals, this episode will help you create a compelling, high-impact research section that stands out.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> In this episode, Holly Rustick breaks down one of the most critical components of a winning grant proposal—the research section. She explains how this section is evaluated by funders, what specific elements you need to include, and the type of data required to make your proposal competitive. 

While it can be tempting to rely on emotional storytelling, Holly emphasizes that the research section must be grounded in strong, data-driven evidence to earn points. She shares how to structure your research section effectively, the kind of language to use, and how to clearly demonstrate the need for your project. 

Holly also dives into strategies for maximizing your score, including the importance of credible data sources, proper referencing styles, and aligning your research with funder expectations. Whether you're new to grant writing or looking to strengthen your proposals, this episode will help you create a compelling, high-impact research section that stands out.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 11 Apr 2023 07:00:06 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 650 In this episode, Holly Rustick breaks down one of the most critical components of a winning grant proposal—the research section. She explains how this section is evaluated by funders, what specific elements you need to include, and the type of data required to make your proposal competitive. 

While it can be tempting to rely on emotional storytelling, Holly emphasizes that the research section must be grounded in strong, data-driven evidence to earn points. She shares how to structure your research section effectively, the kind of language to use, and how to clearly demonstrate the need for your project. 

Holly also dives into strategies for maximizing your score, including the importance of credible data sources, proper referencing styles, and aligning your research with funder expectations. Whether you're new to grant writing or looking to strengthen your proposals, this episode will help you create a compelling, high-impact research section that stands out.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No How to Score Higher on Your Grant Proposal - With Holly Rustick 265 265 How to Score Higher on Your Grant Proposal - With Holly Rustick full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1483236235 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-265-how-to-score-higher-on-your-grant-proposal-with-holly-rustick Feeling overwhelmed by grant proposals?


You’re not alone.


Many people struggle with where to start, what to include, and how to make sure they don’t miss critical details when writing a grant.

In this episode, Holly breaks down how to simplify the process by using grant templates effectively.


We dive into how to find and use templates to structure your proposal, how to follow grant instructions correctly, and how to ensure you’re 
aligning your content with what funders are actually looking for. But writing the grant is only one side of the equation—you also need to understand how it’s reviewed.


Holly explains the subjective nature of grant reviewing, what happens during the review process, and how different sections of your proposal are scored. This insight is key to strengthening your applications and increasing your chances of success.


If you’ve ever felt stuck staring at a blank page or unsure if you’re “doing it right,” this episode will give you clarity, structure, and confidence.


ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Feeling overwhelmed by grant proposals?


You’re not alone.


Many people struggle with where to start, what to include, and how to make sure they don’t miss critical details when writing a grant.

In this episode, Holly breaks down how to simplify the process by using grant templates effectively.


We dive into how to find and use templates to structure your proposal, how to follow grant instructions correctly, and how to ensure you’re 
aligning your content with what funders are actually looking for. But writing the grant is only one side of the equation—you also need to understand how it’s reviewed.


Holly explains the subjective nature of grant reviewing, what happens during the review process, and how different sections of your proposal are scored. This insight is key to strengthening your applications and increasing your chances of success.


If you’ve ever felt stuck staring at a blank page or unsure if you’re “doing it right,” this episode will give you clarity, structure, and confidence.


ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 04 Apr 2023 07:00:07 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 998 Feeling overwhelmed by grant proposals?


You’re not alone.


Many people struggle with where to start, what to include, and how to make sure they don’t miss critical details when writing a grant.

In this episode, Holly breaks down how to simplify the process by using grant templates effectively.


We dive into how to find and use templates to structure your proposal, how to follow grant instructions correctly, and how to ensure you’re 
aligning your content with what funders are actually looking for. But writing the grant is only one side of the equation—you also need to understand how it’s reviewed.


Holly explains the subjective nature of grant reviewing, what happens during the review process, and how different sections of your proposal are scored. This insight is key to strengthening your applications and increasing your chances of success.


If you’ve ever felt stuck staring at a blank page or unsure if you’re “doing it right,” this episode will give you clarity, structure, and confidence.


ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No How to Know When to Grow Your Nonprofit Consultancy with Mandy Pearce 264 264 How to Know When to Grow Your Nonprofit Consultancy with Mandy Pearce full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1473998377 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-264-how-to-know-when-to-grow-your-nonprofit-consultancy-with-mandy-pearce Starting a nonprofit consultancy is one thing—knowing when and how to grow it is another. Once you’ve established your business and are serving nonprofit clients through services like grant writing, grant management, marketing, strategic planning, fundraising, and more, the next step is figuring out how to scale.

But growth comes with big questions: When is the right time to hire or outsource? Should you have a financial cushion in place? How do you evaluate return on investment when expanding your team or systems? To help answer these questions, Mandy Pearce from Funding for Good joins me on the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to share her expertise on growing and scaling a successful nonprofit consultancy.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Mandy Pearce is the founder of Funding for Good, where she helps nonprofit professionals and consultants grow sustainable, impactful businesses. With extensive experience in fundraising and nonprofit strategy, she supports organizations and consultants in scaling their services and increasing their impact.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Starting a nonprofit consultancy is one thing—knowing when and how to grow it is another. Once you’ve established your business and are serving nonprofit clients through services like grant writing, grant management, marketing, strategic planning, fundraising, and more, the next step is figuring out how to scale.

But growth comes with big questions: When is the right time to hire or outsource? Should you have a financial cushion in place? How do you evaluate return on investment when expanding your team or systems? To help answer these questions, Mandy Pearce from Funding for Good joins me on the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to share her expertise on growing and scaling a successful nonprofit consultancy.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Mandy Pearce is the founder of Funding for Good, where she helps nonprofit professionals and consultants grow sustainable, impactful businesses. With extensive experience in fundraising and nonprofit strategy, she supports organizations and consultants in scaling their services and increasing their impact.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 28 Mar 2023 07:00:08 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2392 Starting a nonprofit consultancy is one thing—knowing when and how to grow it is another. Once you’ve established your business and are serving nonprofit clients through services like grant writing, grant management, marketing, strategic planning, fundraising, and more, the next step is figuring out how to scale.

But growth comes with big questions: When is the right time to hire or outsource? Should you have a financial cushion in place? How do you evaluate return on investment when expanding your team or systems? To help answer these questions, Mandy Pearce from Funding for Good joins me on the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to share her expertise on growing and scaling a successful nonprofit consultancy.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Mandy Pearce is the founder of Funding for Good, where she helps nonprofit professionals and consultants grow sustainable, impactful businesses. With extensive experience in fundraising and nonprofit strategy, she supports organizations and consultants in scaling their services and increasing their impact.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No 15 Step Nonprofit Checklist to Create Gender Equity 263 263 15 Step Nonprofit Checklist to Create Gender Equity full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1472338753 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/15-step-nonprofit-checklist-to-create-gender-equity Don’t just assume that gender inequity doesn’t exist in your nonprofit organization.

Even though women represent 75 percent of people working in nonprofit organizations in the United States, we know that there are leadership positions and pay gaps rampant in nonprofit organizations.

However, it’s not all doom and gloom either. There are ways to create gender equity for your nonprofit organization.

Here are 15-steps for your nonprofit to create a culture of gender equity. 

Nonprofit Checklist Step #1: Conduct a Recruitment Self-Audit for Nonprofit Gender Equity in Your Nonprofit

It is important to understand what your recruitment process is when seeking candidates for positions at your nonprofit organization.

When writing position descriptions do you seek employee input and develop consensus for position descriptions? This can be essential to having an internal spotlight on getting someone to fill real gaps.

An important note is to NOT put everything and anything into a job description. I have seen this too often be a ‘wish list’ rather than an actual job description. If you fill your job descriptions with too many wishes, chances are you will not get very many qualified candidates.

And chances are you will get more men applying than women, even if the men aren’t as qualified. Women don’t apply for jobs like men: Studies show that men often apply for jobs when they only meet 60% of qualifications, but women only apply if they meet 100% of them.

One other important consideration is, “Are you requiring previous salaries?” This can automatically give men a higher wage, as historically and currently, there is an average pay gap between men and women. 

By asking for previous salaries, you are essentially continuing the gender and marginalized pay gap pattern. 

For the full free Nonprofit Checklist for Gender Equity, click here.

Nonprofit Checklist Step #2: Evaluate Your Compensation System for Internal Equity in Your Nonprofit

Evaluating your internal compensation system is just as important as hiring new folks. 

Questions for your Nonprofit to Consider:

  • Do you have a method to determine salaries and benefits?
  • Do you have a consistent job evaluation system? 
  • Can workers negotiate their pay? (women vs. men) This may be flawed as historically women do not negotiate as often as men, even if they are more qualified for promotions compared to men.
  • How long do men, women and minorities stay within job grades or scores before moving up? 

For the full free Nonprofit Checklist for Gender Equity, click here.

Nonprofit Checklist Step #3: Evaluate Your Compensation System for Industry Competitiveness in Your Nonprofit

It’s vital to evaluate your nonprofit’s compensation system compared to industry standards. 

Questions for your Nonprofit to Consider:

  • Does your nonprofit have a method to determine the market rate for any given job?
  • Can you be confident that men are not being compensated at or above market rates while women and minority workers are compensated at or below market rates?
  • Do you consider whether the market has undercompensated certain occupations or professions before adjustments?

For the full free Nonprofit Checklist for Gender Equity, click here.

Nonprofit Checklist Step #4: Assess How Raises are Awarded in Your Nonprofit

Let’s get into pay raises at your nonprofit. 

Questions for your Nonprofit to Consider:

  • Do men, women and minorities receive consistent raises based on similar performance standards?
  • Are all workers with outstanding evaluations awarded the same percentage increases? If not, what are the reasons for the difference?
  • Are men, women and minorities with similar levels of performance awarded bonuses on a consistent basis? 
  • Do they receive bonuses of similar monetary values?

For the full free Nonprofit Checklist for Gender Equity, click here. 

Nonprofit Checklist Step #5: Evaluate Employee Training, Development and Promotion Opportunities in Your Nonprofit

The thing is, you may discover that your nonprofit does in fact have gender pay gaps, but you aren’t sure how it got that way. One specific trajectory is for certain employees to be given (or seek) certain training or development opportunities, and then these slots are filled up before other employees are approached. That can lead directly (and very validly) to a promotion. 

But here’s the thing. Men, on average, are more vocal to ask about employee training and opportunities. Women, on average, have more unpaid requirements such as picking up the kids after school, so may not have the extra time to stay at work late for additional employee training.

To change the culture of your nonprofit it is important to think outside the box for ways to seek more women and diverse inclusion for employee training opportunities. Classes taken online is one example of how you can narrow the gap.

Questions for your Nonprofit to Consider:

How are workers selected for participation in training opportunities or special projects that lead to advancement?

Are there differences by race or gender? If so, what can be done to widen the pool to reflect equal opportunity?

For the full free Nonprofit Checklist for Gender Equity, click here.

Nonprofit Checklist Step #6: Ensure Pay Transparency Practices in Your Nonprofit

Ensuring that your nonprofit practices transparency is a doozy. One of the quickest ways to create more gender equity within your nonprofit organization is to post salaries. 

Yep, you heard that right. Why? Because this keeps everyone accountable. One of the most gender equitable pay ranges of any industry in the United States is the U.S. Federal Government. 

Why? Because they have to post their salary ranges. This is the quickest and most effective ways to create more gender equity.

Questions for your Nonprofit to Consider:

  • Do you regularly post job openings and salary ranges within the workplace?
  • Do you publish your compensations publicly?

For the full free Nonprofit Checklist for Gender Equity, click here. 

Nonprofit Checklist Step #7: Provide Benefits that work to Sustain Gender Equity in Your Nonprofit

Many workers during the

]]> Don’t just assume that gender inequity doesn’t exist in your nonprofit organization.

Even though women represent 75 percent of people working in nonprofit organizations in the United States, we know that there are leadership positions and pay gaps rampant in nonprofit organizations.

However, it’s not all doom and gloom either. There are ways to create gender equity for your nonprofit organization.

Here are 15-steps for your nonprofit to create a culture of gender equity. 

Nonprofit Checklist Step #1: Conduct a Recruitment Self-Audit for Nonprofit Gender Equity in Your Nonprofit

It is important to understand what your recruitment process is when seeking candidates for positions at your nonprofit organization.

When writing position descriptions do you seek employee input and develop consensus for position descriptions? This can be essential to having an internal spotlight on getting someone to fill real gaps.

An important note is to NOT put everything and anything into a job description. I have seen this too often be a ‘wish list’ rather than an actual job description. If you fill your job descriptions with too many wishes, chances are you will not get very many qualified candidates.

And chances are you will get more men applying than women, even if the men aren’t as qualified. Women don’t apply for jobs like men: Studies show that men often apply for jobs when they only meet 60% of qualifications, but women only apply if they meet 100% of them.

One other important consideration is, “Are you requiring previous salaries?” This can automatically give men a higher wage, as historically and currently, there is an average pay gap between men and women. 

By asking for previous salaries, you are essentially continuing the gender and marginalized pay gap pattern. 

For the full free Nonprofit Checklist for Gender Equity, click here.

Nonprofit Checklist Step #2: Evaluate Your Compensation System for Internal Equity in Your Nonprofit

Evaluating your internal compensation system is just as important as hiring new folks. 

Questions for your Nonprofit to Consider:

  • Do you have a method to determine salaries and benefits?
  • Do you have a consistent job evaluation system? 
  • Can workers negotiate their pay? (women vs. men) This may be flawed as historically women do not negotiate as often as men, even if they are more qualified for promotions compared to men.
  • How long do men, women and minorities stay within job grades or scores before moving up? 

For the full free Nonprofit Checklist for Gender Equity, click here.

Nonprofit Checklist Step #3: Evaluate Your Compensation System for Industry Competitiveness in Your Nonprofit

It’s vital to evaluate your nonprofit’s compensation system compared to industry standards. 

Questions for your Nonprofit to Consider:

  • Does your nonprofit have a method to determine the market rate for any given job?
  • Can you be confident that men are not being compensated at or above market rates while women and minority workers are compensated at or below market rates?
  • Do you consider whether the market has undercompensated certain occupations or professions before adjustments?

For the full free Nonprofit Checklist for Gender Equity, click here.

Nonprofit Checklist Step #4: Assess How Raises are Awarded in Your Nonprofit

Let’s get into pay raises at your nonprofit. 

Questions for your Nonprofit to Consider:

  • Do men, women and minorities receive consistent raises based on similar performance standards?
  • Are all workers with outstanding evaluations awarded the same percentage increases? If not, what are the reasons for the difference?
  • Are men, women and minorities with similar levels of performance awarded bonuses on a consistent basis? 
  • Do they receive bonuses of similar monetary values?

For the full free Nonprofit Checklist for Gender Equity, click here. 

Nonprofit Checklist Step #5: Evaluate Employee Training, Development and Promotion Opportunities in Your Nonprofit

The thing is, you may discover that your nonprofit does in fact have gender pay gaps, but you aren’t sure how it got that way. One specific trajectory is for certain employees to be given (or seek) certain training or development opportunities, and then these slots are filled up before other employees are approached. That can lead directly (and very validly) to a promotion. 

But here’s the thing. Men, on average, are more vocal to ask about employee training and opportunities. Women, on average, have more unpaid requirements such as picking up the kids after school, so may not have the extra time to stay at work late for additional employee training.

To change the culture of your nonprofit it is important to think outside the box for ways to seek more women and diverse inclusion for employee training opportunities. Classes taken online is one example of how you can narrow the gap.

Questions for your Nonprofit to Consider:

How are workers selected for participation in training opportunities or special projects that lead to advancement?

Are there differences by race or gender? If so, what can be done to widen the pool to reflect equal opportunity?

For the full free Nonprofit Checklist for Gender Equity, click here.

Nonprofit Checklist Step #6: Ensure Pay Transparency Practices in Your Nonprofit

Ensuring that your nonprofit practices transparency is a doozy. One of the quickest ways to create more gender equity within your nonprofit organization is to post salaries. 

Yep, you heard that right. Why? Because this keeps everyone accountable. One of the most gender equitable pay ranges of any industry in the United States is the U.S. Federal Government. 

Why? Because they have to post their salary ranges. This is the quickest and most effective ways to create more gender equity.

Questions for your Nonprofit to Consider:

  • Do you regularly post job openings and salary ranges within the workplace?
  • Do you publish your compensations publicly?

For the full free Nonprofit Checklist for Gender Equity, click here. 

Nonprofit Checklist Step #7: Provide Benefits that work to Sustain Gender Equity in Your Nonprofit

Many workers during the

]]> Tue, 21 Mar 2023 07:00:10 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 902 Don’t just assume that gender inequity doesn’t exist in your nonprofit organization.

Even though women represent 75 percent of people working in nonprofit organizations in the United States, we know that there are leadership positions and pay gaps rampant in nonprofit organizations.

However, it’s not all doom and gloom either. There are ways to create gender equity for your nonprofit organization.

Here are 15-steps for your nonprofit to create a culture of gender equity. 

Nonprofit Checklist Step #1: Conduct a Recruitment Self-Audit for Nonprofit Gender Equity in Your Nonprofit

It is important to understand what your recruitment process is when seeking candidates for positions at your nonprofit organization.

When writing position descriptions do you seek employee input and develop consensus for position descriptions? This can be essential to having an internal spotlight on getting someone to fill real gaps.

An important note is to NOT put everything and anything into a job description. I have seen this too often be a ‘wish list’ rather than an actual job description. If you fill your job descriptions with too many wishes, chances are you will not get very many qualified candidates.

And chances are you will get more men applying than women, even if the men aren’t as qualified. Women don’t apply for jobs like men: Studies show that men often apply for jobs when they only meet 60% of qualifications, but women only apply if they meet 100% of them.

One other important consideration is, “Are you requiring previous salaries?” This can automatically give men a higher wage, as historically and currently, there is an average pay gap between men and women. 

By asking for previous salaries, you are essentially continuing the gender and marginalized pay gap pattern. 

For the full free Nonprofit Checklist for Gender Equity, click here.

Nonprofit Checklist Step #2: Evaluate Your Compensation System for Internal Equity in Your Nonprofit

Evaluating your internal compensation system is just as important as hiring new folks. 

Questions for your Nonprofit to Consider:

  • Do you have a method to determine salaries and benefits?
  • Do you have a consistent job evaluation system? 
  • Can workers negotiate their pay? (women vs. men) This may be flawed as historically women do not negotiate as often as men, even if they are more qualified for promotions compared to men.
  • How long do men, women and minorities stay within job grades or scores before moving up? 

For the full free Nonprofit Checklist for Gender Equity, click here.

Nonprofit Checklist Step #3: Evaluate Your Compensation System for Industry Competitiveness in Your Nonprofit

It’s vital to evaluate your nonprofit’s compensation system compared to industry standards. 

Questions for your Nonprofit to Consider:

  • Does your nonprofit have a method to determine the market rate for any given job?
  • Can you be confident that men are not being compensated at or above market rates while women and minority workers are compensated at or below market rates?
  • Do you consider whether the market has undercompensated certain occupations or professions before adjustments?

For the full free Nonprofit Checklist for Gender Equity, click here.

Nonprofit Checklist Step #4: Assess How Raises are Awarded in Your Nonprofit

Let’s get into pay raises at your nonprofit. 

Questions for your Nonprofit to Consider:

  • Do men, women and minorities receive consistent raises based on similar performance standards?
  • Are all workers with outstanding evaluations awarded the same percentage increases? If not, what are the reasons for the difference?
  • Are men, women and minorities with similar levels of performance awarded bonuses on a consistent basis? 
  • Do they receive bonuses of similar monetary values?

For the full free Nonprofit Checklist for Gender Equity, click here. 

Nonprofit Checklist Step #5: Evaluate Employee Training, Development and Promotion Opportunities in Your Nonprofit

The thing is, you may discover that your nonprofit does in fact have gender pay gaps, but you aren’t sure how it got that way. One specific trajectory is for certain employees to be given (or seek) certain training or development opportunities, and then these slots are filled up before other employees are approached. That can lead directly (and very validly) to a promotion. 

But here’s the thing. Men, on average, are more vocal to ask about employee training and opportunities. Women, on average, have more unpaid requirements such as picking up the kids after school, so may not have the extra time to stay at work late for additional employee training.

To change the culture of your nonprofit it is important to think outside the box for ways to seek more women and diverse inclusion for employee training opportunities. Classes taken online is one example of how you can narrow the gap.

Questions for your Nonprofit to Consider:

How are workers selected for participation in training opportunities or special projects that lead to advancement?

Are there differences by race or gender? If so, what can be done to widen the pool to reflect equal opportunity?

For the full free Nonprofit Checklist for Gender Equity, click here.

Nonprofit Checklist Step #6: Ensure Pay Transparency Practices in Your Nonprofit

Ensuring that your nonprofit practices transparency is a doozy. One of the quickest ways to create more gender equity within your nonprofit organization is to post salaries. 

Yep, you heard that right. Why? Because this keeps everyone accountable. One of the most gender equitable pay ranges of any industry in the United States is the U.S. Federal Government. 

Why? Because they have to post their salary ranges. This is the quickest and most effective ways to create more gender equity.

Questions for your Nonprofit to Consider:

  • Do you regularly post job openings and salary ranges within the workplace?
  • Do you publish your compensations publicly?

For the full free Nonprofit Checklist for Gender Equity, click here. 

Nonprofit Checklist Step #7: Provide Benefits that work to Sustain Gender Equity in Your Nonprofit

Many workers during the

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Women in Nonprofits: Does Representation Equate to Leadership & Pay Equity? 262 262 Women in Nonprofits: Does Representation Equate to Leadership & Pay Equity? full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1467760579 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/women-in-nonprofits-does-representation-equate-to-leadership-pay-equity Women represent 75 percent of people working in nonprofit organizations in the United States. 

One might think because they make up such a high percentage of staffing that they would have equal leadership positions and pay compared to their male counterparts. 

However, research shows that just because women represent a high percentage of positions in the nonprofit sector that there is no equity.

Unfortunately, there are a large number of systemic issues tied to this, and we go deeper into this in our full webinar, “Celebrating Women in Nonprofits”.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

Links Associate with this Episode:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Women represent 75 percent of people working in nonprofit organizations in the United States. 

One might think because they make up such a high percentage of staffing that they would have equal leadership positions and pay compared to their male counterparts. 

However, research shows that just because women represent a high percentage of positions in the nonprofit sector that there is no equity.

Unfortunately, there are a large number of systemic issues tied to this, and we go deeper into this in our full webinar, “Celebrating Women in Nonprofits”.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

Links Associate with this Episode:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 14 Mar 2023 07:00:18 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 625 Women represent 75 percent of people working in nonprofit organizations in the United States. 

One might think because they make up such a high percentage of staffing that they would have equal leadership positions and pay compared to their male counterparts. 

However, research shows that just because women represent a high percentage of positions in the nonprofit sector that there is no equity.

Unfortunately, there are a large number of systemic issues tied to this, and we go deeper into this in our full webinar, “Celebrating Women in Nonprofits”.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

Links Associate with this Episode:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ep.261: Why are Female Freelance Grant Writers Working for Free 261 261 Ep.261: Why are Female Freelance Grant Writers Working for Free full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1461755584 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-261-why-are-female-freelance-grant-writers-working-for-free Tue, 07 Mar 2023 06:00:18 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 816 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No 5 Top Nonprofit Leadership Books from Nonprofit Jenni 260 260 5 Top Nonprofit Leadership Books from Nonprofit Jenni full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1450505146 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-260-5-top-nonprofit-leadership-books-from-nonprofit-jenni Every nonprofit leader knows that learning never stops—but with so many books out there, which ones are actually worth your time? Staying ahead of trends, leadership strategies, and innovative thinking can feel overwhelming without a trusted guide.

That’s exactly what Nonprofit Jenni brings to this conversation. As the founder of the Overhead Book Club, she curates cutting-edge books specifically for nonprofit leaders. Jenni spends countless hours researching and vetting books to ensure they deliver real value—and in this episode, she shares some of her top recommendations and insights.

Tune in to discover powerful reads that can elevate your leadership, strengthen your organization, and spark new ideas for impact.


ABOUT OUR GUEST

Nonprofit Jenni is the founder of the Overhead Book Club, where she curates books for nonprofit leaders. She dedicates extensive time to researching and selecting high-quality, impactful books to help nonprofit professionals grow as leaders and innovators.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Every nonprofit leader knows that learning never stops—but with so many books out there, which ones are actually worth your time? Staying ahead of trends, leadership strategies, and innovative thinking can feel overwhelming without a trusted guide.

That’s exactly what Nonprofit Jenni brings to this conversation. As the founder of the Overhead Book Club, she curates cutting-edge books specifically for nonprofit leaders. Jenni spends countless hours researching and vetting books to ensure they deliver real value—and in this episode, she shares some of her top recommendations and insights.

Tune in to discover powerful reads that can elevate your leadership, strengthen your organization, and spark new ideas for impact.


ABOUT OUR GUEST

Nonprofit Jenni is the founder of the Overhead Book Club, where she curates books for nonprofit leaders. She dedicates extensive time to researching and selecting high-quality, impactful books to help nonprofit professionals grow as leaders and innovators.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 28 Feb 2023 06:00:00 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2858 Every nonprofit leader knows that learning never stops—but with so many books out there, which ones are actually worth your time? Staying ahead of trends, leadership strategies, and innovative thinking can feel overwhelming without a trusted guide.

That’s exactly what Nonprofit Jenni brings to this conversation. As the founder of the Overhead Book Club, she curates cutting-edge books specifically for nonprofit leaders. Jenni spends countless hours researching and vetting books to ensure they deliver real value—and in this episode, she shares some of her top recommendations and insights.

Tune in to discover powerful reads that can elevate your leadership, strengthen your organization, and spark new ideas for impact.


ABOUT OUR GUEST

Nonprofit Jenni is the founder of the Overhead Book Club, where she curates books for nonprofit leaders. She dedicates extensive time to researching and selecting high-quality, impactful books to help nonprofit professionals grow as leaders and innovators.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No The Art of Storytelling & Press Conferences for Your Nonprofit 259 259 The Art of Storytelling & Press Conferences for Your Nonprofit full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1449850273 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-259-the-art-of-storytelling-press-conferences-for-your-nonprofit Storytelling is one of the most powerful tools your nonprofit has—but are you using it effectively?


In this episode, we dive into how strategic storytelling and press conferences can elevate your nonprofit’s visibility, credibility, and impact.

Nikki R. Jones joins us to share how nonprofits can craft compelling narratives that resonate with their audience, attract media attention, and communicate their mission with clarity and purpose.

We explore how to prepare for and execute successful press conferences, how to position your organization in the media, and why storytelling is essential for building trust and engagement with your community. If you’re ready to amplify your message and make your nonprofit stand out, this episode is packed with insights you can start using right away.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Nikki R. Jones is a communications strategist, speechwriter, copywriter, and trainer with over 16 years of experience across the small business, government, and nonprofit sectors. She specializes in helping organizations craft powerful messaging, develop compelling stories, and communicate effectively with their audiences.

Through her work, Nikki supports leaders and organizations in building visibility, strengthening their voice, and creating meaningful connections through strategic communication.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Storytelling is one of the most powerful tools your nonprofit has—but are you using it effectively?


In this episode, we dive into how strategic storytelling and press conferences can elevate your nonprofit’s visibility, credibility, and impact.

Nikki R. Jones joins us to share how nonprofits can craft compelling narratives that resonate with their audience, attract media attention, and communicate their mission with clarity and purpose.

We explore how to prepare for and execute successful press conferences, how to position your organization in the media, and why storytelling is essential for building trust and engagement with your community. If you’re ready to amplify your message and make your nonprofit stand out, this episode is packed with insights you can start using right away.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Nikki R. Jones is a communications strategist, speechwriter, copywriter, and trainer with over 16 years of experience across the small business, government, and nonprofit sectors. She specializes in helping organizations craft powerful messaging, develop compelling stories, and communicate effectively with their audiences.

Through her work, Nikki supports leaders and organizations in building visibility, strengthening their voice, and creating meaningful connections through strategic communication.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 21 Feb 2023 06:00:17 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2952 Storytelling is one of the most powerful tools your nonprofit has—but are you using it effectively?


In this episode, we dive into how strategic storytelling and press conferences can elevate your nonprofit’s visibility, credibility, and impact.

Nikki R. Jones joins us to share how nonprofits can craft compelling narratives that resonate with their audience, attract media attention, and communicate their mission with clarity and purpose.

We explore how to prepare for and execute successful press conferences, how to position your organization in the media, and why storytelling is essential for building trust and engagement with your community. If you’re ready to amplify your message and make your nonprofit stand out, this episode is packed with insights you can start using right away.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Nikki R. Jones is a communications strategist, speechwriter, copywriter, and trainer with over 16 years of experience across the small business, government, and nonprofit sectors. She specializes in helping organizations craft powerful messaging, develop compelling stories, and communicate effectively with their audiences.

Through her work, Nikki supports leaders and organizations in building visibility, strengthening their voice, and creating meaningful connections through strategic communication.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ep.258: Increase Retention and Recruit Talent by Using the 4-Day Workweek 258 258 Ep.258: Increase Retention and Recruit Talent by Using the 4-Day Workweek full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1445196397 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-258-increase-retention-and-recruit-talent-by-using-the-4-day-workweek Tue, 14 Feb 2023 06:00:15 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2414 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Grant Writer Pricing Survey: Why Grant Professionals Don't Feel Valued 257 257 Grant Writer Pricing Survey: Why Grant Professionals Don't Feel Valued full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1440779752 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/grant-writer-pricing-survey-why-grant-professionals-dont-feel-valued In this special premiere presentation of Grant Professional Pricing Survey results, Rachel Waterman of Global Development Solutions and Grant Easy Management Systems, delivers the results of an intensive 2022 pricing survey among grant writing professionals. 

The results identified in "Survey Revealed: What & How Grant Professionals are Pricing Their Services"are very eye-opening!

About Rachel Waterman

Rachel Waterman has over 25 years of community development and grant writing experience, is Grant Professional Certified (GPC), a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), a Grant Professionals Association (GPA) Approved Trainer, and an expert in grant management. She holds a Master’s degree in community and economic development with a concentration in applied social research from Illinois State University and a Bachelor’s degree in international studies from Barry University. Her career has encompassed a broad spectrum of professional experiences, including serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer, nonprofit executive director, community organizer, city master planner, researcher, and Mayor of the city of Lake Worth Beach, Florida.

Rachel is CEO and Founder of GDS Grants. She is responsible for client strategy, new program & budget development, data tracking systems, outcome measures and data analysis. Rachel also oversees the GDS Professional Development Program and personally coaches GDS interns, fellows and mentees.

Links mentioned:

OTHER RESOURCES:


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> In this special premiere presentation of Grant Professional Pricing Survey results, Rachel Waterman of Global Development Solutions and Grant Easy Management Systems, delivers the results of an intensive 2022 pricing survey among grant writing professionals. 

The results identified in "Survey Revealed: What & How Grant Professionals are Pricing Their Services"are very eye-opening!

About Rachel Waterman

Rachel Waterman has over 25 years of community development and grant writing experience, is Grant Professional Certified (GPC), a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), a Grant Professionals Association (GPA) Approved Trainer, and an expert in grant management. She holds a Master’s degree in community and economic development with a concentration in applied social research from Illinois State University and a Bachelor’s degree in international studies from Barry University. Her career has encompassed a broad spectrum of professional experiences, including serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer, nonprofit executive director, community organizer, city master planner, researcher, and Mayor of the city of Lake Worth Beach, Florida.

Rachel is CEO and Founder of GDS Grants. She is responsible for client strategy, new program & budget development, data tracking systems, outcome measures and data analysis. Rachel also oversees the GDS Professional Development Program and personally coaches GDS interns, fellows and mentees.

Links mentioned:

OTHER RESOURCES:


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> Tue, 07 Feb 2023 06:00:10 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 3940 In this special premiere presentation of Grant Professional Pricing Survey results, Rachel Waterman of Global Development Solutions and Grant Easy Management Systems, delivers the results of an intensive 2022 pricing survey among grant writing professionals. 

The results identified in "Survey Revealed: What & How Grant Professionals are Pricing Their Services"are very eye-opening!

About Rachel Waterman

Rachel Waterman has over 25 years of community development and grant writing experience, is Grant Professional Certified (GPC), a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), a Grant Professionals Association (GPA) Approved Trainer, and an expert in grant management. She holds a Master’s degree in community and economic development with a concentration in applied social research from Illinois State University and a Bachelor’s degree in international studies from Barry University. Her career has encompassed a broad spectrum of professional experiences, including serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer, nonprofit executive director, community organizer, city master planner, researcher, and Mayor of the city of Lake Worth Beach, Florida.

Rachel is CEO and Founder of GDS Grants. She is responsible for client strategy, new program & budget development, data tracking systems, outcome measures and data analysis. Rachel also oversees the GDS Professional Development Program and personally coaches GDS interns, fellows and mentees.

Links mentioned:

OTHER RESOURCES:


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


———————————————————————————

This podcast episode was lovingly sponsored by GEMS!

This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now! Click here: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems 

———————————————————————————

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ep. 256: 3 Blog Writing Tips to Drive People to Your Nonprofit or Consultancy Website 256 256 Ep. 256: 3 Blog Writing Tips to Drive People to Your Nonprofit or Consultancy Website full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1435645810 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-256-3-blog-writing-tips-to-drive-people-to-your-nonprofit-or-consultancy-website Tue, 31 Jan 2023 06:00:10 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2663 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No 3 Tips from an Executive Director that Will Grow a Nonprofit's Revenue 255 255 3 Tips from an Executive Director that Will Grow a Nonprofit's Revenue full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1430402344 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-255-3-tips-from-an-executive-director-that-will-grow-a-nonprofits-revenue In this episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Dr. Rob Harter from the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast and CCPC to discuss how nonprofits can increase their funding and grow sustainably. With over 26 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, Dr. Harter shares practical strategies and insights drawn from decades in the field. 

Together, they explore three key tips to help organizations expand their funding streams, along with important nonprofit trends to watch. This conversation provides valuable guidance on how to strengthen your funding approach, adapt to changes in the sector, and position your nonprofit for long-term success.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Dr. Rob Harter is a nonprofit leader, podcast host of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, and a key figure at CCPC. With more than 26 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, he has led organizations through growth, innovation, and increased funding success. 

Dr. Harter is passionate about equipping nonprofit leaders with practical tools and strategies to build sustainable, high-impact organizations.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> In this episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Dr. Rob Harter from the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast and CCPC to discuss how nonprofits can increase their funding and grow sustainably. With over 26 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, Dr. Harter shares practical strategies and insights drawn from decades in the field. 

Together, they explore three key tips to help organizations expand their funding streams, along with important nonprofit trends to watch. This conversation provides valuable guidance on how to strengthen your funding approach, adapt to changes in the sector, and position your nonprofit for long-term success.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Dr. Rob Harter is a nonprofit leader, podcast host of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, and a key figure at CCPC. With more than 26 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, he has led organizations through growth, innovation, and increased funding success. 

Dr. Harter is passionate about equipping nonprofit leaders with practical tools and strategies to build sustainable, high-impact organizations.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 24 Jan 2023 06:00:18 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2130 In this episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Dr. Rob Harter from the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast and CCPC to discuss how nonprofits can increase their funding and grow sustainably. With over 26 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, Dr. Harter shares practical strategies and insights drawn from decades in the field. 

Together, they explore three key tips to help organizations expand their funding streams, along with important nonprofit trends to watch. This conversation provides valuable guidance on how to strengthen your funding approach, adapt to changes in the sector, and position your nonprofit for long-term success.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Dr. Rob Harter is a nonprofit leader, podcast host of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, and a key figure at CCPC. With more than 26 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, he has led organizations through growth, innovation, and increased funding success. 

Dr. Harter is passionate about equipping nonprofit leaders with practical tools and strategies to build sustainable, high-impact organizations.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No How Your Nonprofit Can Stand Out in the Funder's Eyes Charity Navigator 254 254 How Your Nonprofit Can Stand Out in the Funder's Eyes Charity Navigator full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1425291376 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-254-how-your-nonprofit-can-stand-out-in-the-funders-eyes-charity-navigator In this episode, we’re diving into how Charity Navigator helps donors make informed giving decisions and how nonprofits can better understand their ratings. I’m joined by Michael Thatcher from Charity Navigator, who breaks down how the platform works—from searching by cause areas and using filters to find aligned organizations, to discovering giving circles and engaging more strategically in philanthropy.

We also explore how Charity Navigator operates as a nonprofit, where it secures its revenue, and why it remains free to use. Plus, we take a closer look at how its rating system evaluates and ranks nonprofits, providing transparency and accountability across the sector.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Michael Thatcher is a leader at Charity Navigator, one of the most trusted nonprofit evaluation platforms. He is dedicated to increasing transparency and helping donors make informed decisions while supporting nonprofits in strengthening their impact.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> In this episode, we’re diving into how Charity Navigator helps donors make informed giving decisions and how nonprofits can better understand their ratings. I’m joined by Michael Thatcher from Charity Navigator, who breaks down how the platform works—from searching by cause areas and using filters to find aligned organizations, to discovering giving circles and engaging more strategically in philanthropy.

We also explore how Charity Navigator operates as a nonprofit, where it secures its revenue, and why it remains free to use. Plus, we take a closer look at how its rating system evaluates and ranks nonprofits, providing transparency and accountability across the sector.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Michael Thatcher is a leader at Charity Navigator, one of the most trusted nonprofit evaluation platforms. He is dedicated to increasing transparency and helping donors make informed decisions while supporting nonprofits in strengthening their impact.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 17 Jan 2023 06:00:13 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 3107 In this episode, we’re diving into how Charity Navigator helps donors make informed giving decisions and how nonprofits can better understand their ratings. I’m joined by Michael Thatcher from Charity Navigator, who breaks down how the platform works—from searching by cause areas and using filters to find aligned organizations, to discovering giving circles and engaging more strategically in philanthropy.

We also explore how Charity Navigator operates as a nonprofit, where it secures its revenue, and why it remains free to use. Plus, we take a closer look at how its rating system evaluates and ranks nonprofits, providing transparency and accountability across the sector.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Michael Thatcher is a leader at Charity Navigator, one of the most trusted nonprofit evaluation platforms. He is dedicated to increasing transparency and helping donors make informed decisions while supporting nonprofits in strengthening their impact.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Why the 10 Best Practices of a Nonprofit Board are Flawed 253 253 Why the 10 Best Practices of a Nonprofit Board are Flawed full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1419811531 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-253-why-the-10-best-practices-of-a-nonprofit-board-are-flawed Every nonprofit organization has a board of directors, but understanding their roles and responsibilities can often feel unclear. While there are widely recognized “10 Best Practices” for nonprofit boards, it raises important questions—who established these standards, and are they truly the most effective?

To understand the history behind these practices, Sarah Olivieri from PivotGround joins the Grant Writing & Funding Podcast and YouTube Channel to share a different perspective. Sarah challenges the idea that board best practices are always beneficial—and explains why they might not be the best fit for your nonprofit.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Sarah Olivieri is the founder of PivotGround, where she helps nonprofit leaders build stronger, more effective organizations. She specializes in nonprofit strategy, board development, and leadership, bringing a fresh perspective on how boards can better support mission-driven work.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!


Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Every nonprofit organization has a board of directors, but understanding their roles and responsibilities can often feel unclear. While there are widely recognized “10 Best Practices” for nonprofit boards, it raises important questions—who established these standards, and are they truly the most effective?

To understand the history behind these practices, Sarah Olivieri from PivotGround joins the Grant Writing & Funding Podcast and YouTube Channel to share a different perspective. Sarah challenges the idea that board best practices are always beneficial—and explains why they might not be the best fit for your nonprofit.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Sarah Olivieri is the founder of PivotGround, where she helps nonprofit leaders build stronger, more effective organizations. She specializes in nonprofit strategy, board development, and leadership, bringing a fresh perspective on how boards can better support mission-driven work.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!


Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 10 Jan 2023 06:00:11 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 3390 Every nonprofit organization has a board of directors, but understanding their roles and responsibilities can often feel unclear. While there are widely recognized “10 Best Practices” for nonprofit boards, it raises important questions—who established these standards, and are they truly the most effective?

To understand the history behind these practices, Sarah Olivieri from PivotGround joins the Grant Writing & Funding Podcast and YouTube Channel to share a different perspective. Sarah challenges the idea that board best practices are always beneficial—and explains why they might not be the best fit for your nonprofit.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Sarah Olivieri is the founder of PivotGround, where she helps nonprofit leaders build stronger, more effective organizations. She specializes in nonprofit strategy, board development, and leadership, bringing a fresh perspective on how boards can better support mission-driven work.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!


Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No How to Calculate Value-Based Pricing as a Freelance Grant Writer 252 252 How to Calculate Value-Based Pricing as a Freelance Grant Writer full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1414658746 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/how-to-calculate-value-based-pricing-as-a-freelance-grant-writer Pricing grant writing services is a challenge that many freelance grant writers have (and for good reasons).

The thing is, a lot of freelance grant writers and nonprofit consultants go with traditional pricing vs. value-based pricing.

However, as a freelance grant writer, you are a professional and you should be charging value-based pricing.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Pricing grant writing services is a challenge that many freelance grant writers have (and for good reasons).

The thing is, a lot of freelance grant writers and nonprofit consultants go with traditional pricing vs. value-based pricing.

However, as a freelance grant writer, you are a professional and you should be charging value-based pricing.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 03 Jan 2023 06:00:17 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1418 Pricing grant writing services is a challenge that many freelance grant writers have (and for good reasons).

The thing is, a lot of freelance grant writers and nonprofit consultants go with traditional pricing vs. value-based pricing.

However, as a freelance grant writer, you are a professional and you should be charging value-based pricing.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Best of 2022 Podcast Episodes for Freelance Grant Writers 251 251 Best of 2022 Podcast Episodes for Freelance Grant Writers full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1410373825 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-251-best-of-2022-podcast-episodes-for-freelance-grant-writers #1: A Grant Writer’s Dream: The System to Build Relationships with Funding Sources 
#2: How Nonprofits & Freelance Grant Writers Can Leverage the Great Resignation
#3: How to Identify What Rates to Charge as a Grant Writer 
#4: 4 Reasons Why a Grant Writer Cannot Get Paid on Commission 
#5: Tips for Grant Writers to Work Better With Nonprofits Clients

In this power-packed solo episode, Holly Rustick dives into five essential topics every grant writer needs to master to build a sustainable, profitable, and impactful business.

First, Holly shares what she calls a “grant writer’s dream”—a system for building authentic, long-term relationships with funding sources. Instead of chasing one-off grants, you’ll learn how to position yourself and your nonprofit clients for ongoing funding success.

Next, Holly explores how both nonprofits and freelance grant writers can take advantage of the Great Resignation. With shifts in the workforce, there’s never been a better time to step into grant writing, increase your rates, and align your work with purpose-driven organizations.

She then breaks down how to confidently identify what rates to charge as a grant writer. From understanding your value to setting boundaries, this segment will help you stop undercharging and start building a scalable business.

Holly also tackles a critical industry issue: why grant writers should never be paid on commission. She outlines four clear reasons this model is problematic—and what to do instead to ensure ethical and sustainable compensation.

Finally, she shares actionable tips for working better with nonprofit clients, including communication strategies, expectation setting, and how to become a trusted partner—not just a contractor.

Whether you’re new to grant writing or looking to level up your business, this episode is packed with insights you can implement right away.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> #1: A Grant Writer’s Dream: The System to Build Relationships with Funding Sources 
#2: How Nonprofits & Freelance Grant Writers Can Leverage the Great Resignation
#3: How to Identify What Rates to Charge as a Grant Writer 
#4: 4 Reasons Why a Grant Writer Cannot Get Paid on Commission 
#5: Tips for Grant Writers to Work Better With Nonprofits Clients

In this power-packed solo episode, Holly Rustick dives into five essential topics every grant writer needs to master to build a sustainable, profitable, and impactful business.

First, Holly shares what she calls a “grant writer’s dream”—a system for building authentic, long-term relationships with funding sources. Instead of chasing one-off grants, you’ll learn how to position yourself and your nonprofit clients for ongoing funding success.

Next, Holly explores how both nonprofits and freelance grant writers can take advantage of the Great Resignation. With shifts in the workforce, there’s never been a better time to step into grant writing, increase your rates, and align your work with purpose-driven organizations.

She then breaks down how to confidently identify what rates to charge as a grant writer. From understanding your value to setting boundaries, this segment will help you stop undercharging and start building a scalable business.

Holly also tackles a critical industry issue: why grant writers should never be paid on commission. She outlines four clear reasons this model is problematic—and what to do instead to ensure ethical and sustainable compensation.

Finally, she shares actionable tips for working better with nonprofit clients, including communication strategies, expectation setting, and how to become a trusted partner—not just a contractor.

Whether you’re new to grant writing or looking to level up your business, this episode is packed with insights you can implement right away.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 27 Dec 2022 06:00:12 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1984 #1: A Grant Writer’s Dream: The System to Build Relationships with Funding Sources 
#2: How Nonprofits & Freelance Grant Writers Can Leverage the Great Resignation
#3: How to Identify What Rates to Charge as a Grant Writer 
#4: 4 Reasons Why a Grant Writer Cannot Get Paid on Commission 
#5: Tips for Grant Writers to Work Better With Nonprofits Clients

In this power-packed solo episode, Holly Rustick dives into five essential topics every grant writer needs to master to build a sustainable, profitable, and impactful business.

First, Holly shares what she calls a “grant writer’s dream”—a system for building authentic, long-term relationships with funding sources. Instead of chasing one-off grants, you’ll learn how to position yourself and your nonprofit clients for ongoing funding success.

Next, Holly explores how both nonprofits and freelance grant writers can take advantage of the Great Resignation. With shifts in the workforce, there’s never been a better time to step into grant writing, increase your rates, and align your work with purpose-driven organizations.

She then breaks down how to confidently identify what rates to charge as a grant writer. From understanding your value to setting boundaries, this segment will help you stop undercharging and start building a scalable business.

Holly also tackles a critical industry issue: why grant writers should never be paid on commission. She outlines four clear reasons this model is problematic—and what to do instead to ensure ethical and sustainable compensation.

Finally, she shares actionable tips for working better with nonprofit clients, including communication strategies, expectation setting, and how to become a trusted partner—not just a contractor.

Whether you’re new to grant writing or looking to level up your business, this episode is packed with insights you can implement right away.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No 2022 Top Podcast Episodes for Grant Writers & Nonprofit Leaders 250 250 2022 Top Podcast Episodes for Grant Writers & Nonprofit Leaders full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1405675795 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-250-2022-top-podcast-episodes-for-grant-writers-nonprofit-leaders In this solo episode, Holly Rustick highlights the most listened-to episodes of 2022 on the Grant Writing & Funding Podcast and why they resonated so strongly with grant writers and nonprofit leaders. 

From leveraging YouTube to increase donations and understanding bias in the nonprofit sector, to mastering the ASK formula for fundraising, improving donor retention through technology, and designing grassroots education in conflict zones—this episode recaps key insights and strategies that can help you grow your impact and funding.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, and serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> In this solo episode, Holly Rustick highlights the most listened-to episodes of 2022 on the Grant Writing & Funding Podcast and why they resonated so strongly with grant writers and nonprofit leaders. 

From leveraging YouTube to increase donations and understanding bias in the nonprofit sector, to mastering the ASK formula for fundraising, improving donor retention through technology, and designing grassroots education in conflict zones—this episode recaps key insights and strategies that can help you grow your impact and funding.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, and serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 20 Dec 2022 06:00:17 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2143 In this solo episode, Holly Rustick highlights the most listened-to episodes of 2022 on the Grant Writing & Funding Podcast and why they resonated so strongly with grant writers and nonprofit leaders. 

From leveraging YouTube to increase donations and understanding bias in the nonprofit sector, to mastering the ASK formula for fundraising, improving donor retention through technology, and designing grassroots education in conflict zones—this episode recaps key insights and strategies that can help you grow your impact and funding.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, and serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No How This Federal Grant Writer Advanced Her Freelance Grant Writing Business 249 249 How This Federal Grant Writer Advanced Her Freelance Grant Writing Business full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1400947999 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-249-how-this-federal-grant-writer-advanced-her-freelance-grant-writing-business Knowing how to write federal grants is a powerful skill—one that opens the door to significant funding opportunities but also requires a higher level of strategy, time, and precision compared to foundation grants. In this episode, Dr. Cheri Westmoreland, owner of Spirit Excel, joins us to share her decades of experience in federal grant writing and working with nonprofit organizations.

We discuss key lessons she’s learned in the field, why having a strong nonprofit strategic plan is essential for long-term fiscal health, and how her experience as a business owner since 2012 has shaped her approach to grant writing. Dr. Cheri also shares how joining the Grant Professional Mentorship in 2022 helped her gain clarity, confidence, and stronger positioning in her business.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Dr. Cheri Westmoreland is the owner of Spirit Excel and brings decades of experience in federal grant writing and nonprofit consulting. Since launching her grant writing business in 2012, she has supported numerous organizations in securing funding and strengthening their strategic direction.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Knowing how to write federal grants is a powerful skill—one that opens the door to significant funding opportunities but also requires a higher level of strategy, time, and precision compared to foundation grants. In this episode, Dr. Cheri Westmoreland, owner of Spirit Excel, joins us to share her decades of experience in federal grant writing and working with nonprofit organizations.

We discuss key lessons she’s learned in the field, why having a strong nonprofit strategic plan is essential for long-term fiscal health, and how her experience as a business owner since 2012 has shaped her approach to grant writing. Dr. Cheri also shares how joining the Grant Professional Mentorship in 2022 helped her gain clarity, confidence, and stronger positioning in her business.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Dr. Cheri Westmoreland is the owner of Spirit Excel and brings decades of experience in federal grant writing and nonprofit consulting. Since launching her grant writing business in 2012, she has supported numerous organizations in securing funding and strengthening their strategic direction.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 13 Dec 2022 06:00:17 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 3239 Knowing how to write federal grants is a powerful skill—one that opens the door to significant funding opportunities but also requires a higher level of strategy, time, and precision compared to foundation grants. In this episode, Dr. Cheri Westmoreland, owner of Spirit Excel, joins us to share her decades of experience in federal grant writing and working with nonprofit organizations.

We discuss key lessons she’s learned in the field, why having a strong nonprofit strategic plan is essential for long-term fiscal health, and how her experience as a business owner since 2012 has shaped her approach to grant writing. Dr. Cheri also shares how joining the Grant Professional Mentorship in 2022 helped her gain clarity, confidence, and stronger positioning in her business.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Dr. Cheri Westmoreland is the owner of Spirit Excel and brings decades of experience in federal grant writing and nonprofit consulting. Since launching her grant writing business in 2012, she has supported numerous organizations in securing funding and strengthening their strategic direction.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No How to Niche Your Grant Writing Services to Get Ideal Nonprofit Clients 248 248 How to Niche Your Grant Writing Services to Get Ideal Nonprofit Clients full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1396401040 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-248-how-to-niche-your-grant-writing-services-to-get-ideal-nonprofit-clients In this week’s episode, we explore how niching down in grant writing can actually help you grow your business and attract more nonprofit clients. Instead of limiting opportunities, focusing on a specific type of grant, nonprofit, or cause can position you as an expert and make your services more in demand.

I’m joined by Elaina Michaels from Refonte Ventures, who shares how she niched into agriculture-based grants by leveraging her passion for the field—and how that decision has helped expand her business. She also talks about her experience in the Grant Professional Mentorship and how it supported her growth and direction in this space.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Elaina Michaels is a grant professional with Refonte Ventures who specializes in agriculture-focused funding. By aligning her work with her passion, she has successfully built a niche grant writing business and continues to support nonprofits in securing funding within this sector.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> In this week’s episode, we explore how niching down in grant writing can actually help you grow your business and attract more nonprofit clients. Instead of limiting opportunities, focusing on a specific type of grant, nonprofit, or cause can position you as an expert and make your services more in demand.

I’m joined by Elaina Michaels from Refonte Ventures, who shares how she niched into agriculture-based grants by leveraging her passion for the field—and how that decision has helped expand her business. She also talks about her experience in the Grant Professional Mentorship and how it supported her growth and direction in this space.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Elaina Michaels is a grant professional with Refonte Ventures who specializes in agriculture-focused funding. By aligning her work with her passion, she has successfully built a niche grant writing business and continues to support nonprofits in securing funding within this sector.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 06 Dec 2022 06:00:14 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2861 In this week’s episode, we explore how niching down in grant writing can actually help you grow your business and attract more nonprofit clients. Instead of limiting opportunities, focusing on a specific type of grant, nonprofit, or cause can position you as an expert and make your services more in demand.

I’m joined by Elaina Michaels from Refonte Ventures, who shares how she niched into agriculture-based grants by leveraging her passion for the field—and how that decision has helped expand her business. She also talks about her experience in the Grant Professional Mentorship and how it supported her growth and direction in this space.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Elaina Michaels is a grant professional with Refonte Ventures who specializes in agriculture-focused funding. By aligning her work with her passion, she has successfully built a niche grant writing business and continues to support nonprofits in securing funding within this sector.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No 20 Easy and Effective Ways to Thank Your Donors Throughout the Year 247 247 20 Easy and Effective Ways to Thank Your Donors Throughout the Year full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1392498715 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/20-easy-and-effective-ways-to-thank-your-donors-throughout-the-year Saying thank you sometimes feels like a warm, fuzzy thing to do around the holidays. Sometimes those holidays are just the reminders that we need (along with the Netflix Christmas specials) to say the big, "Thank You!"

But what if I told you that you could increase your nonprofit organization’s revenue with existing resources just by saying thank you throughout the year?

And the best part?

You are grateful.

You are grateful for your donors.

You are grateful for your sponsors.

You are  grateful for your partners.

You are grateful for your grant funding sources.

But the problem is you might not tell them you are grateful.

Research shows that showing gratitude to donors, especially on a consistent basis, keeps up the level of the donor’s happiness levels with your nonprofit. 

It’s also common sense. How do you feel when you are thanked properly and kept up-to-date with information that you are passionate about? Good, right? Like you want to keep staying involved.

So let’s look at 20 Ways Your Nonprofit Can Show Gratitude all Year Long

Easy & Effective Thank You Tips for Donors

Donor Thank You Tip #1: Automate an Onboarding Thank You Email when Your Nonprofit Gets a New Donor

As soon as your nonprofit organization gets a new donor (whether that is a one-time donor or a recurring donor), send them a Thank You email. You can easily automate this so it’s all set up for you. 


Donor Thank You Tip #2: Send Your Newsletter to Your Donors 

Be sure to send out a newsletter to your donors to keep them updated on all the good your nonprofit organization is doing throughout the year. Only asking them to give on Giving Tuesday or once per year doesn’t form the best relationship.

But a newsletter is something you can send to all your donors so they are reminded of the work that their donation helps. 

Extra Hot Tip: Give them an ability to uplevel in the P.S. line to a higher donation amount or to become a recurring donor.

Donor Thank You Tip #3: Send a Happy Birthday Card (Virtual or Print) to Your Donors

You can definitely use software to automate this for you if you have a large number of donors. This is a great way to show your gratitude on one of their happiest days of the year!

Easy & Effective Thank You Tips for Sponsors

Sponsor Thank You Tip #1: Create an Onboarding Thank You Gift Once the Sponsorship Contract is Signed

Just like thanking your donors as soon as they give to your nonprofit organization, it is great to say thank you to your new sponsor.

A sponsor is normally a company or business that wants to give to your nonprofit for a certain event, campaign, or project. They will become a sponsor by selecting a certain level of giving (think, 5K race or Gala) and then sign a contract. 

As soon as  your nonprofit gets this sponsorship contract signed, you want to reach out and give them a small gift (or at the very least a handwritten letter).

Sponsor Thank You Tip #2: Deliver an Annual Gift (or even Video) to the Sponsors Annual Board Meeting

Another way you can stand out and show your gratitude is to deliver a small gift or video to the sponsor’s annual board meeting or their anniversary. This is a great way to appreciate them on a day that is important to them.

Sponsor Thank You Tip #3: Send Your Newsletter to Your Sponsors

Just like your donors, your sponsors want to see the good that your nonprofit is doing in the community (and not just when you are asking them for money). They want to be reminded of why they support you and applaud your efforts.

Sending a newsletter to sponsors is a great way to showcase your work and to keep you on their radar. Keeping them up-to-date is an act of gratefulness!

Sponsor Thank You Tip #4: Use Your Sponsors Logo on Marketing Materials and Website to Show Gratitude

Putting your sponsor’s logos on all your marketing materials is a great way to show gratitude. You can put it on your Zoom backdrop, on your vehicles, and so many other creative ways.


Sponsor Thank You Tip #5: Create Thank You Videos to be used on Social Media and Share Throughout the Year

Your nonprofit can share short “Thank You” videos for your sponsors throughout the year and post on social media. Make sure you tag your sponsors.

This is a great way to remind them you are thinking about them.

Easy & Effective Thank You Tips for Partners

Partner Thank You Tip #1 & #2: Create an Onboarding Thank You Email or Gift When They Become a Partner

Partners can include other stakeholders that may not be a direct financial source. Think of other nonprofits that you ask for letters of support when writing a grant proposal. However, having these sorts of partnerships is vital to your nonprofit’s overall success and can generate revenue by partnering on events, co-writing grants, and so much more.

Sometimes the partnerships aren’t created with anything formulized (like a Memorandum of Understanding), but sometimes they are. When they are more organic, and don’t have an official start date, then just remembering to send them a gift at their nonprofit’s anniversary, or an important event, is great!

When they are more formal and have a start date, then send them an onboarding email!

Partner Thank You Tip #3:  Send Your Partners Annual Holiday Thank You Cards or Gifts

Just like your sponsors, it’s great to send a random thank you throughout the year or (also) during the holidays. Remember, this isn’t the only time  you say thank you, though.

Partner Thank You Tip #4:  Send a Video Testimony to Your Partners

It’s wonderful to send your partners a video testimony saying the way that your nonprofit has worked with them. They can then use this on their website or social media.

Be sure to ask if they will do one for you, too!

Partner Thank You Tip #5:  Share Social Media Posts from Your Partners

A great way to demonstrate your partnerships is also by sharing their fundraising events and other things they do, on your social media platforms. This way their nonprofit is exposed to a new audience. Be sure to tag them, and ask them to reciprocate!

Easy & Effective Thank You Tips for Grant Funding Sources

Grant Funding Source Thank You Tip #1:  Thank You Letters or Cards

So this is more for grant funding sources that you have already secured. Why send 'Thank Yous" when you don’t have to compete for the funding? Because this helps develop the relationship and the better your relationship the more likely they are to help you longer and invite you to other open applications.

Be sure to say thank...

]]> Saying thank you sometimes feels like a warm, fuzzy thing to do around the holidays. Sometimes those holidays are just the reminders that we need (along with the Netflix Christmas specials) to say the big, "Thank You!"

But what if I told you that you could increase your nonprofit organization’s revenue with existing resources just by saying thank you throughout the year?

And the best part?

You are grateful.

You are grateful for your donors.

You are grateful for your sponsors.

You are  grateful for your partners.

You are grateful for your grant funding sources.

But the problem is you might not tell them you are grateful.

Research shows that showing gratitude to donors, especially on a consistent basis, keeps up the level of the donor’s happiness levels with your nonprofit. 

It’s also common sense. How do you feel when you are thanked properly and kept up-to-date with information that you are passionate about? Good, right? Like you want to keep staying involved.

So let’s look at 20 Ways Your Nonprofit Can Show Gratitude all Year Long

Easy & Effective Thank You Tips for Donors

Donor Thank You Tip #1: Automate an Onboarding Thank You Email when Your Nonprofit Gets a New Donor

As soon as your nonprofit organization gets a new donor (whether that is a one-time donor or a recurring donor), send them a Thank You email. You can easily automate this so it’s all set up for you. 


Donor Thank You Tip #2: Send Your Newsletter to Your Donors 

Be sure to send out a newsletter to your donors to keep them updated on all the good your nonprofit organization is doing throughout the year. Only asking them to give on Giving Tuesday or once per year doesn’t form the best relationship.

But a newsletter is something you can send to all your donors so they are reminded of the work that their donation helps. 

Extra Hot Tip: Give them an ability to uplevel in the P.S. line to a higher donation amount or to become a recurring donor.

Donor Thank You Tip #3: Send a Happy Birthday Card (Virtual or Print) to Your Donors

You can definitely use software to automate this for you if you have a large number of donors. This is a great way to show your gratitude on one of their happiest days of the year!

Easy & Effective Thank You Tips for Sponsors

Sponsor Thank You Tip #1: Create an Onboarding Thank You Gift Once the Sponsorship Contract is Signed

Just like thanking your donors as soon as they give to your nonprofit organization, it is great to say thank you to your new sponsor.

A sponsor is normally a company or business that wants to give to your nonprofit for a certain event, campaign, or project. They will become a sponsor by selecting a certain level of giving (think, 5K race or Gala) and then sign a contract. 

As soon as  your nonprofit gets this sponsorship contract signed, you want to reach out and give them a small gift (or at the very least a handwritten letter).

Sponsor Thank You Tip #2: Deliver an Annual Gift (or even Video) to the Sponsors Annual Board Meeting

Another way you can stand out and show your gratitude is to deliver a small gift or video to the sponsor’s annual board meeting or their anniversary. This is a great way to appreciate them on a day that is important to them.

Sponsor Thank You Tip #3: Send Your Newsletter to Your Sponsors

Just like your donors, your sponsors want to see the good that your nonprofit is doing in the community (and not just when you are asking them for money). They want to be reminded of why they support you and applaud your efforts.

Sending a newsletter to sponsors is a great way to showcase your work and to keep you on their radar. Keeping them up-to-date is an act of gratefulness!

Sponsor Thank You Tip #4: Use Your Sponsors Logo on Marketing Materials and Website to Show Gratitude

Putting your sponsor’s logos on all your marketing materials is a great way to show gratitude. You can put it on your Zoom backdrop, on your vehicles, and so many other creative ways.


Sponsor Thank You Tip #5: Create Thank You Videos to be used on Social Media and Share Throughout the Year

Your nonprofit can share short “Thank You” videos for your sponsors throughout the year and post on social media. Make sure you tag your sponsors.

This is a great way to remind them you are thinking about them.

Easy & Effective Thank You Tips for Partners

Partner Thank You Tip #1 & #2: Create an Onboarding Thank You Email or Gift When They Become a Partner

Partners can include other stakeholders that may not be a direct financial source. Think of other nonprofits that you ask for letters of support when writing a grant proposal. However, having these sorts of partnerships is vital to your nonprofit’s overall success and can generate revenue by partnering on events, co-writing grants, and so much more.

Sometimes the partnerships aren’t created with anything formulized (like a Memorandum of Understanding), but sometimes they are. When they are more organic, and don’t have an official start date, then just remembering to send them a gift at their nonprofit’s anniversary, or an important event, is great!

When they are more formal and have a start date, then send them an onboarding email!

Partner Thank You Tip #3:  Send Your Partners Annual Holiday Thank You Cards or Gifts

Just like your sponsors, it’s great to send a random thank you throughout the year or (also) during the holidays. Remember, this isn’t the only time  you say thank you, though.

Partner Thank You Tip #4:  Send a Video Testimony to Your Partners

It’s wonderful to send your partners a video testimony saying the way that your nonprofit has worked with them. They can then use this on their website or social media.

Be sure to ask if they will do one for you, too!

Partner Thank You Tip #5:  Share Social Media Posts from Your Partners

A great way to demonstrate your partnerships is also by sharing their fundraising events and other things they do, on your social media platforms. This way their nonprofit is exposed to a new audience. Be sure to tag them, and ask them to reciprocate!

Easy & Effective Thank You Tips for Grant Funding Sources

Grant Funding Source Thank You Tip #1:  Thank You Letters or Cards

So this is more for grant funding sources that you have already secured. Why send 'Thank Yous" when you don’t have to compete for the funding? Because this helps develop the relationship and the better your relationship the more likely they are to help you longer and invite you to other open applications.

Be sure to say thank...

]]> Tue, 29 Nov 2022 06:00:33 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1643 Saying thank you sometimes feels like a warm, fuzzy thing to do around the holidays. Sometimes those holidays are just the reminders that we need (along with the Netflix Christmas specials) to say the big, "Thank You!"

But what if I told you that you could increase your nonprofit organization’s revenue with existing resources just by saying thank you throughout the year?

And the best part?

You are grateful.

You are grateful for your donors.

You are grateful for your sponsors.

You are  grateful for your partners.

You are grateful for your grant funding sources.

But the problem is you might not tell them you are grateful.

Research shows that showing gratitude to donors, especially on a consistent basis, keeps up the level of the donor’s happiness levels with your nonprofit. 

It’s also common sense. How do you feel when you are thanked properly and kept up-to-date with information that you are passionate about? Good, right? Like you want to keep staying involved.

So let’s look at 20 Ways Your Nonprofit Can Show Gratitude all Year Long

Easy & Effective Thank You Tips for Donors

Donor Thank You Tip #1: Automate an Onboarding Thank You Email when Your Nonprofit Gets a New Donor

As soon as your nonprofit organization gets a new donor (whether that is a one-time donor or a recurring donor), send them a Thank You email. You can easily automate this so it’s all set up for you. 


Donor Thank You Tip #2: Send Your Newsletter to Your Donors 

Be sure to send out a newsletter to your donors to keep them updated on all the good your nonprofit organization is doing throughout the year. Only asking them to give on Giving Tuesday or once per year doesn’t form the best relationship.

But a newsletter is something you can send to all your donors so they are reminded of the work that their donation helps. 

Extra Hot Tip: Give them an ability to uplevel in the P.S. line to a higher donation amount or to become a recurring donor.

Donor Thank You Tip #3: Send a Happy Birthday Card (Virtual or Print) to Your Donors

You can definitely use software to automate this for you if you have a large number of donors. This is a great way to show your gratitude on one of their happiest days of the year!

Easy & Effective Thank You Tips for Sponsors

Sponsor Thank You Tip #1: Create an Onboarding Thank You Gift Once the Sponsorship Contract is Signed

Just like thanking your donors as soon as they give to your nonprofit organization, it is great to say thank you to your new sponsor.

A sponsor is normally a company or business that wants to give to your nonprofit for a certain event, campaign, or project. They will become a sponsor by selecting a certain level of giving (think, 5K race or Gala) and then sign a contract. 

As soon as  your nonprofit gets this sponsorship contract signed, you want to reach out and give them a small gift (or at the very least a handwritten letter).

Sponsor Thank You Tip #2: Deliver an Annual Gift (or even Video) to the Sponsors Annual Board Meeting

Another way you can stand out and show your gratitude is to deliver a small gift or video to the sponsor’s annual board meeting or their anniversary. This is a great way to appreciate them on a day that is important to them.

Sponsor Thank You Tip #3: Send Your Newsletter to Your Sponsors

Just like your donors, your sponsors want to see the good that your nonprofit is doing in the community (and not just when you are asking them for money). They want to be reminded of why they support you and applaud your efforts.

Sending a newsletter to sponsors is a great way to showcase your work and to keep you on their radar. Keeping them up-to-date is an act of gratefulness!

Sponsor Thank You Tip #4: Use Your Sponsors Logo on Marketing Materials and Website to Show Gratitude

Putting your sponsor’s logos on all your marketing materials is a great way to show gratitude. You can put it on your Zoom backdrop, on your vehicles, and so many other creative ways.


Sponsor Thank You Tip #5: Create Thank You Videos to be used on Social Media and Share Throughout the Year

Your nonprofit can share short “Thank You” videos for your sponsors throughout the year and post on social media. Make sure you tag your sponsors.

This is a great way to remind them you are thinking about them.

Easy & Effective Thank You Tips for Partners

Partner Thank You Tip #1 & #2: Create an Onboarding Thank You Email or Gift When They Become a Partner

Partners can include other stakeholders that may not be a direct financial source. Think of other nonprofits that you ask for letters of support when writing a grant proposal. However, having these sorts of partnerships is vital to your nonprofit’s overall success and can generate revenue by partnering on events, co-writing grants, and so much more.

Sometimes the partnerships aren’t created with anything formulized (like a Memorandum of Understanding), but sometimes they are. When they are more organic, and don’t have an official start date, then just remembering to send them a gift at their nonprofit’s anniversary, or an important event, is great!

When they are more formal and have a start date, then send them an onboarding email!

Partner Thank You Tip #3:  Send Your Partners Annual Holiday Thank You Cards or Gifts

Just like your sponsors, it’s great to send a random thank you throughout the year or (also) during the holidays. Remember, this isn’t the only time  you say thank you, though.

Partner Thank You Tip #4:  Send a Video Testimony to Your Partners

It’s wonderful to send your partners a video testimony saying the way that your nonprofit has worked with them. They can then use this on their website or social media.

Be sure to ask if they will do one for you, too!

Partner Thank You Tip #5:  Share Social Media Posts from Your Partners

A great way to demonstrate your partnerships is also by sharing their fundraising events and other things they do, on your social media platforms. This way their nonprofit is exposed to a new audience. Be sure to tag them, and ask them to reciprocate!

Easy & Effective Thank You Tips for Grant Funding Sources

Grant Funding Source Thank You Tip #1:  Thank You Letters or Cards

So this is more for grant funding sources that you have already secured. Why send 'Thank Yous" when you don’t have to compete for the funding? Because this helps develop the relationship and the better your relationship the more likely they are to help you longer and invite you to other open applications.

Be sure to say thank...

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No What Taylor Swift has to do with Your Nonprofit or Nonprofit Consultancy 246 246 What Taylor Swift has to do with Your Nonprofit or Nonprofit Consultancy full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1388122750 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-246-what-taylor-swift-has-to-do-with-your-nonprofit-or-nonprofit-consultancy Even if you’re not a Swiftie, you’ve probably heard about the Ticketmaster chaos surrounding Taylor Swift’s ticket sales. And while it might seem like just another tech meltdown, there’s actually a powerful lesson here for your nonprofit or grant writing business.

Because moments like these can do one of two things:
They can inspire action—or they can create fear.

Too often, we focus on everything that could go wrong. We overthink, overanalyze, and ultimately hold ourselves back from launching, publishing, or moving forward.

But here’s the reality:

None of the things that could go right will happen if you don’t hit “publish.”

In this episode, Holly breaks down how stories like the Taylor Swift + Ticketmaster situation might be subconsciously holding you back from putting your work out into the world—whether that’s a fundraising campaign, a new service, or your business itself.

She also shares four of her own real-life tech snafus and how she navigated them, course-corrected, and kept moving forward.

Because things will go wrong. That’s part of the process.

The key is not perfection—it’s progress.

If you’ve been waiting for the “perfect” time or the “perfect” setup, this episode is your reminder:

Done is better than perfect.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Even if you’re not a Swiftie, you’ve probably heard about the Ticketmaster chaos surrounding Taylor Swift’s ticket sales. And while it might seem like just another tech meltdown, there’s actually a powerful lesson here for your nonprofit or grant writing business.

Because moments like these can do one of two things:
They can inspire action—or they can create fear.

Too often, we focus on everything that could go wrong. We overthink, overanalyze, and ultimately hold ourselves back from launching, publishing, or moving forward.

But here’s the reality:

None of the things that could go right will happen if you don’t hit “publish.”

In this episode, Holly breaks down how stories like the Taylor Swift + Ticketmaster situation might be subconsciously holding you back from putting your work out into the world—whether that’s a fundraising campaign, a new service, or your business itself.

She also shares four of her own real-life tech snafus and how she navigated them, course-corrected, and kept moving forward.

Because things will go wrong. That’s part of the process.

The key is not perfection—it’s progress.

If you’ve been waiting for the “perfect” time or the “perfect” setup, this episode is your reminder:

Done is better than perfect.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 22 Nov 2022 06:00:39 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1267 Even if you’re not a Swiftie, you’ve probably heard about the Ticketmaster chaos surrounding Taylor Swift’s ticket sales. And while it might seem like just another tech meltdown, there’s actually a powerful lesson here for your nonprofit or grant writing business.

Because moments like these can do one of two things:
They can inspire action—or they can create fear.

Too often, we focus on everything that could go wrong. We overthink, overanalyze, and ultimately hold ourselves back from launching, publishing, or moving forward.

But here’s the reality:

None of the things that could go right will happen if you don’t hit “publish.”

In this episode, Holly breaks down how stories like the Taylor Swift + Ticketmaster situation might be subconsciously holding you back from putting your work out into the world—whether that’s a fundraising campaign, a new service, or your business itself.

She also shares four of her own real-life tech snafus and how she navigated them, course-corrected, and kept moving forward.

Because things will go wrong. That’s part of the process.

The key is not perfection—it’s progress.

If you’ve been waiting for the “perfect” time or the “perfect” setup, this episode is your reminder:

Done is better than perfect.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No 6 Giving Tuesday Resources to Start Your Giving Campaign 245 245 6 Giving Tuesday Resources to Start Your Giving Campaign full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1382693653 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-245-6-giving-tuesday-resources-to-start-your-giving-campaign Giving Tuesday is one of the biggest fundraising opportunities of the year, but only if you’re prepared.


In this episode, Holly breaks down six powerful resources you can start using right now to plan, launch, and maximize your Giving Tuesday campaign. Whether you're a nonprofit leader or a freelance grant writer supporting clients, these tools will help you build momentum, increase donor engagement, and drive more impactful results.

You’ll learn how to streamline your campaign strategy, leverage donor psychology, and tap into ready-to-use platforms that make execution easier and more effective. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed preparing for Giving Tuesday, this episode gives you a clear, actionable starting point.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship. 

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/


RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener? 

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review! 

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! 

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week. 

Thanks for listening! 


Warmly,
Holly Rustick 

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already. 

]]> Giving Tuesday is one of the biggest fundraising opportunities of the year, but only if you’re prepared.


In this episode, Holly breaks down six powerful resources you can start using right now to plan, launch, and maximize your Giving Tuesday campaign. Whether you're a nonprofit leader or a freelance grant writer supporting clients, these tools will help you build momentum, increase donor engagement, and drive more impactful results.

You’ll learn how to streamline your campaign strategy, leverage donor psychology, and tap into ready-to-use platforms that make execution easier and more effective. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed preparing for Giving Tuesday, this episode gives you a clear, actionable starting point.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship. 

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/


RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener? 

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review! 

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! 

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week. 

Thanks for listening! 


Warmly,
Holly Rustick 

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already. 

]]> Tue, 15 Nov 2022 06:00:22 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1130 Giving Tuesday is one of the biggest fundraising opportunities of the year, but only if you’re prepared.


In this episode, Holly breaks down six powerful resources you can start using right now to plan, launch, and maximize your Giving Tuesday campaign. Whether you're a nonprofit leader or a freelance grant writer supporting clients, these tools will help you build momentum, increase donor engagement, and drive more impactful results.

You’ll learn how to streamline your campaign strategy, leverage donor psychology, and tap into ready-to-use platforms that make execution easier and more effective. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed preparing for Giving Tuesday, this episode gives you a clear, actionable starting point.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship. 

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/


RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener? 

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review! 

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! 

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week. 

Thanks for listening! 


Warmly,
Holly Rustick 

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already. 

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No How to Write Grants Using Concise, Clear, and Meaningful Words 244 244 How to Write Grants Using Concise, Clear, and Meaningful Words full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1378673923 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/how-to-write-grants-using-concise-clear-and-meaningful-words If you are looking to increase your clarity in grant writing, then this podcast is for you! You may struggle with writing succinct grant applications because of a myriad of issues: 

  • Not knowing if you include ‘enough’ words to convey your message
  • Being unclear if you will reach all the grant proposal criteria points
  • Being unsure if you are using the ‘right’ words

This week, Erin Lebacqz of High-Value Writing shares some great tips to write more concise grants and emails!

What We Discuss:

  • Word Importance for Grants
  • Grant Applications Rubric
  • Ambiguous Words NOT to Use in a Grant
  • Developing Relationships via Emails
  • Respect for Readers
  • Calendars to Reduce Email Threads
  • Cold Emails to Get Sponsors
  • Emojis in Your Emails
  • High-Value Writing

About Erin Lebacqz

Erin Lebacqz has been helping learners reach their own writing goals for over twenty years, in both higher education and in the realms of business, government, and non-profit work. She guides learners as they develop the confidence to share their views through clear, purposeful writing. This is Erin’s way to contribute to the growth of others and of their community. She  teaches live in-person and virtual classes, as well as produces self-paced online learning videos and on-demand classes. Erin also speaks at conferences and learning sessions, and advises organizations on their language use.

Her High-Value Writing program supports writing learners by empowering them to write with purpose and intention. It helps newer and more experienced writers see language through a new lens, using words as tools to purposefully convey intentional messages. We look at ways to target and clarify messages concisely, and in a way that works for a particular reader.

Reach out to Erin Lebacqz:

Related Links:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> If you are looking to increase your clarity in grant writing, then this podcast is for you! You may struggle with writing succinct grant applications because of a myriad of issues: 

  • Not knowing if you include ‘enough’ words to convey your message
  • Being unclear if you will reach all the grant proposal criteria points
  • Being unsure if you are using the ‘right’ words

This week, Erin Lebacqz of High-Value Writing shares some great tips to write more concise grants and emails!

What We Discuss:

  • Word Importance for Grants
  • Grant Applications Rubric
  • Ambiguous Words NOT to Use in a Grant
  • Developing Relationships via Emails
  • Respect for Readers
  • Calendars to Reduce Email Threads
  • Cold Emails to Get Sponsors
  • Emojis in Your Emails
  • High-Value Writing

About Erin Lebacqz

Erin Lebacqz has been helping learners reach their own writing goals for over twenty years, in both higher education and in the realms of business, government, and non-profit work. She guides learners as they develop the confidence to share their views through clear, purposeful writing. This is Erin’s way to contribute to the growth of others and of their community. She  teaches live in-person and virtual classes, as well as produces self-paced online learning videos and on-demand classes. Erin also speaks at conferences and learning sessions, and advises organizations on their language use.

Her High-Value Writing program supports writing learners by empowering them to write with purpose and intention. It helps newer and more experienced writers see language through a new lens, using words as tools to purposefully convey intentional messages. We look at ways to target and clarify messages concisely, and in a way that works for a particular reader.

Reach out to Erin Lebacqz:

Related Links:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 08 Nov 2022 06:00:35 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2812 If you are looking to increase your clarity in grant writing, then this podcast is for you! You may struggle with writing succinct grant applications because of a myriad of issues: 

  • Not knowing if you include ‘enough’ words to convey your message
  • Being unclear if you will reach all the grant proposal criteria points
  • Being unsure if you are using the ‘right’ words

This week, Erin Lebacqz of High-Value Writing shares some great tips to write more concise grants and emails!

What We Discuss:

  • Word Importance for Grants
  • Grant Applications Rubric
  • Ambiguous Words NOT to Use in a Grant
  • Developing Relationships via Emails
  • Respect for Readers
  • Calendars to Reduce Email Threads
  • Cold Emails to Get Sponsors
  • Emojis in Your Emails
  • High-Value Writing

About Erin Lebacqz

Erin Lebacqz has been helping learners reach their own writing goals for over twenty years, in both higher education and in the realms of business, government, and non-profit work. She guides learners as they develop the confidence to share their views through clear, purposeful writing. This is Erin’s way to contribute to the growth of others and of their community. She  teaches live in-person and virtual classes, as well as produces self-paced online learning videos and on-demand classes. Erin also speaks at conferences and learning sessions, and advises organizations on their language use.

Her High-Value Writing program supports writing learners by empowering them to write with purpose and intention. It helps newer and more experienced writers see language through a new lens, using words as tools to purposefully convey intentional messages. We look at ways to target and clarify messages concisely, and in a way that works for a particular reader.

Reach out to Erin Lebacqz:

Related Links:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Get Over the Overwhelm of End of Year Giving with a Proven Email Strategy 243 243 Get Over the Overwhelm of End of Year Giving with a Proven Email Strategy full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1367383606 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-243-get-over-the-overwhelm-of-end-of-year-giving-with-a-proven-email-strategy In this episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Christina to discuss why now is not the time for nonprofits to be shy about asking for donations—especially during critical fundraising seasons. They dive into how to overcome the fear of asking donors for money and introduce key strategies from a nonprofit “makeover” approach to help your organization stand out and stay top of mind. 

The conversation covers why nonprofits should increase their email outreach during end-of-year campaigns, how many emails you should actually be sending, and why duplicating content isn’t effective—along with smarter ways to repurpose social media into engaging email content. 

Christina also shares practical tips on re-engaging past donors and building stronger connections, giving nonprofits actionable ways to boost visibility, confidence, and fundraising results.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Christina is a nonprofit fundraising expert and strategist who helps organizations increase donor engagement and revenue through effective communication and campaign strategies. She specializes in guiding nonprofits to confidently ask for support, optimize their messaging, and create impactful fundraising campaigns that drive results.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> In this episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Christina to discuss why now is not the time for nonprofits to be shy about asking for donations—especially during critical fundraising seasons. They dive into how to overcome the fear of asking donors for money and introduce key strategies from a nonprofit “makeover” approach to help your organization stand out and stay top of mind. 

The conversation covers why nonprofits should increase their email outreach during end-of-year campaigns, how many emails you should actually be sending, and why duplicating content isn’t effective—along with smarter ways to repurpose social media into engaging email content. 

Christina also shares practical tips on re-engaging past donors and building stronger connections, giving nonprofits actionable ways to boost visibility, confidence, and fundraising results.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Christina is a nonprofit fundraising expert and strategist who helps organizations increase donor engagement and revenue through effective communication and campaign strategies. She specializes in guiding nonprofits to confidently ask for support, optimize their messaging, and create impactful fundraising campaigns that drive results.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 01 Nov 2022 07:00:05 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2055 In this episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Christina to discuss why now is not the time for nonprofits to be shy about asking for donations—especially during critical fundraising seasons. They dive into how to overcome the fear of asking donors for money and introduce key strategies from a nonprofit “makeover” approach to help your organization stand out and stay top of mind. 

The conversation covers why nonprofits should increase their email outreach during end-of-year campaigns, how many emails you should actually be sending, and why duplicating content isn’t effective—along with smarter ways to repurpose social media into engaging email content. 

Christina also shares practical tips on re-engaging past donors and building stronger connections, giving nonprofits actionable ways to boost visibility, confidence, and fundraising results.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Christina is a nonprofit fundraising expert and strategist who helps organizations increase donor engagement and revenue through effective communication and campaign strategies. She specializes in guiding nonprofits to confidently ask for support, optimize their messaging, and create impactful fundraising campaigns that drive results.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No How to Navigate Inflation and Get More Funding for Your Nonprofit 242 242 How to Navigate Inflation and Get More Funding for Your Nonprofit full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1369015840 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-242-how-to-navigate-inflation-and-get-more-funding-for-your-nonprofit In this episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Sean Kosofsky to share timely strategies for navigating inflation during your nonprofit’s end-of-year giving campaign while maximizing fundraising results. They cover essential foundations of end-of-year fundraising, including how to anchor your revenue goals, which funding streams to prioritize, and why it’s critical to go deeper into proven strategies during this high-impact season. 

Sean shares insights on how inflation may impact smaller individual donors and why now is the time to confidently ask major donors for increased support. 

The conversation also explores creative engagement tactics like personalized video thank-yous, optimizing your nonprofit’s technology, and repurposing strategies to stay top of mind. Looking ahead, they discuss when to begin planning for the new year and key fundraising trends to watch, giving nonprofits a clear roadmap to strengthen both current and future campaigns.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Sean Kosofsky is a nonprofit expert, fundraising strategist, and consultant who helps organizations increase revenue, strengthen campaigns, and build sustainable funding models. With extensive experience in advocacy, communications, and nonprofit leadership, Sean specializes in guiding organizations through effective fundraising strategies, especially during critical giving seasons.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> In this episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Sean Kosofsky to share timely strategies for navigating inflation during your nonprofit’s end-of-year giving campaign while maximizing fundraising results. They cover essential foundations of end-of-year fundraising, including how to anchor your revenue goals, which funding streams to prioritize, and why it’s critical to go deeper into proven strategies during this high-impact season. 

Sean shares insights on how inflation may impact smaller individual donors and why now is the time to confidently ask major donors for increased support. 

The conversation also explores creative engagement tactics like personalized video thank-yous, optimizing your nonprofit’s technology, and repurposing strategies to stay top of mind. Looking ahead, they discuss when to begin planning for the new year and key fundraising trends to watch, giving nonprofits a clear roadmap to strengthen both current and future campaigns.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Sean Kosofsky is a nonprofit expert, fundraising strategist, and consultant who helps organizations increase revenue, strengthen campaigns, and build sustainable funding models. With extensive experience in advocacy, communications, and nonprofit leadership, Sean specializes in guiding organizations through effective fundraising strategies, especially during critical giving seasons.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 25 Oct 2022 07:00:17 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2469 In this episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Sean Kosofsky to share timely strategies for navigating inflation during your nonprofit’s end-of-year giving campaign while maximizing fundraising results. They cover essential foundations of end-of-year fundraising, including how to anchor your revenue goals, which funding streams to prioritize, and why it’s critical to go deeper into proven strategies during this high-impact season. 

Sean shares insights on how inflation may impact smaller individual donors and why now is the time to confidently ask major donors for increased support. 

The conversation also explores creative engagement tactics like personalized video thank-yous, optimizing your nonprofit’s technology, and repurposing strategies to stay top of mind. Looking ahead, they discuss when to begin planning for the new year and key fundraising trends to watch, giving nonprofits a clear roadmap to strengthen both current and future campaigns.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Sean Kosofsky is a nonprofit expert, fundraising strategist, and consultant who helps organizations increase revenue, strengthen campaigns, and build sustainable funding models. With extensive experience in advocacy, communications, and nonprofit leadership, Sean specializes in guiding organizations through effective fundraising strategies, especially during critical giving seasons.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Tricks to Find State Grants & Contracts 241 241 Tricks to Find State Grants & Contracts full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1365317641 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/tricks-to-find-state-grants-contracts Did you know that you can tap into your state and city government agencies for grants or contracts for your nonprofit organization?

Yep, you can.

First you might be interested in where your state or territory comes up with grant funding (side note: this is geared toward U.S. state and territory grants). 

Where do State Grant & Contract Money Come From?

Federal Pass-Through Money

A lot of state and territory grant and contract money is derived from federal monies. This is called federal pass-through funding as it is money from the federal government awarded, “and the state governments then make subawards to other organizations to carry out the public purpose of the grant program within their state’s jurisdiction. This gives the state governments more flexibility and autonomy over the use of the federal grant funds.”

Basically this means…The federal government will award states different types of money,, and then the state is able to then fund nonprofits or other agencies grants from that money.

Taxes and Allocations

And then of course there are taxes in your state, and money that’s generated in your state. Through these allocated funds (for specific purposes) your state then awards certain monies for nonprofits,  organizations, businesses, individuals, and so forth.

Grant or Contract?

Grant funding

Grant funding is given out (usually via grant competition) and then the state will create an agreement on awarding the funds to you if you spend them how you outlined in your grant budget. 

They will also most likely demand a whole bunch of receipts and reports to ensure you are spending the money the way you said you would spend the money.

Contract funding

Now a contract on the other side is actually legally binding. They can take you to court if you don’t spend the money the way you said you were gonna spend the money. But at the same time, there’s a little bit more flexibility in the funding.

For reports to draw down contract money, you may just need to show the monthly or quarterly deliverables in the scope of work (not all the receipts for every penny). 

If you met under budget and you still met all of your goals, you will still be awarded the money under the contract, whereas with a grant you might only be reimbursed for what you actually spent. 

So there could be a little bit more flexibility and less reporting with contracts. However, you will have a legally binding contract for due diligence.

If you can get a contract, go after the contract. If you can get a grant, go after the grant. If you can go after both. Go after both. 

Where to Find State Grants & Contracts

Now, where do you find this state money? 

State and City Agency Websites

You can definitely find it by looking at your state agency and city agency websites. The issue with websites is that each state and city government agency may not use the same language on their website to announce their grant and contract opportunities.

Some key words to look for include: “RFP,” “Announcement,” “News,” “Grants,” and so forth.

Newspapers

Another place you can find out about state and city agency grants and contracts is in the newspaper.

I know we haven’t heard about the newspaper in a long time, but believe you me, a lot of these agencies must publish their announcements and they still use the newspapers. 

Social Media

Follow the state and city agencies that might have grant or contract opportunities for your nonprofit! Some of these different agencies are now active on social media and will also publish their announcements there.

You can also see what else is going on at these agencies and find some great statistics or reports that might resonate with your nonprofit. 

Reach out to a Point of Contact at State or City Agency

You can even call a state or city agency program officer and ask if they can add you to their email list (if they have one), so you can stay up-to-date with announcements.

Importance of State Grants & Contracts

And why are these types of funding important? 

Well, because if your nonprofit is serving in your certain geographic area of that city agency or that state government agency, then that is a win. State and city governments primarily give out funding in their geographic area to move forward their priorities!

So don’t fall into the trap of only looking for federal or foundation grants! There is a huge money pot available for you in your city and state. Try the above ways to tap into it and let me know what you find! 

Links:

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

  • Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies ever...
]]> Did you know that you can tap into your state and city government agencies for grants or contracts for your nonprofit organization?

Yep, you can.

First you might be interested in where your state or territory comes up with grant funding (side note: this is geared toward U.S. state and territory grants). 

Where do State Grant & Contract Money Come From?

Federal Pass-Through Money

A lot of state and territory grant and contract money is derived from federal monies. This is called federal pass-through funding as it is money from the federal government awarded, “and the state governments then make subawards to other organizations to carry out the public purpose of the grant program within their state’s jurisdiction. This gives the state governments more flexibility and autonomy over the use of the federal grant funds.”

Basically this means…The federal government will award states different types of money,, and then the state is able to then fund nonprofits or other agencies grants from that money.

Taxes and Allocations

And then of course there are taxes in your state, and money that’s generated in your state. Through these allocated funds (for specific purposes) your state then awards certain monies for nonprofits,  organizations, businesses, individuals, and so forth.

Grant or Contract?

Grant funding

Grant funding is given out (usually via grant competition) and then the state will create an agreement on awarding the funds to you if you spend them how you outlined in your grant budget. 

They will also most likely demand a whole bunch of receipts and reports to ensure you are spending the money the way you said you would spend the money.

Contract funding

Now a contract on the other side is actually legally binding. They can take you to court if you don’t spend the money the way you said you were gonna spend the money. But at the same time, there’s a little bit more flexibility in the funding.

For reports to draw down contract money, you may just need to show the monthly or quarterly deliverables in the scope of work (not all the receipts for every penny). 

If you met under budget and you still met all of your goals, you will still be awarded the money under the contract, whereas with a grant you might only be reimbursed for what you actually spent. 

So there could be a little bit more flexibility and less reporting with contracts. However, you will have a legally binding contract for due diligence.

If you can get a contract, go after the contract. If you can get a grant, go after the grant. If you can go after both. Go after both. 

Where to Find State Grants & Contracts

Now, where do you find this state money? 

State and City Agency Websites

You can definitely find it by looking at your state agency and city agency websites. The issue with websites is that each state and city government agency may not use the same language on their website to announce their grant and contract opportunities.

Some key words to look for include: “RFP,” “Announcement,” “News,” “Grants,” and so forth.

Newspapers

Another place you can find out about state and city agency grants and contracts is in the newspaper.

I know we haven’t heard about the newspaper in a long time, but believe you me, a lot of these agencies must publish their announcements and they still use the newspapers. 

Social Media

Follow the state and city agencies that might have grant or contract opportunities for your nonprofit! Some of these different agencies are now active on social media and will also publish their announcements there.

You can also see what else is going on at these agencies and find some great statistics or reports that might resonate with your nonprofit. 

Reach out to a Point of Contact at State or City Agency

You can even call a state or city agency program officer and ask if they can add you to their email list (if they have one), so you can stay up-to-date with announcements.

Importance of State Grants & Contracts

And why are these types of funding important? 

Well, because if your nonprofit is serving in your certain geographic area of that city agency or that state government agency, then that is a win. State and city governments primarily give out funding in their geographic area to move forward their priorities!

So don’t fall into the trap of only looking for federal or foundation grants! There is a huge money pot available for you in your city and state. Try the above ways to tap into it and let me know what you find! 

Links:

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

  • Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies ever...
]]> Tue, 18 Oct 2022 07:00:36 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 833 Did you know that you can tap into your state and city government agencies for grants or contracts for your nonprofit organization?

Yep, you can.

First you might be interested in where your state or territory comes up with grant funding (side note: this is geared toward U.S. state and territory grants). 

Where do State Grant & Contract Money Come From?

Federal Pass-Through Money

A lot of state and territory grant and contract money is derived from federal monies. This is called federal pass-through funding as it is money from the federal government awarded, “and the state governments then make subawards to other organizations to carry out the public purpose of the grant program within their state’s jurisdiction. This gives the state governments more flexibility and autonomy over the use of the federal grant funds.”

Basically this means…The federal government will award states different types of money,, and then the state is able to then fund nonprofits or other agencies grants from that money.

Taxes and Allocations

And then of course there are taxes in your state, and money that’s generated in your state. Through these allocated funds (for specific purposes) your state then awards certain monies for nonprofits,  organizations, businesses, individuals, and so forth.

Grant or Contract?

Grant funding

Grant funding is given out (usually via grant competition) and then the state will create an agreement on awarding the funds to you if you spend them how you outlined in your grant budget. 

They will also most likely demand a whole bunch of receipts and reports to ensure you are spending the money the way you said you would spend the money.

Contract funding

Now a contract on the other side is actually legally binding. They can take you to court if you don’t spend the money the way you said you were gonna spend the money. But at the same time, there’s a little bit more flexibility in the funding.

For reports to draw down contract money, you may just need to show the monthly or quarterly deliverables in the scope of work (not all the receipts for every penny). 

If you met under budget and you still met all of your goals, you will still be awarded the money under the contract, whereas with a grant you might only be reimbursed for what you actually spent. 

So there could be a little bit more flexibility and less reporting with contracts. However, you will have a legally binding contract for due diligence.

If you can get a contract, go after the contract. If you can get a grant, go after the grant. If you can go after both. Go after both. 

Where to Find State Grants & Contracts

Now, where do you find this state money? 

State and City Agency Websites

You can definitely find it by looking at your state agency and city agency websites. The issue with websites is that each state and city government agency may not use the same language on their website to announce their grant and contract opportunities.

Some key words to look for include: “RFP,” “Announcement,” “News,” “Grants,” and so forth.

Newspapers

Another place you can find out about state and city agency grants and contracts is in the newspaper.

I know we haven’t heard about the newspaper in a long time, but believe you me, a lot of these agencies must publish their announcements and they still use the newspapers. 

Social Media

Follow the state and city agencies that might have grant or contract opportunities for your nonprofit! Some of these different agencies are now active on social media and will also publish their announcements there.

You can also see what else is going on at these agencies and find some great statistics or reports that might resonate with your nonprofit. 

Reach out to a Point of Contact at State or City Agency

You can even call a state or city agency program officer and ask if they can add you to their email list (if they have one), so you can stay up-to-date with announcements.

Importance of State Grants & Contracts

And why are these types of funding important? 

Well, because if your nonprofit is serving in your certain geographic area of that city agency or that state government agency, then that is a win. State and city governments primarily give out funding in their geographic area to move forward their priorities!

So don’t fall into the trap of only looking for federal or foundation grants! There is a huge money pot available for you in your city and state. Try the above ways to tap into it and let me know what you find! 

Links:

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

  • Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies ever...
]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ep.240: 6 Proven Tips to Find the Best Federal Grant Opportunities 240 240 Ep.240: 6 Proven Tips to Find the Best Federal Grant Opportunities full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1360883755 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-240-6-proven-tips-to-find-the-best-federal-grant-opportunities Tue, 11 Oct 2022 07:00:28 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1064 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Does Gender Fairness Exist in Your Nonprofit? 239 239 Does Gender Fairness Exist in Your Nonprofit? full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1356391621 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-239-does-gender-fairness-exist-in-your-nonprofit Amy Cross joins us to unpack the realities of gender equity in the nonprofit sector and challenge the assumption that a female-dominated industry automatically ensures fairness. We explore how organizations can intentionally use funding to support equity, what a Gender Fair Assessment looks like, and why data and transparency—especially around pay—are critical to progress. 

Amy also shares insights on workplace priorities, policies nonprofits should evaluate, the role of vendors in advancing equity, and how broader movements for economic power and gender fairness are shaping the future of the sector.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Amy Cross is a leader in advancing gender equity through data-driven strategies and advocacy. She is deeply involved in the Gender Fair movement, which works to promote fairness in workplaces, organizations, and systems by evaluating policies, pay structures, and leadership practices. 

With a background in data journalism and social impact, Amy helps organizations better understand inequities and implement actionable solutions to create more inclusive and equitable environments.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Amy Cross joins us to unpack the realities of gender equity in the nonprofit sector and challenge the assumption that a female-dominated industry automatically ensures fairness. We explore how organizations can intentionally use funding to support equity, what a Gender Fair Assessment looks like, and why data and transparency—especially around pay—are critical to progress. 

Amy also shares insights on workplace priorities, policies nonprofits should evaluate, the role of vendors in advancing equity, and how broader movements for economic power and gender fairness are shaping the future of the sector.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Amy Cross is a leader in advancing gender equity through data-driven strategies and advocacy. She is deeply involved in the Gender Fair movement, which works to promote fairness in workplaces, organizations, and systems by evaluating policies, pay structures, and leadership practices. 

With a background in data journalism and social impact, Amy helps organizations better understand inequities and implement actionable solutions to create more inclusive and equitable environments.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 04 Oct 2022 07:00:22 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2716 Amy Cross joins us to unpack the realities of gender equity in the nonprofit sector and challenge the assumption that a female-dominated industry automatically ensures fairness. We explore how organizations can intentionally use funding to support equity, what a Gender Fair Assessment looks like, and why data and transparency—especially around pay—are critical to progress. 

Amy also shares insights on workplace priorities, policies nonprofits should evaluate, the role of vendors in advancing equity, and how broader movements for economic power and gender fairness are shaping the future of the sector.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Amy Cross is a leader in advancing gender equity through data-driven strategies and advocacy. She is deeply involved in the Gender Fair movement, which works to promote fairness in workplaces, organizations, and systems by evaluating policies, pay structures, and leadership practices. 

With a background in data journalism and social impact, Amy helps organizations better understand inequities and implement actionable solutions to create more inclusive and equitable environments.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No How Nonprofits Can Bridge the Political Divide with the Center for Political Future 238 238 How Nonprofits Can Bridge the Political Divide with the Center for Political Future full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1350485515 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-238-how-nonprofits-can-bridge-the-political-divide-with-the-center-for-political-future In this episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Kamy Akhavan, Executive Director of the USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future, to explore what today’s growing political divide means for nonprofit organizations—and how to navigate it with intention, clarity, and impact. 

Together, they unpack key concerns nonprofits face, including which social movements to advocate for on social media, whether taking a public stance could risk losing funders, and if staying within familiar networks limits growth and influence. The conversation dives into how nonprofits can bridge polarization by understanding internal biases shaped by external forces, recognizing the impact of disappearing shared public spaces, and learning how to engage in meaningful, respectful dialogue across differences. 

They also discuss how to communicate using neutral, inclusive language, lead with empathy, and listen to opposing viewpoints as a path forward. With a focus on education-based advocacy, this episode highlights how to determine when your nonprofit should speak up, how to approach social media strategically, and why it’s essential to include perspectives outside your usual circle to create lasting impact.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Kamy Akhavan is the Executive Director of the USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future, where he leads efforts to bridge partisan divides and promote civil discourse through education, dialogue, and leadership development. With a background in media, technology, and public engagement, Kamy has worked across sectors to advance initiatives that bring people together across differences. 

His work focuses on equipping leaders and organizations with the tools to navigate complex political landscapes and foster constructive conversations that drive meaningful change.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Center for the Political Future: https://dornsife.usc.edu/center-for-political-future/

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> In this episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Kamy Akhavan, Executive Director of the USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future, to explore what today’s growing political divide means for nonprofit organizations—and how to navigate it with intention, clarity, and impact. 

Together, they unpack key concerns nonprofits face, including which social movements to advocate for on social media, whether taking a public stance could risk losing funders, and if staying within familiar networks limits growth and influence. The conversation dives into how nonprofits can bridge polarization by understanding internal biases shaped by external forces, recognizing the impact of disappearing shared public spaces, and learning how to engage in meaningful, respectful dialogue across differences. 

They also discuss how to communicate using neutral, inclusive language, lead with empathy, and listen to opposing viewpoints as a path forward. With a focus on education-based advocacy, this episode highlights how to determine when your nonprofit should speak up, how to approach social media strategically, and why it’s essential to include perspectives outside your usual circle to create lasting impact.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Kamy Akhavan is the Executive Director of the USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future, where he leads efforts to bridge partisan divides and promote civil discourse through education, dialogue, and leadership development. With a background in media, technology, and public engagement, Kamy has worked across sectors to advance initiatives that bring people together across differences. 

His work focuses on equipping leaders and organizations with the tools to navigate complex political landscapes and foster constructive conversations that drive meaningful change.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Center for the Political Future: https://dornsife.usc.edu/center-for-political-future/

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 27 Sep 2022 07:00:02 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 3267 In this episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Kamy Akhavan, Executive Director of the USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future, to explore what today’s growing political divide means for nonprofit organizations—and how to navigate it with intention, clarity, and impact. 

Together, they unpack key concerns nonprofits face, including which social movements to advocate for on social media, whether taking a public stance could risk losing funders, and if staying within familiar networks limits growth and influence. The conversation dives into how nonprofits can bridge polarization by understanding internal biases shaped by external forces, recognizing the impact of disappearing shared public spaces, and learning how to engage in meaningful, respectful dialogue across differences. 

They also discuss how to communicate using neutral, inclusive language, lead with empathy, and listen to opposing viewpoints as a path forward. With a focus on education-based advocacy, this episode highlights how to determine when your nonprofit should speak up, how to approach social media strategically, and why it’s essential to include perspectives outside your usual circle to create lasting impact.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Kamy Akhavan is the Executive Director of the USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future, where he leads efforts to bridge partisan divides and promote civil discourse through education, dialogue, and leadership development. With a background in media, technology, and public engagement, Kamy has worked across sectors to advance initiatives that bring people together across differences. 

His work focuses on equipping leaders and organizations with the tools to navigate complex political landscapes and foster constructive conversations that drive meaningful change.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Center for the Political Future: https://dornsife.usc.edu/center-for-political-future/

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Pros and Cons to Hiring a Freelance Grant Writer vs. a Staff Grant Writer 237 237 Pros and Cons to Hiring a Freelance Grant Writer vs. a Staff Grant Writer full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1346590843 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/pros-and-cons-to-hiring-a-freelance-grant-writer-vs-a-staff-grant-writer Your nonprofit may be considering hiring a grant writer... BUT the bigger questions is: "Should you hire a freelance grant writer or a staff grant writer?” Check out all the reasons your nonprofit may want to join in the Freelance Revolution to save money, management woes, and resources when hiring a freelance grant writer. Check out the glorious pros and the meh cons.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Your nonprofit may be considering hiring a grant writer... BUT the bigger questions is: "Should you hire a freelance grant writer or a staff grant writer?” Check out all the reasons your nonprofit may want to join in the Freelance Revolution to save money, management woes, and resources when hiring a freelance grant writer. Check out the glorious pros and the meh cons.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 20 Sep 2022 07:00:14 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1213 Your nonprofit may be considering hiring a grant writer... BUT the bigger questions is: "Should you hire a freelance grant writer or a staff grant writer?” Check out all the reasons your nonprofit may want to join in the Freelance Revolution to save money, management woes, and resources when hiring a freelance grant writer. Check out the glorious pros and the meh cons.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No 8 Steps to Start Earning Money in Your Freelance Grant Writing Business 236 236 8 Steps to Start Earning Money in Your Freelance Grant Writing Business full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1343030749 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/8-steps-to-start-earning-money-in-your-freelance-grant-writing-business #1:  Get your Business Formerly Set Up

Should you open an LLC or Sole Proprietorship? 

The answer to this question really depends on your state and what your goals are. 

Other items you will want to do are consider getting your business bank account set up and identifying the name of your business.

There’s nothing sweeter than getting your first check written out to your business :). Plus, when you go to your accountant you can run your report from your business account and not your personal bank account. OMG, this saves SO much headache at the end of the year and keeps things clean.

We go over how to do all these steps in week one of the 8-Week Freelance Grant Writer Academy! Plus, you will:

  • Understand the differences between starting a Sole Proprietorship or LLC
  • Create a customized success pathway
  • Create values for easy decision-making in your business
  • Get your bank account set up

#2: Identify Your Ideal Client & Service

Now that you have your business set up, you need to know who you are going to serve. If you don’t know who you will serve then it’s going to be tough to market and get clients.  

A big mistake I see most freelance grant writers make is to try and serve all nonprofits.

Unless you will serve all nonprofits with a specific service (such as doing Nonprofit Wellness Audits) then this could be a big no-no.

You can decide what type of nonprofit you want to serve based on the subject matter of a nonprofit (i.e. conservation, education, etc.), size (i.e. pup nonprofits), or geographic location.

For your services, you can decide if you want to specialize in a certain service or be a generalist. 

If you specialize you might only do grant research, write certain federal grants, etc. If you are more of a generalist, you might write grants, help nonprofits get set up, conduct nonprofit strategic planning, etc.

By being clear about who you serve and what you do, you will be able to create better services and market those services efficiently.

We go over how to do all these steps in week two of the 8-Week Freelance Grant Writer Academy! Plus, you’ll:

  • Map out your ideal client avatar
  • Develop a nonprofit lead list 
  • Identify Your Nonprofit Niche
  • Figure out if you are a Generalist or Specialist

#3: Create Branding for Your Freelance Grant Writing Business

Your branding is how your business will resonate with nonprofit organizations. That does not mean you should randomly pick out colors and go for it! If you do that, you will be re-branding before you hit publish on your website.

But to really feel like you are confidently representing yourself and connecting with those ideal clients, it takes a little bit of time.

But this time saves you so much more time in the future. 

Be sure to create mission and vision statements for your business and run a SWOT analysis. This will help you define what that branding image looks like and that you actually love it!

We go over how to do all these steps in week three of the 8-Week Freelance Grant Writer Academy! Plus you will:

  • Get a Crash Course in Website Ideas
  • Get Branding Templates 
  • Create a mission and vision statement 
  • Conduct a SWOT analysis 

#4: Create a Working Schedule

I know you opened your freelance grant writing business so you could work whenever you want and not report to “The Man”. Guess what? You are now the “The Woman” or “The Man.”

Having a schedule doesn’t mean it has to look the same as an 8-to-5 job. But most freelance grant writers actually start working way more than 40 hours a week and work creeps into weekends and vacations.

We need to nip that in the bum. Pronto. 

However you want to set up your schedule, you still need a schedule! 

This is one of the hardest steps I have seen freelance grant writers get used to. Let’s face it. Regular jobs don’t really depend on output as much as they do on you showing up and taking up space.

But your business requires output. So you need to make sure you schedule out your week in advance!

We go over how to do all these steps in week four of the 8-Week Freelance Grant Writer Academy! Plus, you get:

  • Holly’s Ideal Work Week Schedule
  • Tips on when to hire (and who) to help out with your work
  • A Client Time Tracker so you get paid for all your time!

#5: Develop a Pricing Model

Okay, it’s time to talk about money. You need to get paid as a freelance grant writer! 

But will you charge hourly, retainer, or by the service?

How much will you charge?

How often will you raise your prices?

These are all things to consider when developing your pricing model.

Don’t stress too much about this. You can always change it whenever you want to!

But do figure out how you will charge your customers.

I go over how to do all these steps in week five of the 8-Week Freelance Grant Writer Academy! Plus, you:

  • Get a Template on Having Conversations Around Pricing and Packaging
  • Learn the art of developing proposals
  • Get Sample Retainers  
  • Receive a Post Discovery Call Template 
  • Get a Checklist and Script of questions to ask in a Discovery Call

#6: Communicate Effectively

Now that you have your name set up, your branding, and know you want to serve, you also need to make sure when folks find you that they want to hire you!

Make sure you have a website and LinkedIn profile and that the copy on your website is clear and gets people to click a button to hire you! 

  • Read over your sales copy on your website and on LinkedIn profile and make sure everything is optimized. 
  • Then, have a few different people that work in nonprofits read it over. 

Are you showcasing their needs and solving their problems? 

Would they hire you if they didn’t know you?

Having effective sales copy is vital in developing the know, like, trust factor!

I go over how to do all these steps in week six of the 8-Week Freelance Grant Writer Academy! Plus, you get:

]]> #1:  Get your Business Formerly Set Up

Should you open an LLC or Sole Proprietorship? 

The answer to this question really depends on your state and what your goals are. 

Other items you will want to do are consider getting your business bank account set up and identifying the name of your business.

There’s nothing sweeter than getting your first check written out to your business :). Plus, when you go to your accountant you can run your report from your business account and not your personal bank account. OMG, this saves SO much headache at the end of the year and keeps things clean.

We go over how to do all these steps in week one of the 8-Week Freelance Grant Writer Academy! Plus, you will:

  • Understand the differences between starting a Sole Proprietorship or LLC
  • Create a customized success pathway
  • Create values for easy decision-making in your business
  • Get your bank account set up

#2: Identify Your Ideal Client & Service

Now that you have your business set up, you need to know who you are going to serve. If you don’t know who you will serve then it’s going to be tough to market and get clients.  

A big mistake I see most freelance grant writers make is to try and serve all nonprofits.

Unless you will serve all nonprofits with a specific service (such as doing Nonprofit Wellness Audits) then this could be a big no-no.

You can decide what type of nonprofit you want to serve based on the subject matter of a nonprofit (i.e. conservation, education, etc.), size (i.e. pup nonprofits), or geographic location.

For your services, you can decide if you want to specialize in a certain service or be a generalist. 

If you specialize you might only do grant research, write certain federal grants, etc. If you are more of a generalist, you might write grants, help nonprofits get set up, conduct nonprofit strategic planning, etc.

By being clear about who you serve and what you do, you will be able to create better services and market those services efficiently.

We go over how to do all these steps in week two of the 8-Week Freelance Grant Writer Academy! Plus, you’ll:

  • Map out your ideal client avatar
  • Develop a nonprofit lead list 
  • Identify Your Nonprofit Niche
  • Figure out if you are a Generalist or Specialist

#3: Create Branding for Your Freelance Grant Writing Business

Your branding is how your business will resonate with nonprofit organizations. That does not mean you should randomly pick out colors and go for it! If you do that, you will be re-branding before you hit publish on your website.

But to really feel like you are confidently representing yourself and connecting with those ideal clients, it takes a little bit of time.

But this time saves you so much more time in the future. 

Be sure to create mission and vision statements for your business and run a SWOT analysis. This will help you define what that branding image looks like and that you actually love it!

We go over how to do all these steps in week three of the 8-Week Freelance Grant Writer Academy! Plus you will:

  • Get a Crash Course in Website Ideas
  • Get Branding Templates 
  • Create a mission and vision statement 
  • Conduct a SWOT analysis 

#4: Create a Working Schedule

I know you opened your freelance grant writing business so you could work whenever you want and not report to “The Man”. Guess what? You are now the “The Woman” or “The Man.”

Having a schedule doesn’t mean it has to look the same as an 8-to-5 job. But most freelance grant writers actually start working way more than 40 hours a week and work creeps into weekends and vacations.

We need to nip that in the bum. Pronto. 

However you want to set up your schedule, you still need a schedule! 

This is one of the hardest steps I have seen freelance grant writers get used to. Let’s face it. Regular jobs don’t really depend on output as much as they do on you showing up and taking up space.

But your business requires output. So you need to make sure you schedule out your week in advance!

We go over how to do all these steps in week four of the 8-Week Freelance Grant Writer Academy! Plus, you get:

  • Holly’s Ideal Work Week Schedule
  • Tips on when to hire (and who) to help out with your work
  • A Client Time Tracker so you get paid for all your time!

#5: Develop a Pricing Model

Okay, it’s time to talk about money. You need to get paid as a freelance grant writer! 

But will you charge hourly, retainer, or by the service?

How much will you charge?

How often will you raise your prices?

These are all things to consider when developing your pricing model.

Don’t stress too much about this. You can always change it whenever you want to!

But do figure out how you will charge your customers.

I go over how to do all these steps in week five of the 8-Week Freelance Grant Writer Academy! Plus, you:

  • Get a Template on Having Conversations Around Pricing and Packaging
  • Learn the art of developing proposals
  • Get Sample Retainers  
  • Receive a Post Discovery Call Template 
  • Get a Checklist and Script of questions to ask in a Discovery Call

#6: Communicate Effectively

Now that you have your name set up, your branding, and know you want to serve, you also need to make sure when folks find you that they want to hire you!

Make sure you have a website and LinkedIn profile and that the copy on your website is clear and gets people to click a button to hire you! 

  • Read over your sales copy on your website and on LinkedIn profile and make sure everything is optimized. 
  • Then, have a few different people that work in nonprofits read it over. 

Are you showcasing their needs and solving their problems? 

Would they hire you if they didn’t know you?

Having effective sales copy is vital in developing the know, like, trust factor!

I go over how to do all these steps in week six of the 8-Week Freelance Grant Writer Academy! Plus, you get:

]]> Tue, 13 Sep 2022 07:00:30 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1823 #1:  Get your Business Formerly Set Up

Should you open an LLC or Sole Proprietorship? 

The answer to this question really depends on your state and what your goals are. 

Other items you will want to do are consider getting your business bank account set up and identifying the name of your business.

There’s nothing sweeter than getting your first check written out to your business :). Plus, when you go to your accountant you can run your report from your business account and not your personal bank account. OMG, this saves SO much headache at the end of the year and keeps things clean.

We go over how to do all these steps in week one of the 8-Week Freelance Grant Writer Academy! Plus, you will:

  • Understand the differences between starting a Sole Proprietorship or LLC
  • Create a customized success pathway
  • Create values for easy decision-making in your business
  • Get your bank account set up

#2: Identify Your Ideal Client & Service

Now that you have your business set up, you need to know who you are going to serve. If you don’t know who you will serve then it’s going to be tough to market and get clients.  

A big mistake I see most freelance grant writers make is to try and serve all nonprofits.

Unless you will serve all nonprofits with a specific service (such as doing Nonprofit Wellness Audits) then this could be a big no-no.

You can decide what type of nonprofit you want to serve based on the subject matter of a nonprofit (i.e. conservation, education, etc.), size (i.e. pup nonprofits), or geographic location.

For your services, you can decide if you want to specialize in a certain service or be a generalist. 

If you specialize you might only do grant research, write certain federal grants, etc. If you are more of a generalist, you might write grants, help nonprofits get set up, conduct nonprofit strategic planning, etc.

By being clear about who you serve and what you do, you will be able to create better services and market those services efficiently.

We go over how to do all these steps in week two of the 8-Week Freelance Grant Writer Academy! Plus, you’ll:

  • Map out your ideal client avatar
  • Develop a nonprofit lead list 
  • Identify Your Nonprofit Niche
  • Figure out if you are a Generalist or Specialist

#3: Create Branding for Your Freelance Grant Writing Business

Your branding is how your business will resonate with nonprofit organizations. That does not mean you should randomly pick out colors and go for it! If you do that, you will be re-branding before you hit publish on your website.

But to really feel like you are confidently representing yourself and connecting with those ideal clients, it takes a little bit of time.

But this time saves you so much more time in the future. 

Be sure to create mission and vision statements for your business and run a SWOT analysis. This will help you define what that branding image looks like and that you actually love it!

We go over how to do all these steps in week three of the 8-Week Freelance Grant Writer Academy! Plus you will:

  • Get a Crash Course in Website Ideas
  • Get Branding Templates 
  • Create a mission and vision statement 
  • Conduct a SWOT analysis 

#4: Create a Working Schedule

I know you opened your freelance grant writing business so you could work whenever you want and not report to “The Man”. Guess what? You are now the “The Woman” or “The Man.”

Having a schedule doesn’t mean it has to look the same as an 8-to-5 job. But most freelance grant writers actually start working way more than 40 hours a week and work creeps into weekends and vacations.

We need to nip that in the bum. Pronto. 

However you want to set up your schedule, you still need a schedule! 

This is one of the hardest steps I have seen freelance grant writers get used to. Let’s face it. Regular jobs don’t really depend on output as much as they do on you showing up and taking up space.

But your business requires output. So you need to make sure you schedule out your week in advance!

We go over how to do all these steps in week four of the 8-Week Freelance Grant Writer Academy! Plus, you get:

  • Holly’s Ideal Work Week Schedule
  • Tips on when to hire (and who) to help out with your work
  • A Client Time Tracker so you get paid for all your time!

#5: Develop a Pricing Model

Okay, it’s time to talk about money. You need to get paid as a freelance grant writer! 

But will you charge hourly, retainer, or by the service?

How much will you charge?

How often will you raise your prices?

These are all things to consider when developing your pricing model.

Don’t stress too much about this. You can always change it whenever you want to!

But do figure out how you will charge your customers.

I go over how to do all these steps in week five of the 8-Week Freelance Grant Writer Academy! Plus, you:

  • Get a Template on Having Conversations Around Pricing and Packaging
  • Learn the art of developing proposals
  • Get Sample Retainers  
  • Receive a Post Discovery Call Template 
  • Get a Checklist and Script of questions to ask in a Discovery Call

#6: Communicate Effectively

Now that you have your name set up, your branding, and know you want to serve, you also need to make sure when folks find you that they want to hire you!

Make sure you have a website and LinkedIn profile and that the copy on your website is clear and gets people to click a button to hire you! 

  • Read over your sales copy on your website and on LinkedIn profile and make sure everything is optimized. 
  • Then, have a few different people that work in nonprofits read it over. 

Are you showcasing their needs and solving their problems? 

Would they hire you if they didn’t know you?

Having effective sales copy is vital in developing the know, like, trust factor!

I go over how to do all these steps in week six of the 8-Week Freelance Grant Writer Academy! Plus, you get:

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No What's New in Nonprofit Policies, Programs, and Jobs in 2022 235 235 What's New in Nonprofit Policies, Programs, and Jobs in 2022 full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1338597316 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-235-whats-new-in-nonprofit-policies-programs-and-jobs-in-2022 There’s a lot changing in the nonprofit sector as we navigate 2022—and in many ways, it’s a doozy (in a good way!).

In this episode, Shannon McCracken, leader of The Nonprofit Alliance, joins us to break down the latest trends shaping nonprofits today—from policies and training to fundraising and job opportunities. We explore how organizations like The Nonprofit Alliance are working to strengthen the sector, the impact of past tax laws and recent IRS changes on charitable giving, and why data privacy is becoming a growing concern that could affect donor trust.

We also dive into evolving job trends in the nonprofit space, how organizations are rethinking employee value and retention, and why year-end fundraising and overall giving trends are showing signs of optimism. Plus, we discuss how COVID-19 has pushed nonprofits to innovate and think differently about fundraising strategies moving forward.

If you want to stay ahead of the curve and understand what’s shaping the future of nonprofits, this episode is packed with timely insights.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Shannon McCracken is the President and CEO of The Nonprofit Alliance (TNPA), a national organization dedicated to promoting, protecting, and strengthening the nonprofit sector. Since its launch in 2018, TNPA has worked to provide advocacy, education, and resources to support nonprofit organizations across the United States.

With a strong background in nonprofit leadership and public policy, Shannon is passionate about advancing ethical fundraising practices, supporting nonprofit professionals, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the sector.

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> There’s a lot changing in the nonprofit sector as we navigate 2022—and in many ways, it’s a doozy (in a good way!).

In this episode, Shannon McCracken, leader of The Nonprofit Alliance, joins us to break down the latest trends shaping nonprofits today—from policies and training to fundraising and job opportunities. We explore how organizations like The Nonprofit Alliance are working to strengthen the sector, the impact of past tax laws and recent IRS changes on charitable giving, and why data privacy is becoming a growing concern that could affect donor trust.

We also dive into evolving job trends in the nonprofit space, how organizations are rethinking employee value and retention, and why year-end fundraising and overall giving trends are showing signs of optimism. Plus, we discuss how COVID-19 has pushed nonprofits to innovate and think differently about fundraising strategies moving forward.

If you want to stay ahead of the curve and understand what’s shaping the future of nonprofits, this episode is packed with timely insights.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Shannon McCracken is the President and CEO of The Nonprofit Alliance (TNPA), a national organization dedicated to promoting, protecting, and strengthening the nonprofit sector. Since its launch in 2018, TNPA has worked to provide advocacy, education, and resources to support nonprofit organizations across the United States.

With a strong background in nonprofit leadership and public policy, Shannon is passionate about advancing ethical fundraising practices, supporting nonprofit professionals, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the sector.

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 06 Sep 2022 07:00:29 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 3111 There’s a lot changing in the nonprofit sector as we navigate 2022—and in many ways, it’s a doozy (in a good way!).

In this episode, Shannon McCracken, leader of The Nonprofit Alliance, joins us to break down the latest trends shaping nonprofits today—from policies and training to fundraising and job opportunities. We explore how organizations like The Nonprofit Alliance are working to strengthen the sector, the impact of past tax laws and recent IRS changes on charitable giving, and why data privacy is becoming a growing concern that could affect donor trust.

We also dive into evolving job trends in the nonprofit space, how organizations are rethinking employee value and retention, and why year-end fundraising and overall giving trends are showing signs of optimism. Plus, we discuss how COVID-19 has pushed nonprofits to innovate and think differently about fundraising strategies moving forward.

If you want to stay ahead of the curve and understand what’s shaping the future of nonprofits, this episode is packed with timely insights.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Shannon McCracken is the President and CEO of The Nonprofit Alliance (TNPA), a national organization dedicated to promoting, protecting, and strengthening the nonprofit sector. Since its launch in 2018, TNPA has worked to provide advocacy, education, and resources to support nonprofit organizations across the United States.

With a strong background in nonprofit leadership and public policy, Shannon is passionate about advancing ethical fundraising practices, supporting nonprofit professionals, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the sector.

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Fundraising and Prioritizing the 10,000 things on your nonprofit plate! 234 234 Fundraising and Prioritizing the 10,000 things on your nonprofit plate! full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1307192020 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-234-fundraising-and-prioritizing-the-10-000-things-on-your-nonprofit-plate Do you ever feel like your nonprofit to-do list never ends? As a nonprofit leader, development director, or grant writer, you’re likely juggling a lot—and some of those tasks have been sitting on your list for months… or even years.

But here’s the real question:

Do you actually need to do all of them?

In this episode, Patrick Kirby, founder of Do Good Better Consulting, challenges the idea that doing more leads to better results. Instead, he shares his simple yet powerful 5-day priority recipe to help you focus on what truly moves the needle in your fundraising efforts. We dive into how to identify which tasks matter most, how to let go of unnecessary work, and how prioritization—not busyness—is the key to building sustainable fundraising success.

If you’re ready to stop spinning your wheels and start making real progress, this episode will give you a practical framework to take back control of your time and energy.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Patrick Kirby is the founder of Do Good Better Consulting, where he helps nonprofits raise more money by simplifying their fundraising strategies. With years of experience in nonprofit development and communications, Patrick is known for his practical, no-fluff approach to helping organizations prioritize what actually works.

He is a speaker, trainer, and host of the “Do Good Better Podcast,” where he shares actionable insights to help nonprofits grow their impact without burning out. Patrick is passionate about helping nonprofit professionals do less—but better.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Do you ever feel like your nonprofit to-do list never ends? As a nonprofit leader, development director, or grant writer, you’re likely juggling a lot—and some of those tasks have been sitting on your list for months… or even years.

But here’s the real question:

Do you actually need to do all of them?

In this episode, Patrick Kirby, founder of Do Good Better Consulting, challenges the idea that doing more leads to better results. Instead, he shares his simple yet powerful 5-day priority recipe to help you focus on what truly moves the needle in your fundraising efforts. We dive into how to identify which tasks matter most, how to let go of unnecessary work, and how prioritization—not busyness—is the key to building sustainable fundraising success.

If you’re ready to stop spinning your wheels and start making real progress, this episode will give you a practical framework to take back control of your time and energy.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Patrick Kirby is the founder of Do Good Better Consulting, where he helps nonprofits raise more money by simplifying their fundraising strategies. With years of experience in nonprofit development and communications, Patrick is known for his practical, no-fluff approach to helping organizations prioritize what actually works.

He is a speaker, trainer, and host of the “Do Good Better Podcast,” where he shares actionable insights to help nonprofits grow their impact without burning out. Patrick is passionate about helping nonprofit professionals do less—but better.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 30 Aug 2022 07:00:08 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2982 Do you ever feel like your nonprofit to-do list never ends? As a nonprofit leader, development director, or grant writer, you’re likely juggling a lot—and some of those tasks have been sitting on your list for months… or even years.

But here’s the real question:

Do you actually need to do all of them?

In this episode, Patrick Kirby, founder of Do Good Better Consulting, challenges the idea that doing more leads to better results. Instead, he shares his simple yet powerful 5-day priority recipe to help you focus on what truly moves the needle in your fundraising efforts. We dive into how to identify which tasks matter most, how to let go of unnecessary work, and how prioritization—not busyness—is the key to building sustainable fundraising success.

If you’re ready to stop spinning your wheels and start making real progress, this episode will give you a practical framework to take back control of your time and energy.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Patrick Kirby is the founder of Do Good Better Consulting, where he helps nonprofits raise more money by simplifying their fundraising strategies. With years of experience in nonprofit development and communications, Patrick is known for his practical, no-fluff approach to helping organizations prioritize what actually works.

He is a speaker, trainer, and host of the “Do Good Better Podcast,” where he shares actionable insights to help nonprofits grow their impact without burning out. Patrick is passionate about helping nonprofit professionals do less—but better.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ep. 233: The Burning Question to Help You Take Time off from Your Nonprofit 233 233 Ep. 233: The Burning Question to Help You Take Time off from Your Nonprofit full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1329588298 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-233-the-burning-question-to-help-you-take-time-off-from-your-nonprofit Tue, 23 Aug 2022 07:00:28 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 926 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No The What, Why, and How Webinars Help Grow Your Organization 232 232 The What, Why, and How Webinars Help Grow Your Organization full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1307185717 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-232-the-what-why-and-how-webinars-help-grow-your-organization Are you thinking about running a webinar for your nonprofit consultancy—or your nonprofit organization? You’re not alone.

Webinars have skyrocketed in popularity over the past few years—and for good reason: they work.

In this episode, we break down exactly how webinars can help you grow your organization, expand your reach, and build stronger relationships with your audience. We dive into the what, why, and how of webinars—what makes them effective, why they’ve become such a powerful tool for nonprofits and consultants, and how you can start leveraging them in your own work.

Whether you’re looking to educate your audience, attract new clients, or increase engagement with your community, webinars offer a flexible and scalable way to do it.

If you’ve been considering adding webinars to your strategy, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to get started.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Mandy Pearce is the Founder and CEO of Funding for Good, a consulting and training organization dedicated to helping nonprofits build strong, sustainable funding strategies. With decades of experience in fundraising, board development, and nonprofit leadership, Mandy has worked with organizations across the country to increase revenue, strengthen operations, and grow impact.

She is a sought-after speaker, coach, and trainer who equips nonprofit leaders and consultants with practical tools and strategies to succeed. Mandy is also the creator and host of the Nonprofit Consulting Conference, where she helps professionals elevate their consulting businesses and expand their influence in the nonprofit sector.

Mazarine Treyz is an internationally recognized fundraising consultant, author, and speaker who has helped nonprofits raise millions of dollars through innovative and effective fundraising strategies. She is the founder of Wild Woman Fundraising and has trained thousands of nonprofit professionals around the world in donor engagement, major gifts, and sustainable funding practices.

Mazarine is the author of several books on fundraising, including The Wild Woman’s Guide to Fundraising, and is known for her bold, practical approach to helping nonprofits build strong donor relationships and increase revenue. She is passionate about empowering organizations to confidently ask for support and create lasting impact.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Are you thinking about running a webinar for your nonprofit consultancy—or your nonprofit organization? You’re not alone.

Webinars have skyrocketed in popularity over the past few years—and for good reason: they work.

In this episode, we break down exactly how webinars can help you grow your organization, expand your reach, and build stronger relationships with your audience. We dive into the what, why, and how of webinars—what makes them effective, why they’ve become such a powerful tool for nonprofits and consultants, and how you can start leveraging them in your own work.

Whether you’re looking to educate your audience, attract new clients, or increase engagement with your community, webinars offer a flexible and scalable way to do it.

If you’ve been considering adding webinars to your strategy, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to get started.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Mandy Pearce is the Founder and CEO of Funding for Good, a consulting and training organization dedicated to helping nonprofits build strong, sustainable funding strategies. With decades of experience in fundraising, board development, and nonprofit leadership, Mandy has worked with organizations across the country to increase revenue, strengthen operations, and grow impact.

She is a sought-after speaker, coach, and trainer who equips nonprofit leaders and consultants with practical tools and strategies to succeed. Mandy is also the creator and host of the Nonprofit Consulting Conference, where she helps professionals elevate their consulting businesses and expand their influence in the nonprofit sector.

Mazarine Treyz is an internationally recognized fundraising consultant, author, and speaker who has helped nonprofits raise millions of dollars through innovative and effective fundraising strategies. She is the founder of Wild Woman Fundraising and has trained thousands of nonprofit professionals around the world in donor engagement, major gifts, and sustainable funding practices.

Mazarine is the author of several books on fundraising, including The Wild Woman’s Guide to Fundraising, and is known for her bold, practical approach to helping nonprofits build strong donor relationships and increase revenue. She is passionate about empowering organizations to confidently ask for support and create lasting impact.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 16 Aug 2022 07:00:06 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2529 Are you thinking about running a webinar for your nonprofit consultancy—or your nonprofit organization? You’re not alone.

Webinars have skyrocketed in popularity over the past few years—and for good reason: they work.

In this episode, we break down exactly how webinars can help you grow your organization, expand your reach, and build stronger relationships with your audience. We dive into the what, why, and how of webinars—what makes them effective, why they’ve become such a powerful tool for nonprofits and consultants, and how you can start leveraging them in your own work.

Whether you’re looking to educate your audience, attract new clients, or increase engagement with your community, webinars offer a flexible and scalable way to do it.

If you’ve been considering adding webinars to your strategy, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to get started.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Mandy Pearce is the Founder and CEO of Funding for Good, a consulting and training organization dedicated to helping nonprofits build strong, sustainable funding strategies. With decades of experience in fundraising, board development, and nonprofit leadership, Mandy has worked with organizations across the country to increase revenue, strengthen operations, and grow impact.

She is a sought-after speaker, coach, and trainer who equips nonprofit leaders and consultants with practical tools and strategies to succeed. Mandy is also the creator and host of the Nonprofit Consulting Conference, where she helps professionals elevate their consulting businesses and expand their influence in the nonprofit sector.

Mazarine Treyz is an internationally recognized fundraising consultant, author, and speaker who has helped nonprofits raise millions of dollars through innovative and effective fundraising strategies. She is the founder of Wild Woman Fundraising and has trained thousands of nonprofit professionals around the world in donor engagement, major gifts, and sustainable funding practices.

Mazarine is the author of several books on fundraising, including The Wild Woman’s Guide to Fundraising, and is known for her bold, practical approach to helping nonprofits build strong donor relationships and increase revenue. She is passionate about empowering organizations to confidently ask for support and create lasting impact.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Common Grant Writing Constraints That Make you Pull Your Hair Out 231 231 Common Grant Writing Constraints That Make you Pull Your Hair Out full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1307181568 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-231-common-grant-writing-constraints-that-make-you-pull-your-hair-out Knowing how to write grant applications is an essential technical skill in the nonprofit sector—but what happens when funders add layers of constraints that make the process even more challenging? In this episode, Teresa Huff of Grant Writing Simplified joins us to break down common frustrations in grant writing, from strict character limits to navigating funder expectations and misconceptions about proposals.

We also dive into how to align your proposals effectively, find the best-fit grants through research, and handle rejection when grants aren’t awarded. Teresa shares insights from her own journey into grant writing and offers practical advice to help you determine if grant writing is the right path for you—and how to succeed despite the constraints.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Teresa Huff is the founder of Grant Writing Simplified, where she helps grant writers and nonprofits streamline the grant writing process and secure more funding. She is an experienced grant professional, educator, and podcast host dedicated to making grant writing more accessible and effective.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Knowing how to write grant applications is an essential technical skill in the nonprofit sector—but what happens when funders add layers of constraints that make the process even more challenging? In this episode, Teresa Huff of Grant Writing Simplified joins us to break down common frustrations in grant writing, from strict character limits to navigating funder expectations and misconceptions about proposals.

We also dive into how to align your proposals effectively, find the best-fit grants through research, and handle rejection when grants aren’t awarded. Teresa shares insights from her own journey into grant writing and offers practical advice to help you determine if grant writing is the right path for you—and how to succeed despite the constraints.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Teresa Huff is the founder of Grant Writing Simplified, where she helps grant writers and nonprofits streamline the grant writing process and secure more funding. She is an experienced grant professional, educator, and podcast host dedicated to making grant writing more accessible and effective.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 09 Aug 2022 07:00:06 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2320 Knowing how to write grant applications is an essential technical skill in the nonprofit sector—but what happens when funders add layers of constraints that make the process even more challenging? In this episode, Teresa Huff of Grant Writing Simplified joins us to break down common frustrations in grant writing, from strict character limits to navigating funder expectations and misconceptions about proposals.

We also dive into how to align your proposals effectively, find the best-fit grants through research, and handle rejection when grants aren’t awarded. Teresa shares insights from her own journey into grant writing and offers practical advice to help you determine if grant writing is the right path for you—and how to succeed despite the constraints.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Teresa Huff is the founder of Grant Writing Simplified, where she helps grant writers and nonprofits streamline the grant writing process and secure more funding. She is an experienced grant professional, educator, and podcast host dedicated to making grant writing more accessible and effective.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No How Nonprofits can Share Stories of Impact that Honor the Dignity of Clients 230 230 How Nonprofits can Share Stories of Impact that Honor the Dignity of Clients full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1307177617 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-230-how-nonprofits-can-share-stories-of-impact-that-honor-the-dignity-of-clients Mary Gladstone-Highland, joins us to discuss how nonprofits can share powerful stories of impact while still honoring the dignity of the communities they serve. We explore the fine line between compelling storytelling and unintentionally exploiting beneficiaries for emotional appeal, and how “clickbait-style” narratives can do more harm than good. 

Mary shares how nonprofits can shift their messaging to be both effective and ethical—ensuring stories empower rather than disempower—while still driving engagement and funding for their mission.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Mary Gladstone-Highland is the CEO of Spark Group Consulting, where she helps nonprofits communicate their mission with clarity, integrity, and impact. 

She specializes in ethical storytelling, guiding organizations to move beyond deficit-based narratives and instead highlight the strength and dignity of the communities they serve. Through her work, Mary supports nonprofits in aligning their messaging with their values while still achieving strong fundraising and engagement results.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Website: https://www.sparkgroupconsulting.com

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Mary Gladstone-Highland, joins us to discuss how nonprofits can share powerful stories of impact while still honoring the dignity of the communities they serve. We explore the fine line between compelling storytelling and unintentionally exploiting beneficiaries for emotional appeal, and how “clickbait-style” narratives can do more harm than good. 

Mary shares how nonprofits can shift their messaging to be both effective and ethical—ensuring stories empower rather than disempower—while still driving engagement and funding for their mission.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Mary Gladstone-Highland is the CEO of Spark Group Consulting, where she helps nonprofits communicate their mission with clarity, integrity, and impact. 

She specializes in ethical storytelling, guiding organizations to move beyond deficit-based narratives and instead highlight the strength and dignity of the communities they serve. Through her work, Mary supports nonprofits in aligning their messaging with their values while still achieving strong fundraising and engagement results.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Website: https://www.sparkgroupconsulting.com

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 02 Aug 2022 06:51:12 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2516 Mary Gladstone-Highland, joins us to discuss how nonprofits can share powerful stories of impact while still honoring the dignity of the communities they serve. We explore the fine line between compelling storytelling and unintentionally exploiting beneficiaries for emotional appeal, and how “clickbait-style” narratives can do more harm than good. 

Mary shares how nonprofits can shift their messaging to be both effective and ethical—ensuring stories empower rather than disempower—while still driving engagement and funding for their mission.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Mary Gladstone-Highland is the CEO of Spark Group Consulting, where she helps nonprofits communicate their mission with clarity, integrity, and impact. 

She specializes in ethical storytelling, guiding organizations to move beyond deficit-based narratives and instead highlight the strength and dignity of the communities they serve. Through her work, Mary supports nonprofits in aligning their messaging with their values while still achieving strong fundraising and engagement results.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Website: https://www.sparkgroupconsulting.com

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No How to Find Ideal Nonprofit Clients That Pay for Your Services 229 229 How to Find Ideal Nonprofit Clients That Pay for Your Services full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1307168602 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/how-to-find-ideal-nonprofit-clients-that-pay-for-your-services Getting a nonprofit client is amazing when you are a nonprofit consultant. Until it isn’t amazing.

I’ve seen many nonprofit consultants pull their hair out (including me!) when they get the wrong type of client. 

  • The one that keeps negotiating your price down.
  • The one that asks for continued revisions of grants outside of the scope of the contract.
  • The one that doesn’t respect your boundaries.

So how do you figure out who and what your ideal nonprofit client is?

Well, that’s what Mandy Pearce from Funding from Good and Mazarine Treyz from Wild Woman Fundraising share today!

What We Discuss:

  • Introduction to Nonprofit Consulting 
  • How to Get Nonprofit Clients
  • Identify Your Ideal Client
  • Why You Should Charge People to Pick Your Brain 
  • Questions to Determine Your Ideal Client
  • Why You Should Interview the Nonprofit
  • Why a Discovery Call Might Not Give You Leads
  • Qualifying Leads
  • Contract Nuggets

About Mazarine Treyz

Mazarine Treyz is a nonprofit leadership coach, speaker and best-selling author of “The Wild Woman’s Guide to Fundraising”, serving people in over 70 different countries.

Mazarine specializes in helping nonprofit leaders with fundraising goals through authentic relationships both online and offline.  As a result, clients have doubled monthly donors, taken their schools from 10K to 170K in recurring revenue, and created their own global nonprofits. Treyz has co-founded a nonprofit and has over a decade of experience as a nonprofit fundraiser in small shops. Today, Mazarine Treyz leads the nonprofit workplace justice movement to create a better nonprofit work culture through her writing, training, podcast and keynote speeches.

Connect with Mazarine Treyz:

About Mandy Pearce

In 2009, visionary, Mandy Pearce, founded her flagship company, Funding for Good, to equip organizations with all of the skills and tools needed to become successful and sustainable.

She continues to enjoy evolving this company to meet the changing demands of the nonprofit world. For over two decades, Mandy and her team of experts have shared their proficiency in fundraising through executive coaching, strategic and development planning, seminars and specialized consulting programs.

Mandy’s dynamic teaching style has brought thousands of people to her presentations at conventions, training workshops and online platforms. Mandy established Funding for Good, Inc. upon the core values of honesty, efficiency, direct communication and bringing sustainable dollars to local communities.

Ways to Connect with Mandy:

Related Links:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Getting a nonprofit client is amazing when you are a nonprofit consultant. Until it isn’t amazing.

I’ve seen many nonprofit consultants pull their hair out (including me!) when they get the wrong type of client. 

  • The one that keeps negotiating your price down.
  • The one that asks for continued revisions of grants outside of the scope of the contract.
  • The one that doesn’t respect your boundaries.

So how do you figure out who and what your ideal nonprofit client is?

Well, that’s what Mandy Pearce from Funding from Good and Mazarine Treyz from Wild Woman Fundraising share today!

What We Discuss:

  • Introduction to Nonprofit Consulting 
  • How to Get Nonprofit Clients
  • Identify Your Ideal Client
  • Why You Should Charge People to Pick Your Brain 
  • Questions to Determine Your Ideal Client
  • Why You Should Interview the Nonprofit
  • Why a Discovery Call Might Not Give You Leads
  • Qualifying Leads
  • Contract Nuggets

About Mazarine Treyz

Mazarine Treyz is a nonprofit leadership coach, speaker and best-selling author of “The Wild Woman’s Guide to Fundraising”, serving people in over 70 different countries.

Mazarine specializes in helping nonprofit leaders with fundraising goals through authentic relationships both online and offline.  As a result, clients have doubled monthly donors, taken their schools from 10K to 170K in recurring revenue, and created their own global nonprofits. Treyz has co-founded a nonprofit and has over a decade of experience as a nonprofit fundraiser in small shops. Today, Mazarine Treyz leads the nonprofit workplace justice movement to create a better nonprofit work culture through her writing, training, podcast and keynote speeches.

Connect with Mazarine Treyz:

About Mandy Pearce

In 2009, visionary, Mandy Pearce, founded her flagship company, Funding for Good, to equip organizations with all of the skills and tools needed to become successful and sustainable.

She continues to enjoy evolving this company to meet the changing demands of the nonprofit world. For over two decades, Mandy and her team of experts have shared their proficiency in fundraising through executive coaching, strategic and development planning, seminars and specialized consulting programs.

Mandy’s dynamic teaching style has brought thousands of people to her presentations at conventions, training workshops and online platforms. Mandy established Funding for Good, Inc. upon the core values of honesty, efficiency, direct communication and bringing sustainable dollars to local communities.

Ways to Connect with Mandy:

Related Links:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 26 Jul 2022 07:00:02 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1524 Getting a nonprofit client is amazing when you are a nonprofit consultant. Until it isn’t amazing.

I’ve seen many nonprofit consultants pull their hair out (including me!) when they get the wrong type of client. 

  • The one that keeps negotiating your price down.
  • The one that asks for continued revisions of grants outside of the scope of the contract.
  • The one that doesn’t respect your boundaries.

So how do you figure out who and what your ideal nonprofit client is?

Well, that’s what Mandy Pearce from Funding from Good and Mazarine Treyz from Wild Woman Fundraising share today!

What We Discuss:

  • Introduction to Nonprofit Consulting 
  • How to Get Nonprofit Clients
  • Identify Your Ideal Client
  • Why You Should Charge People to Pick Your Brain 
  • Questions to Determine Your Ideal Client
  • Why You Should Interview the Nonprofit
  • Why a Discovery Call Might Not Give You Leads
  • Qualifying Leads
  • Contract Nuggets

About Mazarine Treyz

Mazarine Treyz is a nonprofit leadership coach, speaker and best-selling author of “The Wild Woman’s Guide to Fundraising”, serving people in over 70 different countries.

Mazarine specializes in helping nonprofit leaders with fundraising goals through authentic relationships both online and offline.  As a result, clients have doubled monthly donors, taken their schools from 10K to 170K in recurring revenue, and created their own global nonprofits. Treyz has co-founded a nonprofit and has over a decade of experience as a nonprofit fundraiser in small shops. Today, Mazarine Treyz leads the nonprofit workplace justice movement to create a better nonprofit work culture through her writing, training, podcast and keynote speeches.

Connect with Mazarine Treyz:

About Mandy Pearce

In 2009, visionary, Mandy Pearce, founded her flagship company, Funding for Good, to equip organizations with all of the skills and tools needed to become successful and sustainable.

She continues to enjoy evolving this company to meet the changing demands of the nonprofit world. For over two decades, Mandy and her team of experts have shared their proficiency in fundraising through executive coaching, strategic and development planning, seminars and specialized consulting programs.

Mandy’s dynamic teaching style has brought thousands of people to her presentations at conventions, training workshops and online platforms. Mandy established Funding for Good, Inc. upon the core values of honesty, efficiency, direct communication and bringing sustainable dollars to local communities.

Ways to Connect with Mandy:

Related Links:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No 46 Grant Writing Tips to Fast-Track Your Grant Writing 228 228 46 Grant Writing Tips to Fast-Track Your Grant Writing full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1303976527 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/46-grant-writing-tips-to-fast-track-your-grant-writing Hey, it’s my birthday!

And in celebration of my 46th (woot-woot), I am giving you 46 grant writing tips!

Grab this download of all the 46 tips when you join the FREE Grant Writing & Funding Hub Haven! 

Grant Writing Tip #1: Be Concise in Your Writing

No long, fluffy sentences in your grant writing! Be succinct. Be concise.

Grant Writing Tip #2: Explain the Problem with Simplicity

What is the problem? How will you solve it? When you get that across with clarity it goes a long ways!

Grant Writing Tip #3: Complete Your Budget Before You Write the Entire Narrative

If you work on your entire narrative and then do the budget last a few calamities could happen.

  • You realize you don’t have enough money to fulfill all your objectives
  • You have to rewrite your narrative because the budget doesn’t make sense any longer. That full-time program director you wanted to hire? Oops, now it’s down no program director. Here goes redoing the org chart and tossing out that job description that took you 20 hours to complete.

Grant Writing Tip #4: Have SMART Objectives

Your grant writing objectives need to be SMART. No, they do not need a PhD, but they do need be:

  • Specific
  • Measurable
  • Achievable
  • Relevant
  • Time-bound

Click here for more information and examples about how to write SMART objectives.

Grant Writing Tip #5: Your Goal Should Change a Behavior or Situation

Your goal can be much more audacious than your objective. But it still needs to improve, increase, or change something! There needs to be a larger impact out there that will change some type of situation or behavior for good!

Click here for more examples on how to write goals.

Grant Writing Tip #6: Write to the Criteria of the Funding Source Grant Application

There is usually a criteria (directions) of what the funding source is wanting you to answer. Make sure you clearly and succinctly answer these questions!

I see a lot of grant writers NOT answer all of the criteria in a grant application. For example, some criteria may have several questions listed in one section and the grant writer only answers the first question. Don’t do that! Answer all the questions!

Grant Writing Tip #7: Make Sure You Have Skittles

Yep, sugar helps your brain. That’s scientific ;)

Grant Writing Tip #8: Make Sure the Grant is Money Your Nonprofit Wants & Can Handle

Too often people in nonprofits get stars in their eyes when seeing dollar signs. But sometimes money (or the amount) isn’t necessarily a place that your nonprofit is set up. One of the smartest executive directors I ever worked with was on a grant winning streak, but instead pulled back a minute and said, “Let’s first ensure that we have the capacity to handle more grants.”

Grant Writing Tip #9: Make Sure the Funding Source is Dating Material

What if the foundation also supports other organizations that conflict with your nonprofit’s values? Or what if they have a bad reputation in reimbursing organizations or paying out? Or what if they ask for just WAY too many reports?

Remember, getting a grant creates a relationship. Make sure it’s one you want to be in and isn’t taking advantage of you.

Grant Writing Tip #10: Ask for Feedback Before You Submit the Grant

Save yourself a ton of time by first contacting the program office at the funding source. Let them know about the project that you will be submitting the grant proposal for and find out if it’s a good fit. Do this before you spend tons of time, money, and opportunity costs by writing the grant.

On paper I have seen a lot of ‘great fit’ funding opportunities, but after talking to the program officer with the funding source I have gotten the most valuable information. Sometimes it is clear that the program isn’t a good fit and they give advice to tweak it so that it’s a perfect fit and other times I find out that even though they are accepting applications they probably won’t be funding new programs. This is gold.

Grant Writing Tip #11: Showcase Your Needs with Data

Oftentimes I see emotional language in grants and absolutely no statistics, reports, or data. This is a HUGE no-no. Writing the need section in grants is not about how many heartstrings you can pull, it’s about how you can demonstrate the need with facts.

Personally, showing facts and statistics actually makes me more emotionally than prose!

Grant Writing Tip #12: Don’t Chase the Money!

I know that those dollar signs can sway many a person into mission drifting! Don’t do it! Just because you might have a great chance at getting $3 million dollars doesn’t mean that you should apply for the grant. If you have to create a program that is entirely outside of your mission and vision, then you are probably mission drifting.

Remember: Most grants do not have unrestricted funding (unfortunately).

Grant Writing Tip #13: Make Sure the Grant is a High Enough Time Investment

What this means is that if the grant is making you jump through hoops and it will take you a 100 hours to apply for $5,000, it might not be the best use of your time!

Remember, time = money.

Grant Writing Tip #14: Make Sure Your Beneficiaries Want the Program

If you have beneficiaries receiving support, make sure that they will use, implement, or be active in the program! You might think of (what you think is) the greatest idea, and then to find out that the nonprofit’s beneficiaries don’t even want the program!

What can help with this is by doing a Needs & Strengths Assessment! By doing this Assessment, you can also include the results of the data into your grant application!

Grant Writing Tip #15: Make Sure the Program Aligns with Your Mission Statement

This aligns with tip #12, but it’s important. Before you develop a program make sure that you chant your mission statement ;) It all needs to align otherwise you will be mission drifting!

Grant Writing Tip #16: Make Sure You Keep to Word and Page Limitations

Trying to write more pages then required won’t get you brownie points. In fact, it may get you disqualified at worst or pages redacted at best. Don’t do this.

Grant Writing Tip #17: Don’t Use Ambiguous Language

Ambiguous words and phrases can detour your grant points real quick. These include: “Lack Of,” “Rarely,” “Very High,” “Very Low,” “Not Enough,” etc. What all these phrases have in common are that they are not specific.

For more information about words ...

]]> Hey, it’s my birthday!

And in celebration of my 46th (woot-woot), I am giving you 46 grant writing tips!

Grab this download of all the 46 tips when you join the FREE Grant Writing & Funding Hub Haven! 

Grant Writing Tip #1: Be Concise in Your Writing

No long, fluffy sentences in your grant writing! Be succinct. Be concise.

Grant Writing Tip #2: Explain the Problem with Simplicity

What is the problem? How will you solve it? When you get that across with clarity it goes a long ways!

Grant Writing Tip #3: Complete Your Budget Before You Write the Entire Narrative

If you work on your entire narrative and then do the budget last a few calamities could happen.

  • You realize you don’t have enough money to fulfill all your objectives
  • You have to rewrite your narrative because the budget doesn’t make sense any longer. That full-time program director you wanted to hire? Oops, now it’s down no program director. Here goes redoing the org chart and tossing out that job description that took you 20 hours to complete.

Grant Writing Tip #4: Have SMART Objectives

Your grant writing objectives need to be SMART. No, they do not need a PhD, but they do need be:

  • Specific
  • Measurable
  • Achievable
  • Relevant
  • Time-bound

Click here for more information and examples about how to write SMART objectives.

Grant Writing Tip #5: Your Goal Should Change a Behavior or Situation

Your goal can be much more audacious than your objective. But it still needs to improve, increase, or change something! There needs to be a larger impact out there that will change some type of situation or behavior for good!

Click here for more examples on how to write goals.

Grant Writing Tip #6: Write to the Criteria of the Funding Source Grant Application

There is usually a criteria (directions) of what the funding source is wanting you to answer. Make sure you clearly and succinctly answer these questions!

I see a lot of grant writers NOT answer all of the criteria in a grant application. For example, some criteria may have several questions listed in one section and the grant writer only answers the first question. Don’t do that! Answer all the questions!

Grant Writing Tip #7: Make Sure You Have Skittles

Yep, sugar helps your brain. That’s scientific ;)

Grant Writing Tip #8: Make Sure the Grant is Money Your Nonprofit Wants & Can Handle

Too often people in nonprofits get stars in their eyes when seeing dollar signs. But sometimes money (or the amount) isn’t necessarily a place that your nonprofit is set up. One of the smartest executive directors I ever worked with was on a grant winning streak, but instead pulled back a minute and said, “Let’s first ensure that we have the capacity to handle more grants.”

Grant Writing Tip #9: Make Sure the Funding Source is Dating Material

What if the foundation also supports other organizations that conflict with your nonprofit’s values? Or what if they have a bad reputation in reimbursing organizations or paying out? Or what if they ask for just WAY too many reports?

Remember, getting a grant creates a relationship. Make sure it’s one you want to be in and isn’t taking advantage of you.

Grant Writing Tip #10: Ask for Feedback Before You Submit the Grant

Save yourself a ton of time by first contacting the program office at the funding source. Let them know about the project that you will be submitting the grant proposal for and find out if it’s a good fit. Do this before you spend tons of time, money, and opportunity costs by writing the grant.

On paper I have seen a lot of ‘great fit’ funding opportunities, but after talking to the program officer with the funding source I have gotten the most valuable information. Sometimes it is clear that the program isn’t a good fit and they give advice to tweak it so that it’s a perfect fit and other times I find out that even though they are accepting applications they probably won’t be funding new programs. This is gold.

Grant Writing Tip #11: Showcase Your Needs with Data

Oftentimes I see emotional language in grants and absolutely no statistics, reports, or data. This is a HUGE no-no. Writing the need section in grants is not about how many heartstrings you can pull, it’s about how you can demonstrate the need with facts.

Personally, showing facts and statistics actually makes me more emotionally than prose!

Grant Writing Tip #12: Don’t Chase the Money!

I know that those dollar signs can sway many a person into mission drifting! Don’t do it! Just because you might have a great chance at getting $3 million dollars doesn’t mean that you should apply for the grant. If you have to create a program that is entirely outside of your mission and vision, then you are probably mission drifting.

Remember: Most grants do not have unrestricted funding (unfortunately).

Grant Writing Tip #13: Make Sure the Grant is a High Enough Time Investment

What this means is that if the grant is making you jump through hoops and it will take you a 100 hours to apply for $5,000, it might not be the best use of your time!

Remember, time = money.

Grant Writing Tip #14: Make Sure Your Beneficiaries Want the Program

If you have beneficiaries receiving support, make sure that they will use, implement, or be active in the program! You might think of (what you think is) the greatest idea, and then to find out that the nonprofit’s beneficiaries don’t even want the program!

What can help with this is by doing a Needs & Strengths Assessment! By doing this Assessment, you can also include the results of the data into your grant application!

Grant Writing Tip #15: Make Sure the Program Aligns with Your Mission Statement

This aligns with tip #12, but it’s important. Before you develop a program make sure that you chant your mission statement ;) It all needs to align otherwise you will be mission drifting!

Grant Writing Tip #16: Make Sure You Keep to Word and Page Limitations

Trying to write more pages then required won’t get you brownie points. In fact, it may get you disqualified at worst or pages redacted at best. Don’t do this.

Grant Writing Tip #17: Don’t Use Ambiguous Language

Ambiguous words and phrases can detour your grant points real quick. These include: “Lack Of,” “Rarely,” “Very High,” “Very Low,” “Not Enough,” etc. What all these phrases have in common are that they are not specific.

For more information about words ...

]]> Thu, 14 Jul 2022 12:00:49 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1153 Hey, it’s my birthday!

And in celebration of my 46th (woot-woot), I am giving you 46 grant writing tips!

Grab this download of all the 46 tips when you join the FREE Grant Writing & Funding Hub Haven! 

Grant Writing Tip #1: Be Concise in Your Writing

No long, fluffy sentences in your grant writing! Be succinct. Be concise.

Grant Writing Tip #2: Explain the Problem with Simplicity

What is the problem? How will you solve it? When you get that across with clarity it goes a long ways!

Grant Writing Tip #3: Complete Your Budget Before You Write the Entire Narrative

If you work on your entire narrative and then do the budget last a few calamities could happen.

  • You realize you don’t have enough money to fulfill all your objectives
  • You have to rewrite your narrative because the budget doesn’t make sense any longer. That full-time program director you wanted to hire? Oops, now it’s down no program director. Here goes redoing the org chart and tossing out that job description that took you 20 hours to complete.

Grant Writing Tip #4: Have SMART Objectives

Your grant writing objectives need to be SMART. No, they do not need a PhD, but they do need be:

  • Specific
  • Measurable
  • Achievable
  • Relevant
  • Time-bound

Click here for more information and examples about how to write SMART objectives.

Grant Writing Tip #5: Your Goal Should Change a Behavior or Situation

Your goal can be much more audacious than your objective. But it still needs to improve, increase, or change something! There needs to be a larger impact out there that will change some type of situation or behavior for good!

Click here for more examples on how to write goals.

Grant Writing Tip #6: Write to the Criteria of the Funding Source Grant Application

There is usually a criteria (directions) of what the funding source is wanting you to answer. Make sure you clearly and succinctly answer these questions!

I see a lot of grant writers NOT answer all of the criteria in a grant application. For example, some criteria may have several questions listed in one section and the grant writer only answers the first question. Don’t do that! Answer all the questions!

Grant Writing Tip #7: Make Sure You Have Skittles

Yep, sugar helps your brain. That’s scientific ;)

Grant Writing Tip #8: Make Sure the Grant is Money Your Nonprofit Wants & Can Handle

Too often people in nonprofits get stars in their eyes when seeing dollar signs. But sometimes money (or the amount) isn’t necessarily a place that your nonprofit is set up. One of the smartest executive directors I ever worked with was on a grant winning streak, but instead pulled back a minute and said, “Let’s first ensure that we have the capacity to handle more grants.”

Grant Writing Tip #9: Make Sure the Funding Source is Dating Material

What if the foundation also supports other organizations that conflict with your nonprofit’s values? Or what if they have a bad reputation in reimbursing organizations or paying out? Or what if they ask for just WAY too many reports?

Remember, getting a grant creates a relationship. Make sure it’s one you want to be in and isn’t taking advantage of you.

Grant Writing Tip #10: Ask for Feedback Before You Submit the Grant

Save yourself a ton of time by first contacting the program office at the funding source. Let them know about the project that you will be submitting the grant proposal for and find out if it’s a good fit. Do this before you spend tons of time, money, and opportunity costs by writing the grant.

On paper I have seen a lot of ‘great fit’ funding opportunities, but after talking to the program officer with the funding source I have gotten the most valuable information. Sometimes it is clear that the program isn’t a good fit and they give advice to tweak it so that it’s a perfect fit and other times I find out that even though they are accepting applications they probably won’t be funding new programs. This is gold.

Grant Writing Tip #11: Showcase Your Needs with Data

Oftentimes I see emotional language in grants and absolutely no statistics, reports, or data. This is a HUGE no-no. Writing the need section in grants is not about how many heartstrings you can pull, it’s about how you can demonstrate the need with facts.

Personally, showing facts and statistics actually makes me more emotionally than prose!

Grant Writing Tip #12: Don’t Chase the Money!

I know that those dollar signs can sway many a person into mission drifting! Don’t do it! Just because you might have a great chance at getting $3 million dollars doesn’t mean that you should apply for the grant. If you have to create a program that is entirely outside of your mission and vision, then you are probably mission drifting.

Remember: Most grants do not have unrestricted funding (unfortunately).

Grant Writing Tip #13: Make Sure the Grant is a High Enough Time Investment

What this means is that if the grant is making you jump through hoops and it will take you a 100 hours to apply for $5,000, it might not be the best use of your time!

Remember, time = money.

Grant Writing Tip #14: Make Sure Your Beneficiaries Want the Program

If you have beneficiaries receiving support, make sure that they will use, implement, or be active in the program! You might think of (what you think is) the greatest idea, and then to find out that the nonprofit’s beneficiaries don’t even want the program!

What can help with this is by doing a Needs & Strengths Assessment! By doing this Assessment, you can also include the results of the data into your grant application!

Grant Writing Tip #15: Make Sure the Program Aligns with Your Mission Statement

This aligns with tip #12, but it’s important. Before you develop a program make sure that you chant your mission statement ;) It all needs to align otherwise you will be mission drifting!

Grant Writing Tip #16: Make Sure You Keep to Word and Page Limitations

Trying to write more pages then required won’t get you brownie points. In fact, it may get you disqualified at worst or pages redacted at best. Don’t do this.

Grant Writing Tip #17: Don’t Use Ambiguous Language

Ambiguous words and phrases can detour your grant points real quick. These include: “Lack Of,” “Rarely,” “Very High,” “Very Low,” “Not Enough,” etc. What all these phrases have in common are that they are not specific.

For more information about words ...

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No How to Prevent Losing Your Nonprofit's Tax-Exempt Status 227 227 How to Prevent Losing Your Nonprofit's Tax-Exempt Status full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1289959027 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-227-how-to-prevent-losing-your-nonprofits-tax-exempt-status How can you prevent your nonprofit from losing its tax-exempt status? And if you’re a nonprofit consultant, are you setting aside enough money for taxes? These are critical questions that can have major financial and legal implications.

In this episode, Noura Almasri joins us to break down the red flags that could put your nonprofit at risk and what you need to know to stay compliant. With decades of experience in accounting and nonprofit finance, Noura shares practical insights to help both nonprofits and consultants stay on track.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Noura Almasri is an Enrolled Agent and the founder of Noura’s Books, a tax and accounting firm. She holds a master’s degree in Business Information Technology from DePaul University and brings over 22 years of accounting experience and 15 years of nonprofit experience.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> How can you prevent your nonprofit from losing its tax-exempt status? And if you’re a nonprofit consultant, are you setting aside enough money for taxes? These are critical questions that can have major financial and legal implications.

In this episode, Noura Almasri joins us to break down the red flags that could put your nonprofit at risk and what you need to know to stay compliant. With decades of experience in accounting and nonprofit finance, Noura shares practical insights to help both nonprofits and consultants stay on track.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Noura Almasri is an Enrolled Agent and the founder of Noura’s Books, a tax and accounting firm. She holds a master’s degree in Business Information Technology from DePaul University and brings over 22 years of accounting experience and 15 years of nonprofit experience.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 12 Jul 2022 07:00:08 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2908 How can you prevent your nonprofit from losing its tax-exempt status? And if you’re a nonprofit consultant, are you setting aside enough money for taxes? These are critical questions that can have major financial and legal implications.

In this episode, Noura Almasri joins us to break down the red flags that could put your nonprofit at risk and what you need to know to stay compliant. With decades of experience in accounting and nonprofit finance, Noura shares practical insights to help both nonprofits and consultants stay on track.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Noura Almasri is an Enrolled Agent and the founder of Noura’s Books, a tax and accounting firm. She holds a master’s degree in Business Information Technology from DePaul University and brings over 22 years of accounting experience and 15 years of nonprofit experience.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Where to Find and Manage Grants for Nonprofits 226 226 Where to Find and Manage Grants for Nonprofits full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1290240349 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-226-where-to-find-and-manage-grants-for-nonprofits Knowing where to find grant funding sources is essential to winning grants—but simply Googling “grant funding” can send you down an endless rabbit hole (and waste a lot of time).

In this episode, we dive into smarter, more strategic ways to find and manage grant opportunities with the help of Foundant Technologies.

We explore Tammy’s journey working with nonprofit organizations, the learning curve of using online tools for grant research, and how Foundant supports philanthropy through effective grant management systems. 

We also cover best practices in grant software, key features that make grant tracking easier, how foundations manage scholarships, and how nonprofits can streamline accounting and financial reporting for grants.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Tammy Tilzey works with Foundant Technologies, supporting nonprofit organizations and foundations in optimizing their grant management systems. With experience in philanthropy and nonprofit operations, she helps organizations leverage technology to improve efficiency, transparency, and impact.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Knowing where to find grant funding sources is essential to winning grants—but simply Googling “grant funding” can send you down an endless rabbit hole (and waste a lot of time).

In this episode, we dive into smarter, more strategic ways to find and manage grant opportunities with the help of Foundant Technologies.

We explore Tammy’s journey working with nonprofit organizations, the learning curve of using online tools for grant research, and how Foundant supports philanthropy through effective grant management systems. 

We also cover best practices in grant software, key features that make grant tracking easier, how foundations manage scholarships, and how nonprofits can streamline accounting and financial reporting for grants.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Tammy Tilzey works with Foundant Technologies, supporting nonprofit organizations and foundations in optimizing their grant management systems. With experience in philanthropy and nonprofit operations, she helps organizations leverage technology to improve efficiency, transparency, and impact.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 05 Jul 2022 07:00:07 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2869 Knowing where to find grant funding sources is essential to winning grants—but simply Googling “grant funding” can send you down an endless rabbit hole (and waste a lot of time).

In this episode, we dive into smarter, more strategic ways to find and manage grant opportunities with the help of Foundant Technologies.

We explore Tammy’s journey working with nonprofit organizations, the learning curve of using online tools for grant research, and how Foundant supports philanthropy through effective grant management systems. 

We also cover best practices in grant software, key features that make grant tracking easier, how foundations manage scholarships, and how nonprofits can streamline accounting and financial reporting for grants.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Tammy Tilzey works with Foundant Technologies, supporting nonprofit organizations and foundations in optimizing their grant management systems. With experience in philanthropy and nonprofit operations, she helps organizations leverage technology to improve efficiency, transparency, and impact.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Why Becoming a Nonprofit Consultant is a Good Career Move 225 225 Why Becoming a Nonprofit Consultant is a Good Career Move full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1289905261 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/why-becoming-a-nonprofit-consultant-is-a-good-career-move Nonprofit Consultant Series #2

If you are considering a job transition, then becoming a nonprofit consultant could be your best bet.

Why?

Well, in mid-2022 the job market is prime. Plus, nonprofit organizations are looking for talent right now.

In fact, studies have shown that the nonprofit sector is regaining some of its pre-pandemic growth, where it was the largest growing sector since 2009. 

Plus, what the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted is the need for technical skills in the nonprofit sector.

About Mandy Pearce

In 2009, visionary, Mandy Pearce, founded her flagship company, Funding for Good, to equip organizations with all of the skills and tools needed to become successful and sustainable.

She continues to enjoy evolving this company to meet the changing demands of the nonprofit world. For over two decades, Mandy and her team of experts have shared their proficiency in fundraising through executive coaching, strategic and development planning, seminars and specialized consulting programs.

Mandy’s dynamic teaching style has brought thousands of people to her presentations at conventions, training workshops and online platforms. Mandy established Funding for Good, Inc. upon the core values of honesty, efficiency, direct communication and bringing sustainable dollars to local communities.

Ways to Connect with Mandy:

About Mazarine Treyz

Mazarine Treyz is a nonprofit leadership coach, speaker and best-selling author of “The Wild Woman’s Guide to Fundraising”, serving people in over 70 different countries.

Mazarine specializes in helping nonprofit leaders with fundraising goals through authentic relationships both online and offline.  As a result, clients have doubled monthly donors, taken their schools from 10K to 170K in recurring revenue, and created their own global nonprofits. Treyz has co-founded a nonprofit and has over a decade of experience as a nonprofit fundraiser in small shops. Today, Mazarine Treyz leads the nonprofit workplace justice movement to create a better nonprofit work culture through her writing, training, podcast and keynote speeches.

Connect with Mazarine Treyz:

Related Episodes:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Nonprofit Consultant Series #2

If you are considering a job transition, then becoming a nonprofit consultant could be your best bet.

Why?

Well, in mid-2022 the job market is prime. Plus, nonprofit organizations are looking for talent right now.

In fact, studies have shown that the nonprofit sector is regaining some of its pre-pandemic growth, where it was the largest growing sector since 2009. 

Plus, what the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted is the need for technical skills in the nonprofit sector.

About Mandy Pearce

In 2009, visionary, Mandy Pearce, founded her flagship company, Funding for Good, to equip organizations with all of the skills and tools needed to become successful and sustainable.

She continues to enjoy evolving this company to meet the changing demands of the nonprofit world. For over two decades, Mandy and her team of experts have shared their proficiency in fundraising through executive coaching, strategic and development planning, seminars and specialized consulting programs.

Mandy’s dynamic teaching style has brought thousands of people to her presentations at conventions, training workshops and online platforms. Mandy established Funding for Good, Inc. upon the core values of honesty, efficiency, direct communication and bringing sustainable dollars to local communities.

Ways to Connect with Mandy:

About Mazarine Treyz

Mazarine Treyz is a nonprofit leadership coach, speaker and best-selling author of “The Wild Woman’s Guide to Fundraising”, serving people in over 70 different countries.

Mazarine specializes in helping nonprofit leaders with fundraising goals through authentic relationships both online and offline.  As a result, clients have doubled monthly donors, taken their schools from 10K to 170K in recurring revenue, and created their own global nonprofits. Treyz has co-founded a nonprofit and has over a decade of experience as a nonprofit fundraiser in small shops. Today, Mazarine Treyz leads the nonprofit workplace justice movement to create a better nonprofit work culture through her writing, training, podcast and keynote speeches.

Connect with Mazarine Treyz:

Related Episodes:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 28 Jun 2022 05:40:51 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1663 Nonprofit Consultant Series #2

If you are considering a job transition, then becoming a nonprofit consultant could be your best bet.

Why?

Well, in mid-2022 the job market is prime. Plus, nonprofit organizations are looking for talent right now.

In fact, studies have shown that the nonprofit sector is regaining some of its pre-pandemic growth, where it was the largest growing sector since 2009. 

Plus, what the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted is the need for technical skills in the nonprofit sector.

About Mandy Pearce

In 2009, visionary, Mandy Pearce, founded her flagship company, Funding for Good, to equip organizations with all of the skills and tools needed to become successful and sustainable.

She continues to enjoy evolving this company to meet the changing demands of the nonprofit world. For over two decades, Mandy and her team of experts have shared their proficiency in fundraising through executive coaching, strategic and development planning, seminars and specialized consulting programs.

Mandy’s dynamic teaching style has brought thousands of people to her presentations at conventions, training workshops and online platforms. Mandy established Funding for Good, Inc. upon the core values of honesty, efficiency, direct communication and bringing sustainable dollars to local communities.

Ways to Connect with Mandy:

About Mazarine Treyz

Mazarine Treyz is a nonprofit leadership coach, speaker and best-selling author of “The Wild Woman’s Guide to Fundraising”, serving people in over 70 different countries.

Mazarine specializes in helping nonprofit leaders with fundraising goals through authentic relationships both online and offline.  As a result, clients have doubled monthly donors, taken their schools from 10K to 170K in recurring revenue, and created their own global nonprofits. Treyz has co-founded a nonprofit and has over a decade of experience as a nonprofit fundraiser in small shops. Today, Mazarine Treyz leads the nonprofit workplace justice movement to create a better nonprofit work culture through her writing, training, podcast and keynote speeches.

Connect with Mazarine Treyz:

Related Episodes:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ep. 224: Do Not Use These Words In Your Grant Proposals 224 224 Ep. 224: Do Not Use These Words In Your Grant Proposals full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1290242290 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-224-do-not-use-these-words-in-your-grant-proposals Tue, 21 Jun 2022 07:00:13 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 742 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Tips for Grant Writers to Work Better with Nonprofits Clients 223 223 Tips for Grant Writers to Work Better with Nonprofits Clients full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1285845508 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-223-tips-for-grant-writers-to-work-better-with-nonprofits-clients Strong communication is the foundation of any successful relationship—and that’s especially true when it comes to grant writers and nonprofit clients.

In this episode, Steve Boland, founder of Next in Nonprofits, shares decades of experience on how consultants and nonprofit teams can collaborate more effectively. We explore how clear communication and defined roles can ensure grants are completed on time, why grant writers are not program managers (and where that line should be drawn), and how different types of nonprofit clients require different approaches.

We also dive into how grant writers can support nonprofits beyond writing, why they are sometimes asked to help develop new projects, and how to manage expectations on both sides of the relationship. Plus, we discuss why consistent check-ins—like weekly meetings—are critical for keeping projects on track and how a skilled grant writer consultant can be a valuable partner to nonprofit leadership.

If you want smoother workflows, stronger partnerships, and better grant outcomes, this episode is a must-listen.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Steve Boland is the founder of Next in Nonprofits, where he helps nonprofit professionals grow their careers and strengthen their organizations. With decades of experience in nonprofit leadership, communication, and training, Steve is known for his practical insights on how nonprofits and consultants can work together more effectively.

He is a speaker, trainer, and podcast host who focuses on helping nonprofit leaders improve collaboration, strategy, and operational success.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Strong communication is the foundation of any successful relationship—and that’s especially true when it comes to grant writers and nonprofit clients.

In this episode, Steve Boland, founder of Next in Nonprofits, shares decades of experience on how consultants and nonprofit teams can collaborate more effectively. We explore how clear communication and defined roles can ensure grants are completed on time, why grant writers are not program managers (and where that line should be drawn), and how different types of nonprofit clients require different approaches.

We also dive into how grant writers can support nonprofits beyond writing, why they are sometimes asked to help develop new projects, and how to manage expectations on both sides of the relationship. Plus, we discuss why consistent check-ins—like weekly meetings—are critical for keeping projects on track and how a skilled grant writer consultant can be a valuable partner to nonprofit leadership.

If you want smoother workflows, stronger partnerships, and better grant outcomes, this episode is a must-listen.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Steve Boland is the founder of Next in Nonprofits, where he helps nonprofit professionals grow their careers and strengthen their organizations. With decades of experience in nonprofit leadership, communication, and training, Steve is known for his practical insights on how nonprofits and consultants can work together more effectively.

He is a speaker, trainer, and podcast host who focuses on helping nonprofit leaders improve collaboration, strategy, and operational success.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 14 Jun 2022 07:00:07 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2766 Strong communication is the foundation of any successful relationship—and that’s especially true when it comes to grant writers and nonprofit clients.

In this episode, Steve Boland, founder of Next in Nonprofits, shares decades of experience on how consultants and nonprofit teams can collaborate more effectively. We explore how clear communication and defined roles can ensure grants are completed on time, why grant writers are not program managers (and where that line should be drawn), and how different types of nonprofit clients require different approaches.

We also dive into how grant writers can support nonprofits beyond writing, why they are sometimes asked to help develop new projects, and how to manage expectations on both sides of the relationship. Plus, we discuss why consistent check-ins—like weekly meetings—are critical for keeping projects on track and how a skilled grant writer consultant can be a valuable partner to nonprofit leadership.

If you want smoother workflows, stronger partnerships, and better grant outcomes, this episode is a must-listen.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Steve Boland is the founder of Next in Nonprofits, where he helps nonprofit professionals grow their careers and strengthen their organizations. With decades of experience in nonprofit leadership, communication, and training, Steve is known for his practical insights on how nonprofits and consultants can work together more effectively.

He is a speaker, trainer, and podcast host who focuses on helping nonprofit leaders improve collaboration, strategy, and operational success.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No How Much do Freelance Grant Writers Make? 222 222 How Much do Freelance Grant Writers Make? full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1281222646 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/how-much-do-freelance-grant-writers-make This is a fully loaded question.

The thing is that freelance grant writers can make as much money as they want to make.

No, I am not trying to be cheeky. It’s true.

So, really the question underneath this one is:

“How much money can I make as a freelance grant writer?”  

Which brings us to another layer of a question…

“How much can I charge as a freelance grant writer?”

You can see that these questions are all related, right?

The thing is the answers to these questions are not cookie-cutter or set in stone.

It depends.

Here are some things to consider when wanting to know how much you can make as a freelance grant writer.

Grant Writing Experience

If you have been a grant writer for several years and are comfortable with grant writing, you will be able to charge more than someone starting from scratch. That is true for anything.

When you have more experience, you can showcase:

This is huge!

But even if you have taken one grant writing course and are just getting experience, you can also charge for your services too. You just won’t be charging as much until you develop more of a portfolio (like anything else!).

Ways to overcome the newbie grant writing position is to partner with more seasoned grant writers to review your work and give you feedback.

In that case, feel free to charge more as you will get those seasoned eyes on your grant awards. This is a great opportunity to have a mentor and develop your grant writing skills while also increasing your grant writing credibility.

Geography

If you are working with local nonprofit organizations, then it is important to know what market rates are for consultants. You can usually find out this information by checking out local department of labor wages or reaching out to other consultants and asking them what their rates are.

Some consultants may want to keep their pricing private, but it’s worth developing relationships with other consultants (not just grant writers, but service-industry consultants) and find out what the going rates are. These are also just great relationships to develop.

But many of you work online and have national and international clients so you can also see what other folks are charging online.

The problem with just googling other grant writer rates is that you will see prices all over the map.

I’m talking anywhere from $25 per hour to $150+ per hour. This does give you a baseline, but pricing is more nuanced then just pointing out a number.

Types of Services You Deliver

Writing foundation grants and federal grants are two different ball games.

A foundation grant of two-pages will not be the same price as writing a 50-page federal grant application.

Therefore, it is important to know what type of grant writing you will be doing.

You can still make the same amount of money, but you will have a different number of clients.

For example, if you charge $2,000 to write a 2-page foundation application and $12,000 to write a federal grant application, then you would need to write six foundation grants to make the same as writing one federal grant.

You can also combine both types of grant writing!

So that is something to take into consideration. Your specific tailored services should vary in pricing based on the level of expertise, time, and capacity it takes for each service.

Value Issues around Pricing

Here is my favorite one. We all have different emotions and values around money and especially around making money.

Research shows that women compared to men struggle with charging what they are worth.

This comes down to a slew of different reasons with most based on being born into a patriarchal system. This manifests itself with the following:

  • Not feeling confident enough to price what we are worth (will people really pay it?)
  • Giving way too many discounts (yes, I was there once too)
  • Giving away the kitchen sink of all the deliverables you will do (it’s like we are convincing ourselves we are good enough before we even show our price!)

The other thing is that a lot of times you will see grant writing prices up to $150 per hour. As if that is the holy grail of pricing.

That does NOT need to be your glass ceiling. Raise your rates appropriately.

Expenses (overhead)

Here’s the thing. To know what your rates are, you also need to understand what your goals are.

Do you want this to be a side-hustle or full-time job?

It’s not always about working harder to make more money, but if you are a service-based consultant (versus having products and passive income – more on that later), then having more of the right clients does improve your overall bottom line.

If you are doing this as a full-time business, then additional expenses will come into play that include:

  •   Taxes
  •   Retirement
  •   Health Insurance
  •   All your personal bills! i.e., salary for YOU!
  •   Profit
  •   Office space (even in your home)
  •   Internet, phone, communications
  •   Gas mileage, travel, etc.
  •   Online software and apps (this is where you might spend a large percentage)
  •   Computer, printer, office supplies
  •   Training and association fees
  •   Consultants, virtual assistants, or employees
  •   Bookkeeper, professional services
  •   And anything else for business success

Your old hourly rate from a J-O-B just will not be the same as your consultancy hourly rate. There is so much more that goes into this.

So how much can you make as a Freelance Grant Writer?

Well, it really depends on:

  •   What goals do you have?
  •   Are you geographical based?
  •   What type of grant writing experience do you have (or can leverage)?
  •   What types grant writing services you offer?
  •   How much confidence do you have in pricing your rates?
  •   How much do you want to work (and then associated expenses to integrate into your pricing)?

...

]]> This is a fully loaded question.

The thing is that freelance grant writers can make as much money as they want to make.

No, I am not trying to be cheeky. It’s true.

So, really the question underneath this one is:

“How much money can I make as a freelance grant writer?”  

Which brings us to another layer of a question…

“How much can I charge as a freelance grant writer?”

You can see that these questions are all related, right?

The thing is the answers to these questions are not cookie-cutter or set in stone.

It depends.

Here are some things to consider when wanting to know how much you can make as a freelance grant writer.

Grant Writing Experience

If you have been a grant writer for several years and are comfortable with grant writing, you will be able to charge more than someone starting from scratch. That is true for anything.

When you have more experience, you can showcase:

This is huge!

But even if you have taken one grant writing course and are just getting experience, you can also charge for your services too. You just won’t be charging as much until you develop more of a portfolio (like anything else!).

Ways to overcome the newbie grant writing position is to partner with more seasoned grant writers to review your work and give you feedback.

In that case, feel free to charge more as you will get those seasoned eyes on your grant awards. This is a great opportunity to have a mentor and develop your grant writing skills while also increasing your grant writing credibility.

Geography

If you are working with local nonprofit organizations, then it is important to know what market rates are for consultants. You can usually find out this information by checking out local department of labor wages or reaching out to other consultants and asking them what their rates are.

Some consultants may want to keep their pricing private, but it’s worth developing relationships with other consultants (not just grant writers, but service-industry consultants) and find out what the going rates are. These are also just great relationships to develop.

But many of you work online and have national and international clients so you can also see what other folks are charging online.

The problem with just googling other grant writer rates is that you will see prices all over the map.

I’m talking anywhere from $25 per hour to $150+ per hour. This does give you a baseline, but pricing is more nuanced then just pointing out a number.

Types of Services You Deliver

Writing foundation grants and federal grants are two different ball games.

A foundation grant of two-pages will not be the same price as writing a 50-page federal grant application.

Therefore, it is important to know what type of grant writing you will be doing.

You can still make the same amount of money, but you will have a different number of clients.

For example, if you charge $2,000 to write a 2-page foundation application and $12,000 to write a federal grant application, then you would need to write six foundation grants to make the same as writing one federal grant.

You can also combine both types of grant writing!

So that is something to take into consideration. Your specific tailored services should vary in pricing based on the level of expertise, time, and capacity it takes for each service.

Value Issues around Pricing

Here is my favorite one. We all have different emotions and values around money and especially around making money.

Research shows that women compared to men struggle with charging what they are worth.

This comes down to a slew of different reasons with most based on being born into a patriarchal system. This manifests itself with the following:

  • Not feeling confident enough to price what we are worth (will people really pay it?)
  • Giving way too many discounts (yes, I was there once too)
  • Giving away the kitchen sink of all the deliverables you will do (it’s like we are convincing ourselves we are good enough before we even show our price!)

The other thing is that a lot of times you will see grant writing prices up to $150 per hour. As if that is the holy grail of pricing.

That does NOT need to be your glass ceiling. Raise your rates appropriately.

Expenses (overhead)

Here’s the thing. To know what your rates are, you also need to understand what your goals are.

Do you want this to be a side-hustle or full-time job?

It’s not always about working harder to make more money, but if you are a service-based consultant (versus having products and passive income – more on that later), then having more of the right clients does improve your overall bottom line.

If you are doing this as a full-time business, then additional expenses will come into play that include:

  •   Taxes
  •   Retirement
  •   Health Insurance
  •   All your personal bills! i.e., salary for YOU!
  •   Profit
  •   Office space (even in your home)
  •   Internet, phone, communications
  •   Gas mileage, travel, etc.
  •   Online software and apps (this is where you might spend a large percentage)
  •   Computer, printer, office supplies
  •   Training and association fees
  •   Consultants, virtual assistants, or employees
  •   Bookkeeper, professional services
  •   And anything else for business success

Your old hourly rate from a J-O-B just will not be the same as your consultancy hourly rate. There is so much more that goes into this.

So how much can you make as a Freelance Grant Writer?

Well, it really depends on:

  •   What goals do you have?
  •   Are you geographical based?
  •   What type of grant writing experience do you have (or can leverage)?
  •   What types grant writing services you offer?
  •   How much confidence do you have in pricing your rates?
  •   How much do you want to work (and then associated expenses to integrate into your pricing)?

...

]]> Tue, 07 Jun 2022 07:00:04 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1728 This is a fully loaded question.

The thing is that freelance grant writers can make as much money as they want to make.

No, I am not trying to be cheeky. It’s true.

So, really the question underneath this one is:

“How much money can I make as a freelance grant writer?”  

Which brings us to another layer of a question…

“How much can I charge as a freelance grant writer?”

You can see that these questions are all related, right?

The thing is the answers to these questions are not cookie-cutter or set in stone.

It depends.

Here are some things to consider when wanting to know how much you can make as a freelance grant writer.

Grant Writing Experience

If you have been a grant writer for several years and are comfortable with grant writing, you will be able to charge more than someone starting from scratch. That is true for anything.

When you have more experience, you can showcase:

This is huge!

But even if you have taken one grant writing course and are just getting experience, you can also charge for your services too. You just won’t be charging as much until you develop more of a portfolio (like anything else!).

Ways to overcome the newbie grant writing position is to partner with more seasoned grant writers to review your work and give you feedback.

In that case, feel free to charge more as you will get those seasoned eyes on your grant awards. This is a great opportunity to have a mentor and develop your grant writing skills while also increasing your grant writing credibility.

Geography

If you are working with local nonprofit organizations, then it is important to know what market rates are for consultants. You can usually find out this information by checking out local department of labor wages or reaching out to other consultants and asking them what their rates are.

Some consultants may want to keep their pricing private, but it’s worth developing relationships with other consultants (not just grant writers, but service-industry consultants) and find out what the going rates are. These are also just great relationships to develop.

But many of you work online and have national and international clients so you can also see what other folks are charging online.

The problem with just googling other grant writer rates is that you will see prices all over the map.

I’m talking anywhere from $25 per hour to $150+ per hour. This does give you a baseline, but pricing is more nuanced then just pointing out a number.

Types of Services You Deliver

Writing foundation grants and federal grants are two different ball games.

A foundation grant of two-pages will not be the same price as writing a 50-page federal grant application.

Therefore, it is important to know what type of grant writing you will be doing.

You can still make the same amount of money, but you will have a different number of clients.

For example, if you charge $2,000 to write a 2-page foundation application and $12,000 to write a federal grant application, then you would need to write six foundation grants to make the same as writing one federal grant.

You can also combine both types of grant writing!

So that is something to take into consideration. Your specific tailored services should vary in pricing based on the level of expertise, time, and capacity it takes for each service.

Value Issues around Pricing

Here is my favorite one. We all have different emotions and values around money and especially around making money.

Research shows that women compared to men struggle with charging what they are worth.

This comes down to a slew of different reasons with most based on being born into a patriarchal system. This manifests itself with the following:

  • Not feeling confident enough to price what we are worth (will people really pay it?)
  • Giving way too many discounts (yes, I was there once too)
  • Giving away the kitchen sink of all the deliverables you will do (it’s like we are convincing ourselves we are good enough before we even show our price!)

The other thing is that a lot of times you will see grant writing prices up to $150 per hour. As if that is the holy grail of pricing.

That does NOT need to be your glass ceiling. Raise your rates appropriately.

Expenses (overhead)

Here’s the thing. To know what your rates are, you also need to understand what your goals are.

Do you want this to be a side-hustle or full-time job?

It’s not always about working harder to make more money, but if you are a service-based consultant (versus having products and passive income – more on that later), then having more of the right clients does improve your overall bottom line.

If you are doing this as a full-time business, then additional expenses will come into play that include:

  •   Taxes
  •   Retirement
  •   Health Insurance
  •   All your personal bills! i.e., salary for YOU!
  •   Profit
  •   Office space (even in your home)
  •   Internet, phone, communications
  •   Gas mileage, travel, etc.
  •   Online software and apps (this is where you might spend a large percentage)
  •   Computer, printer, office supplies
  •   Training and association fees
  •   Consultants, virtual assistants, or employees
  •   Bookkeeper, professional services
  •   And anything else for business success

Your old hourly rate from a J-O-B just will not be the same as your consultancy hourly rate. There is so much more that goes into this.

So how much can you make as a Freelance Grant Writer?

Well, it really depends on:

  •   What goals do you have?
  •   Are you geographical based?
  •   What type of grant writing experience do you have (or can leverage)?
  •   What types grant writing services you offer?
  •   How much confidence do you have in pricing your rates?
  •   How much do you want to work (and then associated expenses to integrate into your pricing)?

...

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Lessons Learned as a Nonprofit Executive Director & Nonprofit Consultant 221 221 Lessons Learned as a Nonprofit Executive Director & Nonprofit Consultant full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1277549308 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/lessons-learned-as-a-nonprofit-executive-director-nonprofit-consultant Let’s be real. Being a nonprofit executive director isn’t always a walk in the park. There are definitely challenges that one faces with wearing the following hats:

  • Leader and visionary
  • Fundraiser
  • Being the face of the organization
  • Marketer
  • Manager
  • …and so much more.

It’s a good thing that Dolph Goldenburg, founder of Successful Nonprofits, comes on the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to discuss his lessons learned as an executive director and as a nonprofit consultant.

Dolph goes in deep, starting off the discussion with sharing his experience being completely burned out as nonprofit executive director. At the time, he resigned and took a year off as a sabbatical to reflect. 

This led to his current position as a nonprofit consultant. 

The lessons he has learned along the way include:

  • Taking time to recognize red flags of old habits
  • Negotiating with funding sources
  • Writing grants for enough money instead of settling
  • Being values-based
  • And so much more

What We Discuss:

  • Grant Reviewer Course
  • Overcoming Burnout
  • How to Know if a Job isn’t a Good Fit
  • Looking Inward into Nonprofit Pain Points
  • How to Look for Signs of Nonprofit Burnout
  • How Being Values-Based Helps to Attract the Right People
  • Why Paying Your Nonprofit Staff a Living Wage is Vital to Nonprofit Health
  • Why Nonprofit Attrition Rates Can Be the Funder’s Fault
  • Why You Need to Not Underbid on a Grant Application
  • How to Renegotiate with a Funding Source
  • Why Talking to Funders is so Important

About Dolph Goldenburg

Dolph is recognized as a leader within the nonprofit sector who has a track record of guiding organizations through leadership transitions, strategic planning and board development. 

He started Successful Nonprofits in 2014 to provide consulting, podcasting and publishing services that strengthen the nonprofit sector. Goldenburg’s consulting focuses on strategic planning, executive transitions, board development and coaching. His clients have included large nonprofits like Sheltering Arms and HOPE Atlanta and also small but mighty nonprofits like the Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund and Zebra Coalition.

Prior to starting his consulting practice, Goldenburg was a successful nonprofit CEO for about a dozen years with a demonstrated history of leading organizations to financial stability and growth.  As a CEO, Goldenburg helped organizations transform deficits into healthy surpluses, increase fund balances, dramatically expand services, and increase revenue.  In addition to extensive CEO experience, Goldenburg also has more than a decade of fundraising experience, which includes soliciting six -figure gifts and writing millions of dollars in funded grant proposals. 

Goldenburg holds a masters degree in public administration from the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies at Georgia State University and graduated summa cum laude with a bachelors degree in social work from Georgia State University. 

Dolph lives in Lawrenceville, GA with his husband, has traveled to five of the seven continents, and is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Connect with Dolph:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Let’s be real. Being a nonprofit executive director isn’t always a walk in the park. There are definitely challenges that one faces with wearing the following hats:

  • Leader and visionary
  • Fundraiser
  • Being the face of the organization
  • Marketer
  • Manager
  • …and so much more.

It’s a good thing that Dolph Goldenburg, founder of Successful Nonprofits, comes on the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to discuss his lessons learned as an executive director and as a nonprofit consultant.

Dolph goes in deep, starting off the discussion with sharing his experience being completely burned out as nonprofit executive director. At the time, he resigned and took a year off as a sabbatical to reflect. 

This led to his current position as a nonprofit consultant. 

The lessons he has learned along the way include:

  • Taking time to recognize red flags of old habits
  • Negotiating with funding sources
  • Writing grants for enough money instead of settling
  • Being values-based
  • And so much more

What We Discuss:

  • Grant Reviewer Course
  • Overcoming Burnout
  • How to Know if a Job isn’t a Good Fit
  • Looking Inward into Nonprofit Pain Points
  • How to Look for Signs of Nonprofit Burnout
  • How Being Values-Based Helps to Attract the Right People
  • Why Paying Your Nonprofit Staff a Living Wage is Vital to Nonprofit Health
  • Why Nonprofit Attrition Rates Can Be the Funder’s Fault
  • Why You Need to Not Underbid on a Grant Application
  • How to Renegotiate with a Funding Source
  • Why Talking to Funders is so Important

About Dolph Goldenburg

Dolph is recognized as a leader within the nonprofit sector who has a track record of guiding organizations through leadership transitions, strategic planning and board development. 

He started Successful Nonprofits in 2014 to provide consulting, podcasting and publishing services that strengthen the nonprofit sector. Goldenburg’s consulting focuses on strategic planning, executive transitions, board development and coaching. His clients have included large nonprofits like Sheltering Arms and HOPE Atlanta and also small but mighty nonprofits like the Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund and Zebra Coalition.

Prior to starting his consulting practice, Goldenburg was a successful nonprofit CEO for about a dozen years with a demonstrated history of leading organizations to financial stability and growth.  As a CEO, Goldenburg helped organizations transform deficits into healthy surpluses, increase fund balances, dramatically expand services, and increase revenue.  In addition to extensive CEO experience, Goldenburg also has more than a decade of fundraising experience, which includes soliciting six -figure gifts and writing millions of dollars in funded grant proposals. 

Goldenburg holds a masters degree in public administration from the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies at Georgia State University and graduated summa cum laude with a bachelors degree in social work from Georgia State University. 

Dolph lives in Lawrenceville, GA with his husband, has traveled to five of the seven continents, and is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Connect with Dolph:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 31 May 2022 07:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 3102 Let’s be real. Being a nonprofit executive director isn’t always a walk in the park. There are definitely challenges that one faces with wearing the following hats:

  • Leader and visionary
  • Fundraiser
  • Being the face of the organization
  • Marketer
  • Manager
  • …and so much more.

It’s a good thing that Dolph Goldenburg, founder of Successful Nonprofits, comes on the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to discuss his lessons learned as an executive director and as a nonprofit consultant.

Dolph goes in deep, starting off the discussion with sharing his experience being completely burned out as nonprofit executive director. At the time, he resigned and took a year off as a sabbatical to reflect. 

This led to his current position as a nonprofit consultant. 

The lessons he has learned along the way include:

  • Taking time to recognize red flags of old habits
  • Negotiating with funding sources
  • Writing grants for enough money instead of settling
  • Being values-based
  • And so much more

What We Discuss:

  • Grant Reviewer Course
  • Overcoming Burnout
  • How to Know if a Job isn’t a Good Fit
  • Looking Inward into Nonprofit Pain Points
  • How to Look for Signs of Nonprofit Burnout
  • How Being Values-Based Helps to Attract the Right People
  • Why Paying Your Nonprofit Staff a Living Wage is Vital to Nonprofit Health
  • Why Nonprofit Attrition Rates Can Be the Funder’s Fault
  • Why You Need to Not Underbid on a Grant Application
  • How to Renegotiate with a Funding Source
  • Why Talking to Funders is so Important

About Dolph Goldenburg

Dolph is recognized as a leader within the nonprofit sector who has a track record of guiding organizations through leadership transitions, strategic planning and board development. 

He started Successful Nonprofits in 2014 to provide consulting, podcasting and publishing services that strengthen the nonprofit sector. Goldenburg’s consulting focuses on strategic planning, executive transitions, board development and coaching. His clients have included large nonprofits like Sheltering Arms and HOPE Atlanta and also small but mighty nonprofits like the Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund and Zebra Coalition.

Prior to starting his consulting practice, Goldenburg was a successful nonprofit CEO for about a dozen years with a demonstrated history of leading organizations to financial stability and growth.  As a CEO, Goldenburg helped organizations transform deficits into healthy surpluses, increase fund balances, dramatically expand services, and increase revenue.  In addition to extensive CEO experience, Goldenburg also has more than a decade of fundraising experience, which includes soliciting six -figure gifts and writing millions of dollars in funded grant proposals. 

Goldenburg holds a masters degree in public administration from the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies at Georgia State University and graduated summa cum laude with a bachelors degree in social work from Georgia State University. 

Dolph lives in Lawrenceville, GA with his husband, has traveled to five of the seven continents, and is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Connect with Dolph:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No 4 Benefits of Becoming a Federal Grant Reviewer 220 220 4 Benefits of Becoming a Federal Grant Reviewer full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1272951490 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/4-benefits-of-becoming-a-federal-grant-reviewer One of the best ways to improve your grant writing is to become a federal grant reviewer. This and, of course, writing grants.

Grant reviewing is when you put on your critique hat and analyze a variety of grants. This is SO beneficial to understand how federal grants are scored.

A federal grant reviewer is someone (non-federal) who reviews federal grant applications.

Why is this beneficial for you as a grant writer?

#1: Increases your grant writing skills

#2: Improves your ability to get grants

#3: Increases professional development

#4: Increases your income

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> One of the best ways to improve your grant writing is to become a federal grant reviewer. This and, of course, writing grants.

Grant reviewing is when you put on your critique hat and analyze a variety of grants. This is SO beneficial to understand how federal grants are scored.

A federal grant reviewer is someone (non-federal) who reviews federal grant applications.

Why is this beneficial for you as a grant writer?

#1: Increases your grant writing skills

#2: Improves your ability to get grants

#3: Increases professional development

#4: Increases your income

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 24 May 2022 07:00:09 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 722 One of the best ways to improve your grant writing is to become a federal grant reviewer. This and, of course, writing grants.

Grant reviewing is when you put on your critique hat and analyze a variety of grants. This is SO beneficial to understand how federal grants are scored.

A federal grant reviewer is someone (non-federal) who reviews federal grant applications.

Why is this beneficial for you as a grant writer?

#1: Increases your grant writing skills

#2: Improves your ability to get grants

#3: Increases professional development

#4: Increases your income

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No How Much Time to Spend Working In vs. On Your Business 219 219 How Much Time to Spend Working In vs. On Your Business full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1268586694 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/how-much-time-to-spend-working-in-vs-on-your-business Nonprofit Consulting Series #1

Understanding how much time to spend working on your business versus working in your business can be a head scratch. 

Even the most seasoned nonprofit consultants and freelance grant writers can find themselves going down the rabbit hole of non-prioritized tasks. 

For example, if you find yourself spending 80 percent of your time on social media and are getting a lot of likes but no clients, then it definitely isn’t a good use of your time.

Vice versa, if all you are doing is writing grant applications but never invoicing then that isn’t great either.

Mike Michalowicz, author of Profit First (an excellent read, by the way) states that:

“In the early days of a company, when annual revenues are below $250,000…you are likely the only employee… And that means you must be doing 90 percent of the work… Basically, you are a true entrepreneur 10 percent of the time, and a hardworking, hard-selling employee of your own company 90 percent of the time.”

That means, yes, you do most of the work and might hire a virtual assistant to do bits and pieces, but even then…how much of that 90 percent of the time do you work in your businesses vs. on your business?

In this episode, Mandy Pearce and Mazarine Treyz come on the show to discuss what formulas can look like for nonprofit consultants (and a LOT more!). 

You get to hear how these influencers and nonprofit consultants have learned how to create systems, plan, and even say no to what they do not want to do. 

This has created streamlined businesses and learning what their formulas are that make them keep going. 

What does that mean for you? 

Well, you get to fast-track your business by learning from others who have figured some things out through some amazing shared lessons!

What We Discuss In This Episode:

  • Time Working In vs. On Business
  • Consulting Goals
  • The Upper Limit Problem
  • Business Sustainability
  • Outsourcing Tasks
  • Starting Your Consultancy when Working Full-Time
  • How to Not Compromise Your Values as a Consultant
  • How to Plan Your Services
  • You Can Turn Clients Away                     
  • Boundaries & Values in Your Consultancy
  • Nonprofit Consulting Conference Sneak Peek

About Mandy Pearce

In 2009, visionary, Mandy Pearce, founded her flagship company, Funding for Good, to equip organizations with all of the skills and tools needed to become successful and sustainable.

She continues to enjoy evolving this company to meet the changing demands of the nonprofit world. For over two decades, Mandy and her team of experts have shared their proficiency in fundraising through executive coaching, strategic and development planning, seminars and specialized consulting programs.

Mandy’s dynamic teaching style has brought thousands of people to her presentations at conventions, training workshops and online platforms. Mandy established Funding for Good, Inc. upon the core values of honesty, efficiency, direct communication and bringing sustainable dollars to local communities.

Ways to Connect with Mandy:

About Mazarine Treyz

Mazarine Treyz is a nonprofit leadership coach, speaker and best selling author of “The Wild Woman’s Guide to Fundraising”, serving people in over 70 different countries.

Mazarine specializes in helping nonprofit leaders with fundraising goals through authentic relationships both online and offline.  As a result, clients have doubled monthly donors, taken their schools from 10K to 170K in recurring revenue, and created their own global nonprofits. Treyz has co-founded a nonprofit and has over a decade of experience as a nonprofit fundraiser in small shops. Today, Mazarine Treyz leads the nonprofit workplace justice movement to create a better nonprofit work culture through her writing, training, podcast and keynote speeches.

Connect with Mazarine Treyz:

Related Episodes:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Nonprofit Consulting Series #1

Understanding how much time to spend working on your business versus working in your business can be a head scratch. 

Even the most seasoned nonprofit consultants and freelance grant writers can find themselves going down the rabbit hole of non-prioritized tasks. 

For example, if you find yourself spending 80 percent of your time on social media and are getting a lot of likes but no clients, then it definitely isn’t a good use of your time.

Vice versa, if all you are doing is writing grant applications but never invoicing then that isn’t great either.

Mike Michalowicz, author of Profit First (an excellent read, by the way) states that:

“In the early days of a company, when annual revenues are below $250,000…you are likely the only employee… And that means you must be doing 90 percent of the work… Basically, you are a true entrepreneur 10 percent of the time, and a hardworking, hard-selling employee of your own company 90 percent of the time.”

That means, yes, you do most of the work and might hire a virtual assistant to do bits and pieces, but even then…how much of that 90 percent of the time do you work in your businesses vs. on your business?

In this episode, Mandy Pearce and Mazarine Treyz come on the show to discuss what formulas can look like for nonprofit consultants (and a LOT more!). 

You get to hear how these influencers and nonprofit consultants have learned how to create systems, plan, and even say no to what they do not want to do. 

This has created streamlined businesses and learning what their formulas are that make them keep going. 

What does that mean for you? 

Well, you get to fast-track your business by learning from others who have figured some things out through some amazing shared lessons!

What We Discuss In This Episode:

  • Time Working In vs. On Business
  • Consulting Goals
  • The Upper Limit Problem
  • Business Sustainability
  • Outsourcing Tasks
  • Starting Your Consultancy when Working Full-Time
  • How to Not Compromise Your Values as a Consultant
  • How to Plan Your Services
  • You Can Turn Clients Away                     
  • Boundaries & Values in Your Consultancy
  • Nonprofit Consulting Conference Sneak Peek

About Mandy Pearce

In 2009, visionary, Mandy Pearce, founded her flagship company, Funding for Good, to equip organizations with all of the skills and tools needed to become successful and sustainable.

She continues to enjoy evolving this company to meet the changing demands of the nonprofit world. For over two decades, Mandy and her team of experts have shared their proficiency in fundraising through executive coaching, strategic and development planning, seminars and specialized consulting programs.

Mandy’s dynamic teaching style has brought thousands of people to her presentations at conventions, training workshops and online platforms. Mandy established Funding for Good, Inc. upon the core values of honesty, efficiency, direct communication and bringing sustainable dollars to local communities.

Ways to Connect with Mandy:

About Mazarine Treyz

Mazarine Treyz is a nonprofit leadership coach, speaker and best selling author of “The Wild Woman’s Guide to Fundraising”, serving people in over 70 different countries.

Mazarine specializes in helping nonprofit leaders with fundraising goals through authentic relationships both online and offline.  As a result, clients have doubled monthly donors, taken their schools from 10K to 170K in recurring revenue, and created their own global nonprofits. Treyz has co-founded a nonprofit and has over a decade of experience as a nonprofit fundraiser in small shops. Today, Mazarine Treyz leads the nonprofit workplace justice movement to create a better nonprofit work culture through her writing, training, podcast and keynote speeches.

Connect with Mazarine Treyz:

Related Episodes:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 17 May 2022 07:00:09 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2516 Nonprofit Consulting Series #1

Understanding how much time to spend working on your business versus working in your business can be a head scratch. 

Even the most seasoned nonprofit consultants and freelance grant writers can find themselves going down the rabbit hole of non-prioritized tasks. 

For example, if you find yourself spending 80 percent of your time on social media and are getting a lot of likes but no clients, then it definitely isn’t a good use of your time.

Vice versa, if all you are doing is writing grant applications but never invoicing then that isn’t great either.

Mike Michalowicz, author of Profit First (an excellent read, by the way) states that:

“In the early days of a company, when annual revenues are below $250,000…you are likely the only employee… And that means you must be doing 90 percent of the work… Basically, you are a true entrepreneur 10 percent of the time, and a hardworking, hard-selling employee of your own company 90 percent of the time.”

That means, yes, you do most of the work and might hire a virtual assistant to do bits and pieces, but even then…how much of that 90 percent of the time do you work in your businesses vs. on your business?

In this episode, Mandy Pearce and Mazarine Treyz come on the show to discuss what formulas can look like for nonprofit consultants (and a LOT more!). 

You get to hear how these influencers and nonprofit consultants have learned how to create systems, plan, and even say no to what they do not want to do. 

This has created streamlined businesses and learning what their formulas are that make them keep going. 

What does that mean for you? 

Well, you get to fast-track your business by learning from others who have figured some things out through some amazing shared lessons!

What We Discuss In This Episode:

  • Time Working In vs. On Business
  • Consulting Goals
  • The Upper Limit Problem
  • Business Sustainability
  • Outsourcing Tasks
  • Starting Your Consultancy when Working Full-Time
  • How to Not Compromise Your Values as a Consultant
  • How to Plan Your Services
  • You Can Turn Clients Away                     
  • Boundaries & Values in Your Consultancy
  • Nonprofit Consulting Conference Sneak Peek

About Mandy Pearce

In 2009, visionary, Mandy Pearce, founded her flagship company, Funding for Good, to equip organizations with all of the skills and tools needed to become successful and sustainable.

She continues to enjoy evolving this company to meet the changing demands of the nonprofit world. For over two decades, Mandy and her team of experts have shared their proficiency in fundraising through executive coaching, strategic and development planning, seminars and specialized consulting programs.

Mandy’s dynamic teaching style has brought thousands of people to her presentations at conventions, training workshops and online platforms. Mandy established Funding for Good, Inc. upon the core values of honesty, efficiency, direct communication and bringing sustainable dollars to local communities.

Ways to Connect with Mandy:

About Mazarine Treyz

Mazarine Treyz is a nonprofit leadership coach, speaker and best selling author of “The Wild Woman’s Guide to Fundraising”, serving people in over 70 different countries.

Mazarine specializes in helping nonprofit leaders with fundraising goals through authentic relationships both online and offline.  As a result, clients have doubled monthly donors, taken their schools from 10K to 170K in recurring revenue, and created their own global nonprofits. Treyz has co-founded a nonprofit and has over a decade of experience as a nonprofit fundraiser in small shops. Today, Mazarine Treyz leads the nonprofit workplace justice movement to create a better nonprofit work culture through her writing, training, podcast and keynote speeches.

Connect with Mazarine Treyz:

Related Episodes:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Top Tips from a Researcher: How to Write a Logic Model Template 218 218 Top Tips from a Researcher: How to Write a Logic Model Template full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1264161658 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/top-tips-from-a-researcher-how-to-write-a-logic-model-template A question I often get is, “How do I create a logic model?” 

This is a great question, and in today’s episode Dr. James Pann describes how to create a logic model.

But one also needs to understand what a logic model is and why it’s important to the grant writing process. A logic model is really a process in a visual display. This visual process helps grant reviewers, grant writers, and your nonprofit team really understand the program you are developing.

A lot of grant writers even like to develop the logic model as one of their first steps in the grant writing process so they stick to the plan while writing the grant.

Grant reviewers like to see a visual representation of what your program is all about to help supplement the text narrative in your grant. Your nonprofit team will benefit from creating this logic model as the program will become clear on what you are trying to accomplish.

All in all, a logic model is a healthy way to guide your grant writing process and gives you another tool in your box to earn more points in securing grants and having a successful program.

What We Discuss In This Episode:

  • What a logic model is
  • All the elements in a logic model
  • The difference between outcome and output
  • How a logic model can help create your evaluation plan
  • Added logic model samples and examples

About Dr. James Pann

James Pann received his Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from the University of Texas at Austin. He obtained his M.S.Ed. in Mental Health Counseling and Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Miami. Dr. Pann completed his clinical internship at Nova Southeastern University Community Mental Health Center in neuropsychology, behavioral medicine, and adult and child psychotherapy. Additionally, he had a postdoctoral fellowship in pediatric behavioral medicine at the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami/ Jackson Memorial Medical Center. He also completed a Family Therapy Externship at the Center for Family Studies at the University of Miami.

Dr. Pann is a Professor at the Abraham S. Fischler College of Education, School of Criminal Justice at Nova Southeastern University where he focuses on teaching program evaluation as well as conducting research and evaluation projects. Dr. Pann is interested in the use of program evaluation approaches to study and improve educational, health and human service programs. He is an evaluation consultant working with education, health and human service organizations and grant making entities. He has worked on a wide variety of projects, from systems of care and other collaborations, to substance abuse, mental health and afterschool programs, with organizations of all sizes. Dr. Pann is a licensed psychologist in Florida and an active member of the American Evaluation Association.

Connect with Dr. James:

Related Episodes & Links in Podcast:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> A question I often get is, “How do I create a logic model?” 

This is a great question, and in today’s episode Dr. James Pann describes how to create a logic model.

But one also needs to understand what a logic model is and why it’s important to the grant writing process. A logic model is really a process in a visual display. This visual process helps grant reviewers, grant writers, and your nonprofit team really understand the program you are developing.

A lot of grant writers even like to develop the logic model as one of their first steps in the grant writing process so they stick to the plan while writing the grant.

Grant reviewers like to see a visual representation of what your program is all about to help supplement the text narrative in your grant. Your nonprofit team will benefit from creating this logic model as the program will become clear on what you are trying to accomplish.

All in all, a logic model is a healthy way to guide your grant writing process and gives you another tool in your box to earn more points in securing grants and having a successful program.

What We Discuss In This Episode:

  • What a logic model is
  • All the elements in a logic model
  • The difference between outcome and output
  • How a logic model can help create your evaluation plan
  • Added logic model samples and examples

About Dr. James Pann

James Pann received his Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from the University of Texas at Austin. He obtained his M.S.Ed. in Mental Health Counseling and Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Miami. Dr. Pann completed his clinical internship at Nova Southeastern University Community Mental Health Center in neuropsychology, behavioral medicine, and adult and child psychotherapy. Additionally, he had a postdoctoral fellowship in pediatric behavioral medicine at the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami/ Jackson Memorial Medical Center. He also completed a Family Therapy Externship at the Center for Family Studies at the University of Miami.

Dr. Pann is a Professor at the Abraham S. Fischler College of Education, School of Criminal Justice at Nova Southeastern University where he focuses on teaching program evaluation as well as conducting research and evaluation projects. Dr. Pann is interested in the use of program evaluation approaches to study and improve educational, health and human service programs. He is an evaluation consultant working with education, health and human service organizations and grant making entities. He has worked on a wide variety of projects, from systems of care and other collaborations, to substance abuse, mental health and afterschool programs, with organizations of all sizes. Dr. Pann is a licensed psychologist in Florida and an active member of the American Evaluation Association.

Connect with Dr. James:

Related Episodes & Links in Podcast:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Wed, 11 May 2022 20:00:03 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2695 A question I often get is, “How do I create a logic model?” 

This is a great question, and in today’s episode Dr. James Pann describes how to create a logic model.

But one also needs to understand what a logic model is and why it’s important to the grant writing process. A logic model is really a process in a visual display. This visual process helps grant reviewers, grant writers, and your nonprofit team really understand the program you are developing.

A lot of grant writers even like to develop the logic model as one of their first steps in the grant writing process so they stick to the plan while writing the grant.

Grant reviewers like to see a visual representation of what your program is all about to help supplement the text narrative in your grant. Your nonprofit team will benefit from creating this logic model as the program will become clear on what you are trying to accomplish.

All in all, a logic model is a healthy way to guide your grant writing process and gives you another tool in your box to earn more points in securing grants and having a successful program.

What We Discuss In This Episode:

  • What a logic model is
  • All the elements in a logic model
  • The difference between outcome and output
  • How a logic model can help create your evaluation plan
  • Added logic model samples and examples

About Dr. James Pann

James Pann received his Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from the University of Texas at Austin. He obtained his M.S.Ed. in Mental Health Counseling and Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Miami. Dr. Pann completed his clinical internship at Nova Southeastern University Community Mental Health Center in neuropsychology, behavioral medicine, and adult and child psychotherapy. Additionally, he had a postdoctoral fellowship in pediatric behavioral medicine at the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami/ Jackson Memorial Medical Center. He also completed a Family Therapy Externship at the Center for Family Studies at the University of Miami.

Dr. Pann is a Professor at the Abraham S. Fischler College of Education, School of Criminal Justice at Nova Southeastern University where he focuses on teaching program evaluation as well as conducting research and evaluation projects. Dr. Pann is interested in the use of program evaluation approaches to study and improve educational, health and human service programs. He is an evaluation consultant working with education, health and human service organizations and grant making entities. He has worked on a wide variety of projects, from systems of care and other collaborations, to substance abuse, mental health and afterschool programs, with organizations of all sizes. Dr. Pann is a licensed psychologist in Florida and an active member of the American Evaluation Association.

Connect with Dr. James:

Related Episodes & Links in Podcast:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Top 10 Responsibilities of a Nonprofit Executive Director 217 217 Top 10 Responsibilities of a Nonprofit Executive Director full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1259746006 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/top-10-responsibilities-of-a-nonprofit-executive-director If you are a nonprofit executive director or nonprofit leader, this episode is for you! Many nonprofit executive directors feel overwhelmed wearing 25 different hats — from fundraising and grant strategy to board management, staff oversight, and operations. According to The Nonprofit Fixer, Sean Kosofsky, nonprofit executive leadership does not have to feel this chaotic or unsustainable.

I have Sean Kosofsky on the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to discuss executive leadership for nonprofit organizations, including how executive directors can strengthen board engagement, improve fundraising systems, and manage their time more strategically.

You are going to get so many goodies to overcome common executive director challenges — especially around onboarding, engaging your board of directors, fundraising strategy, and time management so you can effectively lead your nonprofit organization without burning out.


What We Discuss In This Episode:

  • Different grants available
  • How to overcome executive director challenges
  • Employment contracts for executive directors
  • New board member churn
  • Board member term limits
  • How to create a calendar for tasks
  • Why an ED should outsource
  • How to know what to focus on
  • Sean’s focus on executive directorship

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Sean Kosofsky is the NonProfit Fixer and has worked in the nonprofit sector for more than 27 years. Sean has worked in the areas of policy, communications, grassroots advocacy, direct service, development, management and served on numerous boards. He has raised millions of dollars for causes, candidates, and campaigns. His work has appeared in news stories around the world, and he has offered webinars or blog posts through AFP, Candid, Idealware, Bloomerang, Wild Apricot, and Pamela Grow’s Motivate Mondays.

He has worked on a wide range of issues including LGBTQ equality, reproductive justice, voting access, bullying prevention, climate change, and more. He offers coaching, consulting, training, and free tools at his website Nonprofitfixer.com and courses at http://Learn.MindTheGapConsulting.org.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Website: https://nonprofitfixer.com/
Courses: http://Learn.MindTheGapConsulting.org


OTHER RESOURCES:


Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
 https://grantwritingandfunding.com/


Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
 https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/


Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
 https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will

  1. WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and
  2. MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses.

We are on our way already.

]]> If you are a nonprofit executive director or nonprofit leader, this episode is for you! Many nonprofit executive directors feel overwhelmed wearing 25 different hats — from fundraising and grant strategy to board management, staff oversight, and operations. According to The Nonprofit Fixer, Sean Kosofsky, nonprofit executive leadership does not have to feel this chaotic or unsustainable.

I have Sean Kosofsky on the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to discuss executive leadership for nonprofit organizations, including how executive directors can strengthen board engagement, improve fundraising systems, and manage their time more strategically.

You are going to get so many goodies to overcome common executive director challenges — especially around onboarding, engaging your board of directors, fundraising strategy, and time management so you can effectively lead your nonprofit organization without burning out.


What We Discuss In This Episode:

  • Different grants available
  • How to overcome executive director challenges
  • Employment contracts for executive directors
  • New board member churn
  • Board member term limits
  • How to create a calendar for tasks
  • Why an ED should outsource
  • How to know what to focus on
  • Sean’s focus on executive directorship

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Sean Kosofsky is the NonProfit Fixer and has worked in the nonprofit sector for more than 27 years. Sean has worked in the areas of policy, communications, grassroots advocacy, direct service, development, management and served on numerous boards. He has raised millions of dollars for causes, candidates, and campaigns. His work has appeared in news stories around the world, and he has offered webinars or blog posts through AFP, Candid, Idealware, Bloomerang, Wild Apricot, and Pamela Grow’s Motivate Mondays.

He has worked on a wide range of issues including LGBTQ equality, reproductive justice, voting access, bullying prevention, climate change, and more. He offers coaching, consulting, training, and free tools at his website Nonprofitfixer.com and courses at http://Learn.MindTheGapConsulting.org.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Website: https://nonprofitfixer.com/
Courses: http://Learn.MindTheGapConsulting.org


OTHER RESOURCES:


Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
 https://grantwritingandfunding.com/


Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
 https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/


Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
 https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will

  1. WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and
  2. MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses.

We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 03 May 2022 07:00:03 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2152 If you are a nonprofit executive director or nonprofit leader, this episode is for you! Many nonprofit executive directors feel overwhelmed wearing 25 different hats — from fundraising and grant strategy to board management, staff oversight, and operations. According to The Nonprofit Fixer, Sean Kosofsky, nonprofit executive leadership does not have to feel this chaotic or unsustainable.

I have Sean Kosofsky on the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to discuss executive leadership for nonprofit organizations, including how executive directors can strengthen board engagement, improve fundraising systems, and manage their time more strategically.

You are going to get so many goodies to overcome common executive director challenges — especially around onboarding, engaging your board of directors, fundraising strategy, and time management so you can effectively lead your nonprofit organization without burning out.


What We Discuss In This Episode:

  • Different grants available
  • How to overcome executive director challenges
  • Employment contracts for executive directors
  • New board member churn
  • Board member term limits
  • How to create a calendar for tasks
  • Why an ED should outsource
  • How to know what to focus on
  • Sean’s focus on executive directorship

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Sean Kosofsky is the NonProfit Fixer and has worked in the nonprofit sector for more than 27 years. Sean has worked in the areas of policy, communications, grassroots advocacy, direct service, development, management and served on numerous boards. He has raised millions of dollars for causes, candidates, and campaigns. His work has appeared in news stories around the world, and he has offered webinars or blog posts through AFP, Candid, Idealware, Bloomerang, Wild Apricot, and Pamela Grow’s Motivate Mondays.

He has worked on a wide range of issues including LGBTQ equality, reproductive justice, voting access, bullying prevention, climate change, and more. He offers coaching, consulting, training, and free tools at his website Nonprofitfixer.com and courses at http://Learn.MindTheGapConsulting.org.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Website: https://nonprofitfixer.com/
Courses: http://Learn.MindTheGapConsulting.org


OTHER RESOURCES:


Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
 https://grantwritingandfunding.com/


Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
 https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/


Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
 https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will

  1. WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and
  2. MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses.

We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Key Differences Between a Nonprofit's Program vs. Administrative Budget 216 216 Key Differences Between a Nonprofit's Program vs. Administrative Budget full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1255404184 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/key-differences-between-a-nonprofits-program-vs-administrative-budget Budgets can be unnerving for nonprofit organizations. Understanding what all goes into a budget can seem simple until you start adding into your budget:

At this point, your nonprofit may want to consider hiring an accountant or having some training.

It’s a good thing that Damien Scott of My Summit CFO comes on the podcast show to give you specific nonprofit budget tips!

About Damien Scott

Damien Scott, owner of My Summit CFO an accounting and tax practice based in Pennsylvania with clients across the United States. He is also the founder of a non-profit called The Seven Summits of Lupus, an organization devoted to spreading global awareness of Lupus and a nationwide program called The Lupus Warrior Outdoor Adventure Program. He is a financial professional and as a leader in a non-profit organization with an MBA in Accounting and over 23 years of experience assisting business owners in reaching their summit. Damien believes that all entrepreneurs need and deserve a competent guide in order to navigate the intricacies of this ever-changing business environment.

Damien draws on his 23 years of experience, education and his mountaineering background in order to guide his clients to increased revenues and greater cash flow to elevate your business to new heights.

When Damien is not assisting you in reaching new heights, he is traveling the world on a quest for the Mountaineers Grand Slam, to reach the highest peak on each of the 7 continents (also known as the 7 Summits) and a traverse of the North and South Poles.

Links:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Budgets can be unnerving for nonprofit organizations. Understanding what all goes into a budget can seem simple until you start adding into your budget:

At this point, your nonprofit may want to consider hiring an accountant or having some training.

It’s a good thing that Damien Scott of My Summit CFO comes on the podcast show to give you specific nonprofit budget tips!

About Damien Scott

Damien Scott, owner of My Summit CFO an accounting and tax practice based in Pennsylvania with clients across the United States. He is also the founder of a non-profit called The Seven Summits of Lupus, an organization devoted to spreading global awareness of Lupus and a nationwide program called The Lupus Warrior Outdoor Adventure Program. He is a financial professional and as a leader in a non-profit organization with an MBA in Accounting and over 23 years of experience assisting business owners in reaching their summit. Damien believes that all entrepreneurs need and deserve a competent guide in order to navigate the intricacies of this ever-changing business environment.

Damien draws on his 23 years of experience, education and his mountaineering background in order to guide his clients to increased revenues and greater cash flow to elevate your business to new heights.

When Damien is not assisting you in reaching new heights, he is traveling the world on a quest for the Mountaineers Grand Slam, to reach the highest peak on each of the 7 continents (also known as the 7 Summits) and a traverse of the North and South Poles.

Links:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 26 Apr 2022 07:00:01 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2884 Budgets can be unnerving for nonprofit organizations. Understanding what all goes into a budget can seem simple until you start adding into your budget:

At this point, your nonprofit may want to consider hiring an accountant or having some training.

It’s a good thing that Damien Scott of My Summit CFO comes on the podcast show to give you specific nonprofit budget tips!

About Damien Scott

Damien Scott, owner of My Summit CFO an accounting and tax practice based in Pennsylvania with clients across the United States. He is also the founder of a non-profit called The Seven Summits of Lupus, an organization devoted to spreading global awareness of Lupus and a nationwide program called The Lupus Warrior Outdoor Adventure Program. He is a financial professional and as a leader in a non-profit organization with an MBA in Accounting and over 23 years of experience assisting business owners in reaching their summit. Damien believes that all entrepreneurs need and deserve a competent guide in order to navigate the intricacies of this ever-changing business environment.

Damien draws on his 23 years of experience, education and his mountaineering background in order to guide his clients to increased revenues and greater cash flow to elevate your business to new heights.

When Damien is not assisting you in reaching new heights, he is traveling the world on a quest for the Mountaineers Grand Slam, to reach the highest peak on each of the 7 continents (also known as the 7 Summits) and a traverse of the North and South Poles.

Links:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Leadership Skills to Develop when transitioning to a Nonprofit Executive Career 215 215 Leadership Skills to Develop when transitioning to a Nonprofit Executive Career full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1251125527 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-215-leadership-skills-to-develop-when-transitioning-to-a-nonprofit-executive-career In this episode, I’m joined by nonprofit expert Patton McDowell to explore what it really takes to transition into a nonprofit executive role. 

We dive into how to navigate lateral moves within organizations, understand philanthropy and volunteer management, and build essential governance knowledge for working with boards. Patton also shares how to recognize and break through career plateaus, assess the skills you need to grow, and identify key areas of expertise when shifting from the corporate sector. 

We also discuss current job market trends, the rise of Gen Z in the nonprofit workforce, and the broader economic impact nonprofits have—plus insights from Patton’s new book.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Patton McDowell is a nonprofit expert, author, speaker, and coach. He leads PMA Nonprofit Leadership, a consulting practice he founded after a successful twenty-year career in the nonprofit sector. His leadership experience includes work at Special Olympics International and Special Olympics North Carolina, and he has led fundraising teams at both public and private universities.

Patton is a sought-after consultant and speaker on strategic planning, organizational development, and staff and board leadership. He holds a BA from UNC Chapel Hill, an MBA from Queens University of Charlotte, and a Doctorate from the University of Southern California. He is a Certified Fundraising Executive and a Master Trainer for AFP International.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> In this episode, I’m joined by nonprofit expert Patton McDowell to explore what it really takes to transition into a nonprofit executive role. 

We dive into how to navigate lateral moves within organizations, understand philanthropy and volunteer management, and build essential governance knowledge for working with boards. Patton also shares how to recognize and break through career plateaus, assess the skills you need to grow, and identify key areas of expertise when shifting from the corporate sector. 

We also discuss current job market trends, the rise of Gen Z in the nonprofit workforce, and the broader economic impact nonprofits have—plus insights from Patton’s new book.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Patton McDowell is a nonprofit expert, author, speaker, and coach. He leads PMA Nonprofit Leadership, a consulting practice he founded after a successful twenty-year career in the nonprofit sector. His leadership experience includes work at Special Olympics International and Special Olympics North Carolina, and he has led fundraising teams at both public and private universities.

Patton is a sought-after consultant and speaker on strategic planning, organizational development, and staff and board leadership. He holds a BA from UNC Chapel Hill, an MBA from Queens University of Charlotte, and a Doctorate from the University of Southern California. He is a Certified Fundraising Executive and a Master Trainer for AFP International.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 19 Apr 2022 07:00:04 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2198 In this episode, I’m joined by nonprofit expert Patton McDowell to explore what it really takes to transition into a nonprofit executive role. 

We dive into how to navigate lateral moves within organizations, understand philanthropy and volunteer management, and build essential governance knowledge for working with boards. Patton also shares how to recognize and break through career plateaus, assess the skills you need to grow, and identify key areas of expertise when shifting from the corporate sector. 

We also discuss current job market trends, the rise of Gen Z in the nonprofit workforce, and the broader economic impact nonprofits have—plus insights from Patton’s new book.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Patton McDowell is a nonprofit expert, author, speaker, and coach. He leads PMA Nonprofit Leadership, a consulting practice he founded after a successful twenty-year career in the nonprofit sector. His leadership experience includes work at Special Olympics International and Special Olympics North Carolina, and he has led fundraising teams at both public and private universities.

Patton is a sought-after consultant and speaker on strategic planning, organizational development, and staff and board leadership. He holds a BA from UNC Chapel Hill, an MBA from Queens University of Charlotte, and a Doctorate from the University of Southern California. He is a Certified Fundraising Executive and a Master Trainer for AFP International.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Toolkit for Nonprofits to Get Social Media Influencers and Ambassadors 214 214 Toolkit for Nonprofits to Get Social Media Influencers and Ambassadors full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1245764059 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/toolkit-for-nonprofits-to-get-social-media-influencers-and-ambassadors Finding social media ambassadors and influencers for your nonprofit might feel like an unattainable goal. 

I mean, who really knows Kim Kardashian or Beyonce?

But influencers and ambassadors do not have to equal super elite celebrities. In fact, influencers could include a work-from-home mom that has a YouTube channel about baking for toddlers or a really good friend that is a part of a networking group.

Reaching out to the right type of people who have the audience that makes sense for your nonprofit’s programs is really key to finding influencers and ambassadors.

That’s what Christina Edwards highlights in this episode of Grant Writing & Funding! Christina is a guru in the nonprofit marketing space and gives you a low-down on practical tips for any sized nonprofit to secure marketing from influencers and ambassadors. 

What We Discuss In This Episode:

  • Difference between ambassadors and influencers
  • How connecting with ambassadors and influencers is like online dating
  • How friends can be really amazing ambassadors and influencers
  • Why a toolkit is vital to share with ambassadors and influencers
  • Why your nonprofit’s updated social media presence is vitae

About Christina Edwards

Christina Edwards, Founder of Splendid Consulting, is a marketing expert and coach who helps ambitious social impact businesses and nonprofits increase revenue, supporters, and engagement. She’s ever-passionate about equipping organizations to step into their expertise, be bold, and find their unique voice and audience online. Her packed-out workshops and courses spark enthusiasm, social action, and powerful results. Amplify Social Impact, her signature online course teaches organizations how to make marketing movements that matter online. For more information, visit: www.splendidatl.com.

Reach Out to Christina:

Related Episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Finding social media ambassadors and influencers for your nonprofit might feel like an unattainable goal. 

I mean, who really knows Kim Kardashian or Beyonce?

But influencers and ambassadors do not have to equal super elite celebrities. In fact, influencers could include a work-from-home mom that has a YouTube channel about baking for toddlers or a really good friend that is a part of a networking group.

Reaching out to the right type of people who have the audience that makes sense for your nonprofit’s programs is really key to finding influencers and ambassadors.

That’s what Christina Edwards highlights in this episode of Grant Writing & Funding! Christina is a guru in the nonprofit marketing space and gives you a low-down on practical tips for any sized nonprofit to secure marketing from influencers and ambassadors. 

What We Discuss In This Episode:

  • Difference between ambassadors and influencers
  • How connecting with ambassadors and influencers is like online dating
  • How friends can be really amazing ambassadors and influencers
  • Why a toolkit is vital to share with ambassadors and influencers
  • Why your nonprofit’s updated social media presence is vitae

About Christina Edwards

Christina Edwards, Founder of Splendid Consulting, is a marketing expert and coach who helps ambitious social impact businesses and nonprofits increase revenue, supporters, and engagement. She’s ever-passionate about equipping organizations to step into their expertise, be bold, and find their unique voice and audience online. Her packed-out workshops and courses spark enthusiasm, social action, and powerful results. Amplify Social Impact, her signature online course teaches organizations how to make marketing movements that matter online. For more information, visit: www.splendidatl.com.

Reach Out to Christina:

Related Episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 12 Apr 2022 07:00:08 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2269 Finding social media ambassadors and influencers for your nonprofit might feel like an unattainable goal. 

I mean, who really knows Kim Kardashian or Beyonce?

But influencers and ambassadors do not have to equal super elite celebrities. In fact, influencers could include a work-from-home mom that has a YouTube channel about baking for toddlers or a really good friend that is a part of a networking group.

Reaching out to the right type of people who have the audience that makes sense for your nonprofit’s programs is really key to finding influencers and ambassadors.

That’s what Christina Edwards highlights in this episode of Grant Writing & Funding! Christina is a guru in the nonprofit marketing space and gives you a low-down on practical tips for any sized nonprofit to secure marketing from influencers and ambassadors. 

What We Discuss In This Episode:

  • Difference between ambassadors and influencers
  • How connecting with ambassadors and influencers is like online dating
  • How friends can be really amazing ambassadors and influencers
  • Why a toolkit is vital to share with ambassadors and influencers
  • Why your nonprofit’s updated social media presence is vitae

About Christina Edwards

Christina Edwards, Founder of Splendid Consulting, is a marketing expert and coach who helps ambitious social impact businesses and nonprofits increase revenue, supporters, and engagement. She’s ever-passionate about equipping organizations to step into their expertise, be bold, and find their unique voice and audience online. Her packed-out workshops and courses spark enthusiasm, social action, and powerful results. Amplify Social Impact, her signature online course teaches organizations how to make marketing movements that matter online. For more information, visit: www.splendidatl.com.

Reach Out to Christina:

Related Episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No How Nonprofits Can Use Technology to Increase Donor Retention 213 213 How Nonprofits Can Use Technology to Increase Donor Retention full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1242454189 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-213-how-nonprofits-can-use-technology-to-increase-donor-retention Stu joins us to share how nonprofits can use technology and data to significantly increase donor retention and long-term giving. With over 30 years of experience, he breaks down how organizations can better leverage the data they already have, implement simple but effective strategies to improve donor stewardship, and use tools like surveys and timely follow-ups—such as the critical 45-day touchpoint—to keep supporters engaged. 

We also explore the growing impact of technology in the nonprofit sector, how even small organizations can make meaningful improvements, and practical ways to authentically thank and retain donors.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Stu is a recognized thought leader in the nonprofit sector and currently serves as the Director of Thought Leadership and Advocacy for Omatic Software, a data integration platform that helps nonprofits gain a complete view of their donors and make data-driven decisions. With more than 30 years of experience, Stu has implemented data and integration solutions for hundreds of nonprofit organizations across a wide range of subsectors.

He has been widely published by industry leaders such as Blackbaud and Salesforce, and his work continues to shape how nonprofits use technology to improve fundraising outcomes. Omatic Software, founded in 2002, has been named to Inc. Magazine’s Inc. 500 | 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing private companies for five consecutive years.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Stu joins us to share how nonprofits can use technology and data to significantly increase donor retention and long-term giving. With over 30 years of experience, he breaks down how organizations can better leverage the data they already have, implement simple but effective strategies to improve donor stewardship, and use tools like surveys and timely follow-ups—such as the critical 45-day touchpoint—to keep supporters engaged. 

We also explore the growing impact of technology in the nonprofit sector, how even small organizations can make meaningful improvements, and practical ways to authentically thank and retain donors.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Stu is a recognized thought leader in the nonprofit sector and currently serves as the Director of Thought Leadership and Advocacy for Omatic Software, a data integration platform that helps nonprofits gain a complete view of their donors and make data-driven decisions. With more than 30 years of experience, Stu has implemented data and integration solutions for hundreds of nonprofit organizations across a wide range of subsectors.

He has been widely published by industry leaders such as Blackbaud and Salesforce, and his work continues to shape how nonprofits use technology to improve fundraising outcomes. Omatic Software, founded in 2002, has been named to Inc. Magazine’s Inc. 500 | 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing private companies for five consecutive years.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 05 Apr 2022 07:00:03 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2868 Stu joins us to share how nonprofits can use technology and data to significantly increase donor retention and long-term giving. With over 30 years of experience, he breaks down how organizations can better leverage the data they already have, implement simple but effective strategies to improve donor stewardship, and use tools like surveys and timely follow-ups—such as the critical 45-day touchpoint—to keep supporters engaged. 

We also explore the growing impact of technology in the nonprofit sector, how even small organizations can make meaningful improvements, and practical ways to authentically thank and retain donors.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Stu is a recognized thought leader in the nonprofit sector and currently serves as the Director of Thought Leadership and Advocacy for Omatic Software, a data integration platform that helps nonprofits gain a complete view of their donors and make data-driven decisions. With more than 30 years of experience, Stu has implemented data and integration solutions for hundreds of nonprofit organizations across a wide range of subsectors.

He has been widely published by industry leaders such as Blackbaud and Salesforce, and his work continues to shape how nonprofits use technology to improve fundraising outcomes. Omatic Software, founded in 2002, has been named to Inc. Magazine’s Inc. 500 | 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing private companies for five consecutive years.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Why Grants are Start-Up Funding and How Services Can Sustain Programs 212 212 Why Grants are Start-Up Funding and How Services Can Sustain Programs full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1239040897 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-212-why-grants-are-start-up-funding-and-how-services-can-sustain-programs In this episode, we dive into how to build sustainable funding for LGBTQ+ nonprofits—and the real challenges and opportunities that come with it. Jack shares his journey of finding support through LGBTQ+ organizations and how that experience ultimately led him to found TurnOut, a platform designed to connect volunteers with grassroots LGBTQ+ nonprofits.

We explore what it takes to fund and grow mission-driven organizations in this space, including the role of grants as startup or expansion funding (not a long-term sole strategy), and how nonprofits can create more sustainable revenue streams through services and strategic pricing.

Jack also discusses TurnOut’s first government grant, the importance of building a diversified funding program, and why nonprofits should regularly evaluate and increase their pricing when offering services.

This conversation is packed with insights on how to think differently about funding, community support, and long-term sustainability—especially for organizations serving LGBTQ+ communities.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Jack is the founder of TurnOut, an organization dedicated to connecting volunteers with LGBTQ+ nonprofits to strengthen community impact. He began his career working with community-based HIV organizations and has spent over 15 years supporting grassroots queer groups around the world.

Recognizing a gap between those who wanted to help and organizations that needed support, Jack launched TurnOut in 2015. Today, TurnOut mobilizes more than 5,000 volunteers across 150+ LGBTQ+ nonprofits in California, supporting initiatives focused on youth homelessness, mental health, the arts, and more.


CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Website: www.turnout.org

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> In this episode, we dive into how to build sustainable funding for LGBTQ+ nonprofits—and the real challenges and opportunities that come with it. Jack shares his journey of finding support through LGBTQ+ organizations and how that experience ultimately led him to found TurnOut, a platform designed to connect volunteers with grassroots LGBTQ+ nonprofits.

We explore what it takes to fund and grow mission-driven organizations in this space, including the role of grants as startup or expansion funding (not a long-term sole strategy), and how nonprofits can create more sustainable revenue streams through services and strategic pricing.

Jack also discusses TurnOut’s first government grant, the importance of building a diversified funding program, and why nonprofits should regularly evaluate and increase their pricing when offering services.

This conversation is packed with insights on how to think differently about funding, community support, and long-term sustainability—especially for organizations serving LGBTQ+ communities.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Jack is the founder of TurnOut, an organization dedicated to connecting volunteers with LGBTQ+ nonprofits to strengthen community impact. He began his career working with community-based HIV organizations and has spent over 15 years supporting grassroots queer groups around the world.

Recognizing a gap between those who wanted to help and organizations that needed support, Jack launched TurnOut in 2015. Today, TurnOut mobilizes more than 5,000 volunteers across 150+ LGBTQ+ nonprofits in California, supporting initiatives focused on youth homelessness, mental health, the arts, and more.


CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Website: www.turnout.org

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 29 Mar 2022 07:00:03 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 3214 In this episode, we dive into how to build sustainable funding for LGBTQ+ nonprofits—and the real challenges and opportunities that come with it. Jack shares his journey of finding support through LGBTQ+ organizations and how that experience ultimately led him to found TurnOut, a platform designed to connect volunteers with grassroots LGBTQ+ nonprofits.

We explore what it takes to fund and grow mission-driven organizations in this space, including the role of grants as startup or expansion funding (not a long-term sole strategy), and how nonprofits can create more sustainable revenue streams through services and strategic pricing.

Jack also discusses TurnOut’s first government grant, the importance of building a diversified funding program, and why nonprofits should regularly evaluate and increase their pricing when offering services.

This conversation is packed with insights on how to think differently about funding, community support, and long-term sustainability—especially for organizations serving LGBTQ+ communities.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Jack is the founder of TurnOut, an organization dedicated to connecting volunteers with LGBTQ+ nonprofits to strengthen community impact. He began his career working with community-based HIV organizations and has spent over 15 years supporting grassroots queer groups around the world.

Recognizing a gap between those who wanted to help and organizations that needed support, Jack launched TurnOut in 2015. Today, TurnOut mobilizes more than 5,000 volunteers across 150+ LGBTQ+ nonprofits in California, supporting initiatives focused on youth homelessness, mental health, the arts, and more.


CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Website: www.turnout.org

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No A Grant Writer’s Dream: The System To Build Relationships With Funding Sources 211 211 A Grant Writer’s Dream: The System To Build Relationships With Funding Sources full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1236064357 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-211-a-grant-writer-s-dream-the-system-to-build-relationships-with-funding-sources Rachel Waterman joins us to share how grant writers and nonprofits can build stronger, more strategic relationships with funding sources to create sustainable funding pipelines. With over 25 years of experience, she breaks down why securing grants still costs nonprofits money, how to ensure funding supports core operational needs, and the often-confusing distinctions between program and operating expenses. 

We also explore how to build long-term relationships with both nonprofit clients and funders, creating a more effective and aligned approach to grant funding.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Rachel Waterman is a thinker, published author, award-winning researcher, professional artist, and mother of two with over 25 years of experience in community development and grant writing. She is a Grant Professional Certified (GPC), Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), and a Grant Professionals Association (GPA) Approved Trainer, as well as the CEO of Global Development Solutions (GDS Grants), a grant consulting and research firm serving organizations in the U.S. and internationally.

Rachel holds a master’s degree in Community and Economic Development with a concentration in Applied Social Research from Illinois State University and a bachelor’s degree in International Studies from Barry University. Fluent in Spanish and Portuguese, her diverse career includes serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer in the Dominican Republic, nonprofit executive director, city master planner, consultant, coach, and Mayor of Lake Worth Beach, Florida.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

LinkedIn

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Rachel Waterman joins us to share how grant writers and nonprofits can build stronger, more strategic relationships with funding sources to create sustainable funding pipelines. With over 25 years of experience, she breaks down why securing grants still costs nonprofits money, how to ensure funding supports core operational needs, and the often-confusing distinctions between program and operating expenses. 

We also explore how to build long-term relationships with both nonprofit clients and funders, creating a more effective and aligned approach to grant funding.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Rachel Waterman is a thinker, published author, award-winning researcher, professional artist, and mother of two with over 25 years of experience in community development and grant writing. She is a Grant Professional Certified (GPC), Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), and a Grant Professionals Association (GPA) Approved Trainer, as well as the CEO of Global Development Solutions (GDS Grants), a grant consulting and research firm serving organizations in the U.S. and internationally.

Rachel holds a master’s degree in Community and Economic Development with a concentration in Applied Social Research from Illinois State University and a bachelor’s degree in International Studies from Barry University. Fluent in Spanish and Portuguese, her diverse career includes serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer in the Dominican Republic, nonprofit executive director, city master planner, consultant, coach, and Mayor of Lake Worth Beach, Florida.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

LinkedIn

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 22 Mar 2022 07:00:23 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 3372 Rachel Waterman joins us to share how grant writers and nonprofits can build stronger, more strategic relationships with funding sources to create sustainable funding pipelines. With over 25 years of experience, she breaks down why securing grants still costs nonprofits money, how to ensure funding supports core operational needs, and the often-confusing distinctions between program and operating expenses. 

We also explore how to build long-term relationships with both nonprofit clients and funders, creating a more effective and aligned approach to grant funding.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Rachel Waterman is a thinker, published author, award-winning researcher, professional artist, and mother of two with over 25 years of experience in community development and grant writing. She is a Grant Professional Certified (GPC), Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), and a Grant Professionals Association (GPA) Approved Trainer, as well as the CEO of Global Development Solutions (GDS Grants), a grant consulting and research firm serving organizations in the U.S. and internationally.

Rachel holds a master’s degree in Community and Economic Development with a concentration in Applied Social Research from Illinois State University and a bachelor’s degree in International Studies from Barry University. Fluent in Spanish and Portuguese, her diverse career includes serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer in the Dominican Republic, nonprofit executive director, city master planner, consultant, coach, and Mayor of Lake Worth Beach, Florida.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

LinkedIn

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Revealed! Sneak Peek of the 6-Week Grant Writing Training 210 210 Revealed! Sneak Peek of the 6-Week Grant Writing Training full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1233091573 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-210-revealed-sneak-peek-of-the-6-week-grant-writing-training If you’ve ever stared at a blank page wondering where to even begin with a grant… you’re not alone. Grant writing can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be.

In this episode, we break down a simple, step-by-step framework to help you move from confusion to clarity when writing grants. You’ll learn how to stop starting from scratch every time and instead use proven strategies to guide your process. We cover practical research tips so you know exactly where to find the right grants, how to write clear and compelling objectives, and how to map out activities that align with your proposal.

We also walk through how to develop a strong, realistic budget—plus share bonus tips to make your grant writing more efficient and effective.

If you’re ready to stop pulling your hair out and start feeling confident in your grant writing skills, this episode is for you.

Say YES to:

  •  Understanding grant lingo 
  •  Learning simple, effective grant writing hacks 
  •  Knowing where to find grant opportunities 
  •  Getting your grant writing reviewed 
  •  Using plug-and-play templates to save time and energy 

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> If you’ve ever stared at a blank page wondering where to even begin with a grant… you’re not alone. Grant writing can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be.

In this episode, we break down a simple, step-by-step framework to help you move from confusion to clarity when writing grants. You’ll learn how to stop starting from scratch every time and instead use proven strategies to guide your process. We cover practical research tips so you know exactly where to find the right grants, how to write clear and compelling objectives, and how to map out activities that align with your proposal.

We also walk through how to develop a strong, realistic budget—plus share bonus tips to make your grant writing more efficient and effective.

If you’re ready to stop pulling your hair out and start feeling confident in your grant writing skills, this episode is for you.

Say YES to:

  •  Understanding grant lingo 
  •  Learning simple, effective grant writing hacks 
  •  Knowing where to find grant opportunities 
  •  Getting your grant writing reviewed 
  •  Using plug-and-play templates to save time and energy 

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Wed, 16 Mar 2022 00:09:09 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1042 If you’ve ever stared at a blank page wondering where to even begin with a grant… you’re not alone. Grant writing can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be.

In this episode, we break down a simple, step-by-step framework to help you move from confusion to clarity when writing grants. You’ll learn how to stop starting from scratch every time and instead use proven strategies to guide your process. We cover practical research tips so you know exactly where to find the right grants, how to write clear and compelling objectives, and how to map out activities that align with your proposal.

We also walk through how to develop a strong, realistic budget—plus share bonus tips to make your grant writing more efficient and effective.

If you’re ready to stop pulling your hair out and start feeling confident in your grant writing skills, this episode is for you.

Say YES to:

  •  Understanding grant lingo 
  •  Learning simple, effective grant writing hacks 
  •  Knowing where to find grant opportunities 
  •  Getting your grant writing reviewed 
  •  Using plug-and-play templates to save time and energy 

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No 7 Grant Writing Tips to Increase Grant Funding 209 209 7 Grant Writing Tips to Increase Grant Funding full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1229009830 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/7-grant-writing-tips-to-increase-grant-funding If you are looking to increase your grant writing skills to the next level, you are going to love these tips!

First off, do you already know how to write grants? If not, that’s okay! You might also want to refer to our article on the steps on drafting an effective grant application. 

In this article and podcast, I am going to go over some sidebar tips on grant writing that will increase your competitiveness for getting grant funding.

I’ve used these tips throughout my 16+ years of grant writing.

Grant Writing Tip #1

Go after funding opportunities based on how good of a fit they are for your programs, not only on how much money is available.

Sure, sometimes it may not be worth going after certain grants if they do not have the funding to support your program.

However, more often then not, I see nonprofit leaders just looking at how much money is available and then trying to fit their program into the funding source’s scope. This is referred to as chasing the money or mission drifting.

Your eyes might light up when you see all those zeroes in a grant announcement. However, this does not mean that the funding source is just pouring money out to anyone and everyone.

You will have better luck to secure grants when you apply for grants where you can show that your project is a good fit in one sentence. If you have to create complicated Venn diagrams and write more than a couple of sentences on why your project is a good fit, it probably isn’t a good fit after all.

Grant Writing Tip #2

Do your research and see if any other nonprofit organizations operate projects similar to the one you want to develop.

This may seem like a no-brainer, but I can’t tell you how many nonprofit organizations come up with ideas for projects, but they don’t realize that the exact programs may already be operating in the neighborhood.

Here’s the thing. Just because you don’t know if a project exists, does not mean that it doesn’t exist. Do your due diligence to check and see if other partner organizations are already running that specific project.

Are you ready for the Catch-22?

Just because a partner nonprofit is running that same type of project, it does not mean that you cannot develop the project. Your project might serve a different demographic, or be able to serve a wider network.

However, it is important when writing your grant application that you demonstrate why there is a need for your project if there is already an existing similar project.

For example, your nonprofit organization may want to start a community garden. You do your research and find out that less than five miles away, another nonprofit is running a community garden. It does not mean you have to throw in the towel, but instea,d you can reach out to the nonprofit and find out more about who they serve and any existing gaps.

Let’s just say that they have a wait list for people wanting plots at the community garden. In that case, your project might be almost identical. In your grant, you could clearly state that there is a need for additional plots of land for gardening based on the wait list.

However, let’s say that this other nonprofit has lots of plots available at their community garden. However, maybe their plots are only available for senior citizens, and your community garden will serve the community-at-large. In this way,  your project may still be needed since you serve a different demographic.

You can see how this information will help shape the need for your project, and without this research, it might fall flat.

Grant Writing Tip #3

Use citations in your grant proposals.

I can’t tell you how many grant applications I have reviewed that do not use citations! Many (mostly federal) funding sources require you to cite sources in your grant proposal. However, a lot of foundation grants do not stipulate this, but that does not mean that they do not want citations included.

Also, use more than one citation in your grant proposal.

What do I mean by this?

Well, if you are showcasing the needs for a community garden project, then include quotes, references, testimonies, statistics, reports that identify the need for the project. Make sure that you include the citations from where you found these sources.

For example: “According to the Nutritious Study Report (2022), sixty-eight percent of children under the age of ten in Gray County suffer from malnourishment.”

Insert a footnote or attach a bibliography that includes the full citation!

This showcases credibility.

Grant Writing Tip #4

Use specific language in your grant writing proposals.

Do not use any of the following words by themselves: lack and need for.

I see these words utilized a lot in grant applications, and the issue is that they are not specific. Grant writing is a technical language and requires specificity.

The following examples would not be specific enough:

“There is a lack of community gardens in Grey County.”

“There is a need for community gardens in Grey County.”

The following examples that are specific:

“Currently Gray County has one community garden. However, the existing community garden has a continual wait list and cannot serve the high demand for garden plots (Interview, 2022)”.

“Currently Gray County has one community garden, however this is available only for senior citizens. Project Amazing’s community gardens will serve the community-at-large and also focus on school fieldtrips to promote healthy nutrition.”

Grant Writing Tip #5:

Do not use flowery language.

I love creative writing. I even published two poetry books! Believe me, I am not bashing on creative writing at all. However, there is a time and place for it, and grant writing is neither of those.

When writing grants, remember (tip #4,) concise language is key.

Emotional rambling, with no citations or specific language, is going to make grant reviewers pull out their hair. More importantly, they will not be able to give you the scores you need to get to the top of the funding list.

Keep your flowery language for your blogs, but for grants, be specific, specific, specific.

Grant Writing Tip #6

The rule of thumb is to have a maximum of three objectives.]]> If you are looking to increase your grant writing skills to the next level, you are going to love these tips!

First off, do you already know how to write grants? If not, that’s okay! You might also want to refer to our article on the steps on drafting an effective grant application. 

In this article and podcast, I am going to go over some sidebar tips on grant writing that will increase your competitiveness for getting grant funding.

I’ve used these tips throughout my 16+ years of grant writing.

Grant Writing Tip #1

Go after funding opportunities based on how good of a fit they are for your programs, not only on how much money is available.

Sure, sometimes it may not be worth going after certain grants if they do not have the funding to support your program.

However, more often then not, I see nonprofit leaders just looking at how much money is available and then trying to fit their program into the funding source’s scope. This is referred to as chasing the money or mission drifting.

Your eyes might light up when you see all those zeroes in a grant announcement. However, this does not mean that the funding source is just pouring money out to anyone and everyone.

You will have better luck to secure grants when you apply for grants where you can show that your project is a good fit in one sentence. If you have to create complicated Venn diagrams and write more than a couple of sentences on why your project is a good fit, it probably isn’t a good fit after all.

Grant Writing Tip #2

Do your research and see if any other nonprofit organizations operate projects similar to the one you want to develop.

This may seem like a no-brainer, but I can’t tell you how many nonprofit organizations come up with ideas for projects, but they don’t realize that the exact programs may already be operating in the neighborhood.

Here’s the thing. Just because you don’t know if a project exists, does not mean that it doesn’t exist. Do your due diligence to check and see if other partner organizations are already running that specific project.

Are you ready for the Catch-22?

Just because a partner nonprofit is running that same type of project, it does not mean that you cannot develop the project. Your project might serve a different demographic, or be able to serve a wider network.

However, it is important when writing your grant application that you demonstrate why there is a need for your project if there is already an existing similar project.

For example, your nonprofit organization may want to start a community garden. You do your research and find out that less than five miles away, another nonprofit is running a community garden. It does not mean you have to throw in the towel, but instea,d you can reach out to the nonprofit and find out more about who they serve and any existing gaps.

Let’s just say that they have a wait list for people wanting plots at the community garden. In that case, your project might be almost identical. In your grant, you could clearly state that there is a need for additional plots of land for gardening based on the wait list.

However, let’s say that this other nonprofit has lots of plots available at their community garden. However, maybe their plots are only available for senior citizens, and your community garden will serve the community-at-large. In this way,  your project may still be needed since you serve a different demographic.

You can see how this information will help shape the need for your project, and without this research, it might fall flat.

Grant Writing Tip #3

Use citations in your grant proposals.

I can’t tell you how many grant applications I have reviewed that do not use citations! Many (mostly federal) funding sources require you to cite sources in your grant proposal. However, a lot of foundation grants do not stipulate this, but that does not mean that they do not want citations included.

Also, use more than one citation in your grant proposal.

What do I mean by this?

Well, if you are showcasing the needs for a community garden project, then include quotes, references, testimonies, statistics, reports that identify the need for the project. Make sure that you include the citations from where you found these sources.

For example: “According to the Nutritious Study Report (2022), sixty-eight percent of children under the age of ten in Gray County suffer from malnourishment.”

Insert a footnote or attach a bibliography that includes the full citation!

This showcases credibility.

Grant Writing Tip #4

Use specific language in your grant writing proposals.

Do not use any of the following words by themselves: lack and need for.

I see these words utilized a lot in grant applications, and the issue is that they are not specific. Grant writing is a technical language and requires specificity.

The following examples would not be specific enough:

“There is a lack of community gardens in Grey County.”

“There is a need for community gardens in Grey County.”

The following examples that are specific:

“Currently Gray County has one community garden. However, the existing community garden has a continual wait list and cannot serve the high demand for garden plots (Interview, 2022)”.

“Currently Gray County has one community garden, however this is available only for senior citizens. Project Amazing’s community gardens will serve the community-at-large and also focus on school fieldtrips to promote healthy nutrition.”

Grant Writing Tip #5:

Do not use flowery language.

I love creative writing. I even published two poetry books! Believe me, I am not bashing on creative writing at all. However, there is a time and place for it, and grant writing is neither of those.

When writing grants, remember (tip #4,) concise language is key.

Emotional rambling, with no citations or specific language, is going to make grant reviewers pull out their hair. More importantly, they will not be able to give you the scores you need to get to the top of the funding list.

Keep your flowery language for your blogs, but for grants, be specific, specific, specific.

Grant Writing Tip #6

The rule of thumb is to have a maximum of three objectives.]]> Wed, 09 Mar 2022 03:18:26 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1402 If you are looking to increase your grant writing skills to the next level, you are going to love these tips!

First off, do you already know how to write grants? If not, that’s okay! You might also want to refer to our article on the steps on drafting an effective grant application. 

In this article and podcast, I am going to go over some sidebar tips on grant writing that will increase your competitiveness for getting grant funding.

I’ve used these tips throughout my 16+ years of grant writing.

Grant Writing Tip #1

Go after funding opportunities based on how good of a fit they are for your programs, not only on how much money is available.

Sure, sometimes it may not be worth going after certain grants if they do not have the funding to support your program.

However, more often then not, I see nonprofit leaders just looking at how much money is available and then trying to fit their program into the funding source’s scope. This is referred to as chasing the money or mission drifting.

Your eyes might light up when you see all those zeroes in a grant announcement. However, this does not mean that the funding source is just pouring money out to anyone and everyone.

You will have better luck to secure grants when you apply for grants where you can show that your project is a good fit in one sentence. If you have to create complicated Venn diagrams and write more than a couple of sentences on why your project is a good fit, it probably isn’t a good fit after all.

Grant Writing Tip #2

Do your research and see if any other nonprofit organizations operate projects similar to the one you want to develop.

This may seem like a no-brainer, but I can’t tell you how many nonprofit organizations come up with ideas for projects, but they don’t realize that the exact programs may already be operating in the neighborhood.

Here’s the thing. Just because you don’t know if a project exists, does not mean that it doesn’t exist. Do your due diligence to check and see if other partner organizations are already running that specific project.

Are you ready for the Catch-22?

Just because a partner nonprofit is running that same type of project, it does not mean that you cannot develop the project. Your project might serve a different demographic, or be able to serve a wider network.

However, it is important when writing your grant application that you demonstrate why there is a need for your project if there is already an existing similar project.

For example, your nonprofit organization may want to start a community garden. You do your research and find out that less than five miles away, another nonprofit is running a community garden. It does not mean you have to throw in the towel, but instea,d you can reach out to the nonprofit and find out more about who they serve and any existing gaps.

Let’s just say that they have a wait list for people wanting plots at the community garden. In that case, your project might be almost identical. In your grant, you could clearly state that there is a need for additional plots of land for gardening based on the wait list.

However, let’s say that this other nonprofit has lots of plots available at their community garden. However, maybe their plots are only available for senior citizens, and your community garden will serve the community-at-large. In this way,  your project may still be needed since you serve a different demographic.

You can see how this information will help shape the need for your project, and without this research, it might fall flat.

Grant Writing Tip #3

Use citations in your grant proposals.

I can’t tell you how many grant applications I have reviewed that do not use citations! Many (mostly federal) funding sources require you to cite sources in your grant proposal. However, a lot of foundation grants do not stipulate this, but that does not mean that they do not want citations included.

Also, use more than one citation in your grant proposal.

What do I mean by this?

Well, if you are showcasing the needs for a community garden project, then include quotes, references, testimonies, statistics, reports that identify the need for the project. Make sure that you include the citations from where you found these sources.

For example: “According to the Nutritious Study Report (2022), sixty-eight percent of children under the age of ten in Gray County suffer from malnourishment.”

Insert a footnote or attach a bibliography that includes the full citation!

This showcases credibility.

Grant Writing Tip #4

Use specific language in your grant writing proposals.

Do not use any of the following words by themselves: lack and need for.

I see these words utilized a lot in grant applications, and the issue is that they are not specific. Grant writing is a technical language and requires specificity.

The following examples would not be specific enough:

“There is a lack of community gardens in Grey County.”

“There is a need for community gardens in Grey County.”

The following examples that are specific:

“Currently Gray County has one community garden. However, the existing community garden has a continual wait list and cannot serve the high demand for garden plots (Interview, 2022)”.

“Currently Gray County has one community garden, however this is available only for senior citizens. Project Amazing’s community gardens will serve the community-at-large and also focus on school fieldtrips to promote healthy nutrition.”

Grant Writing Tip #5:

Do not use flowery language.

I love creative writing. I even published two poetry books! Believe me, I am not bashing on creative writing at all. However, there is a time and place for it, and grant writing is neither of those.

When writing grants, remember (tip #4,) concise language is key.

Emotional rambling, with no citations or specific language, is going to make grant reviewers pull out their hair. More importantly, they will not be able to give you the scores you need to get to the top of the funding list.

Keep your flowery language for your blogs, but for grants, be specific, specific, specific.

Grant Writing Tip #6

The rule of thumb is to have a maximum of three objectives.]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ep. 208: 5 Steps to Draft an Effective Grant Writing Template 208 208 Ep. 208: 5 Steps to Draft an Effective Grant Writing Template full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1225504129 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-208-5-steps-to-draft-an-effective-grant-writing-template Thu, 03 Mar 2022 04:17:55 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1710 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No How Nonprofits Can Use YouTube to increase Donations 207 207 How Nonprofits Can Use YouTube to increase Donations full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1219786615 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-207-how-nonprofits-can-use-youtube-to-increase-donations YouTube isn’t just for entertainment—it’s a powerful platform for fundraising.


But how can nonprofits actually leverage it?


In this episode, Sydney Stelmaszek shares her firsthand experience using YouTube to raise funds for SynGAP1 research, a rare disease that personally impacts her family. As a student of the grant writing master course, Sydney brings both heart and strategy as she explains how she and her husband tapped into his YouTube channel to support their nonprofit mission.


We explore how nonprofits can partner with influencers to amplify fundraising efforts, how Sydney leveraged an existing audience to drive donations, and what it looks like to think outside the box when it comes to funding. She also shares insights from working within an international nonprofit, how to identify and collaborate with influencers, and how creative campaigns—like livestreaming a Tesla drive across the country—can generate both engagement and revenue.


If you’re looking for innovative, mission-aligned ways to raise funds and expand your reach, this episode will inspire you to think bigger and take action.


ABOUT OUR GUEST

Sydney Stelmaszek is a nonprofit advocate and fundraiser dedicated to advancing research for SynGAP1, a rare genetic condition that affects her son. Through creative fundraising strategies and digital platforms like YouTube, she has helped raise awareness and funds for international nonprofit efforts.


Sydney combines her passion for advocacy with innovative thinking, leveraging technology and partnerships to drive meaningful impact for families affected by rare diseases.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
 https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> YouTube isn’t just for entertainment—it’s a powerful platform for fundraising.


But how can nonprofits actually leverage it?


In this episode, Sydney Stelmaszek shares her firsthand experience using YouTube to raise funds for SynGAP1 research, a rare disease that personally impacts her family. As a student of the grant writing master course, Sydney brings both heart and strategy as she explains how she and her husband tapped into his YouTube channel to support their nonprofit mission.


We explore how nonprofits can partner with influencers to amplify fundraising efforts, how Sydney leveraged an existing audience to drive donations, and what it looks like to think outside the box when it comes to funding. She also shares insights from working within an international nonprofit, how to identify and collaborate with influencers, and how creative campaigns—like livestreaming a Tesla drive across the country—can generate both engagement and revenue.


If you’re looking for innovative, mission-aligned ways to raise funds and expand your reach, this episode will inspire you to think bigger and take action.


ABOUT OUR GUEST

Sydney Stelmaszek is a nonprofit advocate and fundraiser dedicated to advancing research for SynGAP1, a rare genetic condition that affects her son. Through creative fundraising strategies and digital platforms like YouTube, she has helped raise awareness and funds for international nonprofit efforts.


Sydney combines her passion for advocacy with innovative thinking, leveraging technology and partnerships to drive meaningful impact for families affected by rare diseases.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
 https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 22 Feb 2022 08:27:42 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2942 YouTube isn’t just for entertainment—it’s a powerful platform for fundraising.


But how can nonprofits actually leverage it?


In this episode, Sydney Stelmaszek shares her firsthand experience using YouTube to raise funds for SynGAP1 research, a rare disease that personally impacts her family. As a student of the grant writing master course, Sydney brings both heart and strategy as she explains how she and her husband tapped into his YouTube channel to support their nonprofit mission.


We explore how nonprofits can partner with influencers to amplify fundraising efforts, how Sydney leveraged an existing audience to drive donations, and what it looks like to think outside the box when it comes to funding. She also shares insights from working within an international nonprofit, how to identify and collaborate with influencers, and how creative campaigns—like livestreaming a Tesla drive across the country—can generate both engagement and revenue.


If you’re looking for innovative, mission-aligned ways to raise funds and expand your reach, this episode will inspire you to think bigger and take action.


ABOUT OUR GUEST

Sydney Stelmaszek is a nonprofit advocate and fundraiser dedicated to advancing research for SynGAP1, a rare genetic condition that affects her son. Through creative fundraising strategies and digital platforms like YouTube, she has helped raise awareness and funds for international nonprofit efforts.


Sydney combines her passion for advocacy with innovative thinking, leveraging technology and partnerships to drive meaningful impact for families affected by rare diseases.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
 https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Financial Management, Cashflow Planning, and QuickBooks for Nonprofits 206 206 Financial Management, Cashflow Planning, and QuickBooks for Nonprofits full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1217433592 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-206-financial-management-cashflow-planning-and-quickbooks-for-nonprofits Ansley Fender joins us to break down the essentials of nonprofit financial management, answering common questions around budgeting, cashflow planning, audits, and financial software like QuickBooks. She shares practical strategies to help nonprofits avoid financial red flags, including how to properly structure financial oversight with key roles like an internal reviewer, treasurer, and auditor. 

We also explore how financial systems connect across grant management, fundraising, operations, and programming, along with best practices for setting up your books, working with a CPA, managing financial reporting for grants, and understanding the importance of 990s to maintain transparency and compliance.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Ansley Fender is a serial entrepreneur who carved her own path while working as a nonprofit financial consultant and bookkeeper, where she saw firsthand how time-consuming and expensive grant management can be. Driven to create a better solution, she founded Atlas to streamline the process. When the challenges of startup life arise, Ansley draws inspiration from her two fearless daughters.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Ansley Fender joins us to break down the essentials of nonprofit financial management, answering common questions around budgeting, cashflow planning, audits, and financial software like QuickBooks. She shares practical strategies to help nonprofits avoid financial red flags, including how to properly structure financial oversight with key roles like an internal reviewer, treasurer, and auditor. 

We also explore how financial systems connect across grant management, fundraising, operations, and programming, along with best practices for setting up your books, working with a CPA, managing financial reporting for grants, and understanding the importance of 990s to maintain transparency and compliance.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Ansley Fender is a serial entrepreneur who carved her own path while working as a nonprofit financial consultant and bookkeeper, where she saw firsthand how time-consuming and expensive grant management can be. Driven to create a better solution, she founded Atlas to streamline the process. When the challenges of startup life arise, Ansley draws inspiration from her two fearless daughters.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Thu, 17 Feb 2022 06:41:22 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2642 Ansley Fender joins us to break down the essentials of nonprofit financial management, answering common questions around budgeting, cashflow planning, audits, and financial software like QuickBooks. She shares practical strategies to help nonprofits avoid financial red flags, including how to properly structure financial oversight with key roles like an internal reviewer, treasurer, and auditor. 

We also explore how financial systems connect across grant management, fundraising, operations, and programming, along with best practices for setting up your books, working with a CPA, managing financial reporting for grants, and understanding the importance of 990s to maintain transparency and compliance.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Ansley Fender is a serial entrepreneur who carved her own path while working as a nonprofit financial consultant and bookkeeper, where she saw firsthand how time-consuming and expensive grant management can be. Driven to create a better solution, she founded Atlas to streamline the process. When the challenges of startup life arise, Ansley draws inspiration from her two fearless daughters.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No The 3-Step ASK Formula to Get Donors to Give to Your Nonprofit 205 205 The 3-Step ASK Formula to Get Donors to Give to Your Nonprofit full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1212515506 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-205-the-3-step-ask-formula-to-get-donors-to-give-to-your-nonprofit Asking donors to give money to your nonprofit can feel uncomfortable—even stressful. Many nonprofit leaders, board members, and volunteers aren’t sure how to approach the conversation, what to ask for, or even who they should be asking. But here’s the truth: nonprofits need to ask for donations. The key is knowing how to do it effectively.

In this episode, Dr. Omotola Akinsola of The Funding Magnet shares her powerful ASK Formula—a simple, actionable approach to help you confidently engage donors and increase giving. We break down how to start by asking those closest to you, how to expand your reach through your network, and how to confidently connect with new potential donors. 

Dr. Akinsola also shares insights on how to develop and implement a funding plan that supports long-term sustainability. Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, grant writer, or board member, this episode will give you practical tools to approach fundraising with more clarity and confidence.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Dr. Omotola Akinsola is a funding strategist and founder of The Funding Magnet, where she helps nonprofits and changemakers attract sustainable funding through strategic planning and donor engagement. With a background in social work and grant writing, she brings a holistic approach to funding that combines relationship-building, program development, and financial strategy.

Dr. Akinsola has extensive experience supporting nonprofits across the U.S. and internationally, helping organizations strengthen their funding pipelines and increase their impact.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Asking donors to give money to your nonprofit can feel uncomfortable—even stressful. Many nonprofit leaders, board members, and volunteers aren’t sure how to approach the conversation, what to ask for, or even who they should be asking. But here’s the truth: nonprofits need to ask for donations. The key is knowing how to do it effectively.

In this episode, Dr. Omotola Akinsola of The Funding Magnet shares her powerful ASK Formula—a simple, actionable approach to help you confidently engage donors and increase giving. We break down how to start by asking those closest to you, how to expand your reach through your network, and how to confidently connect with new potential donors. 

Dr. Akinsola also shares insights on how to develop and implement a funding plan that supports long-term sustainability. Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, grant writer, or board member, this episode will give you practical tools to approach fundraising with more clarity and confidence.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Dr. Omotola Akinsola is a funding strategist and founder of The Funding Magnet, where she helps nonprofits and changemakers attract sustainable funding through strategic planning and donor engagement. With a background in social work and grant writing, she brings a holistic approach to funding that combines relationship-building, program development, and financial strategy.

Dr. Akinsola has extensive experience supporting nonprofits across the U.S. and internationally, helping organizations strengthen their funding pipelines and increase their impact.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Wed, 09 Feb 2022 00:52:14 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2498 Asking donors to give money to your nonprofit can feel uncomfortable—even stressful. Many nonprofit leaders, board members, and volunteers aren’t sure how to approach the conversation, what to ask for, or even who they should be asking. But here’s the truth: nonprofits need to ask for donations. The key is knowing how to do it effectively.

In this episode, Dr. Omotola Akinsola of The Funding Magnet shares her powerful ASK Formula—a simple, actionable approach to help you confidently engage donors and increase giving. We break down how to start by asking those closest to you, how to expand your reach through your network, and how to confidently connect with new potential donors. 

Dr. Akinsola also shares insights on how to develop and implement a funding plan that supports long-term sustainability. Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, grant writer, or board member, this episode will give you practical tools to approach fundraising with more clarity and confidence.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Dr. Omotola Akinsola is a funding strategist and founder of The Funding Magnet, where she helps nonprofits and changemakers attract sustainable funding through strategic planning and donor engagement. With a background in social work and grant writing, she brings a holistic approach to funding that combines relationship-building, program development, and financial strategy.

Dr. Akinsola has extensive experience supporting nonprofits across the U.S. and internationally, helping organizations strengthen their funding pipelines and increase their impact.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ep. 204: Designing Grassroots Education in Conflict Zones 204 204 Ep. 204: Designing Grassroots Education in Conflict Zones full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1208223718 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-204-designing-grassroots-education-in-conflict-zones Wed, 02 Feb 2022 00:04:50 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 3162 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No How Nonprofits and Freelance Grant Writers Can Leverage The Great Resignation 203 203 How Nonprofits and Freelance Grant Writers Can Leverage The Great Resignation full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1204516915 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-203-how-nonprofits-and-freelance-grant-writers-can-leverage-the-great-resignation The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted every part of our lives—from mental and physical health to how we work and lead.Nonprofits and freelance grant writers are no exception.


As we continue navigating the post-2020 landscape, the workforce has shifted dramatically—giving rise to what’s known as the Great Resignation. And while this shift has created challenges, it has also opened up new opportunities.


In this episode, we explore how both nonprofit leaders and freelance grant writers can strategically leverage this moment.

For nonprofits, this is a time to rethink hiring and operations. Instead of defaulting to traditional employees, consider working with freelancers or consultants who bring specialized expertise. It’s also an opportunity to broaden your hiring criteria—don’t limit candidates by requiring previous nonprofit experience when transferable skills can be just as valuable.


Most importantly, this is the time to revisit your strategy. Through intentional strategic planning—like conducting a SWOT analysis, refining your mission and vision, aligning your funding streams, and mapping out your goals—you can gain clarity on what your organization truly needs to grow. This clarity will help you determine the right roles to fill and whether those roles should be employees or contractors.

For freelance grant writers, the Great Resignation has normalized remote work like never before.


This means more opportunities to work with organizations across the country (or even globally), while leveraging your specialized skill set in grant writing—one that is in high demand. Ultimately, this moment is about alignment. When nonprofits get clear on their mission and strategy, they attract the right people. And when grant writers step into their expertise, they can build flexible, sustainable careers.


If you’ve been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of your next move—this episode will help you see the opportunities right in front of you.

Be sure to give it a listen!

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted every part of our lives—from mental and physical health to how we work and lead.Nonprofits and freelance grant writers are no exception.


As we continue navigating the post-2020 landscape, the workforce has shifted dramatically—giving rise to what’s known as the Great Resignation. And while this shift has created challenges, it has also opened up new opportunities.


In this episode, we explore how both nonprofit leaders and freelance grant writers can strategically leverage this moment.

For nonprofits, this is a time to rethink hiring and operations. Instead of defaulting to traditional employees, consider working with freelancers or consultants who bring specialized expertise. It’s also an opportunity to broaden your hiring criteria—don’t limit candidates by requiring previous nonprofit experience when transferable skills can be just as valuable.


Most importantly, this is the time to revisit your strategy. Through intentional strategic planning—like conducting a SWOT analysis, refining your mission and vision, aligning your funding streams, and mapping out your goals—you can gain clarity on what your organization truly needs to grow. This clarity will help you determine the right roles to fill and whether those roles should be employees or contractors.

For freelance grant writers, the Great Resignation has normalized remote work like never before.


This means more opportunities to work with organizations across the country (or even globally), while leveraging your specialized skill set in grant writing—one that is in high demand. Ultimately, this moment is about alignment. When nonprofits get clear on their mission and strategy, they attract the right people. And when grant writers step into their expertise, they can build flexible, sustainable careers.


If you’ve been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of your next move—this episode will help you see the opportunities right in front of you.

Be sure to give it a listen!

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Thu, 27 Jan 2022 03:32:44 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1975 The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted every part of our lives—from mental and physical health to how we work and lead.Nonprofits and freelance grant writers are no exception.


As we continue navigating the post-2020 landscape, the workforce has shifted dramatically—giving rise to what’s known as the Great Resignation. And while this shift has created challenges, it has also opened up new opportunities.


In this episode, we explore how both nonprofit leaders and freelance grant writers can strategically leverage this moment.

For nonprofits, this is a time to rethink hiring and operations. Instead of defaulting to traditional employees, consider working with freelancers or consultants who bring specialized expertise. It’s also an opportunity to broaden your hiring criteria—don’t limit candidates by requiring previous nonprofit experience when transferable skills can be just as valuable.


Most importantly, this is the time to revisit your strategy. Through intentional strategic planning—like conducting a SWOT analysis, refining your mission and vision, aligning your funding streams, and mapping out your goals—you can gain clarity on what your organization truly needs to grow. This clarity will help you determine the right roles to fill and whether those roles should be employees or contractors.

For freelance grant writers, the Great Resignation has normalized remote work like never before.


This means more opportunities to work with organizations across the country (or even globally), while leveraging your specialized skill set in grant writing—one that is in high demand. Ultimately, this moment is about alignment. When nonprofits get clear on their mission and strategy, they attract the right people. And when grant writers step into their expertise, they can build flexible, sustainable careers.


If you’ve been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of your next move—this episode will help you see the opportunities right in front of you.

Be sure to give it a listen!

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ep. 202: 4 Reasons Why a Grant Writer Cannot Get Paid on Commission 202 202 Ep. 202: 4 Reasons Why a Grant Writer Cannot Get Paid on Commission full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1199716078 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-202-4-reasons-why-a-grant-writer-cannot-get-paid-on-commission Wed, 19 Jan 2022 20:32:13 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 918 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Why the Nonprofit World Has a Bias Against Women and How to Break the Bias 201 201 Why the Nonprofit World Has a Bias Against Women and How to Break the Bias full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1194876634 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-201-why-the-nonprofit-world-has-a-bias-against-women-and-how-to-break-the-bias In this episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Mazarine Treyz to have an honest and necessary conversation about gender bias in the nonprofit sector. With nearly 66% of grant writers in the United States identifying as women, the prevalence of discrimination, underpayment, and inequity is both widespread and unacceptable. 

Together, they unpack how sexism shows up in the nonprofit world, including how white supremacy culture can influence freelance grant writing spaces and workplace dynamics. They also challenge traditional structures like the 40-hour workweek and explore alternative rhythms that better support sustainability and equity. 

Mazarine shares empowering strategies for women to negotiate, advocate for themselves, and confidently ask for what they deserve—offering both validation and actionable steps to help break systemic bias and create a more equitable sector.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Mazarine Treyz is an internationally recognized nonprofit consultant, author, and advocate for equity in the nonprofit sector. She specializes in fundraising, grant writing, and helping organizations build sustainable development strategies. 

Mazarine is also a leading voice in addressing gender bias and dismantling inequitable systems within the nonprofit world, empowering women to step into leadership, negotiate confidently, and advocate for systemic change.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Website: https://mazarinetreyz.com/

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> In this episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Mazarine Treyz to have an honest and necessary conversation about gender bias in the nonprofit sector. With nearly 66% of grant writers in the United States identifying as women, the prevalence of discrimination, underpayment, and inequity is both widespread and unacceptable. 

Together, they unpack how sexism shows up in the nonprofit world, including how white supremacy culture can influence freelance grant writing spaces and workplace dynamics. They also challenge traditional structures like the 40-hour workweek and explore alternative rhythms that better support sustainability and equity. 

Mazarine shares empowering strategies for women to negotiate, advocate for themselves, and confidently ask for what they deserve—offering both validation and actionable steps to help break systemic bias and create a more equitable sector.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Mazarine Treyz is an internationally recognized nonprofit consultant, author, and advocate for equity in the nonprofit sector. She specializes in fundraising, grant writing, and helping organizations build sustainable development strategies. 

Mazarine is also a leading voice in addressing gender bias and dismantling inequitable systems within the nonprofit world, empowering women to step into leadership, negotiate confidently, and advocate for systemic change.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Website: https://mazarinetreyz.com/

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Wed, 12 Jan 2022 01:11:29 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 3289 In this episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Mazarine Treyz to have an honest and necessary conversation about gender bias in the nonprofit sector. With nearly 66% of grant writers in the United States identifying as women, the prevalence of discrimination, underpayment, and inequity is both widespread and unacceptable. 

Together, they unpack how sexism shows up in the nonprofit world, including how white supremacy culture can influence freelance grant writing spaces and workplace dynamics. They also challenge traditional structures like the 40-hour workweek and explore alternative rhythms that better support sustainability and equity. 

Mazarine shares empowering strategies for women to negotiate, advocate for themselves, and confidently ask for what they deserve—offering both validation and actionable steps to help break systemic bias and create a more equitable sector.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Mazarine Treyz is an internationally recognized nonprofit consultant, author, and advocate for equity in the nonprofit sector. She specializes in fundraising, grant writing, and helping organizations build sustainable development strategies. 

Mazarine is also a leading voice in addressing gender bias and dismantling inequitable systems within the nonprofit world, empowering women to step into leadership, negotiate confidently, and advocate for systemic change.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Website: https://mazarinetreyz.com/

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No How to Identify What Rates to Charge as a Grant Writer 200 200 How to Identify What Rates to Charge as a Grant Writer full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1181677294 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/how-to-identify-what-rates-to-charge-as-a-grant-writer Grant writers ask me this question a lot, “Holly, how much should I charge to write grants?”

While executive directors at nonprofit organizations ask me, “How much should I expect to pay to hire a freelance grant writer?”

My answer… Well, there certainly is no magic number.

But there are systems to identify what rates YOU can charge as a grant writer.

Because the most important constant variable in this situation is…You.

Whether that is you as a freelance grant writer or you as an executive director. What are you willing to charge or what are you willing to pay?

About Mandy Pearce

In 2009, visionary, Mandy Pearce, founded her flagship company, Funding for Good, to equip organizations with all of the skills and tools needed to become successful and sustainable.

She continues to enjoy evolving this company to meet the changing demands of the nonprofit world. For over two decades, Mandy and her team of experts have shared their proficiency in fundraising through executive coaching, strategic and development planning, seminars and specialized consulting programs.

Mandy’s dynamic teaching style has brought thousands of people to her presentations at conventions, training workshops and online platforms. Mandy established Funding for Good, Inc. upon the core values of honesty, efficiency, direct communication and bringing sustainable dollars to local communities.

Mandy lives in Hickory with her husband, Ricardo, and their two furbabies, Dalli and Max. She and Ricardo also own and operate a successful landscaping and custom woodworking company, Two Green Thumbs and More (twogreenthumbsandmore.com). On her decompression days, she enjoys working in their garden, sipping sweet tea on their porch swing with a good magazine and cooking gourmet meals for their family and friends.

Ways to Connect with Mandy:

OTHER RESOURCES:


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Grant writers ask me this question a lot, “Holly, how much should I charge to write grants?”

While executive directors at nonprofit organizations ask me, “How much should I expect to pay to hire a freelance grant writer?”

My answer… Well, there certainly is no magic number.

But there are systems to identify what rates YOU can charge as a grant writer.

Because the most important constant variable in this situation is…You.

Whether that is you as a freelance grant writer or you as an executive director. What are you willing to charge or what are you willing to pay?

About Mandy Pearce

In 2009, visionary, Mandy Pearce, founded her flagship company, Funding for Good, to equip organizations with all of the skills and tools needed to become successful and sustainable.

She continues to enjoy evolving this company to meet the changing demands of the nonprofit world. For over two decades, Mandy and her team of experts have shared their proficiency in fundraising through executive coaching, strategic and development planning, seminars and specialized consulting programs.

Mandy’s dynamic teaching style has brought thousands of people to her presentations at conventions, training workshops and online platforms. Mandy established Funding for Good, Inc. upon the core values of honesty, efficiency, direct communication and bringing sustainable dollars to local communities.

Mandy lives in Hickory with her husband, Ricardo, and their two furbabies, Dalli and Max. She and Ricardo also own and operate a successful landscaping and custom woodworking company, Two Green Thumbs and More (twogreenthumbsandmore.com). On her decompression days, she enjoys working in their garden, sipping sweet tea on their porch swing with a good magazine and cooking gourmet meals for their family and friends.

Ways to Connect with Mandy:

OTHER RESOURCES:


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 21 Dec 2021 05:50:45 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 3126 Grant writers ask me this question a lot, “Holly, how much should I charge to write grants?”

While executive directors at nonprofit organizations ask me, “How much should I expect to pay to hire a freelance grant writer?”

My answer… Well, there certainly is no magic number.

But there are systems to identify what rates YOU can charge as a grant writer.

Because the most important constant variable in this situation is…You.

Whether that is you as a freelance grant writer or you as an executive director. What are you willing to charge or what are you willing to pay?

About Mandy Pearce

In 2009, visionary, Mandy Pearce, founded her flagship company, Funding for Good, to equip organizations with all of the skills and tools needed to become successful and sustainable.

She continues to enjoy evolving this company to meet the changing demands of the nonprofit world. For over two decades, Mandy and her team of experts have shared their proficiency in fundraising through executive coaching, strategic and development planning, seminars and specialized consulting programs.

Mandy’s dynamic teaching style has brought thousands of people to her presentations at conventions, training workshops and online platforms. Mandy established Funding for Good, Inc. upon the core values of honesty, efficiency, direct communication and bringing sustainable dollars to local communities.

Mandy lives in Hickory with her husband, Ricardo, and their two furbabies, Dalli and Max. She and Ricardo also own and operate a successful landscaping and custom woodworking company, Two Green Thumbs and More (twogreenthumbsandmore.com). On her decompression days, she enjoys working in their garden, sipping sweet tea on their porch swing with a good magazine and cooking gourmet meals for their family and friends.

Ways to Connect with Mandy:

OTHER RESOURCES:


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No How Your Nonprofit Can Boost Donor Retention Via Video 199 199 How Your Nonprofit Can Boost Donor Retention Via Video full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1178262550 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-199-how-your-nonprofit-can-boost-donor-retention-via-video Does your nonprofit struggle to retain donors while constantly searching for new ones? You’re not alone.


This challenge is known as donor churn—and most nonprofits lose around 55% of their donors every year. Even more surprising? It can cost 50–100% more to acquire new donors than the value of their initial donation. So how do you break the cycle?

In this episode, we explore a powerful and personal approach to donor engagement using video—with Matt Barnett, co-founder of Bonjoro.

Bonjoro is a platform designed to help organizations build real relationships at scale through simple, personalized video messages. Imagine this: a new donor gives to your nonprofit, you get a notification, record a quick thank-you video using their name, and send it off in minutes. That small effort can create a huge, lasting impact.

Matt and I dive into how nonprofits can use Bonjoro to strengthen donor relationships, increase retention, and enhance fundraising campaigns. We talk about using video for monthly giving programs, why relationship-building is at the core of sustainable funding, and how Bonjoro makes this process seamless and effective.

We also explore the inspiration behind Bonjoro, the company’s unique culture (including the story behind the bears!), their 1% pledge, and even tips on working with virtual teams.

If you’re looking for innovative, human-centered ways to connect with your donors and grow your impact, this episode is packed with actionable ideas.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Matt Barnett is the co-founder of Bonjoro, a customer (and donor) engagement platform designed to help businesses and nonprofits build meaningful relationships through personalized video messaging. With a background in entrepreneurship and a passion for human connection, Matt created Bonjoro to help organizations scale authenticity and stand out in a digital world.

Through Bonjoro, Matt has helped thousands of organizations improve customer and donor retention by making communication more personal, impactful, and memorable.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Bonjoro Website: https://www.bonjoro.com/

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Does your nonprofit struggle to retain donors while constantly searching for new ones? You’re not alone.


This challenge is known as donor churn—and most nonprofits lose around 55% of their donors every year. Even more surprising? It can cost 50–100% more to acquire new donors than the value of their initial donation. So how do you break the cycle?

In this episode, we explore a powerful and personal approach to donor engagement using video—with Matt Barnett, co-founder of Bonjoro.

Bonjoro is a platform designed to help organizations build real relationships at scale through simple, personalized video messages. Imagine this: a new donor gives to your nonprofit, you get a notification, record a quick thank-you video using their name, and send it off in minutes. That small effort can create a huge, lasting impact.

Matt and I dive into how nonprofits can use Bonjoro to strengthen donor relationships, increase retention, and enhance fundraising campaigns. We talk about using video for monthly giving programs, why relationship-building is at the core of sustainable funding, and how Bonjoro makes this process seamless and effective.

We also explore the inspiration behind Bonjoro, the company’s unique culture (including the story behind the bears!), their 1% pledge, and even tips on working with virtual teams.

If you’re looking for innovative, human-centered ways to connect with your donors and grow your impact, this episode is packed with actionable ideas.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Matt Barnett is the co-founder of Bonjoro, a customer (and donor) engagement platform designed to help businesses and nonprofits build meaningful relationships through personalized video messaging. With a background in entrepreneurship and a passion for human connection, Matt created Bonjoro to help organizations scale authenticity and stand out in a digital world.

Through Bonjoro, Matt has helped thousands of organizations improve customer and donor retention by making communication more personal, impactful, and memorable.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Bonjoro Website: https://www.bonjoro.com/

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Wed, 15 Dec 2021 06:56:42 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 3423 Does your nonprofit struggle to retain donors while constantly searching for new ones? You’re not alone.


This challenge is known as donor churn—and most nonprofits lose around 55% of their donors every year. Even more surprising? It can cost 50–100% more to acquire new donors than the value of their initial donation. So how do you break the cycle?

In this episode, we explore a powerful and personal approach to donor engagement using video—with Matt Barnett, co-founder of Bonjoro.

Bonjoro is a platform designed to help organizations build real relationships at scale through simple, personalized video messages. Imagine this: a new donor gives to your nonprofit, you get a notification, record a quick thank-you video using their name, and send it off in minutes. That small effort can create a huge, lasting impact.

Matt and I dive into how nonprofits can use Bonjoro to strengthen donor relationships, increase retention, and enhance fundraising campaigns. We talk about using video for monthly giving programs, why relationship-building is at the core of sustainable funding, and how Bonjoro makes this process seamless and effective.

We also explore the inspiration behind Bonjoro, the company’s unique culture (including the story behind the bears!), their 1% pledge, and even tips on working with virtual teams.

If you’re looking for innovative, human-centered ways to connect with your donors and grow your impact, this episode is packed with actionable ideas.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Matt Barnett is the co-founder of Bonjoro, a customer (and donor) engagement platform designed to help businesses and nonprofits build meaningful relationships through personalized video messaging. With a background in entrepreneurship and a passion for human connection, Matt created Bonjoro to help organizations scale authenticity and stand out in a digital world.

Through Bonjoro, Matt has helped thousands of organizations improve customer and donor retention by making communication more personal, impactful, and memorable.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Bonjoro Website: https://www.bonjoro.com/

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ep. 198: 7 Tips to Write a Grant Proposal 198 198 Ep. 198: 7 Tips to Write a Grant Proposal full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1173992539 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-198-7-tips-to-write-a-grant-proposal Wed, 08 Dec 2021 05:56:39 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 993 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Why Every Nonprofit Should Be On Instagram - and how to use it effectively 197 197 Why Every Nonprofit Should Be On Instagram - and how to use it effectively full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1169144617 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-197-why-every-nonprofit-should-be-on-instagram-and-how-to-use-it-effectively Is your nonprofit on Instagram—but not seeing real results?


In this episode, Christina Edwards, founder of Splendid Consulting, shares how nonprofits can strategically use Instagram to grow their audience and convert followers into real supporters and donors.


We dive into simple, actionable steps to help you avoid the social media rabbit hole and focus on what actually matters—conversion. Christina breaks down how to move followers to take meaningful action, how to use tools like Canva to create quick and effective graphics, and how to develop pillar content that keeps your messaging consistent and aligned.


We also explore how to manage your time so social media doesn’t take over your day, how to direct followers to your nonprofit’s website, and how to use Instagram’s built-in donate button to make giving easy and accessible.


If you’re ready to use Instagram more intentionally—and actually see results—this episode will give you the strategy you need.


ABOUT OUR GUEST

Christina Edwards is the founder of Splendid Consulting, where she helps nonprofits grow their impact through strategic marketing and communications. She specializes in social media strategy, content creation, and helping organizations convert online engagement into meaningful action.


Christina is passionate about helping nonprofits simplify their marketing efforts, save time, and build stronger connections with their audiences.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Is your nonprofit on Instagram—but not seeing real results?


In this episode, Christina Edwards, founder of Splendid Consulting, shares how nonprofits can strategically use Instagram to grow their audience and convert followers into real supporters and donors.


We dive into simple, actionable steps to help you avoid the social media rabbit hole and focus on what actually matters—conversion. Christina breaks down how to move followers to take meaningful action, how to use tools like Canva to create quick and effective graphics, and how to develop pillar content that keeps your messaging consistent and aligned.


We also explore how to manage your time so social media doesn’t take over your day, how to direct followers to your nonprofit’s website, and how to use Instagram’s built-in donate button to make giving easy and accessible.


If you’re ready to use Instagram more intentionally—and actually see results—this episode will give you the strategy you need.


ABOUT OUR GUEST

Christina Edwards is the founder of Splendid Consulting, where she helps nonprofits grow their impact through strategic marketing and communications. She specializes in social media strategy, content creation, and helping organizations convert online engagement into meaningful action.


Christina is passionate about helping nonprofits simplify their marketing efforts, save time, and build stronger connections with their audiences.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 30 Nov 2021 01:58:55 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2811 Is your nonprofit on Instagram—but not seeing real results?


In this episode, Christina Edwards, founder of Splendid Consulting, shares how nonprofits can strategically use Instagram to grow their audience and convert followers into real supporters and donors.


We dive into simple, actionable steps to help you avoid the social media rabbit hole and focus on what actually matters—conversion. Christina breaks down how to move followers to take meaningful action, how to use tools like Canva to create quick and effective graphics, and how to develop pillar content that keeps your messaging consistent and aligned.


We also explore how to manage your time so social media doesn’t take over your day, how to direct followers to your nonprofit’s website, and how to use Instagram’s built-in donate button to make giving easy and accessible.


If you’re ready to use Instagram more intentionally—and actually see results—this episode will give you the strategy you need.


ABOUT OUR GUEST

Christina Edwards is the founder of Splendid Consulting, where she helps nonprofits grow their impact through strategic marketing and communications. She specializes in social media strategy, content creation, and helping organizations convert online engagement into meaningful action.


Christina is passionate about helping nonprofits simplify their marketing efforts, save time, and build stronger connections with their audiences.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No The Grant Writing & Funding Hub Haven 196 196 The Grant Writing & Funding Hub Haven full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1165131397 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-196-the-grant-writing-funding-hub-haven The Grant Writing & Funding Hub Haven is your go-to space for support, strategy, and success in your grant writing journey. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, isolated, or unsure about your next steps in securing funding, this episode is for you.

In this solo episode, Holly Rustick dives into what the Hub Haven is, why it was created, and how it serves as a powerful resource for both new and experienced grant writers. From ongoing training and expert guidance to a supportive community of like-minded professionals, the Hub Haven is designed to help you build confidence, increase your income, and win more grants.

Tune in to learn how you can leverage this space to stay consistent, sharpen your skills, and grow a sustainable grant writing business—all while being part of a movement that’s making a real impact.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/


RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!


Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> The Grant Writing & Funding Hub Haven is your go-to space for support, strategy, and success in your grant writing journey. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, isolated, or unsure about your next steps in securing funding, this episode is for you.

In this solo episode, Holly Rustick dives into what the Hub Haven is, why it was created, and how it serves as a powerful resource for both new and experienced grant writers. From ongoing training and expert guidance to a supportive community of like-minded professionals, the Hub Haven is designed to help you build confidence, increase your income, and win more grants.

Tune in to learn how you can leverage this space to stay consistent, sharpen your skills, and grow a sustainable grant writing business—all while being part of a movement that’s making a real impact.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/


RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!


Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 23 Nov 2021 04:43:32 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1093 The Grant Writing & Funding Hub Haven is your go-to space for support, strategy, and success in your grant writing journey. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, isolated, or unsure about your next steps in securing funding, this episode is for you.

In this solo episode, Holly Rustick dives into what the Hub Haven is, why it was created, and how it serves as a powerful resource for both new and experienced grant writers. From ongoing training and expert guidance to a supportive community of like-minded professionals, the Hub Haven is designed to help you build confidence, increase your income, and win more grants.

Tune in to learn how you can leverage this space to stay consistent, sharpen your skills, and grow a sustainable grant writing business—all while being part of a movement that’s making a real impact.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/


RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!


Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ep. 195: Top Tips to Raise Funds for Your Nonprofit on GivingTuesday 195 195 Ep. 195: Top Tips to Raise Funds for Your Nonprofit on GivingTuesday full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1161553990 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-195-top-tips-to-raise-funds-for-your-nonprofit-on-givingtuesday Tue, 16 Nov 2021 18:21:18 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2760 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ep. 194: Instrumentl Grant Research Platform: How to Analyze 990s 194 194 Ep. 194: Instrumentl Grant Research Platform: How to Analyze 990s full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1156654618 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-194-instrumentl-grant-research-platform-how-to-analyze-990s Mon, 08 Nov 2021 23:54:09 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2134 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No How to Harness Your Nonprofit Board Structure to Raise Money 193 193 How to Harness Your Nonprofit Board Structure to Raise Money full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1145909803 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-193-how-to-harness-your-nonprofit-board-structure-to-raise-money Sean Kosofsky from Nonprofit Fixer joins us to share how nonprofits can successfully launch or revive a development (fundraising) committee to increase revenue without overburdening their board of directors. He breaks down what a development committee is, why it shouldn’t consist solely of board members, and the essential actions it must take to be effective. 

We also explore how to recruit and engage volunteers, assign and complete tasks efficiently, avoid social loafing, run productive meetings, and even make the process enjoyable—so your committee stays active, accountable, and results-driven.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Sean Kosofsky is the founder of Nonprofit Fixer, where he helps nonprofits grow their impact through smarter fundraising, advocacy, and strategic planning. With decades of experience in the nonprofit sector, Sean has raised millions of dollars, trained thousands of leaders, and worked with organizations across the country to strengthen their development strategies.

Known for his practical, no-nonsense approach, Sean specializes in helping nonprofits fix what’s not working—whether it’s fundraising, board engagement, or organizational structure—so they can build sustainable and successful missions.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Sean Kosofsky from Nonprofit Fixer joins us to share how nonprofits can successfully launch or revive a development (fundraising) committee to increase revenue without overburdening their board of directors. He breaks down what a development committee is, why it shouldn’t consist solely of board members, and the essential actions it must take to be effective. 

We also explore how to recruit and engage volunteers, assign and complete tasks efficiently, avoid social loafing, run productive meetings, and even make the process enjoyable—so your committee stays active, accountable, and results-driven.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Sean Kosofsky is the founder of Nonprofit Fixer, where he helps nonprofits grow their impact through smarter fundraising, advocacy, and strategic planning. With decades of experience in the nonprofit sector, Sean has raised millions of dollars, trained thousands of leaders, and worked with organizations across the country to strengthen their development strategies.

Known for his practical, no-nonsense approach, Sean specializes in helping nonprofits fix what’s not working—whether it’s fundraising, board engagement, or organizational structure—so they can build sustainable and successful missions.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Mon, 25 Oct 2021 06:00:22 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1945 Sean Kosofsky from Nonprofit Fixer joins us to share how nonprofits can successfully launch or revive a development (fundraising) committee to increase revenue without overburdening their board of directors. He breaks down what a development committee is, why it shouldn’t consist solely of board members, and the essential actions it must take to be effective. 

We also explore how to recruit and engage volunteers, assign and complete tasks efficiently, avoid social loafing, run productive meetings, and even make the process enjoyable—so your committee stays active, accountable, and results-driven.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Sean Kosofsky is the founder of Nonprofit Fixer, where he helps nonprofits grow their impact through smarter fundraising, advocacy, and strategic planning. With decades of experience in the nonprofit sector, Sean has raised millions of dollars, trained thousands of leaders, and worked with organizations across the country to strengthen their development strategies.

Known for his practical, no-nonsense approach, Sean specializes in helping nonprofits fix what’s not working—whether it’s fundraising, board engagement, or organizational structure—so they can build sustainable and successful missions.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ep. 192: Sneak Peek Behind the Freelance Grant Writer Master Course 192 192 Ep. 192: Sneak Peek Behind the Freelance Grant Writer Master Course full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1144874215 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-192-sneak-peek-behind-the-freelance-grant-writer-master-course Wed, 20 Oct 2021 07:08:19 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2140 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No 4 Proven Tips to Price Your Grant Writing Services 191 191 4 Proven Tips to Price Your Grant Writing Services full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1142147914 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/4-proven-tips-to-price-your-grant-writing-services Understanding how to price grant writing services is one of the biggest headaches that freelance grant writers have. 

I know this because: 

  1. Pricing services was what I struggled with the most, and 
  2. It is the biggest question / coaching sessions that I get asked about by people transitioning into freelance grant writing. 


If you’ve ever been confused about how all the pieces of freelance grant writing fit together, and more importantly, what goes into creating massive success with freelance grant writing, this article is for you. 

Maybe you’re a newbie grant writer, and you aren’t sure how to price services, or you’re already an accomplished grant writer that isn’t experiencing the kind of growth you're after.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Understanding how to price grant writing services is one of the biggest headaches that freelance grant writers have. 

I know this because: 

  1. Pricing services was what I struggled with the most, and 
  2. It is the biggest question / coaching sessions that I get asked about by people transitioning into freelance grant writing. 


If you’ve ever been confused about how all the pieces of freelance grant writing fit together, and more importantly, what goes into creating massive success with freelance grant writing, this article is for you. 

Maybe you’re a newbie grant writer, and you aren’t sure how to price services, or you’re already an accomplished grant writer that isn’t experiencing the kind of growth you're after.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Fri, 15 Oct 2021 03:49:38 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1686 Understanding how to price grant writing services is one of the biggest headaches that freelance grant writers have. 

I know this because: 

  1. Pricing services was what I struggled with the most, and 
  2. It is the biggest question / coaching sessions that I get asked about by people transitioning into freelance grant writing. 


If you’ve ever been confused about how all the pieces of freelance grant writing fit together, and more importantly, what goes into creating massive success with freelance grant writing, this article is for you. 

Maybe you’re a newbie grant writer, and you aren’t sure how to price services, or you’re already an accomplished grant writer that isn’t experiencing the kind of growth you're after.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No How To Find Nonprofit Clients For Your Grant Writing Business 190 190 How To Find Nonprofit Clients For Your Grant Writing Business full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1139797639 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/how-to-find-nonprofit-clients-for-your-grant-writing-business Once someone either thinks about starting a freelance grant writing business or has already taken the leap, a huge question (rightfully so) comes up: How do I get nonprofit clients for my grant writing business?

Well, yeah, you need to get nonprofit clients (or even for-profit clients in some cases) for it to be an actual income-generating business. But just creating a website or a business card alone will not get you there.

Now in this article, I’m going to teach you how to get and keep nonprofit clients.  And more importantly, this will help you increase revenue for your grant writing business.

So, if you’re a newbie grant writer, but you aren’t sure how you can get and keep nonprofit clients, or you’re already an accomplished grant writer looking to get your ducks in a row, you’ll discover how Freelance Grant Writers like you and me can get and keep nonprofit clients - and why it’s critical you focus on this right now.

In last week’s article and podcast, we talked about the First Step to Becoming a Freelance Grant Writer (also be sure to download your follow along guide for episode 189 and 190).  I shared how this is going to immediately help you get off the floundering fence. 

So, if you haven’t read that article or listened to the podcast, go back and watch it now - and then come back to this one.

In this article, I’m going to build on what we discussed by sharing the #1 thing you must master if you want to get and keep nonprofit clients.  Think of this as your “first step” towards making this happen. 

This is an entirely new way of thinking about freelance grant writing, so you’ll want to pay close attention. 

I’m also going to share how to identify your nonprofit client.  When you know how to do this, you’ll know exactly what to aim for and how to market. 

The goal is to break you free of wasting time and money on the wrong types of ads or continually getting 'no’s'.  This way, you’ll never have to worry about how to get and keep nonprofit clients which means you’ll increase revenue for your biz.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Once someone either thinks about starting a freelance grant writing business or has already taken the leap, a huge question (rightfully so) comes up: How do I get nonprofit clients for my grant writing business?

Well, yeah, you need to get nonprofit clients (or even for-profit clients in some cases) for it to be an actual income-generating business. But just creating a website or a business card alone will not get you there.

Now in this article, I’m going to teach you how to get and keep nonprofit clients.  And more importantly, this will help you increase revenue for your grant writing business.

So, if you’re a newbie grant writer, but you aren’t sure how you can get and keep nonprofit clients, or you’re already an accomplished grant writer looking to get your ducks in a row, you’ll discover how Freelance Grant Writers like you and me can get and keep nonprofit clients - and why it’s critical you focus on this right now.

In last week’s article and podcast, we talked about the First Step to Becoming a Freelance Grant Writer (also be sure to download your follow along guide for episode 189 and 190).  I shared how this is going to immediately help you get off the floundering fence. 

So, if you haven’t read that article or listened to the podcast, go back and watch it now - and then come back to this one.

In this article, I’m going to build on what we discussed by sharing the #1 thing you must master if you want to get and keep nonprofit clients.  Think of this as your “first step” towards making this happen. 

This is an entirely new way of thinking about freelance grant writing, so you’ll want to pay close attention. 

I’m also going to share how to identify your nonprofit client.  When you know how to do this, you’ll know exactly what to aim for and how to market. 

The goal is to break you free of wasting time and money on the wrong types of ads or continually getting 'no’s'.  This way, you’ll never have to worry about how to get and keep nonprofit clients which means you’ll increase revenue for your biz.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Mon, 11 Oct 2021 07:18:40 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2005 Once someone either thinks about starting a freelance grant writing business or has already taken the leap, a huge question (rightfully so) comes up: How do I get nonprofit clients for my grant writing business?

Well, yeah, you need to get nonprofit clients (or even for-profit clients in some cases) for it to be an actual income-generating business. But just creating a website or a business card alone will not get you there.

Now in this article, I’m going to teach you how to get and keep nonprofit clients.  And more importantly, this will help you increase revenue for your grant writing business.

So, if you’re a newbie grant writer, but you aren’t sure how you can get and keep nonprofit clients, or you’re already an accomplished grant writer looking to get your ducks in a row, you’ll discover how Freelance Grant Writers like you and me can get and keep nonprofit clients - and why it’s critical you focus on this right now.

In last week’s article and podcast, we talked about the First Step to Becoming a Freelance Grant Writer (also be sure to download your follow along guide for episode 189 and 190).  I shared how this is going to immediately help you get off the floundering fence. 

So, if you haven’t read that article or listened to the podcast, go back and watch it now - and then come back to this one.

In this article, I’m going to build on what we discussed by sharing the #1 thing you must master if you want to get and keep nonprofit clients.  Think of this as your “first step” towards making this happen. 

This is an entirely new way of thinking about freelance grant writing, so you’ll want to pay close attention. 

I’m also going to share how to identify your nonprofit client.  When you know how to do this, you’ll know exactly what to aim for and how to market. 

The goal is to break you free of wasting time and money on the wrong types of ads or continually getting 'no’s'.  This way, you’ll never have to worry about how to get and keep nonprofit clients which means you’ll increase revenue for your biz.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No The First Step to Become a Freelance Grant Writer 189 189 The First Step to Become a Freelance Grant Writer full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1136444698 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/the-first-step-to-become-a-freelance-grant-writer The First Step to Become a Freelance Grant Writer

  • Why are some freelance grant writers able to create a thriving business while others are just dreaming about being a professional grant writer?
  • Why do some grant writers grow their practice and seem to get all the clients while others just dream about it and get stuck in their J-O-B?
  • And why are some people clear about how to start and grow their grant writing business while others are floundering?

Can I be a Grant Writer even with No Experience?

This article is going to immediately help you get off the floundering fence when thinking about becoming a freelance grant writer and not knowing which step to take. Once you get this down, you’ll start experiencing more clarity, more confidence and more grant writing jobs.

If you’re a newbie grant writer who needs more grant writing experience, or you’re already an accomplished grant writer that isn’t leveraging your skills by getting and growing your nonprofit client base, stay with me because you’re going to discover why grant writers like you and me can grow a freelance grant writing business and why it’s critical you get your system handled right now.

Are you Ready to Become a Successful Grant Writer?

WARNING!

Before we dig in, I’ve got to warn you about something critically important. And not paying attention to this virtually guarantees your dream to become a professional grant writing will only be a dream… or take 3Xs longer to develop and feel like a burden.

Right now, you might think you need tons of clients to make any money and you might have imposter syndrome.

But what if it didn’t have to be that way? What if instead you had system where you had the perfect clients and were confident in your grant writing skills?

I get this may be different from what you’ve heard before about freelance grant writing. But this fundamental shift is one reason why this blueprint works so well.

In fact, you might’ve already tried to get off the floundering fence – and it didn’t work out the way you’d hoped.

I’m sure you’ll agree, trying to start a real business and get nonprofit clients isn’t always as simple as some people make it seem. It comes with its challenges.

Maybe you have written proposals, secured clients, or even won grants, but you still wonder, “Can I really start a real business and get nonprofit clients?”

If this sounds familiar, I get it.

So many of us grant writers have tried the exact same things. We’ve heard that little voice of doubt in our head, wondering if it’s possible. And I’m here to show you it IS.

Let’s demystify the process of get off the floundering fence which will save you a lot of time, money, and frustration. In this first article in the foundations of freelance grant writing series, I’m going to share a blueprint that I’ve developed after years of trial and error.

It’s called…

Foundations of a Freelance Grant Writing Business

If your dream to become a grant writing is still only a dream… then this will serve as a tremendous resource to eliminate that frustration and help you get off the floundering fence.

Maybe you’re a newbie grant writer, or maybe you’re already an accomplished grant writer.

Either way, you’re in the right place because after this article you’ll know how to find grant writing jobs and write better grants.

I developed this framework for you because I saw so many Aspiring Grant Writers become completely sidetracked while trying to get the grant writing experience you need.

For example, I saw Aspiring Grant Writers who were newbie grant writers trying to get the grant writing experience they needed before they knew how to write grants or had found out what types of services they love to do.

I’ve also seen accomplished grant writers not leveraging their skills by getting and growing their nonprofit client base because they don’t have the right freelance grant writing system in place.

I could go on, but I know us Aspiring Grant Writers need clarity – because in full transparency, that was my story too.

Before I outline Foundations of Freelance Grant Writing and the specifics for each step, you might be wondering how I got into all of this and figured it out. Let me tell you so you can understand where it’s coming from.

It started when I knew I had to create my grant writing business with nonprofit clients in order to get off the floundering fence.

If any of this sounds familiar, let me tell you – I know exactly what it’s like!

I felt frustrated and overwhelmed, and even questioned myself whether I COULD do it. But I was tired of spinning my wheels and knew that getting off the floundering fence was key to getting what I was after.

So, I set out to find a way to make it happen.

Once I got past my objections and began investing in myself, I started seeing my freelance consulting starting to grow. I did what I set out to do – now I know exactly how to create a thriving business with nonprofit clients.

This got me get off the floundering fence, which is exactly what I was going for. And if you’re ready for less stress while developing or growing your business, too you’re going to love what’s coming up.

Because this story doesn’t stop with me.

Everything I’m about to share with you is the exact plan I followed to create a thriving business with nonprofit clients. And it’s led me to have a much higher income and able to help hundreds of nonprofits.

More importantly, this means you’ll experience less stress while developing or growing your business. And that’s what I want for you. All Aspiring Grant Writers could use that, which is why I want to make this easy for you!

The purpose of Foundations of Freelance Grant Writing is to help you quickly to help you quickly identify a key pathway so that you can gain clarity and select your nonprofit niche so that you can get off the floundering fence.

Are you ready to start writing grants?

How to Get Started as a Grant Writer

The first step to becoming a grant writer is to answer the question, “What doe...

]]> The First Step to Become a Freelance Grant Writer

  • Why are some freelance grant writers able to create a thriving business while others are just dreaming about being a professional grant writer?
  • Why do some grant writers grow their practice and seem to get all the clients while others just dream about it and get stuck in their J-O-B?
  • And why are some people clear about how to start and grow their grant writing business while others are floundering?

Can I be a Grant Writer even with No Experience?

This article is going to immediately help you get off the floundering fence when thinking about becoming a freelance grant writer and not knowing which step to take. Once you get this down, you’ll start experiencing more clarity, more confidence and more grant writing jobs.

If you’re a newbie grant writer who needs more grant writing experience, or you’re already an accomplished grant writer that isn’t leveraging your skills by getting and growing your nonprofit client base, stay with me because you’re going to discover why grant writers like you and me can grow a freelance grant writing business and why it’s critical you get your system handled right now.

Are you Ready to Become a Successful Grant Writer?

WARNING!

Before we dig in, I’ve got to warn you about something critically important. And not paying attention to this virtually guarantees your dream to become a professional grant writing will only be a dream… or take 3Xs longer to develop and feel like a burden.

Right now, you might think you need tons of clients to make any money and you might have imposter syndrome.

But what if it didn’t have to be that way? What if instead you had system where you had the perfect clients and were confident in your grant writing skills?

I get this may be different from what you’ve heard before about freelance grant writing. But this fundamental shift is one reason why this blueprint works so well.

In fact, you might’ve already tried to get off the floundering fence – and it didn’t work out the way you’d hoped.

I’m sure you’ll agree, trying to start a real business and get nonprofit clients isn’t always as simple as some people make it seem. It comes with its challenges.

Maybe you have written proposals, secured clients, or even won grants, but you still wonder, “Can I really start a real business and get nonprofit clients?”

If this sounds familiar, I get it.

So many of us grant writers have tried the exact same things. We’ve heard that little voice of doubt in our head, wondering if it’s possible. And I’m here to show you it IS.

Let’s demystify the process of get off the floundering fence which will save you a lot of time, money, and frustration. In this first article in the foundations of freelance grant writing series, I’m going to share a blueprint that I’ve developed after years of trial and error.

It’s called…

Foundations of a Freelance Grant Writing Business

If your dream to become a grant writing is still only a dream… then this will serve as a tremendous resource to eliminate that frustration and help you get off the floundering fence.

Maybe you’re a newbie grant writer, or maybe you’re already an accomplished grant writer.

Either way, you’re in the right place because after this article you’ll know how to find grant writing jobs and write better grants.

I developed this framework for you because I saw so many Aspiring Grant Writers become completely sidetracked while trying to get the grant writing experience you need.

For example, I saw Aspiring Grant Writers who were newbie grant writers trying to get the grant writing experience they needed before they knew how to write grants or had found out what types of services they love to do.

I’ve also seen accomplished grant writers not leveraging their skills by getting and growing their nonprofit client base because they don’t have the right freelance grant writing system in place.

I could go on, but I know us Aspiring Grant Writers need clarity – because in full transparency, that was my story too.

Before I outline Foundations of Freelance Grant Writing and the specifics for each step, you might be wondering how I got into all of this and figured it out. Let me tell you so you can understand where it’s coming from.

It started when I knew I had to create my grant writing business with nonprofit clients in order to get off the floundering fence.

If any of this sounds familiar, let me tell you – I know exactly what it’s like!

I felt frustrated and overwhelmed, and even questioned myself whether I COULD do it. But I was tired of spinning my wheels and knew that getting off the floundering fence was key to getting what I was after.

So, I set out to find a way to make it happen.

Once I got past my objections and began investing in myself, I started seeing my freelance consulting starting to grow. I did what I set out to do – now I know exactly how to create a thriving business with nonprofit clients.

This got me get off the floundering fence, which is exactly what I was going for. And if you’re ready for less stress while developing or growing your business, too you’re going to love what’s coming up.

Because this story doesn’t stop with me.

Everything I’m about to share with you is the exact plan I followed to create a thriving business with nonprofit clients. And it’s led me to have a much higher income and able to help hundreds of nonprofits.

More importantly, this means you’ll experience less stress while developing or growing your business. And that’s what I want for you. All Aspiring Grant Writers could use that, which is why I want to make this easy for you!

The purpose of Foundations of Freelance Grant Writing is to help you quickly to help you quickly identify a key pathway so that you can gain clarity and select your nonprofit niche so that you can get off the floundering fence.

Are you ready to start writing grants?

How to Get Started as a Grant Writer

The first step to becoming a grant writer is to answer the question, “What doe...

]]> Tue, 05 Oct 2021 11:00:19 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1560 The First Step to Become a Freelance Grant Writer

  • Why are some freelance grant writers able to create a thriving business while others are just dreaming about being a professional grant writer?
  • Why do some grant writers grow their practice and seem to get all the clients while others just dream about it and get stuck in their J-O-B?
  • And why are some people clear about how to start and grow their grant writing business while others are floundering?

Can I be a Grant Writer even with No Experience?

This article is going to immediately help you get off the floundering fence when thinking about becoming a freelance grant writer and not knowing which step to take. Once you get this down, you’ll start experiencing more clarity, more confidence and more grant writing jobs.

If you’re a newbie grant writer who needs more grant writing experience, or you’re already an accomplished grant writer that isn’t leveraging your skills by getting and growing your nonprofit client base, stay with me because you’re going to discover why grant writers like you and me can grow a freelance grant writing business and why it’s critical you get your system handled right now.

Are you Ready to Become a Successful Grant Writer?

WARNING!

Before we dig in, I’ve got to warn you about something critically important. And not paying attention to this virtually guarantees your dream to become a professional grant writing will only be a dream… or take 3Xs longer to develop and feel like a burden.

Right now, you might think you need tons of clients to make any money and you might have imposter syndrome.

But what if it didn’t have to be that way? What if instead you had system where you had the perfect clients and were confident in your grant writing skills?

I get this may be different from what you’ve heard before about freelance grant writing. But this fundamental shift is one reason why this blueprint works so well.

In fact, you might’ve already tried to get off the floundering fence – and it didn’t work out the way you’d hoped.

I’m sure you’ll agree, trying to start a real business and get nonprofit clients isn’t always as simple as some people make it seem. It comes with its challenges.

Maybe you have written proposals, secured clients, or even won grants, but you still wonder, “Can I really start a real business and get nonprofit clients?”

If this sounds familiar, I get it.

So many of us grant writers have tried the exact same things. We’ve heard that little voice of doubt in our head, wondering if it’s possible. And I’m here to show you it IS.

Let’s demystify the process of get off the floundering fence which will save you a lot of time, money, and frustration. In this first article in the foundations of freelance grant writing series, I’m going to share a blueprint that I’ve developed after years of trial and error.

It’s called…

Foundations of a Freelance Grant Writing Business

If your dream to become a grant writing is still only a dream… then this will serve as a tremendous resource to eliminate that frustration and help you get off the floundering fence.

Maybe you’re a newbie grant writer, or maybe you’re already an accomplished grant writer.

Either way, you’re in the right place because after this article you’ll know how to find grant writing jobs and write better grants.

I developed this framework for you because I saw so many Aspiring Grant Writers become completely sidetracked while trying to get the grant writing experience you need.

For example, I saw Aspiring Grant Writers who were newbie grant writers trying to get the grant writing experience they needed before they knew how to write grants or had found out what types of services they love to do.

I’ve also seen accomplished grant writers not leveraging their skills by getting and growing their nonprofit client base because they don’t have the right freelance grant writing system in place.

I could go on, but I know us Aspiring Grant Writers need clarity – because in full transparency, that was my story too.

Before I outline Foundations of Freelance Grant Writing and the specifics for each step, you might be wondering how I got into all of this and figured it out. Let me tell you so you can understand where it’s coming from.

It started when I knew I had to create my grant writing business with nonprofit clients in order to get off the floundering fence.

If any of this sounds familiar, let me tell you – I know exactly what it’s like!

I felt frustrated and overwhelmed, and even questioned myself whether I COULD do it. But I was tired of spinning my wheels and knew that getting off the floundering fence was key to getting what I was after.

So, I set out to find a way to make it happen.

Once I got past my objections and began investing in myself, I started seeing my freelance consulting starting to grow. I did what I set out to do – now I know exactly how to create a thriving business with nonprofit clients.

This got me get off the floundering fence, which is exactly what I was going for. And if you’re ready for less stress while developing or growing your business, too you’re going to love what’s coming up.

Because this story doesn’t stop with me.

Everything I’m about to share with you is the exact plan I followed to create a thriving business with nonprofit clients. And it’s led me to have a much higher income and able to help hundreds of nonprofits.

More importantly, this means you’ll experience less stress while developing or growing your business. And that’s what I want for you. All Aspiring Grant Writers could use that, which is why I want to make this easy for you!

The purpose of Foundations of Freelance Grant Writing is to help you quickly to help you quickly identify a key pathway so that you can gain clarity and select your nonprofit niche so that you can get off the floundering fence.

Are you ready to start writing grants?

How to Get Started as a Grant Writer

The first step to becoming a grant writer is to answer the question, “What doe...

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Why Grant Writers Need To Stop Consulting For Free 188 188 Why Grant Writers Need To Stop Consulting For Free full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1133514850 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/why-grant-writers-need-to-stop-consulting-for-free Oh yes, I just typed the F-word. Yep, the one that makes most grant writers shiver in their sleep.

No, I am not cussing. But maybe this word should be a bona fide swear word.

Free.

I know it haunts you.

It’s interesting that as a grant writer your skills can have one of the biggest impacts on increasing funding for nonprofit organizations, however you will still be serenaded by nearly every nonprofit (not to mention individuals looking for that magic grant to fund a college degree) to write grants for free.

This has always puzzled me. Grant writers have technical writing skills to find and secure funding and in many cases millions of dollars for nonprofits.

However, many organizations seek out grant writers and some guilt them into writing for free or giving away all their knowledge at no cost. Or that nonprofit is caught up with poverty mindset that asking for free is their go-to comfort zone place (that’s an entire article in itself!).

Here’s the thing. There is a time and place for the F-word. Yep.

Free can be a pathway at times, but not all.

So, if you are:

  • haunted by giving away your grant writing services for free,
  • not sure when to start charging prices for your grant writing services, or
  • constantly get people asking you out on a coffee or zoom date to just real quick go over some grant-related questions, then keep on reading.

Chances are, if you are in any of the categories above, you are feeling undervalued.

You might be wondering why you don’t get paid well when you see those hundreds, or millions of dollars in grants come in the nonprofit door.

Or you might be wondering how in the world you can make it as a grant writing consultant when you feel like no nonprofit can pay you for your services.

Side note: Nonprofits can, do, and should figure out ways to get money and pay for your grant writing services.

If you are in a position where you get an amazing wage or charge well, then kudos for you!

But I wanted to address this issue as I have seen way too many grant writing consultants play jump rope over the ever-changing line of boundaries, not sure where to land or how to stop jumping.

I was once there. (Check out my story on how I transitioned into freelance grant writing).

When to Write Grants for Free

Okay, okay. I hear you yelling the B-word… Not that B-word. Geesh! The ‘But’ word…

“But Holly, what about…”

There is a time and place when a grant writer can do free. But these are few and limited.

  • When you are building grant writing skills
  • When you designate one or two grant writing gigs at your own discretion

So, let’s break these down a little bit more.

You May Volunteer When You are Building Grant Writing Skills

If you have no experience, then writing grants is one of the best things you can do to build your grant writing skills quickly. Of course, you can also take grant writing courses, read grant writing books, and review grants to also build your skills.

But if you have never written a grant before and really want to learn, then sometimes grant writers start off as a volunteer or intern for a nonprofit.

However, you must remember that your services will not always be free and you will build your grant writing experience quickly.

So, if you are going to do this, then be sure you do the following!

No if, ands, or buts. Do this.

Have a conversation with the nonprofit leader and let them know that you will volunteer your grant writing services for either a certain number of months (i.e., three months) or up to a certain number of grants written (i.e., one foundation grant and one federal grant).

Then, let them know that after that you would like to sit down again as you will then start charging for your services.

If you are starting from the ground up, then this is the most important conversation you can have.

Because if you do not have this conversation (where you put a limited duration of time or number of grants) then it’s going to get awkward after a while.

Without this conversation it is nearly guaranteed that you will start seeing the value that you contribute to the nonprofit, and you may even experience anxiety about bringing up a conversation about getting paid.

But if you have the conversation before you get started, the executive director will know in the back of her mind that there is an end date to your free services and if she loves you will already be starting to think of ways to pay you.

Plus, both parties will know that the conversation is coming up. It’s not one that will keep you awake at night thinking of bringing it up.

Believe me, you will feel and be so much more valued and professional.

Have this conversation first.

The next time you may want to consult for free…

You May Write a Pro Bono Grant if You Serve on a Nonprofit Board

Remember, this is up to you.

So, for example, I sit on different nonprofit board of directors, and I may write one grant per year at no cost. But let me be loud and clear.

You do NOT have to do this. Your board services do not include grant writing. Just because you are a grant writer, many people will want you on their board because they automatically think free grant writing services.

You need to draw a line in the sand.

You may choose to volunteer your time and write one grant per year and let th...

]]> Oh yes, I just typed the F-word. Yep, the one that makes most grant writers shiver in their sleep.

No, I am not cussing. But maybe this word should be a bona fide swear word.

Free.

I know it haunts you.

It’s interesting that as a grant writer your skills can have one of the biggest impacts on increasing funding for nonprofit organizations, however you will still be serenaded by nearly every nonprofit (not to mention individuals looking for that magic grant to fund a college degree) to write grants for free.

This has always puzzled me. Grant writers have technical writing skills to find and secure funding and in many cases millions of dollars for nonprofits.

However, many organizations seek out grant writers and some guilt them into writing for free or giving away all their knowledge at no cost. Or that nonprofit is caught up with poverty mindset that asking for free is their go-to comfort zone place (that’s an entire article in itself!).

Here’s the thing. There is a time and place for the F-word. Yep.

Free can be a pathway at times, but not all.

So, if you are:

  • haunted by giving away your grant writing services for free,
  • not sure when to start charging prices for your grant writing services, or
  • constantly get people asking you out on a coffee or zoom date to just real quick go over some grant-related questions, then keep on reading.

Chances are, if you are in any of the categories above, you are feeling undervalued.

You might be wondering why you don’t get paid well when you see those hundreds, or millions of dollars in grants come in the nonprofit door.

Or you might be wondering how in the world you can make it as a grant writing consultant when you feel like no nonprofit can pay you for your services.

Side note: Nonprofits can, do, and should figure out ways to get money and pay for your grant writing services.

If you are in a position where you get an amazing wage or charge well, then kudos for you!

But I wanted to address this issue as I have seen way too many grant writing consultants play jump rope over the ever-changing line of boundaries, not sure where to land or how to stop jumping.

I was once there. (Check out my story on how I transitioned into freelance grant writing).

When to Write Grants for Free

Okay, okay. I hear you yelling the B-word… Not that B-word. Geesh! The ‘But’ word…

“But Holly, what about…”

There is a time and place when a grant writer can do free. But these are few and limited.

  • When you are building grant writing skills
  • When you designate one or two grant writing gigs at your own discretion

So, let’s break these down a little bit more.

You May Volunteer When You are Building Grant Writing Skills

If you have no experience, then writing grants is one of the best things you can do to build your grant writing skills quickly. Of course, you can also take grant writing courses, read grant writing books, and review grants to also build your skills.

But if you have never written a grant before and really want to learn, then sometimes grant writers start off as a volunteer or intern for a nonprofit.

However, you must remember that your services will not always be free and you will build your grant writing experience quickly.

So, if you are going to do this, then be sure you do the following!

No if, ands, or buts. Do this.

Have a conversation with the nonprofit leader and let them know that you will volunteer your grant writing services for either a certain number of months (i.e., three months) or up to a certain number of grants written (i.e., one foundation grant and one federal grant).

Then, let them know that after that you would like to sit down again as you will then start charging for your services.

If you are starting from the ground up, then this is the most important conversation you can have.

Because if you do not have this conversation (where you put a limited duration of time or number of grants) then it’s going to get awkward after a while.

Without this conversation it is nearly guaranteed that you will start seeing the value that you contribute to the nonprofit, and you may even experience anxiety about bringing up a conversation about getting paid.

But if you have the conversation before you get started, the executive director will know in the back of her mind that there is an end date to your free services and if she loves you will already be starting to think of ways to pay you.

Plus, both parties will know that the conversation is coming up. It’s not one that will keep you awake at night thinking of bringing it up.

Believe me, you will feel and be so much more valued and professional.

Have this conversation first.

The next time you may want to consult for free…

You May Write a Pro Bono Grant if You Serve on a Nonprofit Board

Remember, this is up to you.

So, for example, I sit on different nonprofit board of directors, and I may write one grant per year at no cost. But let me be loud and clear.

You do NOT have to do this. Your board services do not include grant writing. Just because you are a grant writer, many people will want you on their board because they automatically think free grant writing services.

You need to draw a line in the sand.

You may choose to volunteer your time and write one grant per year and let th...

]]> Thu, 30 Sep 2021 04:17:08 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1819 Oh yes, I just typed the F-word. Yep, the one that makes most grant writers shiver in their sleep.

No, I am not cussing. But maybe this word should be a bona fide swear word.

Free.

I know it haunts you.

It’s interesting that as a grant writer your skills can have one of the biggest impacts on increasing funding for nonprofit organizations, however you will still be serenaded by nearly every nonprofit (not to mention individuals looking for that magic grant to fund a college degree) to write grants for free.

This has always puzzled me. Grant writers have technical writing skills to find and secure funding and in many cases millions of dollars for nonprofits.

However, many organizations seek out grant writers and some guilt them into writing for free or giving away all their knowledge at no cost. Or that nonprofit is caught up with poverty mindset that asking for free is their go-to comfort zone place (that’s an entire article in itself!).

Here’s the thing. There is a time and place for the F-word. Yep.

Free can be a pathway at times, but not all.

So, if you are:

  • haunted by giving away your grant writing services for free,
  • not sure when to start charging prices for your grant writing services, or
  • constantly get people asking you out on a coffee or zoom date to just real quick go over some grant-related questions, then keep on reading.

Chances are, if you are in any of the categories above, you are feeling undervalued.

You might be wondering why you don’t get paid well when you see those hundreds, or millions of dollars in grants come in the nonprofit door.

Or you might be wondering how in the world you can make it as a grant writing consultant when you feel like no nonprofit can pay you for your services.

Side note: Nonprofits can, do, and should figure out ways to get money and pay for your grant writing services.

If you are in a position where you get an amazing wage or charge well, then kudos for you!

But I wanted to address this issue as I have seen way too many grant writing consultants play jump rope over the ever-changing line of boundaries, not sure where to land or how to stop jumping.

I was once there. (Check out my story on how I transitioned into freelance grant writing).

When to Write Grants for Free

Okay, okay. I hear you yelling the B-word… Not that B-word. Geesh! The ‘But’ word…

“But Holly, what about…”

There is a time and place when a grant writer can do free. But these are few and limited.

  • When you are building grant writing skills
  • When you designate one or two grant writing gigs at your own discretion

So, let’s break these down a little bit more.

You May Volunteer When You are Building Grant Writing Skills

If you have no experience, then writing grants is one of the best things you can do to build your grant writing skills quickly. Of course, you can also take grant writing courses, read grant writing books, and review grants to also build your skills.

But if you have never written a grant before and really want to learn, then sometimes grant writers start off as a volunteer or intern for a nonprofit.

However, you must remember that your services will not always be free and you will build your grant writing experience quickly.

So, if you are going to do this, then be sure you do the following!

No if, ands, or buts. Do this.

Have a conversation with the nonprofit leader and let them know that you will volunteer your grant writing services for either a certain number of months (i.e., three months) or up to a certain number of grants written (i.e., one foundation grant and one federal grant).

Then, let them know that after that you would like to sit down again as you will then start charging for your services.

If you are starting from the ground up, then this is the most important conversation you can have.

Because if you do not have this conversation (where you put a limited duration of time or number of grants) then it’s going to get awkward after a while.

Without this conversation it is nearly guaranteed that you will start seeing the value that you contribute to the nonprofit, and you may even experience anxiety about bringing up a conversation about getting paid.

But if you have the conversation before you get started, the executive director will know in the back of her mind that there is an end date to your free services and if she loves you will already be starting to think of ways to pay you.

Plus, both parties will know that the conversation is coming up. It’s not one that will keep you awake at night thinking of bringing it up.

Believe me, you will feel and be so much more valued and professional.

Have this conversation first.

The next time you may want to consult for free…

You May Write a Pro Bono Grant if You Serve on a Nonprofit Board

Remember, this is up to you.

So, for example, I sit on different nonprofit board of directors, and I may write one grant per year at no cost. But let me be loud and clear.

You do NOT have to do this. Your board services do not include grant writing. Just because you are a grant writer, many people will want you on their board because they automatically think free grant writing services.

You need to draw a line in the sand.

You may choose to volunteer your time and write one grant per year and let th...

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Why Female Grant Writers Struggle with Pricing & Rates 187 187 Why Female Grant Writers Struggle with Pricing & Rates full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1129539661 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/why-female-grant-writers-struggle-with-pricing-rates Now that is a fully loaded statement. But worth the heavily weighed explanation.

I have been going back and forth with other grant writers on this question of

“Do grant writers get paid less because most are female?”

and even down to

“Are grant writer rates high enough?”

Moreover, nearly every single female grant writer I know struggles with how to do her pricing and come up with rates that feel good.

In this article, I am going to break down some of the gender-specific on the grant writing industry. Some of these may surprise you because you have been living the life, thinking you only need to Google “Grant Writer Salary” and the Internet will get some ideal number that you can just throw onto your freelance grant writing website or in that grant writer salary description.

Here’s the thing. The most deafening question I get from my grant writing students is,

“How much should I charge for my grant writing skills?”

I am not going to give you a magic number in this article of what you should charge, but I think we first need to understand why we keep peering out into the information universe for this question instead of tuning inward.

Side note: Check out related articles on how to make decisions and understand what your value is as a freelance grant writer.

What I am going to share with you in this article should wake you up a bit and hopefully will ripple some change across this female-dominant landscape.

“If you are self-employed…you write your own paycheck. But the amount on the paycheck is pre-ordained long before it is actually inked. It begins with your price strategy. And that is preceded by your belief system about price.” ~ Dan Kennedy

A conversation that recently came up with Rachel Waterman, an amazing female grant writer, was a simple conversation about the grant writing pricing world, and it ended up being a type of conversation reminiscent of, “Is it the egg before the chicken or chicken before the egg?”

We were discussing that since grant writing is a heavily female-dominated industry could this be one contributing fact to why grant writer salaries are low and why freelance grant writer consultants get paid nominal wages compared to other money-related consultancies?

Well, this made me want to dive into this topic further and see what is going on with the pay rates for freelance grant writers.

Freelance Grant Writers Are Mostly Women

Yes, indeed, Rachel and are I correct in that grant writers (and freelance grant writers) are a mostly women. According to Zippia, 65.7% of employed grant writers in the United States in 2021 are women.

This is a whole lot. Now this statistic does reference employed grant writers vs. freelance grant writers, but chances are it’s about the same percent that transfer from employed grant writer into freelancing.

It might even be higher as students in my Freelance Grant Writing Master Course and Grant Professional Mentorship are primarily female.

I like being in an industry surrounded by women, however it also makes me a little hesitant when freelancer grant writers (or grant writers looking for a job) are seeing what other freelance grant writing consultants charge to get a baseline of what they should charge.

Why does this make me nervous?

Well, let’s go ahead and break down why I think looking at the marketplace might not be serving you when the field is dominated by female consultants.

No disrespect. Hear me out.

I will honestly point the finger at myself several years ago. Yes, that was me. I was not charging enough for my grant writing services. And if I felt that way, many other female grant writers are also suffering from systemic gender wage discrimination (described below), so are also pricing too low.

The problem with this, is that if many women are pricing low to write grants, and if we look at one another to see what the standard rate should be, that rate will be low. Then we all look at it and it looks normal and becomes the sucky industry standard.

And after doing some research on salary rates and female consultant pricing and a lot of personal development, I had some major epiphanies and a fantastic mindset change.

There are still very REAL systemic issues with gender gap pay

In the face of sexism, many women struggle to see the true value of our work and end up charging less because we don’t think we deserve more. In our guts we know we deserve it, but society has told us that we don’t deserve more than a man.

Society has told us that our priorities are having babies, cooking meals, cleaning up, and taking care of others. Now, I am fine with most of those things (except cooking and cleaning. Aargh).

I loved having my baby, volunteering for nonprofits, and spending time with family. There is nothing wrong with that. But it kind of leaves out all the other fun stuff I know I excel in. Like writing grants, securing millions of dollars for nonprofits, and earning an abundant income so I can enjoy life on my terms.

As Rachel Rodger states in her amazing book, We Should All Be Millionaires,

“Money isn’t everything, but it can solve a whole lot of problems – your own, your family’s, and the world’s.”

Here’s the thing. Women only got the right to vote 100 years ago in the United States. What?! Yep, for centuri...

]]> Now that is a fully loaded statement. But worth the heavily weighed explanation.

I have been going back and forth with other grant writers on this question of

“Do grant writers get paid less because most are female?”

and even down to

“Are grant writer rates high enough?”

Moreover, nearly every single female grant writer I know struggles with how to do her pricing and come up with rates that feel good.

In this article, I am going to break down some of the gender-specific on the grant writing industry. Some of these may surprise you because you have been living the life, thinking you only need to Google “Grant Writer Salary” and the Internet will get some ideal number that you can just throw onto your freelance grant writing website or in that grant writer salary description.

Here’s the thing. The most deafening question I get from my grant writing students is,

“How much should I charge for my grant writing skills?”

I am not going to give you a magic number in this article of what you should charge, but I think we first need to understand why we keep peering out into the information universe for this question instead of tuning inward.

Side note: Check out related articles on how to make decisions and understand what your value is as a freelance grant writer.

What I am going to share with you in this article should wake you up a bit and hopefully will ripple some change across this female-dominant landscape.

“If you are self-employed…you write your own paycheck. But the amount on the paycheck is pre-ordained long before it is actually inked. It begins with your price strategy. And that is preceded by your belief system about price.” ~ Dan Kennedy

A conversation that recently came up with Rachel Waterman, an amazing female grant writer, was a simple conversation about the grant writing pricing world, and it ended up being a type of conversation reminiscent of, “Is it the egg before the chicken or chicken before the egg?”

We were discussing that since grant writing is a heavily female-dominated industry could this be one contributing fact to why grant writer salaries are low and why freelance grant writer consultants get paid nominal wages compared to other money-related consultancies?

Well, this made me want to dive into this topic further and see what is going on with the pay rates for freelance grant writers.

Freelance Grant Writers Are Mostly Women

Yes, indeed, Rachel and are I correct in that grant writers (and freelance grant writers) are a mostly women. According to Zippia, 65.7% of employed grant writers in the United States in 2021 are women.

This is a whole lot. Now this statistic does reference employed grant writers vs. freelance grant writers, but chances are it’s about the same percent that transfer from employed grant writer into freelancing.

It might even be higher as students in my Freelance Grant Writing Master Course and Grant Professional Mentorship are primarily female.

I like being in an industry surrounded by women, however it also makes me a little hesitant when freelancer grant writers (or grant writers looking for a job) are seeing what other freelance grant writing consultants charge to get a baseline of what they should charge.

Why does this make me nervous?

Well, let’s go ahead and break down why I think looking at the marketplace might not be serving you when the field is dominated by female consultants.

No disrespect. Hear me out.

I will honestly point the finger at myself several years ago. Yes, that was me. I was not charging enough for my grant writing services. And if I felt that way, many other female grant writers are also suffering from systemic gender wage discrimination (described below), so are also pricing too low.

The problem with this, is that if many women are pricing low to write grants, and if we look at one another to see what the standard rate should be, that rate will be low. Then we all look at it and it looks normal and becomes the sucky industry standard.

And after doing some research on salary rates and female consultant pricing and a lot of personal development, I had some major epiphanies and a fantastic mindset change.

There are still very REAL systemic issues with gender gap pay

In the face of sexism, many women struggle to see the true value of our work and end up charging less because we don’t think we deserve more. In our guts we know we deserve it, but society has told us that we don’t deserve more than a man.

Society has told us that our priorities are having babies, cooking meals, cleaning up, and taking care of others. Now, I am fine with most of those things (except cooking and cleaning. Aargh).

I loved having my baby, volunteering for nonprofits, and spending time with family. There is nothing wrong with that. But it kind of leaves out all the other fun stuff I know I excel in. Like writing grants, securing millions of dollars for nonprofits, and earning an abundant income so I can enjoy life on my terms.

As Rachel Rodger states in her amazing book, We Should All Be Millionaires,

“Money isn’t everything, but it can solve a whole lot of problems – your own, your family’s, and the world’s.”

Here’s the thing. Women only got the right to vote 100 years ago in the United States. What?! Yep, for centuri...

]]> Thu, 23 Sep 2021 00:21:47 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1543 Now that is a fully loaded statement. But worth the heavily weighed explanation.

I have been going back and forth with other grant writers on this question of

“Do grant writers get paid less because most are female?”

and even down to

“Are grant writer rates high enough?”

Moreover, nearly every single female grant writer I know struggles with how to do her pricing and come up with rates that feel good.

In this article, I am going to break down some of the gender-specific on the grant writing industry. Some of these may surprise you because you have been living the life, thinking you only need to Google “Grant Writer Salary” and the Internet will get some ideal number that you can just throw onto your freelance grant writing website or in that grant writer salary description.

Here’s the thing. The most deafening question I get from my grant writing students is,

“How much should I charge for my grant writing skills?”

I am not going to give you a magic number in this article of what you should charge, but I think we first need to understand why we keep peering out into the information universe for this question instead of tuning inward.

Side note: Check out related articles on how to make decisions and understand what your value is as a freelance grant writer.

What I am going to share with you in this article should wake you up a bit and hopefully will ripple some change across this female-dominant landscape.

“If you are self-employed…you write your own paycheck. But the amount on the paycheck is pre-ordained long before it is actually inked. It begins with your price strategy. And that is preceded by your belief system about price.” ~ Dan Kennedy

A conversation that recently came up with Rachel Waterman, an amazing female grant writer, was a simple conversation about the grant writing pricing world, and it ended up being a type of conversation reminiscent of, “Is it the egg before the chicken or chicken before the egg?”

We were discussing that since grant writing is a heavily female-dominated industry could this be one contributing fact to why grant writer salaries are low and why freelance grant writer consultants get paid nominal wages compared to other money-related consultancies?

Well, this made me want to dive into this topic further and see what is going on with the pay rates for freelance grant writers.

Freelance Grant Writers Are Mostly Women

Yes, indeed, Rachel and are I correct in that grant writers (and freelance grant writers) are a mostly women. According to Zippia, 65.7% of employed grant writers in the United States in 2021 are women.

This is a whole lot. Now this statistic does reference employed grant writers vs. freelance grant writers, but chances are it’s about the same percent that transfer from employed grant writer into freelancing.

It might even be higher as students in my Freelance Grant Writing Master Course and Grant Professional Mentorship are primarily female.

I like being in an industry surrounded by women, however it also makes me a little hesitant when freelancer grant writers (or grant writers looking for a job) are seeing what other freelance grant writing consultants charge to get a baseline of what they should charge.

Why does this make me nervous?

Well, let’s go ahead and break down why I think looking at the marketplace might not be serving you when the field is dominated by female consultants.

No disrespect. Hear me out.

I will honestly point the finger at myself several years ago. Yes, that was me. I was not charging enough for my grant writing services. And if I felt that way, many other female grant writers are also suffering from systemic gender wage discrimination (described below), so are also pricing too low.

The problem with this, is that if many women are pricing low to write grants, and if we look at one another to see what the standard rate should be, that rate will be low. Then we all look at it and it looks normal and becomes the sucky industry standard.

And after doing some research on salary rates and female consultant pricing and a lot of personal development, I had some major epiphanies and a fantastic mindset change.

There are still very REAL systemic issues with gender gap pay

In the face of sexism, many women struggle to see the true value of our work and end up charging less because we don’t think we deserve more. In our guts we know we deserve it, but society has told us that we don’t deserve more than a man.

Society has told us that our priorities are having babies, cooking meals, cleaning up, and taking care of others. Now, I am fine with most of those things (except cooking and cleaning. Aargh).

I loved having my baby, volunteering for nonprofits, and spending time with family. There is nothing wrong with that. But it kind of leaves out all the other fun stuff I know I excel in. Like writing grants, securing millions of dollars for nonprofits, and earning an abundant income so I can enjoy life on my terms.

As Rachel Rodger states in her amazing book, We Should All Be Millionaires,

“Money isn’t everything, but it can solve a whole lot of problems – your own, your family’s, and the world’s.”

Here’s the thing. Women only got the right to vote 100 years ago in the United States. What?! Yep, for centuri...

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Leveraging The Power Of Celebrity to Fundraise for Your Nonprofit 186 186 Leveraging The Power Of Celebrity to Fundraise for Your Nonprofit full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1116081976 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-186-leveraging-the-power-of-celebrity-to-fundraise-for-your-nonprofit Let’s be real—we cover a lot in today’s episode, but we definitely dig into the nitty-gritty of how to leverage the power of celebrity to fundraise for your nonprofit.

And yes… we’ve all seen it before.

The starry eyes. The excitement. The moment a nonprofit drops a celebrity name and everything feels bigger, brighter, and full of possibility.

Why?

Because celebrities can bring massive visibility. They can leverage their audience to get more eyes—and support—on your nonprofit’s mission.

But here’s the real question:

Should that be your main strategy?
Should it be your only strategy?

Like any type of funding partnership, working with celebrities is still a partnership. That means there needs to be mutual value, aligned goals, and a clear strategy for success on both sides.

In this episode, Hollywood’s social impact experts Amy & Scott Malin share what it really takes to build meaningful celebrity partnerships—and how to do it right.

We also dive into their newest tech-for-good venture, the Trueheart social impact search engine, and discuss how nonprofits and grant professionals alike can better understand and communicate the value of their services.

If you’ve ever wondered how to strategically leverage influence for impact—this episode is for you.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Amy Malin and Scott Malin are Hollywood-based social impact experts and founders dedicated to helping purpose-driven organizations amplify their missions through strategic partnerships and innovative technology. With decades of experience at the intersection of entertainment, philanthropy, and social good, they have worked with major brands, nonprofits, and global campaigns to drive meaningful impact.

They are the creators of Trueheart, a social impact search engine designed to connect individuals and organizations with causes they care about, making it easier to take action and create change at scale.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Trueheart: https://trueheart.com/

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Let’s be real—we cover a lot in today’s episode, but we definitely dig into the nitty-gritty of how to leverage the power of celebrity to fundraise for your nonprofit.

And yes… we’ve all seen it before.

The starry eyes. The excitement. The moment a nonprofit drops a celebrity name and everything feels bigger, brighter, and full of possibility.

Why?

Because celebrities can bring massive visibility. They can leverage their audience to get more eyes—and support—on your nonprofit’s mission.

But here’s the real question:

Should that be your main strategy?
Should it be your only strategy?

Like any type of funding partnership, working with celebrities is still a partnership. That means there needs to be mutual value, aligned goals, and a clear strategy for success on both sides.

In this episode, Hollywood’s social impact experts Amy & Scott Malin share what it really takes to build meaningful celebrity partnerships—and how to do it right.

We also dive into their newest tech-for-good venture, the Trueheart social impact search engine, and discuss how nonprofits and grant professionals alike can better understand and communicate the value of their services.

If you’ve ever wondered how to strategically leverage influence for impact—this episode is for you.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Amy Malin and Scott Malin are Hollywood-based social impact experts and founders dedicated to helping purpose-driven organizations amplify their missions through strategic partnerships and innovative technology. With decades of experience at the intersection of entertainment, philanthropy, and social good, they have worked with major brands, nonprofits, and global campaigns to drive meaningful impact.

They are the creators of Trueheart, a social impact search engine designed to connect individuals and organizations with causes they care about, making it easier to take action and create change at scale.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Trueheart: https://trueheart.com/

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 07 Sep 2021 05:00:06 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 5919 Let’s be real—we cover a lot in today’s episode, but we definitely dig into the nitty-gritty of how to leverage the power of celebrity to fundraise for your nonprofit.

And yes… we’ve all seen it before.

The starry eyes. The excitement. The moment a nonprofit drops a celebrity name and everything feels bigger, brighter, and full of possibility.

Why?

Because celebrities can bring massive visibility. They can leverage their audience to get more eyes—and support—on your nonprofit’s mission.

But here’s the real question:

Should that be your main strategy?
Should it be your only strategy?

Like any type of funding partnership, working with celebrities is still a partnership. That means there needs to be mutual value, aligned goals, and a clear strategy for success on both sides.

In this episode, Hollywood’s social impact experts Amy & Scott Malin share what it really takes to build meaningful celebrity partnerships—and how to do it right.

We also dive into their newest tech-for-good venture, the Trueheart social impact search engine, and discuss how nonprofits and grant professionals alike can better understand and communicate the value of their services.

If you’ve ever wondered how to strategically leverage influence for impact—this episode is for you.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Amy Malin and Scott Malin are Hollywood-based social impact experts and founders dedicated to helping purpose-driven organizations amplify their missions through strategic partnerships and innovative technology. With decades of experience at the intersection of entertainment, philanthropy, and social good, they have worked with major brands, nonprofits, and global campaigns to drive meaningful impact.

They are the creators of Trueheart, a social impact search engine designed to connect individuals and organizations with causes they care about, making it easier to take action and create change at scale.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Trueheart: https://trueheart.com/

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Online Marketing For Nonprofits in the New Normal 185 185 Online Marketing For Nonprofits in the New Normal full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1116051238 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-185-online-marketing-for-nonprofits-in-the-new-normal In 2020, nonprofit organizations experienced a major shift toward online and digital fundraising. What began as a rapid push to “get online” during the early days of COVID-19 has now evolved into a bigger question: are nonprofits truly optimizing their digital marketing strategies to advance their missions?

In this replay episode, Brady Josephson from the NextAfter Institute joins us to break down online marketing for nonprofits—from increasing digital trends and using authentic, focused messaging to implementing data-informed fundraising strategies. We also explore counterintuitive fundraising practices, the role of data collection through donations, key differences between email marketing and social media, and the foundational elements every nonprofit needs to succeed in digital fundraising.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Brady Josephson is a leader at the NextAfter Institute, where he helps nonprofit organizations grow their fundraising through research-driven digital marketing strategies. He is known for challenging conventional fundraising practices and helping organizations implement data-informed approaches to increase impact.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> In 2020, nonprofit organizations experienced a major shift toward online and digital fundraising. What began as a rapid push to “get online” during the early days of COVID-19 has now evolved into a bigger question: are nonprofits truly optimizing their digital marketing strategies to advance their missions?

In this replay episode, Brady Josephson from the NextAfter Institute joins us to break down online marketing for nonprofits—from increasing digital trends and using authentic, focused messaging to implementing data-informed fundraising strategies. We also explore counterintuitive fundraising practices, the role of data collection through donations, key differences between email marketing and social media, and the foundational elements every nonprofit needs to succeed in digital fundraising.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Brady Josephson is a leader at the NextAfter Institute, where he helps nonprofit organizations grow their fundraising through research-driven digital marketing strategies. He is known for challenging conventional fundraising practices and helping organizations implement data-informed approaches to increase impact.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Mon, 30 Aug 2021 23:49:44 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 3152 In 2020, nonprofit organizations experienced a major shift toward online and digital fundraising. What began as a rapid push to “get online” during the early days of COVID-19 has now evolved into a bigger question: are nonprofits truly optimizing their digital marketing strategies to advance their missions?

In this replay episode, Brady Josephson from the NextAfter Institute joins us to break down online marketing for nonprofits—from increasing digital trends and using authentic, focused messaging to implementing data-informed fundraising strategies. We also explore counterintuitive fundraising practices, the role of data collection through donations, key differences between email marketing and social media, and the foundational elements every nonprofit needs to succeed in digital fundraising.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Brady Josephson is a leader at the NextAfter Institute, where he helps nonprofit organizations grow their fundraising through research-driven digital marketing strategies. He is known for challenging conventional fundraising practices and helping organizations implement data-informed approaches to increase impact.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Why & How You Should Start a Cause Movement for What You are Passionate About 184 184 Why & How You Should Start a Cause Movement for What You are Passionate About full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1084272079 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-184-why-how-you-should-start-a-cause-movement-for-what-you-are-passionate-about Starting a nonprofit isn’t the only way to make an impact. There are so many ways to support a cause you care about—whether that’s volunteering, donating, or even organizing something as simple as a local cleanup.

But what happens when your passion pushes you to go deeper?

In this episode, we explore how you can turn that passion into a movement—without necessarily creating a nonprofit organization. Joining me is Rebecca Soriano, who shares how her passion for mental health led her to create a powerful movement called Roar to Soar. Through her medical billing business, Rebecca has long supported mental health providers. 

But during the pandemic, like many of us, she experienced isolation—and turned to writing handwritten letters as a way to cope. What started as a personal practice quickly grew into something much bigger. 

After seeing the impact her letters had, Rebecca began offering to send them to others who felt isolated—and the response was overwhelming, with 40+ requests per day. From there, the movement expanded to include writing letters to incarcerated individuals, building meaningful human connections in unexpected ways.

This episode is a beautiful reminder that movements don’t always start with big organizations—they start with heart, intention, and action.

If you’ve been feeling called to create something meaningful, this conversation will inspire you to take that next step.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Rebecca Soriano is the founder of the Roar to Soar movement, an initiative dedicated to spreading connection, hope, and mental health support through handwritten letters. With a professional background in medical billing, she works closely with mental health providers and brings a deep understanding of the importance of emotional well-being.

Through Roar to Soar, Rebecca has created a growing community centered on human connection—reaching individuals experiencing isolation, including incarcerated populations, and inspiring others to take simple yet powerful action for social good.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Starting a nonprofit isn’t the only way to make an impact. There are so many ways to support a cause you care about—whether that’s volunteering, donating, or even organizing something as simple as a local cleanup.

But what happens when your passion pushes you to go deeper?

In this episode, we explore how you can turn that passion into a movement—without necessarily creating a nonprofit organization. Joining me is Rebecca Soriano, who shares how her passion for mental health led her to create a powerful movement called Roar to Soar. Through her medical billing business, Rebecca has long supported mental health providers. 

But during the pandemic, like many of us, she experienced isolation—and turned to writing handwritten letters as a way to cope. What started as a personal practice quickly grew into something much bigger. 

After seeing the impact her letters had, Rebecca began offering to send them to others who felt isolated—and the response was overwhelming, with 40+ requests per day. From there, the movement expanded to include writing letters to incarcerated individuals, building meaningful human connections in unexpected ways.

This episode is a beautiful reminder that movements don’t always start with big organizations—they start with heart, intention, and action.

If you’ve been feeling called to create something meaningful, this conversation will inspire you to take that next step.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Rebecca Soriano is the founder of the Roar to Soar movement, an initiative dedicated to spreading connection, hope, and mental health support through handwritten letters. With a professional background in medical billing, she works closely with mental health providers and brings a deep understanding of the importance of emotional well-being.

Through Roar to Soar, Rebecca has created a growing community centered on human connection—reaching individuals experiencing isolation, including incarcerated populations, and inspiring others to take simple yet powerful action for social good.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 17 Aug 2021 03:29:54 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2266 Starting a nonprofit isn’t the only way to make an impact. There are so many ways to support a cause you care about—whether that’s volunteering, donating, or even organizing something as simple as a local cleanup.

But what happens when your passion pushes you to go deeper?

In this episode, we explore how you can turn that passion into a movement—without necessarily creating a nonprofit organization. Joining me is Rebecca Soriano, who shares how her passion for mental health led her to create a powerful movement called Roar to Soar. Through her medical billing business, Rebecca has long supported mental health providers. 

But during the pandemic, like many of us, she experienced isolation—and turned to writing handwritten letters as a way to cope. What started as a personal practice quickly grew into something much bigger. 

After seeing the impact her letters had, Rebecca began offering to send them to others who felt isolated—and the response was overwhelming, with 40+ requests per day. From there, the movement expanded to include writing letters to incarcerated individuals, building meaningful human connections in unexpected ways.

This episode is a beautiful reminder that movements don’t always start with big organizations—they start with heart, intention, and action.

If you’ve been feeling called to create something meaningful, this conversation will inspire you to take that next step.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Rebecca Soriano is the founder of the Roar to Soar movement, an initiative dedicated to spreading connection, hope, and mental health support through handwritten letters. With a professional background in medical billing, she works closely with mental health providers and brings a deep understanding of the importance of emotional well-being.

Through Roar to Soar, Rebecca has created a growing community centered on human connection—reaching individuals experiencing isolation, including incarcerated populations, and inspiring others to take simple yet powerful action for social good.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No The Grant Writing Coach Tells All on Going from Biologist to Grant Professional 183 183 The Grant Writing Coach Tells All on Going from Biologist to Grant Professional full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1083031054 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/the-grant-writing-coach-tells-all-on-going-from-biologist-to-grant-professional You weren’t an English major or Public Administration major? No worries. You don’t have to have been a writer all  your life to transition into grant writing and to become a grant professional.

In this podcast, Sheleia Phillips tells all on how she has gone from biologist to grant professional… all from the suggestion during an internship.

This literally turned her life around as she realized she could apply her background in research papers and evidence-based practices to writing a grant. She then found out she loves grant writing as has pivoted her career!

What We Discuss about Being a Grant Professional:

  • Sheleia’s transition into grant writing
  • Why becoming a federal grant reviewer is important
  • Why she offers a hybrid of services to nonprofits
  • Nonprofit common challenges (and solutions!)
  • How to say no to too much work
  • How to set up a referral network

About Sheleia Phillips, the Grant Professional

Sheleia Phillips MPH, CHES is the Founder and Principal Consultant of SMP Nonprofit Consulting, a firm commitment to helping nonprofits raise money through grants and sustainable funding since 2018. A servant leader, Sheleia has dedicated herself to the growth and development of nonprofits for the past ten years. Sheleia has secured nearly $2 million in grant awards for youth development, education, and health programs through her work as a Grant Writer and Fund Development Consultant.

Sheleia holds a Master of Public Health with an emphasis on Maternal and Child Health from Saint Louis University and a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences with a minor in Chemistry from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. She is equipped with advanced training in public health, program development, and public policy.

Her expertise spans collaborating and leading a variety of maternal and child health, mental health, recidivism prevention, and education projects. Sheleia is also a grant reviewer for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

A Bank of America Emerging Leaders alum, Sheleia believes that nonprofits are essential to creating the change we all want to see. She has a deep passion for people and helping community organizations succeed with excellence and integrity. Sheleia motivates others with her can-do attitude, enthusiasm, and positive personality

Related Links:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> You weren’t an English major or Public Administration major? No worries. You don’t have to have been a writer all  your life to transition into grant writing and to become a grant professional.

In this podcast, Sheleia Phillips tells all on how she has gone from biologist to grant professional… all from the suggestion during an internship.

This literally turned her life around as she realized she could apply her background in research papers and evidence-based practices to writing a grant. She then found out she loves grant writing as has pivoted her career!

What We Discuss about Being a Grant Professional:

  • Sheleia’s transition into grant writing
  • Why becoming a federal grant reviewer is important
  • Why she offers a hybrid of services to nonprofits
  • Nonprofit common challenges (and solutions!)
  • How to say no to too much work
  • How to set up a referral network

About Sheleia Phillips, the Grant Professional

Sheleia Phillips MPH, CHES is the Founder and Principal Consultant of SMP Nonprofit Consulting, a firm commitment to helping nonprofits raise money through grants and sustainable funding since 2018. A servant leader, Sheleia has dedicated herself to the growth and development of nonprofits for the past ten years. Sheleia has secured nearly $2 million in grant awards for youth development, education, and health programs through her work as a Grant Writer and Fund Development Consultant.

Sheleia holds a Master of Public Health with an emphasis on Maternal and Child Health from Saint Louis University and a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences with a minor in Chemistry from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. She is equipped with advanced training in public health, program development, and public policy.

Her expertise spans collaborating and leading a variety of maternal and child health, mental health, recidivism prevention, and education projects. Sheleia is also a grant reviewer for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

A Bank of America Emerging Leaders alum, Sheleia believes that nonprofits are essential to creating the change we all want to see. She has a deep passion for people and helping community organizations succeed with excellence and integrity. Sheleia motivates others with her can-do attitude, enthusiasm, and positive personality

Related Links:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 10 Aug 2021 06:01:16 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 3299 You weren’t an English major or Public Administration major? No worries. You don’t have to have been a writer all  your life to transition into grant writing and to become a grant professional.

In this podcast, Sheleia Phillips tells all on how she has gone from biologist to grant professional… all from the suggestion during an internship.

This literally turned her life around as she realized she could apply her background in research papers and evidence-based practices to writing a grant. She then found out she loves grant writing as has pivoted her career!

What We Discuss about Being a Grant Professional:

  • Sheleia’s transition into grant writing
  • Why becoming a federal grant reviewer is important
  • Why she offers a hybrid of services to nonprofits
  • Nonprofit common challenges (and solutions!)
  • How to say no to too much work
  • How to set up a referral network

About Sheleia Phillips, the Grant Professional

Sheleia Phillips MPH, CHES is the Founder and Principal Consultant of SMP Nonprofit Consulting, a firm commitment to helping nonprofits raise money through grants and sustainable funding since 2018. A servant leader, Sheleia has dedicated herself to the growth and development of nonprofits for the past ten years. Sheleia has secured nearly $2 million in grant awards for youth development, education, and health programs through her work as a Grant Writer and Fund Development Consultant.

Sheleia holds a Master of Public Health with an emphasis on Maternal and Child Health from Saint Louis University and a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences with a minor in Chemistry from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. She is equipped with advanced training in public health, program development, and public policy.

Her expertise spans collaborating and leading a variety of maternal and child health, mental health, recidivism prevention, and education projects. Sheleia is also a grant reviewer for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

A Bank of America Emerging Leaders alum, Sheleia believes that nonprofits are essential to creating the change we all want to see. She has a deep passion for people and helping community organizations succeed with excellence and integrity. Sheleia motivates others with her can-do attitude, enthusiasm, and positive personality

Related Links:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No How to Save Time in Your Nonprofit & Grant Business with the Impact Method 182 182 How to Save Time in Your Nonprofit & Grant Business with the Impact Method full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1083018241 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-182-how-to-save-time-in-your-nonprofit-grant-business-with-the-impact-method In this week’s episode, special guest Sarah Olivieri joins us to break down her powerful Impact Method—and how it can be used by both nonprofits and freelance grant writers to create more effective, sustainable organizations.

If you’ve been looking for a clear blueprint to better manage your time, increase your capacity, and grow your impact, this episode delivers exactly that.

Sarah walks us through what the Impact Method is and how it helps organizations move from overwhelm to clarity by focusing on what truly matters. We also dive into what “capacity” really means for nonprofits and how to build it in a way that supports long-term success.

In this conversation, you’ll learn how to create an effective operational blueprint, reclaim your time, build accountability into your systems, and delegate more effectively so you’re not doing everything on your own.

If you’re ready to streamline your work, scale your impact, and lead with more intention, this episode is a must-listen.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Sarah Olivieri is a nonprofit strategist, consultant, and founder of PivotGround, where she helps nonprofit leaders build sustainable, high-impact organizations. She is the creator of the Impact Method, a framework designed to help nonprofits increase their capacity, improve operations, and achieve greater results without burnout.

Sarah is passionate about helping leaders simplify their work, focus on what matters most, and create systems that support long-term growth and mission success.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> In this week’s episode, special guest Sarah Olivieri joins us to break down her powerful Impact Method—and how it can be used by both nonprofits and freelance grant writers to create more effective, sustainable organizations.

If you’ve been looking for a clear blueprint to better manage your time, increase your capacity, and grow your impact, this episode delivers exactly that.

Sarah walks us through what the Impact Method is and how it helps organizations move from overwhelm to clarity by focusing on what truly matters. We also dive into what “capacity” really means for nonprofits and how to build it in a way that supports long-term success.

In this conversation, you’ll learn how to create an effective operational blueprint, reclaim your time, build accountability into your systems, and delegate more effectively so you’re not doing everything on your own.

If you’re ready to streamline your work, scale your impact, and lead with more intention, this episode is a must-listen.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Sarah Olivieri is a nonprofit strategist, consultant, and founder of PivotGround, where she helps nonprofit leaders build sustainable, high-impact organizations. She is the creator of the Impact Method, a framework designed to help nonprofits increase their capacity, improve operations, and achieve greater results without burnout.

Sarah is passionate about helping leaders simplify their work, focus on what matters most, and create systems that support long-term growth and mission success.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 03 Aug 2021 18:19:54 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2222 In this week’s episode, special guest Sarah Olivieri joins us to break down her powerful Impact Method—and how it can be used by both nonprofits and freelance grant writers to create more effective, sustainable organizations.

If you’ve been looking for a clear blueprint to better manage your time, increase your capacity, and grow your impact, this episode delivers exactly that.

Sarah walks us through what the Impact Method is and how it helps organizations move from overwhelm to clarity by focusing on what truly matters. We also dive into what “capacity” really means for nonprofits and how to build it in a way that supports long-term success.

In this conversation, you’ll learn how to create an effective operational blueprint, reclaim your time, build accountability into your systems, and delegate more effectively so you’re not doing everything on your own.

If you’re ready to streamline your work, scale your impact, and lead with more intention, this episode is a must-listen.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Sarah Olivieri is a nonprofit strategist, consultant, and founder of PivotGround, where she helps nonprofit leaders build sustainable, high-impact organizations. She is the creator of the Impact Method, a framework designed to help nonprofits increase their capacity, improve operations, and achieve greater results without burnout.

Sarah is passionate about helping leaders simplify their work, focus on what matters most, and create systems that support long-term growth and mission success.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No How to Take Time Off from Your Nonprofit or Grant Writing Business 181 181 How to Take Time Off from Your Nonprofit or Grant Writing Business full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1083002722 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/how-to-take-time-off-from-your-nonprofit-or-grant-writing-business It’s officially knee deep into summer. Are you enjoying the popsicles, sparklers, and giggles with the family or are you stuck in the grind? In this article (or feel free to listen to the podcast), I go behind-the-scenes to explain why and how you should take time off your grant writing business or nonprofit.

Maybe July is a super busy month because you have grants due, a nonprofit fundraiser, or more.

Yet. A summer sabbatical, two-week break, or maybe even a year abroad sojourn could be exactly what makes sense for you in your nonprofit or grant writing business right now. ​Even if you are busy beyond busy because let’s face it, every month becomes the busiest month ever. No light at the end of that tunnel.

I’ve been hearing the term ‘sabbatical’ thrown around in entrepreneur groups. No longer is this term only whispered in the halls of academia.

This actual term of sabbatical is defined according to Merriam-Webster dictionary as:

noun

  1. a period of paid leave granted to a university teacher or other worker for study or travel, traditionally one year for every seven years worked.”she’s away on sabbatical“

adjective

  1. 1.relating to a sabbatical.”sabbatical leave”
  2. 2.ARCHAICof or appropriate to the sabbath.

So, yes, this is way more of an academia term yet also includes a nod to some thing sacred. Pretty cool, huh?

What is also interesting as most entrepreneurs and grant writers use this term as paid time away. This might mean having saved up funds for this particular time off or maybe they are generating passive income. For nonprofit leaders, the time I am talking about taking off is also paid time away.

Because, let’s face it. Taking time to recharge isn’t so relaxing when you’re not getting paid.

When to Take Time Off Your Grant Writing Business

Well, there are several different ideas of this.

1) Forced to take off time from your grant writing business or nonprofit

The most common is to take off time from your grant writing business or nonprofit when you are so burned out that you literally can’t function. Usually this type of  ‘time off’ includes sleeping for days of end (forget the Konmari you planned on doing with your break this year or trips to the beach) all the way to a possible hospital rest (yes, my first grant writing boss actually had a heart attack in his 30s).

This is a dangerous place to be, however the good ole American work ethic and literally work people to death. Not that good after all, huh?

2) Take Time Off Your Grant Writing Business After a Heavy Workload

The next most common practice is to schedule time off after an intense workload period. So possibly after a huge fundraiser or long grant season. You know you will need a break so you schedule time off in advance for after that intense period of working. Let’s be real, sometimes the intense periods need to be had. But by this time you are so burned out that the two days off (or week off) isn’t nearly enough.

Literally, your schedule time off from your grant writing business or nonprofit could also be like #1 (sleeping for days on end or ending up in the hospital).

3) Take Time Off Your Grant Writing Business Before You Get Burned Out

The least common but most effective. Schedule time off from your grant writing business or nonprofit before you get burned out. Seems pretty simple, but so many people feel guilty for doing this!

Imagine this: You take off time before the crazy intense period so you can feel fresh and 100% during those times and don’t require a 7-day Netflix binge with pizza every night just to feel semi-normal. How much more productive and less intense would those periods feel?

While looking at this in my own life and grant writing business, I realized that I need to be operating on #3  A LOT more. I need to schedule time off in advance from my grant writing business. I am a very classic A type personality and going, going, going is my game. But I often find myself operating in the #2 (or sometimes #1) phase and it is not a pretty place to be!

What I believe I will start incorporating into my life – at the very least – is taking off three months a year minimum. Let’s face it, around the Christmas holidays and during summer I want to spend time with my daughter as she is out of school. Then I want a month to recalibrate and focus on things that light me up! I know that by doing this I will be so, so much more present and energetic for my freelance grant writing mentees and course customers.

In this podcast, I go behind the scenes of how I was able to take off my ‘summer sabbatical’ and set up systems where my brand still continues but I get to take off time with my family!

This system can be replicated :)

Think about what phase (1, 2, or 3) you resonate with and how you can start to operate more in #3 to take time off your grant writing business.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

]]> It’s officially knee deep into summer. Are you enjoying the popsicles, sparklers, and giggles with the family or are you stuck in the grind? In this article (or feel free to listen to the podcast), I go behind-the-scenes to explain why and how you should take time off your grant writing business or nonprofit.

Maybe July is a super busy month because you have grants due, a nonprofit fundraiser, or more.

Yet. A summer sabbatical, two-week break, or maybe even a year abroad sojourn could be exactly what makes sense for you in your nonprofit or grant writing business right now. ​Even if you are busy beyond busy because let’s face it, every month becomes the busiest month ever. No light at the end of that tunnel.

I’ve been hearing the term ‘sabbatical’ thrown around in entrepreneur groups. No longer is this term only whispered in the halls of academia.

This actual term of sabbatical is defined according to Merriam-Webster dictionary as:

noun

  1. a period of paid leave granted to a university teacher or other worker for study or travel, traditionally one year for every seven years worked.”she’s away on sabbatical“

adjective

  1. 1.relating to a sabbatical.”sabbatical leave”
  2. 2.ARCHAICof or appropriate to the sabbath.

So, yes, this is way more of an academia term yet also includes a nod to some thing sacred. Pretty cool, huh?

What is also interesting as most entrepreneurs and grant writers use this term as paid time away. This might mean having saved up funds for this particular time off or maybe they are generating passive income. For nonprofit leaders, the time I am talking about taking off is also paid time away.

Because, let’s face it. Taking time to recharge isn’t so relaxing when you’re not getting paid.

When to Take Time Off Your Grant Writing Business

Well, there are several different ideas of this.

1) Forced to take off time from your grant writing business or nonprofit

The most common is to take off time from your grant writing business or nonprofit when you are so burned out that you literally can’t function. Usually this type of  ‘time off’ includes sleeping for days of end (forget the Konmari you planned on doing with your break this year or trips to the beach) all the way to a possible hospital rest (yes, my first grant writing boss actually had a heart attack in his 30s).

This is a dangerous place to be, however the good ole American work ethic and literally work people to death. Not that good after all, huh?

2) Take Time Off Your Grant Writing Business After a Heavy Workload

The next most common practice is to schedule time off after an intense workload period. So possibly after a huge fundraiser or long grant season. You know you will need a break so you schedule time off in advance for after that intense period of working. Let’s be real, sometimes the intense periods need to be had. But by this time you are so burned out that the two days off (or week off) isn’t nearly enough.

Literally, your schedule time off from your grant writing business or nonprofit could also be like #1 (sleeping for days on end or ending up in the hospital).

3) Take Time Off Your Grant Writing Business Before You Get Burned Out

The least common but most effective. Schedule time off from your grant writing business or nonprofit before you get burned out. Seems pretty simple, but so many people feel guilty for doing this!

Imagine this: You take off time before the crazy intense period so you can feel fresh and 100% during those times and don’t require a 7-day Netflix binge with pizza every night just to feel semi-normal. How much more productive and less intense would those periods feel?

While looking at this in my own life and grant writing business, I realized that I need to be operating on #3  A LOT more. I need to schedule time off in advance from my grant writing business. I am a very classic A type personality and going, going, going is my game. But I often find myself operating in the #2 (or sometimes #1) phase and it is not a pretty place to be!

What I believe I will start incorporating into my life – at the very least – is taking off three months a year minimum. Let’s face it, around the Christmas holidays and during summer I want to spend time with my daughter as she is out of school. Then I want a month to recalibrate and focus on things that light me up! I know that by doing this I will be so, so much more present and energetic for my freelance grant writing mentees and course customers.

In this podcast, I go behind the scenes of how I was able to take off my ‘summer sabbatical’ and set up systems where my brand still continues but I get to take off time with my family!

This system can be replicated :)

Think about what phase (1, 2, or 3) you resonate with and how you can start to operate more in #3 to take time off your grant writing business.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

]]> Tue, 27 Jul 2021 20:00:01 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1391 It’s officially knee deep into summer. Are you enjoying the popsicles, sparklers, and giggles with the family or are you stuck in the grind? In this article (or feel free to listen to the podcast), I go behind-the-scenes to explain why and how you should take time off your grant writing business or nonprofit.

Maybe July is a super busy month because you have grants due, a nonprofit fundraiser, or more.

Yet. A summer sabbatical, two-week break, or maybe even a year abroad sojourn could be exactly what makes sense for you in your nonprofit or grant writing business right now. ​Even if you are busy beyond busy because let’s face it, every month becomes the busiest month ever. No light at the end of that tunnel.

I’ve been hearing the term ‘sabbatical’ thrown around in entrepreneur groups. No longer is this term only whispered in the halls of academia.

This actual term of sabbatical is defined according to Merriam-Webster dictionary as:

noun

  1. a period of paid leave granted to a university teacher or other worker for study or travel, traditionally one year for every seven years worked.”she’s away on sabbatical“

adjective

  1. 1.relating to a sabbatical.”sabbatical leave”
  2. 2.ARCHAICof or appropriate to the sabbath.

So, yes, this is way more of an academia term yet also includes a nod to some thing sacred. Pretty cool, huh?

What is also interesting as most entrepreneurs and grant writers use this term as paid time away. This might mean having saved up funds for this particular time off or maybe they are generating passive income. For nonprofit leaders, the time I am talking about taking off is also paid time away.

Because, let’s face it. Taking time to recharge isn’t so relaxing when you’re not getting paid.

When to Take Time Off Your Grant Writing Business

Well, there are several different ideas of this.

1) Forced to take off time from your grant writing business or nonprofit

The most common is to take off time from your grant writing business or nonprofit when you are so burned out that you literally can’t function. Usually this type of  ‘time off’ includes sleeping for days of end (forget the Konmari you planned on doing with your break this year or trips to the beach) all the way to a possible hospital rest (yes, my first grant writing boss actually had a heart attack in his 30s).

This is a dangerous place to be, however the good ole American work ethic and literally work people to death. Not that good after all, huh?

2) Take Time Off Your Grant Writing Business After a Heavy Workload

The next most common practice is to schedule time off after an intense workload period. So possibly after a huge fundraiser or long grant season. You know you will need a break so you schedule time off in advance for after that intense period of working. Let’s be real, sometimes the intense periods need to be had. But by this time you are so burned out that the two days off (or week off) isn’t nearly enough.

Literally, your schedule time off from your grant writing business or nonprofit could also be like #1 (sleeping for days on end or ending up in the hospital).

3) Take Time Off Your Grant Writing Business Before You Get Burned Out

The least common but most effective. Schedule time off from your grant writing business or nonprofit before you get burned out. Seems pretty simple, but so many people feel guilty for doing this!

Imagine this: You take off time before the crazy intense period so you can feel fresh and 100% during those times and don’t require a 7-day Netflix binge with pizza every night just to feel semi-normal. How much more productive and less intense would those periods feel?

While looking at this in my own life and grant writing business, I realized that I need to be operating on #3  A LOT more. I need to schedule time off in advance from my grant writing business. I am a very classic A type personality and going, going, going is my game. But I often find myself operating in the #2 (or sometimes #1) phase and it is not a pretty place to be!

What I believe I will start incorporating into my life – at the very least – is taking off three months a year minimum. Let’s face it, around the Christmas holidays and during summer I want to spend time with my daughter as she is out of school. Then I want a month to recalibrate and focus on things that light me up! I know that by doing this I will be so, so much more present and energetic for my freelance grant writing mentees and course customers.

In this podcast, I go behind the scenes of how I was able to take off my ‘summer sabbatical’ and set up systems where my brand still continues but I get to take off time with my family!

This system can be replicated :)

Think about what phase (1, 2, or 3) you resonate with and how you can start to operate more in #3 to take time off your grant writing business.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Why You Should Stop Asking Your Board to Fundraise and Why Donors Rock 180 180 Why You Should Stop Asking Your Board to Fundraise and Why Donors Rock full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1082961736 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/180-why-you-should-stop-asking-your-board-to-fundraise-and-why-donors-rock Wait… should you stop asking your board to fundraise? It might sound a little counterintuitive—but in this episode, Sarah Olivieri breaks down a fresh perspective that might completely shift how you think about fundraising. We explore why relying on your board for fundraising may not always be the most effective strategy, and how creating a dedicated fundraising structure—like a committee—can allow your board to focus on governance and leadership instead. 

At the same time, we dive into why donors truly “rock” and how nonprofits can better engage them, including why many donors actually prefer giving unrestricted funds. Sarah also shares practical strategies for building a strong donor base (including how to get your first 150 donors), where to find aligned supporters, and how to simplify your approach—sometimes without needing complex tools like CRMs or heavy social media strategies. 

Plus, we discuss creative ways to think about messaging and donor engagement—even borrowing concepts from industries like weight loss marketing to better connect with your audience.


If you’re ready to rethink your fundraising strategy and build stronger donor relationships, this episode will open your eyes to new possibilities.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Sarah Olivieri is a nonprofit strategist, consultant, and founder of PivotGround, where she helps nonprofit leaders build sustainable, high-impact organizations. She is the creator of the Impact Method, a framework designed to help nonprofits increase their capacity, improve operations, and achieve greater results without burnout.

Sarah specializes in helping organizations simplify their strategies, strengthen donor relationships, and build systems that support long-term growth and mission success.

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Wait… should you stop asking your board to fundraise? It might sound a little counterintuitive—but in this episode, Sarah Olivieri breaks down a fresh perspective that might completely shift how you think about fundraising. We explore why relying on your board for fundraising may not always be the most effective strategy, and how creating a dedicated fundraising structure—like a committee—can allow your board to focus on governance and leadership instead. 

At the same time, we dive into why donors truly “rock” and how nonprofits can better engage them, including why many donors actually prefer giving unrestricted funds. Sarah also shares practical strategies for building a strong donor base (including how to get your first 150 donors), where to find aligned supporters, and how to simplify your approach—sometimes without needing complex tools like CRMs or heavy social media strategies. 

Plus, we discuss creative ways to think about messaging and donor engagement—even borrowing concepts from industries like weight loss marketing to better connect with your audience.


If you’re ready to rethink your fundraising strategy and build stronger donor relationships, this episode will open your eyes to new possibilities.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Sarah Olivieri is a nonprofit strategist, consultant, and founder of PivotGround, where she helps nonprofit leaders build sustainable, high-impact organizations. She is the creator of the Impact Method, a framework designed to help nonprofits increase their capacity, improve operations, and achieve greater results without burnout.

Sarah specializes in helping organizations simplify their strategies, strengthen donor relationships, and build systems that support long-term growth and mission success.

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 20 Jul 2021 19:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2675 Wait… should you stop asking your board to fundraise? It might sound a little counterintuitive—but in this episode, Sarah Olivieri breaks down a fresh perspective that might completely shift how you think about fundraising. We explore why relying on your board for fundraising may not always be the most effective strategy, and how creating a dedicated fundraising structure—like a committee—can allow your board to focus on governance and leadership instead. 

At the same time, we dive into why donors truly “rock” and how nonprofits can better engage them, including why many donors actually prefer giving unrestricted funds. Sarah also shares practical strategies for building a strong donor base (including how to get your first 150 donors), where to find aligned supporters, and how to simplify your approach—sometimes without needing complex tools like CRMs or heavy social media strategies. 

Plus, we discuss creative ways to think about messaging and donor engagement—even borrowing concepts from industries like weight loss marketing to better connect with your audience.


If you’re ready to rethink your fundraising strategy and build stronger donor relationships, this episode will open your eyes to new possibilities.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Sarah Olivieri is a nonprofit strategist, consultant, and founder of PivotGround, where she helps nonprofit leaders build sustainable, high-impact organizations. She is the creator of the Impact Method, a framework designed to help nonprofits increase their capacity, improve operations, and achieve greater results without burnout.

Sarah specializes in helping organizations simplify their strategies, strengthen donor relationships, and build systems that support long-term growth and mission success.

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No How Nonprofits Get Funding from Grants, Fundraisers, and Donors 179 179 How Nonprofits Get Funding from Grants, Fundraisers, and Donors full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1082943511 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-179-how-nonprofits-get-funding-from-grants-fundraisers-and-donors For a nonprofit organization to truly thrive, it needs a healthy mix of funding—from grants and fundraisers to donors, services, and beyond. Relying on just one source, especially grants alone, can put your organization at risk. So, what does a balanced funding strategy actually look like?

If your nonprofit is struggling financially, or if you find yourself relying only on grants or only on fundraising, this episode is a must-listen.

Joining me again on the Grant Writing & Funding podcast is the incredible Dr. Beverly Browning—woot-woot!

In this episode, we dive into how nonprofits can build a more sustainable funding model by engaging their board of directors in financial contributions, implementing simple and consistent fundraising strategies (including monthly fundraisers that aren’t overwhelming), and increasing credibility through platforms like GuideStar.org.

We also explore practical ways to secure startup funding, how organizations can raise $40,000+ within a year, and why your funding strategy should never rely on just one stream. Plus, we discuss how social media plays a powerful role in amplifying your fundraising and funding opportunities.

If you’re a nonprofit leader, board member, or freelance grant writer looking to expand your impact—this episode is packed with actionable insights.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Dr. Beverly A. Browning is a nationally recognized grant writing expert, author, and trainer with decades of experience helping nonprofits secure funding and build sustainable programs. She is the author of multiple books on grant writing, including Grant Writing for Dummies, and has trained thousands of nonprofit professionals across the United States.

Dr. Browning specializes in helping nonprofits develop diversified funding strategies, combining grants, fundraising, and donor engagement to create long-term financial stability.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> For a nonprofit organization to truly thrive, it needs a healthy mix of funding—from grants and fundraisers to donors, services, and beyond. Relying on just one source, especially grants alone, can put your organization at risk. So, what does a balanced funding strategy actually look like?

If your nonprofit is struggling financially, or if you find yourself relying only on grants or only on fundraising, this episode is a must-listen.

Joining me again on the Grant Writing & Funding podcast is the incredible Dr. Beverly Browning—woot-woot!

In this episode, we dive into how nonprofits can build a more sustainable funding model by engaging their board of directors in financial contributions, implementing simple and consistent fundraising strategies (including monthly fundraisers that aren’t overwhelming), and increasing credibility through platforms like GuideStar.org.

We also explore practical ways to secure startup funding, how organizations can raise $40,000+ within a year, and why your funding strategy should never rely on just one stream. Plus, we discuss how social media plays a powerful role in amplifying your fundraising and funding opportunities.

If you’re a nonprofit leader, board member, or freelance grant writer looking to expand your impact—this episode is packed with actionable insights.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Dr. Beverly A. Browning is a nationally recognized grant writing expert, author, and trainer with decades of experience helping nonprofits secure funding and build sustainable programs. She is the author of multiple books on grant writing, including Grant Writing for Dummies, and has trained thousands of nonprofit professionals across the United States.

Dr. Browning specializes in helping nonprofits develop diversified funding strategies, combining grants, fundraising, and donor engagement to create long-term financial stability.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Mon, 12 Jul 2021 23:30:48 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2300 For a nonprofit organization to truly thrive, it needs a healthy mix of funding—from grants and fundraisers to donors, services, and beyond. Relying on just one source, especially grants alone, can put your organization at risk. So, what does a balanced funding strategy actually look like?

If your nonprofit is struggling financially, or if you find yourself relying only on grants or only on fundraising, this episode is a must-listen.

Joining me again on the Grant Writing & Funding podcast is the incredible Dr. Beverly Browning—woot-woot!

In this episode, we dive into how nonprofits can build a more sustainable funding model by engaging their board of directors in financial contributions, implementing simple and consistent fundraising strategies (including monthly fundraisers that aren’t overwhelming), and increasing credibility through platforms like GuideStar.org.

We also explore practical ways to secure startup funding, how organizations can raise $40,000+ within a year, and why your funding strategy should never rely on just one stream. Plus, we discuss how social media plays a powerful role in amplifying your fundraising and funding opportunities.

If you’re a nonprofit leader, board member, or freelance grant writer looking to expand your impact—this episode is packed with actionable insights.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Dr. Beverly A. Browning is a nationally recognized grant writing expert, author, and trainer with decades of experience helping nonprofits secure funding and build sustainable programs. She is the author of multiple books on grant writing, including Grant Writing for Dummies, and has trained thousands of nonprofit professionals across the United States.

Dr. Browning specializes in helping nonprofits develop diversified funding strategies, combining grants, fundraising, and donor engagement to create long-term financial stability.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No How to Create a Strategic Plan for Your Nonprofit & Avoid Burnout 178 178 How to Create a Strategic Plan for Your Nonprofit & Avoid Burnout full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1082267539 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-178-how-to-create-a-strategic-plan-for-your-nonprofit-avoid-burnout Dr. Beverly Browning joins us to discuss how nonprofit leaders can create effective strategic plans that drive growth while avoiding burnout. She breaks down why having a clear strategic plan is essential—from guiding your organization’s direction and helping boards track meaningful milestones, to setting realistic funding goals and meeting grant requirements. 

We also explore how strategic planning can prevent the constant cycle of scrambling from fundraiser to fundraiser, and who this work is especially valuable for, including new nonprofit founders, organizations ready to scale, and freelance grant writers looking to expand their services.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Dr. Beverly A. Browning is a nationally recognized grants expert, author, and consultant with decades of experience in grant writing, nonprofit development, and strategic planning. She has secured millions of dollars in grant funding and is the author of multiple books, including Grant Writing For Dummies. 

Dr. Browning has worked with nonprofits, government agencies, and educational institutions across the country, helping them build sustainable funding strategies and strong organizational foundations.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Dr. Beverly Browning joins us to discuss how nonprofit leaders can create effective strategic plans that drive growth while avoiding burnout. She breaks down why having a clear strategic plan is essential—from guiding your organization’s direction and helping boards track meaningful milestones, to setting realistic funding goals and meeting grant requirements. 

We also explore how strategic planning can prevent the constant cycle of scrambling from fundraiser to fundraiser, and who this work is especially valuable for, including new nonprofit founders, organizations ready to scale, and freelance grant writers looking to expand their services.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Dr. Beverly A. Browning is a nationally recognized grants expert, author, and consultant with decades of experience in grant writing, nonprofit development, and strategic planning. She has secured millions of dollars in grant funding and is the author of multiple books, including Grant Writing For Dummies. 

Dr. Browning has worked with nonprofits, government agencies, and educational institutions across the country, helping them build sustainable funding strategies and strong organizational foundations.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 06 Jul 2021 04:08:26 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1888 Dr. Beverly Browning joins us to discuss how nonprofit leaders can create effective strategic plans that drive growth while avoiding burnout. She breaks down why having a clear strategic plan is essential—from guiding your organization’s direction and helping boards track meaningful milestones, to setting realistic funding goals and meeting grant requirements. 

We also explore how strategic planning can prevent the constant cycle of scrambling from fundraiser to fundraiser, and who this work is especially valuable for, including new nonprofit founders, organizations ready to scale, and freelance grant writers looking to expand their services.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Dr. Beverly A. Browning is a nationally recognized grants expert, author, and consultant with decades of experience in grant writing, nonprofit development, and strategic planning. She has secured millions of dollars in grant funding and is the author of multiple books, including Grant Writing For Dummies. 

Dr. Browning has worked with nonprofits, government agencies, and educational institutions across the country, helping them build sustainable funding strategies and strong organizational foundations.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No 8 Expert Tips For Raising $10,000+ in a Nonprofit Facebook Fundraiser 177 177 8 Expert Tips For Raising $10,000+ in a Nonprofit Facebook Fundraiser full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1077969646 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-177-8-expert-tips-for-raising-10-000-in-a-nonprofit-facebook-fundraiser What if raising unrestricted funding for your nonprofit didn’t require complicated strategies, ad spend, or hours of setup? 
In this episode, Sean Kosofsky shares a refreshingly simple approach to fundraising that is low-effort, quick to implement, and incredibly effective.

We dive into how peer-to-peer fundraising—especially through platforms like Facebook—can become a powerful, low-hanging fruit strategy for your organization. Sean explains how you can mobilize your existing network to raise funds on your behalf, turning supporters into advocates who help do the work for you.

We also talk about how to quickly plan and launch a fundraiser, how to make simple and effective asks, and how to strategically use unrestricted funds once they come in.

If you’ve been overthinking fundraising or feeling stuck in complicated systems, this episode will show you how to simplify your approach and start seeing results.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Sean Kosofsky is known as the “Nonprofit Fixer” and has more than 27 years of experience working in the nonprofit sector. He has served as an executive director for five organizations and has extensive experience in policy, communications, grassroots advocacy, fundraising, and organizational leadership.

Sean has raised millions of dollars for causes, candidates, and campaigns, and his work has been featured globally. He has also contributed webinars and content for organizations such as AFP, Candid, Idealware, Bloomerang, Wild Apricot, and Pamela Grow’s Motivate Mondays. Sean is passionate about helping nonprofits simplify their strategies and achieve greater impact.

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
 https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
 https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> What if raising unrestricted funding for your nonprofit didn’t require complicated strategies, ad spend, or hours of setup? 
In this episode, Sean Kosofsky shares a refreshingly simple approach to fundraising that is low-effort, quick to implement, and incredibly effective.

We dive into how peer-to-peer fundraising—especially through platforms like Facebook—can become a powerful, low-hanging fruit strategy for your organization. Sean explains how you can mobilize your existing network to raise funds on your behalf, turning supporters into advocates who help do the work for you.

We also talk about how to quickly plan and launch a fundraiser, how to make simple and effective asks, and how to strategically use unrestricted funds once they come in.

If you’ve been overthinking fundraising or feeling stuck in complicated systems, this episode will show you how to simplify your approach and start seeing results.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Sean Kosofsky is known as the “Nonprofit Fixer” and has more than 27 years of experience working in the nonprofit sector. He has served as an executive director for five organizations and has extensive experience in policy, communications, grassroots advocacy, fundraising, and organizational leadership.

Sean has raised millions of dollars for causes, candidates, and campaigns, and his work has been featured globally. He has also contributed webinars and content for organizations such as AFP, Candid, Idealware, Bloomerang, Wild Apricot, and Pamela Grow’s Motivate Mondays. Sean is passionate about helping nonprofits simplify their strategies and achieve greater impact.

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
 https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
 https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 29 Jun 2021 04:51:44 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2549 What if raising unrestricted funding for your nonprofit didn’t require complicated strategies, ad spend, or hours of setup? 
In this episode, Sean Kosofsky shares a refreshingly simple approach to fundraising that is low-effort, quick to implement, and incredibly effective.

We dive into how peer-to-peer fundraising—especially through platforms like Facebook—can become a powerful, low-hanging fruit strategy for your organization. Sean explains how you can mobilize your existing network to raise funds on your behalf, turning supporters into advocates who help do the work for you.

We also talk about how to quickly plan and launch a fundraiser, how to make simple and effective asks, and how to strategically use unrestricted funds once they come in.

If you’ve been overthinking fundraising or feeling stuck in complicated systems, this episode will show you how to simplify your approach and start seeing results.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Sean Kosofsky is known as the “Nonprofit Fixer” and has more than 27 years of experience working in the nonprofit sector. He has served as an executive director for five organizations and has extensive experience in policy, communications, grassroots advocacy, fundraising, and organizational leadership.

Sean has raised millions of dollars for causes, candidates, and campaigns, and his work has been featured globally. He has also contributed webinars and content for organizations such as AFP, Candid, Idealware, Bloomerang, Wild Apricot, and Pamela Grow’s Motivate Mondays. Sean is passionate about helping nonprofits simplify their strategies and achieve greater impact.

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
 https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
 https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ep. 176: 10 Step Ultimate Guide for Nonprofit Strategic Planning 176 176 Ep. 176: 10 Step Ultimate Guide for Nonprofit Strategic Planning full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1073520415 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-176-10-step-ultimate-guide-for-nonprofit-strategic-planning Tue, 22 Jun 2021 07:12:31 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2639 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No 2021 Grant Funding Forecast 175 175 2021 Grant Funding Forecast full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1068882373 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-175-2021-grant-funding-forecast Want to know what grant funding opportunities are ahead for 2021? If you’re a nonprofit, government agency, or even a business seeking grants, this episode gives you a comprehensive look at what to expect—and how to prepare.


In this episode, we break down the full grant funding forecast by looking at trends from 2019 and 2020 and how those shifts are shaping 2021.

We dive into the “Grant Funding Pulse” across multiple sectors, including federal, state, and foundation funding, so you can better understand where opportunities are growing—and where they may be leveling off.

With the massive surge in funding during 2020 due to COVID-19, many are wondering what comes next. Will funding continue at the same pace, plateau, or decline? The answer might surprise you.


If you’re actively writing grants or planning your funding strategy, this episode will help you stay ahead of the curve and position your organization for success.


ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Want to know what grant funding opportunities are ahead for 2021? If you’re a nonprofit, government agency, or even a business seeking grants, this episode gives you a comprehensive look at what to expect—and how to prepare.


In this episode, we break down the full grant funding forecast by looking at trends from 2019 and 2020 and how those shifts are shaping 2021.

We dive into the “Grant Funding Pulse” across multiple sectors, including federal, state, and foundation funding, so you can better understand where opportunities are growing—and where they may be leveling off.

With the massive surge in funding during 2020 due to COVID-19, many are wondering what comes next. Will funding continue at the same pace, plateau, or decline? The answer might surprise you.


If you’re actively writing grants or planning your funding strategy, this episode will help you stay ahead of the curve and position your organization for success.


ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 15 Jun 2021 08:34:55 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 905 Want to know what grant funding opportunities are ahead for 2021? If you’re a nonprofit, government agency, or even a business seeking grants, this episode gives you a comprehensive look at what to expect—and how to prepare.


In this episode, we break down the full grant funding forecast by looking at trends from 2019 and 2020 and how those shifts are shaping 2021.

We dive into the “Grant Funding Pulse” across multiple sectors, including federal, state, and foundation funding, so you can better understand where opportunities are growing—and where they may be leveling off.

With the massive surge in funding during 2020 due to COVID-19, many are wondering what comes next. Will funding continue at the same pace, plateau, or decline? The answer might surprise you.


If you’re actively writing grants or planning your funding strategy, this episode will help you stay ahead of the curve and position your organization for success.


ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No How to Conduct Meaningful Conversations for Effective Nonprofit Strategic Planning 174 174 How to Conduct Meaningful Conversations for Effective Nonprofit Strategic Planning full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1063518925 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/how-to-conduct-meaningful-conversations-for-effective-nonprofit-strategic-planning Yes, meaningful conversations are a must if you want effective solutions for your nonprofit strategies.

I know. It’s easier for many nonprofit leaders to just ask, “Can you just make me a fundraising content calendar within the hour?”

But what if that fundraiser isn’t really what your nonprofit needs to grow?

I know it can feel taxing to try and fit in a conversation about why you even want the fundraiser in the first place (because we always have one) or what the real outcome you want that fundraiser to have for your nonprofit (er, money?). But the immediate answers aren’t always the right ones.

In this week’s episode, Nonprofit Strategist Julie Platts guides me through how she goes deep with nonprofit clients to ask some of these specific questions. After all, she is a nonprofit strategist for a reason.

What you hear might surprise you. But chances are, it will also inspire you to slow down for a few shakes so you can speed up with efficiency with your strategies. There are a lot of ‘a-ha!’ moments in this episode. Believe me.

Plus, since Julie is also a consultant, she also shares with me some consultancy wisdom. We go deep on this too! I love how she talks about how she organizes her time and selects ideal clients.

Need I say more? Just listen. Believe me, you’ll thank me ;)

What we discuss:

  • How to have those meaningful conversations with nonprofit leaders
  • What questions to ask nonprofits when prepping for strategic planning
  • Why services usually need to change during these deep dives
  • Why it’s okay that these services change ;)
  • How to select ideal clients by using a ‘warm’ technique
  • Other amazing stuff that you just need to tune-in and listen to!

About Julie Platts

Julie Platts is an “accidental entrepreneur” serving social impact leaders across the US. As a Nonprofit Strategy Consultant, Julie uses her 15 years of nonprofit leadership and research experience to help leaders make informed, supported decisions and amplify impact. She specializes in communications, income generation, program development, and relationship building.

Julie is known for creating safe spaces for teams to develop authentic and trusting relationships so they can move forward with agile and adaptive strategies. Bringing heart, humor, wisdom, and expertise to each strategy session and coaching call, Julie helps leaders walk away with clarity, confidence, and renewed invigoration for their work.

Julie is on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee for The Lucy Project, a start-up nonprofit that spends its days working with some of the smartest kids in Miami who just so happen to have reading-based learning differences like dyslexia. Julie has her Master’s degree in Women, Violence, and Conflict from the University of York in the UK where she researched Amnesty International’s “Rape. Weapon of War.” campaign. She has her Bachelor’s degree from UNCC where she collaborated on research for Habitat for Humanity’s multi-family housing initiatives. Julie has her certification in Nonprofit Management from the Florida Association of Nonprofits and Nova Southeastern University.

Julie lives in Delray Beach, FL, and is often found frolicking through South Florida’s wetlands and woodlands with her husband and their 3-year old and 18-month-old children.

My Freelancing Journey (so far) – Julie Platts

I didn’t mean to start a freelance business. It was an accident. An accident that has turned into a beautiful adventure. It started as a thought, a fun hobby after my daughter turned one. And then it grew legs of its own. I’ve been sprinting to keep up with it ever since.

By my daughter’s first birthday, I had already been away from the nonprofit sector in a leadership capacity for three years. I left to revel in new motherhood when my son was born. I have always been a compulsive volunteer, so that was still a part of my life, but I had a desire to go back to philanthropy writing. Communications, deep storytelling, and relationship-building had always been my passion.

It seems like the second I breathed that intention into a conversation with friends, the ball started rolling on its own. Nonprofit leaders started reaching out to me for support. They wanted web content writing, messaging advice, campaign writing, strategy consulting, and grant writing. I had a successful track record with grant writing in the past but always wanted to learn more about it, so I took Holly Rustick’s Grant Writing Master Class and began writing funding proposals.

I started out trying to help everyone for free. I was still a full-time, stay-at-home parent, so I was squeezing in content writing and consulting during my kids’ nap times. I was staying up until midnight writing grants and eating popcorn and M&Ms and peanut butter straight out of the jar. When my mom or husband had the kids, I would work in my car just to have some quiet as grant deadlines barreled towards me.

I have worked long enough in the nonprofit sector to know what survival mode, stress, and overwhelm look like. And I was full-on in that state. I thought, “What do I tell the nonprofit leaders I work with to do when I see them stuck in survival mode?” I say, “Let’s step back. Take a deep breath. Remember the big
picture. Find the “why.” Find someone outside of the problem to support you. Create an intentional strategy and next best actions that bring you closer to your vision. Ask someone to keep you accountable. Move steadily and at a pace that is kind to yourself.”

So I did just that. I set out to build my own capacity. I began charging, I moved my work into a co-working space, I found a soulful business strategy coach to support me, I resolved to drop the services that didn’t make me feel energized, joyful, and fulfilled. I owed that to my family…and myself. I had to do what all organizations need to do: know the vision, remember the mission, evaluate impact, and iterate constantly to offer something truly special and transformative to the world…and become radically self-aware and courageous in the process. It is an ongoing, ever-evolving exercise – and it’s exhilarating.

I have begun building a network around me of talented grant writers, marketers, web designers, nonprofit attorneys, accountants, and other nonprofit consultants to take on work that is not in my zone of genius. I evaluate weekly whether I am choosing work that awakens a deep “Hell, yes!” in me and makes me excited for the day. When I sense I am doing something because I feel I “should” or because I don’t want to disappoint someone, I complete the project with a high level of integrity and then I create a strategy to choose again. To decide to either drop that service altogether or outsource it to someone who
loves doing it.

So, now. I spend my days joyfully working with progressive leaders and teams to develop agile, adaptive, next-best-step strategies that help them step out of survival mode and into their zones of genius. Then, I step back and watch them knock it out of the park. And I wake up in the morning buzzing with excitement about the work I get to do. It’s pretty damn magical…and always evolving to where it wants to go next.

Connect with Julie:

Links I...

]]> Yes, meaningful conversations are a must if you want effective solutions for your nonprofit strategies.

I know. It’s easier for many nonprofit leaders to just ask, “Can you just make me a fundraising content calendar within the hour?”

But what if that fundraiser isn’t really what your nonprofit needs to grow?

I know it can feel taxing to try and fit in a conversation about why you even want the fundraiser in the first place (because we always have one) or what the real outcome you want that fundraiser to have for your nonprofit (er, money?). But the immediate answers aren’t always the right ones.

In this week’s episode, Nonprofit Strategist Julie Platts guides me through how she goes deep with nonprofit clients to ask some of these specific questions. After all, she is a nonprofit strategist for a reason.

What you hear might surprise you. But chances are, it will also inspire you to slow down for a few shakes so you can speed up with efficiency with your strategies. There are a lot of ‘a-ha!’ moments in this episode. Believe me.

Plus, since Julie is also a consultant, she also shares with me some consultancy wisdom. We go deep on this too! I love how she talks about how she organizes her time and selects ideal clients.

Need I say more? Just listen. Believe me, you’ll thank me ;)

What we discuss:

  • How to have those meaningful conversations with nonprofit leaders
  • What questions to ask nonprofits when prepping for strategic planning
  • Why services usually need to change during these deep dives
  • Why it’s okay that these services change ;)
  • How to select ideal clients by using a ‘warm’ technique
  • Other amazing stuff that you just need to tune-in and listen to!

About Julie Platts

Julie Platts is an “accidental entrepreneur” serving social impact leaders across the US. As a Nonprofit Strategy Consultant, Julie uses her 15 years of nonprofit leadership and research experience to help leaders make informed, supported decisions and amplify impact. She specializes in communications, income generation, program development, and relationship building.

Julie is known for creating safe spaces for teams to develop authentic and trusting relationships so they can move forward with agile and adaptive strategies. Bringing heart, humor, wisdom, and expertise to each strategy session and coaching call, Julie helps leaders walk away with clarity, confidence, and renewed invigoration for their work.

Julie is on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee for The Lucy Project, a start-up nonprofit that spends its days working with some of the smartest kids in Miami who just so happen to have reading-based learning differences like dyslexia. Julie has her Master’s degree in Women, Violence, and Conflict from the University of York in the UK where she researched Amnesty International’s “Rape. Weapon of War.” campaign. She has her Bachelor’s degree from UNCC where she collaborated on research for Habitat for Humanity’s multi-family housing initiatives. Julie has her certification in Nonprofit Management from the Florida Association of Nonprofits and Nova Southeastern University.

Julie lives in Delray Beach, FL, and is often found frolicking through South Florida’s wetlands and woodlands with her husband and their 3-year old and 18-month-old children.

My Freelancing Journey (so far) – Julie Platts

I didn’t mean to start a freelance business. It was an accident. An accident that has turned into a beautiful adventure. It started as a thought, a fun hobby after my daughter turned one. And then it grew legs of its own. I’ve been sprinting to keep up with it ever since.

By my daughter’s first birthday, I had already been away from the nonprofit sector in a leadership capacity for three years. I left to revel in new motherhood when my son was born. I have always been a compulsive volunteer, so that was still a part of my life, but I had a desire to go back to philanthropy writing. Communications, deep storytelling, and relationship-building had always been my passion.

It seems like the second I breathed that intention into a conversation with friends, the ball started rolling on its own. Nonprofit leaders started reaching out to me for support. They wanted web content writing, messaging advice, campaign writing, strategy consulting, and grant writing. I had a successful track record with grant writing in the past but always wanted to learn more about it, so I took Holly Rustick’s Grant Writing Master Class and began writing funding proposals.

I started out trying to help everyone for free. I was still a full-time, stay-at-home parent, so I was squeezing in content writing and consulting during my kids’ nap times. I was staying up until midnight writing grants and eating popcorn and M&Ms and peanut butter straight out of the jar. When my mom or husband had the kids, I would work in my car just to have some quiet as grant deadlines barreled towards me.

I have worked long enough in the nonprofit sector to know what survival mode, stress, and overwhelm look like. And I was full-on in that state. I thought, “What do I tell the nonprofit leaders I work with to do when I see them stuck in survival mode?” I say, “Let’s step back. Take a deep breath. Remember the big
picture. Find the “why.” Find someone outside of the problem to support you. Create an intentional strategy and next best actions that bring you closer to your vision. Ask someone to keep you accountable. Move steadily and at a pace that is kind to yourself.”

So I did just that. I set out to build my own capacity. I began charging, I moved my work into a co-working space, I found a soulful business strategy coach to support me, I resolved to drop the services that didn’t make me feel energized, joyful, and fulfilled. I owed that to my family…and myself. I had to do what all organizations need to do: know the vision, remember the mission, evaluate impact, and iterate constantly to offer something truly special and transformative to the world…and become radically self-aware and courageous in the process. It is an ongoing, ever-evolving exercise – and it’s exhilarating.

I have begun building a network around me of talented grant writers, marketers, web designers, nonprofit attorneys, accountants, and other nonprofit consultants to take on work that is not in my zone of genius. I evaluate weekly whether I am choosing work that awakens a deep “Hell, yes!” in me and makes me excited for the day. When I sense I am doing something because I feel I “should” or because I don’t want to disappoint someone, I complete the project with a high level of integrity and then I create a strategy to choose again. To decide to either drop that service altogether or outsource it to someone who
loves doing it.

So, now. I spend my days joyfully working with progressive leaders and teams to develop agile, adaptive, next-best-step strategies that help them step out of survival mode and into their zones of genius. Then, I step back and watch them knock it out of the park. And I wake up in the morning buzzing with excitement about the work I get to do. It’s pretty damn magical…and always evolving to where it wants to go next.

Connect with Julie:

Links I...

]]> Tue, 08 Jun 2021 06:00:21 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 3254 Yes, meaningful conversations are a must if you want effective solutions for your nonprofit strategies.

I know. It’s easier for many nonprofit leaders to just ask, “Can you just make me a fundraising content calendar within the hour?”

But what if that fundraiser isn’t really what your nonprofit needs to grow?

I know it can feel taxing to try and fit in a conversation about why you even want the fundraiser in the first place (because we always have one) or what the real outcome you want that fundraiser to have for your nonprofit (er, money?). But the immediate answers aren’t always the right ones.

In this week’s episode, Nonprofit Strategist Julie Platts guides me through how she goes deep with nonprofit clients to ask some of these specific questions. After all, she is a nonprofit strategist for a reason.

What you hear might surprise you. But chances are, it will also inspire you to slow down for a few shakes so you can speed up with efficiency with your strategies. There are a lot of ‘a-ha!’ moments in this episode. Believe me.

Plus, since Julie is also a consultant, she also shares with me some consultancy wisdom. We go deep on this too! I love how she talks about how she organizes her time and selects ideal clients.

Need I say more? Just listen. Believe me, you’ll thank me ;)

What we discuss:

  • How to have those meaningful conversations with nonprofit leaders
  • What questions to ask nonprofits when prepping for strategic planning
  • Why services usually need to change during these deep dives
  • Why it’s okay that these services change ;)
  • How to select ideal clients by using a ‘warm’ technique
  • Other amazing stuff that you just need to tune-in and listen to!

About Julie Platts

Julie Platts is an “accidental entrepreneur” serving social impact leaders across the US. As a Nonprofit Strategy Consultant, Julie uses her 15 years of nonprofit leadership and research experience to help leaders make informed, supported decisions and amplify impact. She specializes in communications, income generation, program development, and relationship building.

Julie is known for creating safe spaces for teams to develop authentic and trusting relationships so they can move forward with agile and adaptive strategies. Bringing heart, humor, wisdom, and expertise to each strategy session and coaching call, Julie helps leaders walk away with clarity, confidence, and renewed invigoration for their work.

Julie is on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee for The Lucy Project, a start-up nonprofit that spends its days working with some of the smartest kids in Miami who just so happen to have reading-based learning differences like dyslexia. Julie has her Master’s degree in Women, Violence, and Conflict from the University of York in the UK where she researched Amnesty International’s “Rape. Weapon of War.” campaign. She has her Bachelor’s degree from UNCC where she collaborated on research for Habitat for Humanity’s multi-family housing initiatives. Julie has her certification in Nonprofit Management from the Florida Association of Nonprofits and Nova Southeastern University.

Julie lives in Delray Beach, FL, and is often found frolicking through South Florida’s wetlands and woodlands with her husband and their 3-year old and 18-month-old children.

My Freelancing Journey (so far) – Julie Platts

I didn’t mean to start a freelance business. It was an accident. An accident that has turned into a beautiful adventure. It started as a thought, a fun hobby after my daughter turned one. And then it grew legs of its own. I’ve been sprinting to keep up with it ever since.

By my daughter’s first birthday, I had already been away from the nonprofit sector in a leadership capacity for three years. I left to revel in new motherhood when my son was born. I have always been a compulsive volunteer, so that was still a part of my life, but I had a desire to go back to philanthropy writing. Communications, deep storytelling, and relationship-building had always been my passion.

It seems like the second I breathed that intention into a conversation with friends, the ball started rolling on its own. Nonprofit leaders started reaching out to me for support. They wanted web content writing, messaging advice, campaign writing, strategy consulting, and grant writing. I had a successful track record with grant writing in the past but always wanted to learn more about it, so I took Holly Rustick’s Grant Writing Master Class and began writing funding proposals.

I started out trying to help everyone for free. I was still a full-time, stay-at-home parent, so I was squeezing in content writing and consulting during my kids’ nap times. I was staying up until midnight writing grants and eating popcorn and M&Ms and peanut butter straight out of the jar. When my mom or husband had the kids, I would work in my car just to have some quiet as grant deadlines barreled towards me.

I have worked long enough in the nonprofit sector to know what survival mode, stress, and overwhelm look like. And I was full-on in that state. I thought, “What do I tell the nonprofit leaders I work with to do when I see them stuck in survival mode?” I say, “Let’s step back. Take a deep breath. Remember the big
picture. Find the “why.” Find someone outside of the problem to support you. Create an intentional strategy and next best actions that bring you closer to your vision. Ask someone to keep you accountable. Move steadily and at a pace that is kind to yourself.”

So I did just that. I set out to build my own capacity. I began charging, I moved my work into a co-working space, I found a soulful business strategy coach to support me, I resolved to drop the services that didn’t make me feel energized, joyful, and fulfilled. I owed that to my family…and myself. I had to do what all organizations need to do: know the vision, remember the mission, evaluate impact, and iterate constantly to offer something truly special and transformative to the world…and become radically self-aware and courageous in the process. It is an ongoing, ever-evolving exercise – and it’s exhilarating.

I have begun building a network around me of talented grant writers, marketers, web designers, nonprofit attorneys, accountants, and other nonprofit consultants to take on work that is not in my zone of genius. I evaluate weekly whether I am choosing work that awakens a deep “Hell, yes!” in me and makes me excited for the day. When I sense I am doing something because I feel I “should” or because I don’t want to disappoint someone, I complete the project with a high level of integrity and then I create a strategy to choose again. To decide to either drop that service altogether or outsource it to someone who
loves doing it.

So, now. I spend my days joyfully working with progressive leaders and teams to develop agile, adaptive, next-best-step strategies that help them step out of survival mode and into their zones of genius. Then, I step back and watch them knock it out of the park. And I wake up in the morning buzzing with excitement about the work I get to do. It’s pretty damn magical…and always evolving to where it wants to go next.

Connect with Julie:

Links I...

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Instrumentl: Grant Prospecting, Tracking, and Management in One Place 173 173 Instrumentl: Grant Prospecting, Tracking, and Management in One Place full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1059661810 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/instrumentl-grant-prospecting-tracking-and-management-in-one-place If you find yourself Googling when looking for grant funding or not even knowing where to start, then this podcast episode is for you!

I’ve got Gauri Manglik, CEO and co-founder of Instrumentl on the show, and we go behind-the-scenes on how to use this platform.

What is Instrumentl?

It’s a fundraising platform tool to help you find, well, funds. Looking for grants? This is your hub.

About Gauri Manglik

Gauri Manglik is the CEO and co-founder of Instrumentl, the institutional fundraising platform.

Under her leadership, Instrumentl has grown to serve over 1,400 nonprofits, quickly becoming a favorite tool among grant seekers for bringing grant prospecting, tracking, and management to one place.

Gauri has dedicated her career to building intuitive and delightful user experiences. Seeing the opportunity to force multiply the nonprofit sector’s ability to create impact through software led her to her work at Instrumentl.

Before Instrumentl, Gauri was CEO and co-founder of Fondu, an online community for sharing bite-sized restaurant reviews. After Fondu was acquired by Airbnb, Gauri led their mobile and special projects teams.

Gauri holds a BA in Computer Science from NYU.

CEO & Co-founder, Instrumentl
914-263-6868 | @gauri on Twitter

What we Discuss in this Podcast About Instrumentl:

  • Why Instrumentl was created
  • The new tools on Instrumentl (includes 990 magic)
  • How to use Instrumentl for grant tracking
  • How to use Instrumentl for grant research
  • What types of grants are available on Instrumentl
  • Secret (not-so-secret anymore!) announcement coming up!

Links Related to this Podcast:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> If you find yourself Googling when looking for grant funding or not even knowing where to start, then this podcast episode is for you!

I’ve got Gauri Manglik, CEO and co-founder of Instrumentl on the show, and we go behind-the-scenes on how to use this platform.

What is Instrumentl?

It’s a fundraising platform tool to help you find, well, funds. Looking for grants? This is your hub.

About Gauri Manglik

Gauri Manglik is the CEO and co-founder of Instrumentl, the institutional fundraising platform.

Under her leadership, Instrumentl has grown to serve over 1,400 nonprofits, quickly becoming a favorite tool among grant seekers for bringing grant prospecting, tracking, and management to one place.

Gauri has dedicated her career to building intuitive and delightful user experiences. Seeing the opportunity to force multiply the nonprofit sector’s ability to create impact through software led her to her work at Instrumentl.

Before Instrumentl, Gauri was CEO and co-founder of Fondu, an online community for sharing bite-sized restaurant reviews. After Fondu was acquired by Airbnb, Gauri led their mobile and special projects teams.

Gauri holds a BA in Computer Science from NYU.

CEO & Co-founder, Instrumentl
914-263-6868 | @gauri on Twitter

What we Discuss in this Podcast About Instrumentl:

  • Why Instrumentl was created
  • The new tools on Instrumentl (includes 990 magic)
  • How to use Instrumentl for grant tracking
  • How to use Instrumentl for grant research
  • What types of grants are available on Instrumentl
  • Secret (not-so-secret anymore!) announcement coming up!

Links Related to this Podcast:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 01 Jun 2021 07:17:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2606 If you find yourself Googling when looking for grant funding or not even knowing where to start, then this podcast episode is for you!

I’ve got Gauri Manglik, CEO and co-founder of Instrumentl on the show, and we go behind-the-scenes on how to use this platform.

What is Instrumentl?

It’s a fundraising platform tool to help you find, well, funds. Looking for grants? This is your hub.

About Gauri Manglik

Gauri Manglik is the CEO and co-founder of Instrumentl, the institutional fundraising platform.

Under her leadership, Instrumentl has grown to serve over 1,400 nonprofits, quickly becoming a favorite tool among grant seekers for bringing grant prospecting, tracking, and management to one place.

Gauri has dedicated her career to building intuitive and delightful user experiences. Seeing the opportunity to force multiply the nonprofit sector’s ability to create impact through software led her to her work at Instrumentl.

Before Instrumentl, Gauri was CEO and co-founder of Fondu, an online community for sharing bite-sized restaurant reviews. After Fondu was acquired by Airbnb, Gauri led their mobile and special projects teams.

Gauri holds a BA in Computer Science from NYU.

CEO & Co-founder, Instrumentl
914-263-6868 | @gauri on Twitter

What we Discuss in this Podcast About Instrumentl:

  • Why Instrumentl was created
  • The new tools on Instrumentl (includes 990 magic)
  • How to use Instrumentl for grant tracking
  • How to use Instrumentl for grant research
  • What types of grants are available on Instrumentl
  • Secret (not-so-secret anymore!) announcement coming up!

Links Related to this Podcast:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Top Expert Tips to Write the Evaluation Section of a Grant Proposal 172 172 Top Expert Tips to Write the Evaluation Section of a Grant Proposal full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1055937697 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/top-expert-tips-to-write-the-evaluation-section-of-a-grant-proposal Have you ever wondered how to write the evaluation section of a grant proposal? Maybe you sat there at 2 a.m. (of course the night before a grant is due) and scratched your head as you came across this section towards the end of a grant.

You think, "You want me to write how I am going to run a program and now you need to know how I will evaluate that the project is running how I said it will run?"

Er, yep. Funding sources do want to know how you will evaluate what you say you are going to do. Are you proposing to house 30 sloths within 12 months?

Well, you better include how you will evaluate that those 30 sloths will be housed!

But seriously, you do need to identify how  you will evaluate your program in grant proposals.

In this week's podcast, Dr. James Pann goes over how to write the evaluation section of a grant proposal (and he gives his top tips!).

What We Discuss:

  • Evaluation methodologies (not complicated, I promise!)
  • IRB approval and reasons you might need this for research
  • How to know what the funding sources require for the Needs & Research sections
  • How to design an evaluation plan
  • Why writing a poor evaluation section could ruin your grant award

About Dr. James Pann

James Pann received his Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from the University of Texas at Austin. He obtained his M.S.Ed. in Mental Health Counseling and Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Miami. Dr. Pann completed his clinical internship at Nova Southeastern University Community Mental Health Center in neuropsychology, behavioral medicine, and adult and child psychotherapy. 

Additionally, he had a postdoctoral fellowship in pediatric behavioral medicine at the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami/ Jackson Memorial Medical Center. He also completed a Family Therapy Externship at the Center for Family Studies at the University of Miami.

Dr. Pann is also an Associate Professor at the Abraham S. Fischler College of Education where he focuses on teaching program evaluation and conducting research and evaluation projects. Dr. Pann is interested in the use of program evaluation approaches to study and improve educational, health and human service programs. He is a licensed psychologist in Florida and an active member of the American Evaluation Association.

Dr. Pann has been Principal Consultant of EvalNetwork, a research and evaluation consulting firm, since 2000. EvalNetwork specializes in working with education, health and human service organizations and grant making entities. The firm has worked on a wide variety of projects, from systems of care and other collaborations, to substance abuse, mental health and afterschool programs, with organizations of all sizes. EvalNetwork has worked as evaluator or research partner on local and national projects funded by foundations and government agencies.


Connect with James:

Related Links:

  • Episode #112: Writing a Successful Evaluation Section with Dr. James Pann. Click here.
  • Episode #82: How to Submit for IRB and Conduct a Needs & Strengths Assessment with Dr. Ellen. Click here.
  • Episode #171: 6 Hacks to Score High on a Grant Application That Will Surprise You. Click here.
  • Episode #141: Grant Writing Made Easy: 5 Hacks to Write a Grant Proposal. Click here
  • Episode #169: What is the Difference Between an Output and an Outcome in a Grant Proposal? Click here

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Have you ever wondered how to write the evaluation section of a grant proposal? Maybe you sat there at 2 a.m. (of course the night before a grant is due) and scratched your head as you came across this section towards the end of a grant.

You think, "You want me to write how I am going to run a program and now you need to know how I will evaluate that the project is running how I said it will run?"

Er, yep. Funding sources do want to know how you will evaluate what you say you are going to do. Are you proposing to house 30 sloths within 12 months?

Well, you better include how you will evaluate that those 30 sloths will be housed!

But seriously, you do need to identify how  you will evaluate your program in grant proposals.

In this week's podcast, Dr. James Pann goes over how to write the evaluation section of a grant proposal (and he gives his top tips!).

What We Discuss:

  • Evaluation methodologies (not complicated, I promise!)
  • IRB approval and reasons you might need this for research
  • How to know what the funding sources require for the Needs & Research sections
  • How to design an evaluation plan
  • Why writing a poor evaluation section could ruin your grant award

About Dr. James Pann

James Pann received his Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from the University of Texas at Austin. He obtained his M.S.Ed. in Mental Health Counseling and Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Miami. Dr. Pann completed his clinical internship at Nova Southeastern University Community Mental Health Center in neuropsychology, behavioral medicine, and adult and child psychotherapy. 

Additionally, he had a postdoctoral fellowship in pediatric behavioral medicine at the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami/ Jackson Memorial Medical Center. He also completed a Family Therapy Externship at the Center for Family Studies at the University of Miami.

Dr. Pann is also an Associate Professor at the Abraham S. Fischler College of Education where he focuses on teaching program evaluation and conducting research and evaluation projects. Dr. Pann is interested in the use of program evaluation approaches to study and improve educational, health and human service programs. He is a licensed psychologist in Florida and an active member of the American Evaluation Association.

Dr. Pann has been Principal Consultant of EvalNetwork, a research and evaluation consulting firm, since 2000. EvalNetwork specializes in working with education, health and human service organizations and grant making entities. The firm has worked on a wide variety of projects, from systems of care and other collaborations, to substance abuse, mental health and afterschool programs, with organizations of all sizes. EvalNetwork has worked as evaluator or research partner on local and national projects funded by foundations and government agencies.


Connect with James:

Related Links:

  • Episode #112: Writing a Successful Evaluation Section with Dr. James Pann. Click here.
  • Episode #82: How to Submit for IRB and Conduct a Needs & Strengths Assessment with Dr. Ellen. Click here.
  • Episode #171: 6 Hacks to Score High on a Grant Application That Will Surprise You. Click here.
  • Episode #141: Grant Writing Made Easy: 5 Hacks to Write a Grant Proposal. Click here
  • Episode #169: What is the Difference Between an Output and an Outcome in a Grant Proposal? Click here

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Wed, 26 May 2021 06:49:23 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2892 Have you ever wondered how to write the evaluation section of a grant proposal? Maybe you sat there at 2 a.m. (of course the night before a grant is due) and scratched your head as you came across this section towards the end of a grant.

You think, "You want me to write how I am going to run a program and now you need to know how I will evaluate that the project is running how I said it will run?"

Er, yep. Funding sources do want to know how you will evaluate what you say you are going to do. Are you proposing to house 30 sloths within 12 months?

Well, you better include how you will evaluate that those 30 sloths will be housed!

But seriously, you do need to identify how  you will evaluate your program in grant proposals.

In this week's podcast, Dr. James Pann goes over how to write the evaluation section of a grant proposal (and he gives his top tips!).

What We Discuss:

  • Evaluation methodologies (not complicated, I promise!)
  • IRB approval and reasons you might need this for research
  • How to know what the funding sources require for the Needs & Research sections
  • How to design an evaluation plan
  • Why writing a poor evaluation section could ruin your grant award

About Dr. James Pann

James Pann received his Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from the University of Texas at Austin. He obtained his M.S.Ed. in Mental Health Counseling and Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Miami. Dr. Pann completed his clinical internship at Nova Southeastern University Community Mental Health Center in neuropsychology, behavioral medicine, and adult and child psychotherapy. 

Additionally, he had a postdoctoral fellowship in pediatric behavioral medicine at the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami/ Jackson Memorial Medical Center. He also completed a Family Therapy Externship at the Center for Family Studies at the University of Miami.

Dr. Pann is also an Associate Professor at the Abraham S. Fischler College of Education where he focuses on teaching program evaluation and conducting research and evaluation projects. Dr. Pann is interested in the use of program evaluation approaches to study and improve educational, health and human service programs. He is a licensed psychologist in Florida and an active member of the American Evaluation Association.

Dr. Pann has been Principal Consultant of EvalNetwork, a research and evaluation consulting firm, since 2000. EvalNetwork specializes in working with education, health and human service organizations and grant making entities. The firm has worked on a wide variety of projects, from systems of care and other collaborations, to substance abuse, mental health and afterschool programs, with organizations of all sizes. EvalNetwork has worked as evaluator or research partner on local and national projects funded by foundations and government agencies.


Connect with James:

Related Links:

  • Episode #112: Writing a Successful Evaluation Section with Dr. James Pann. Click here.
  • Episode #82: How to Submit for IRB and Conduct a Needs & Strengths Assessment with Dr. Ellen. Click here.
  • Episode #171: 6 Hacks to Score High on a Grant Application That Will Surprise You. Click here.
  • Episode #141: Grant Writing Made Easy: 5 Hacks to Write a Grant Proposal. Click here
  • Episode #169: What is the Difference Between an Output and an Outcome in a Grant Proposal? Click here

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ep. 171: 6 Hacks to Score High on a Grant Application That Will Surprise You 171 171 Ep. 171: 6 Hacks to Score High on a Grant Application That Will Surprise You full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1050751789 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-171-6-hacks-to-score-high-on-a-grant-application-that-will-surprise-you Tue, 18 May 2021 06:03:48 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1414 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No 8 Grant Writing Resource Reviews to Find, Manage, & Win Grants 170 170 8 Grant Writing Resource Reviews to Find, Manage, & Win Grants full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1046732896 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/8-grant-writing-resource-reviews-to-find-manage-win-grants Are you stuck in not knowing which type of grant writing resources to help you find, manage, and (eventually) win grants? Well, today is your lucky day!

I’m giving the full review of 8 grant writing resources!

As a 15+ year grant writing veteran I have seen some amazing resources come and go, and I’ve seen other ones evolve. I am highlighting 8 resources that I LOVE and some of these I use on a consistent basis!

In fact, I am using one right now (after you read through my recommendations, have a guess at which one I am using at this moment!).

In full transparency, I do have partnerships (and receive affiliate payments) with some of these products below and offer coupon codes for you. I do this as I love, love, love these products and they are proven to help grant writers succeed! 

1) Federal Grants: Grants.Gov

This is for you if you are seeking federal grants. And this one is free!

This is a U.S. government e-platform and is where all federal grants are required to be published. I recommend joining the email list and checking the boxes on what types of grants you are interested in being notified of.

Click here to visit Grants.gov.

2) Federal Grants: Federal Agency Websites

Okay, this one has a lot of links. What I recommend you do is visit the federal agency websites that are related to your nonprofit. Even though all federal grants are published on Grants.gov, it is still good to visit the federal agency website where the grant originates from.

For example, the Department of Education will publish a grant Funding Opportunity Announcement on Grants.gov. But you can visit the Department of Education website to get more information about the grant, check former and current awardees, and sometimes even find REAL nonprofit applications that have been funded. Gold mine!

Click here for a link to all the federal agency websites.

3) Nonprofit & Foundation Information: Guidestar.org

Guidestar.org is a great place to find both nonprofits and foundations. (Your nonprofit might even be listed here!) Check it out to ensure that your nonprofit’s profile is updated and accurate as funding sources sometimes check out Guidestar.org when reviewing grants!

You can also look at foundations and check things like 990s! This is a great way to see what foundations are actually funding for reals.

Click here to visit Guidestar.org

4) Foundation and Federal Grant Research: Instrumentl

Looking for a grant research platform that includes foundation grants? Instrumentl is a an intuitive online software that matches your specific programs with funding opportunities.

Click here to check out Instrumentl (utilize code HOLLY50 to get a 2-week free trial and save $50 off your subscription).

5) Grant Management: GEMS (Grant Easy Management Software)

GEMS was built by a grant writer to manage nonprofit clients, previously submitted grants, and more!

Never miss a grant deadline with this program management system developed specifically for grants writers.

Click here and put in  to save $50!

6) Project Management: Asana

Track your fundraiser, project, and more (and share with your team!).

You can also upload all files and graphics needed for projects so no more digging through emails!

Check out Asana today, by clicking here.

7) Graphics: Canva

I love, love, lova Canva! Do you need to create social media posts, fliers, or even webpages?

Check out Canva for even the dinosaur techies! It’s so easy to use and has tons of templates!

Click here!

8) Time Tracking: Toggl

Yes, time tracking is a thing.

It’s actually a major item that every grant writer should use! You need to know about how long it takes you to write a foundation grant, a federal grant, a fundraising proposal and more!

All you have to do is write what you are doing and it tracks your time! Plus, it gives you  reports and more. This is also great for freelance grant writers who need to bill for your time. It’ll track everything and you can send your clients a jazzy report! Plus, there’s an app.

Click here for Toggl!

Let me know which (if any) of these grant resources you just LOVE! Also, did you guess which one I am using right now? Toggl! That’s right! I track my time for my work on podcasting and writing articles :)

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


Related Links:

]]> Are you stuck in not knowing which type of grant writing resources to help you find, manage, and (eventually) win grants? Well, today is your lucky day!

I’m giving the full review of 8 grant writing resources!

As a 15+ year grant writing veteran I have seen some amazing resources come and go, and I’ve seen other ones evolve. I am highlighting 8 resources that I LOVE and some of these I use on a consistent basis!

In fact, I am using one right now (after you read through my recommendations, have a guess at which one I am using at this moment!).

In full transparency, I do have partnerships (and receive affiliate payments) with some of these products below and offer coupon codes for you. I do this as I love, love, love these products and they are proven to help grant writers succeed! 

1) Federal Grants: Grants.Gov

This is for you if you are seeking federal grants. And this one is free!

This is a U.S. government e-platform and is where all federal grants are required to be published. I recommend joining the email list and checking the boxes on what types of grants you are interested in being notified of.

Click here to visit Grants.gov.

2) Federal Grants: Federal Agency Websites

Okay, this one has a lot of links. What I recommend you do is visit the federal agency websites that are related to your nonprofit. Even though all federal grants are published on Grants.gov, it is still good to visit the federal agency website where the grant originates from.

For example, the Department of Education will publish a grant Funding Opportunity Announcement on Grants.gov. But you can visit the Department of Education website to get more information about the grant, check former and current awardees, and sometimes even find REAL nonprofit applications that have been funded. Gold mine!

Click here for a link to all the federal agency websites.

3) Nonprofit & Foundation Information: Guidestar.org

Guidestar.org is a great place to find both nonprofits and foundations. (Your nonprofit might even be listed here!) Check it out to ensure that your nonprofit’s profile is updated and accurate as funding sources sometimes check out Guidestar.org when reviewing grants!

You can also look at foundations and check things like 990s! This is a great way to see what foundations are actually funding for reals.

Click here to visit Guidestar.org

4) Foundation and Federal Grant Research: Instrumentl

Looking for a grant research platform that includes foundation grants? Instrumentl is a an intuitive online software that matches your specific programs with funding opportunities.

Click here to check out Instrumentl (utilize code HOLLY50 to get a 2-week free trial and save $50 off your subscription).

5) Grant Management: GEMS (Grant Easy Management Software)

GEMS was built by a grant writer to manage nonprofit clients, previously submitted grants, and more!

Never miss a grant deadline with this program management system developed specifically for grants writers.

Click here and put in  to save $50!

6) Project Management: Asana

Track your fundraiser, project, and more (and share with your team!).

You can also upload all files and graphics needed for projects so no more digging through emails!

Check out Asana today, by clicking here.

7) Graphics: Canva

I love, love, lova Canva! Do you need to create social media posts, fliers, or even webpages?

Check out Canva for even the dinosaur techies! It’s so easy to use and has tons of templates!

Click here!

8) Time Tracking: Toggl

Yes, time tracking is a thing.

It’s actually a major item that every grant writer should use! You need to know about how long it takes you to write a foundation grant, a federal grant, a fundraising proposal and more!

All you have to do is write what you are doing and it tracks your time! Plus, it gives you  reports and more. This is also great for freelance grant writers who need to bill for your time. It’ll track everything and you can send your clients a jazzy report! Plus, there’s an app.

Click here for Toggl!

Let me know which (if any) of these grant resources you just LOVE! Also, did you guess which one I am using right now? Toggl! That’s right! I track my time for my work on podcasting and writing articles :)

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


Related Links:

]]> Tue, 11 May 2021 05:05:37 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1685 Are you stuck in not knowing which type of grant writing resources to help you find, manage, and (eventually) win grants? Well, today is your lucky day!

I’m giving the full review of 8 grant writing resources!

As a 15+ year grant writing veteran I have seen some amazing resources come and go, and I’ve seen other ones evolve. I am highlighting 8 resources that I LOVE and some of these I use on a consistent basis!

In fact, I am using one right now (after you read through my recommendations, have a guess at which one I am using at this moment!).

In full transparency, I do have partnerships (and receive affiliate payments) with some of these products below and offer coupon codes for you. I do this as I love, love, love these products and they are proven to help grant writers succeed! 

1) Federal Grants: Grants.Gov

This is for you if you are seeking federal grants. And this one is free!

This is a U.S. government e-platform and is where all federal grants are required to be published. I recommend joining the email list and checking the boxes on what types of grants you are interested in being notified of.

Click here to visit Grants.gov.

2) Federal Grants: Federal Agency Websites

Okay, this one has a lot of links. What I recommend you do is visit the federal agency websites that are related to your nonprofit. Even though all federal grants are published on Grants.gov, it is still good to visit the federal agency website where the grant originates from.

For example, the Department of Education will publish a grant Funding Opportunity Announcement on Grants.gov. But you can visit the Department of Education website to get more information about the grant, check former and current awardees, and sometimes even find REAL nonprofit applications that have been funded. Gold mine!

Click here for a link to all the federal agency websites.

3) Nonprofit & Foundation Information: Guidestar.org

Guidestar.org is a great place to find both nonprofits and foundations. (Your nonprofit might even be listed here!) Check it out to ensure that your nonprofit’s profile is updated and accurate as funding sources sometimes check out Guidestar.org when reviewing grants!

You can also look at foundations and check things like 990s! This is a great way to see what foundations are actually funding for reals.

Click here to visit Guidestar.org

4) Foundation and Federal Grant Research: Instrumentl

Looking for a grant research platform that includes foundation grants? Instrumentl is a an intuitive online software that matches your specific programs with funding opportunities.

Click here to check out Instrumentl (utilize code HOLLY50 to get a 2-week free trial and save $50 off your subscription).

5) Grant Management: GEMS (Grant Easy Management Software)

GEMS was built by a grant writer to manage nonprofit clients, previously submitted grants, and more!

Never miss a grant deadline with this program management system developed specifically for grants writers.

Click here and put in  to save $50!

6) Project Management: Asana

Track your fundraiser, project, and more (and share with your team!).

You can also upload all files and graphics needed for projects so no more digging through emails!

Check out Asana today, by clicking here.

7) Graphics: Canva

I love, love, lova Canva! Do you need to create social media posts, fliers, or even webpages?

Check out Canva for even the dinosaur techies! It’s so easy to use and has tons of templates!

Click here!

8) Time Tracking: Toggl

Yes, time tracking is a thing.

It’s actually a major item that every grant writer should use! You need to know about how long it takes you to write a foundation grant, a federal grant, a fundraising proposal and more!

All you have to do is write what you are doing and it tracks your time! Plus, it gives you  reports and more. This is also great for freelance grant writers who need to bill for your time. It’ll track everything and you can send your clients a jazzy report! Plus, there’s an app.

Click here for Toggl!

Let me know which (if any) of these grant resources you just LOVE! Also, did you guess which one I am using right now? Toggl! That’s right! I track my time for my work on podcasting and writing articles :)

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


Related Links:

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ep. 169: What is the difference between an output and outcome in a grant proposal? 169 169 Ep. 169: What is the difference between an output and outcome in a grant proposal? full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1042810039 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-169-what-is-the-difference-between-an-output-and-outcome-in-a-grant-proposal Tue, 04 May 2021 22:14:50 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1056 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ep. 168: 3,000 Free Online Nonprofit Fundraising Courses To Build Your Expertise 168 168 Ep. 168: 3,000 Free Online Nonprofit Fundraising Courses To Build Your Expertise full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1030665196 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-168-3-000-free-online-nonprofit-fundraising-courses-to-build-your-expertise Tue, 27 Apr 2021 06:00:01 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2753 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No How to Write Objectives for a Grant Proposal 167 167 How to Write Objectives for a Grant Proposal full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1030630534 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/how-to-write-objectives-for-a-grant-proposal Learning how to write objectives for grant application proposals is essential to your grant writing success.

This is often overlooked.

Many people think an objective can just be a wish. Such as, “We hope to accomplish this program.”

Let’s just start with Captain Obvious. Would you be willing to give someone money for a project if they only hoped to accomplish it?

Or would you be willing to shell out dough for a project that had a goal of ‘Ending Poverty for All” but there was no plan on how to accomplish that goal?

Sometimes it helps to flip the script and pretend you are the funding source, rather than the applicant.

But how do you create a plan (objectives) for a grant proposal? What is the secret formula?

Goals

Let’s start by writing a clear goal. We can refer to an example from the Amazon bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing:  Youth Soccer Rocks nonprofit (yes, fictitious) in the city of Rocking Socks City (also fictitious) who are creating a project that will serve underserved youth in their city.

Their problem statement may be:

“75% of youth in the city of Rocking Socks suffer from chronic health issues compared to the national average of 12%. These staggering health issues correlate with high suicide rates, depression rates, and poor graduation rates.

The goal would basically be flipping this problem statement around:

“Youth Soccer Rocks will provide a free soccer program for at-risk youth and provide a healthy pathway.”

So now that you have the goal, let’s take the next step. How do you achieve the goal?

Well, that is done through…

Objectives

Think of a goal as an overarching aim, and objectives as the specific framework of what will be accomplished. Typically, you do not want to have any more than three objectives within a project.

You will have many activities, but the number of overall objectives should be clear and concise.

Objectives need to be S.M.A.R.T.; specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.

An objective for Youth Soccer Rocks could be 100 disadvantaged youth in Rocking Socks will receive sports scholarships by the end of twelve months. 

SMART Method

Let’s break this down into each part of the acronym S.M.A.R.T., and by the end you will have one entire objective.

  • Specific: Identify the outcomes that will be achieved:
    • Ex. Number of youth, type of youth, what their specific outcome will be.
  • Measurable: Use quantifiable terms to describe how the progress will be measured.
    • Ex. Number of youth (100) and number of scholarships.
  • Achievable: Is the objective achievable within the duration of the project, resources, budget, etcetera?
    • Ex. This would be balanced by the needs; i.e. If there are thousands of youth who are disadvantaged in the city and no other free soccer organizations, then this could be achievable.
  • Relevant: Does the objective relate to the problem statement and goal?
    • Ex. Yes, this is a possible solution to the health conditions.
  • Time-bound: Do you have a date for the objective to be completed by? Tip: Start off with the end in the beginning of the objective, such as; By the end of 12 months…
    • Ex. They will complete this objective by the end of 12 months.

Get the FREE Workbook!

Click here

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.  https://grantwritingandfunding.com/
Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

Related Links:

  • Episode #6: Write Goals, Objectives, and Outcomes for Your Grant Proposal. Click here.
  • Episode #143: 5 Most Popular Grant Writing Questions. Click here.
  • Episode #160: 2 Questions You Should Ask Before Getting a Grant Writing Certificate. Click here.
  • Episode #141: Grant Writing Made Easy: 5 Hacks to Write a Grant Proposal. Click here.
  • Episode #163: 5 Proven Steps to Actually Find the Best-Fit Federal Grants. Click here.

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast ...

]]> Learning how to write objectives for grant application proposals is essential to your grant writing success.

This is often overlooked.

Many people think an objective can just be a wish. Such as, “We hope to accomplish this program.”

Let’s just start with Captain Obvious. Would you be willing to give someone money for a project if they only hoped to accomplish it?

Or would you be willing to shell out dough for a project that had a goal of ‘Ending Poverty for All” but there was no plan on how to accomplish that goal?

Sometimes it helps to flip the script and pretend you are the funding source, rather than the applicant.

But how do you create a plan (objectives) for a grant proposal? What is the secret formula?

Goals

Let’s start by writing a clear goal. We can refer to an example from the Amazon bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing:  Youth Soccer Rocks nonprofit (yes, fictitious) in the city of Rocking Socks City (also fictitious) who are creating a project that will serve underserved youth in their city.

Their problem statement may be:

“75% of youth in the city of Rocking Socks suffer from chronic health issues compared to the national average of 12%. These staggering health issues correlate with high suicide rates, depression rates, and poor graduation rates.

The goal would basically be flipping this problem statement around:

“Youth Soccer Rocks will provide a free soccer program for at-risk youth and provide a healthy pathway.”

So now that you have the goal, let’s take the next step. How do you achieve the goal?

Well, that is done through…

Objectives

Think of a goal as an overarching aim, and objectives as the specific framework of what will be accomplished. Typically, you do not want to have any more than three objectives within a project.

You will have many activities, but the number of overall objectives should be clear and concise.

Objectives need to be S.M.A.R.T.; specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.

An objective for Youth Soccer Rocks could be 100 disadvantaged youth in Rocking Socks will receive sports scholarships by the end of twelve months. 

SMART Method

Let’s break this down into each part of the acronym S.M.A.R.T., and by the end you will have one entire objective.

  • Specific: Identify the outcomes that will be achieved:
    • Ex. Number of youth, type of youth, what their specific outcome will be.
  • Measurable: Use quantifiable terms to describe how the progress will be measured.
    • Ex. Number of youth (100) and number of scholarships.
  • Achievable: Is the objective achievable within the duration of the project, resources, budget, etcetera?
    • Ex. This would be balanced by the needs; i.e. If there are thousands of youth who are disadvantaged in the city and no other free soccer organizations, then this could be achievable.
  • Relevant: Does the objective relate to the problem statement and goal?
    • Ex. Yes, this is a possible solution to the health conditions.
  • Time-bound: Do you have a date for the objective to be completed by? Tip: Start off with the end in the beginning of the objective, such as; By the end of 12 months…
    • Ex. They will complete this objective by the end of 12 months.

Get the FREE Workbook!

Click here

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.  https://grantwritingandfunding.com/
Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

Related Links:

  • Episode #6: Write Goals, Objectives, and Outcomes for Your Grant Proposal. Click here.
  • Episode #143: 5 Most Popular Grant Writing Questions. Click here.
  • Episode #160: 2 Questions You Should Ask Before Getting a Grant Writing Certificate. Click here.
  • Episode #141: Grant Writing Made Easy: 5 Hacks to Write a Grant Proposal. Click here.
  • Episode #163: 5 Proven Steps to Actually Find the Best-Fit Federal Grants. Click here.

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast ...

]]> Tue, 20 Apr 2021 03:00:29 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1404 Learning how to write objectives for grant application proposals is essential to your grant writing success.

This is often overlooked.

Many people think an objective can just be a wish. Such as, “We hope to accomplish this program.”

Let’s just start with Captain Obvious. Would you be willing to give someone money for a project if they only hoped to accomplish it?

Or would you be willing to shell out dough for a project that had a goal of ‘Ending Poverty for All” but there was no plan on how to accomplish that goal?

Sometimes it helps to flip the script and pretend you are the funding source, rather than the applicant.

But how do you create a plan (objectives) for a grant proposal? What is the secret formula?

Goals

Let’s start by writing a clear goal. We can refer to an example from the Amazon bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing:  Youth Soccer Rocks nonprofit (yes, fictitious) in the city of Rocking Socks City (also fictitious) who are creating a project that will serve underserved youth in their city.

Their problem statement may be:

“75% of youth in the city of Rocking Socks suffer from chronic health issues compared to the national average of 12%. These staggering health issues correlate with high suicide rates, depression rates, and poor graduation rates.

The goal would basically be flipping this problem statement around:

“Youth Soccer Rocks will provide a free soccer program for at-risk youth and provide a healthy pathway.”

So now that you have the goal, let’s take the next step. How do you achieve the goal?

Well, that is done through…

Objectives

Think of a goal as an overarching aim, and objectives as the specific framework of what will be accomplished. Typically, you do not want to have any more than three objectives within a project.

You will have many activities, but the number of overall objectives should be clear and concise.

Objectives need to be S.M.A.R.T.; specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.

An objective for Youth Soccer Rocks could be 100 disadvantaged youth in Rocking Socks will receive sports scholarships by the end of twelve months. 

SMART Method

Let’s break this down into each part of the acronym S.M.A.R.T., and by the end you will have one entire objective.

  • Specific: Identify the outcomes that will be achieved:
    • Ex. Number of youth, type of youth, what their specific outcome will be.
  • Measurable: Use quantifiable terms to describe how the progress will be measured.
    • Ex. Number of youth (100) and number of scholarships.
  • Achievable: Is the objective achievable within the duration of the project, resources, budget, etcetera?
    • Ex. This would be balanced by the needs; i.e. If there are thousands of youth who are disadvantaged in the city and no other free soccer organizations, then this could be achievable.
  • Relevant: Does the objective relate to the problem statement and goal?
    • Ex. Yes, this is a possible solution to the health conditions.
  • Time-bound: Do you have a date for the objective to be completed by? Tip: Start off with the end in the beginning of the objective, such as; By the end of 12 months…
    • Ex. They will complete this objective by the end of 12 months.

Get the FREE Workbook!

Click here

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.  https://grantwritingandfunding.com/
Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

Related Links:

  • Episode #6: Write Goals, Objectives, and Outcomes for Your Grant Proposal. Click here.
  • Episode #143: 5 Most Popular Grant Writing Questions. Click here.
  • Episode #160: 2 Questions You Should Ask Before Getting a Grant Writing Certificate. Click here.
  • Episode #141: Grant Writing Made Easy: 5 Hacks to Write a Grant Proposal. Click here.
  • Episode #163: 5 Proven Steps to Actually Find the Best-Fit Federal Grants. Click here.

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast ...

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Simple Tips to Increase Charitable Giving on Your Nonprofit's Website 166 166 Simple Tips to Increase Charitable Giving on Your Nonprofit's Website full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1029801454 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-166-simple-tips-to-increase-charitable-giving-on-your-nonprofits-website Are you struggling to get donations through your nonprofit’s website—even after setting everything up? You’ve added the donate button, connected your payment system, and made your site live… but still, nothing. It’s frustrating—and it might even make you wonder if people care about your mission. But here’s the truth: they probably do.

In this episode, Brady Josephson from NextAfter Institute breaks down what’s really going on—and why the issue often isn’t your mission, but the experience. We dive into the concept of donor friction and how small barriers—like broken links, too many form fields, or confusing steps—can stop someone from giving altogether. Brady shares practical ways to reduce friction and improve your online donation process so more visitors actually become donors.

We also explore key trends in online giving, including the significant growth in digital donations, and why nonprofits need to invest in technology and smarter digital strategies moving forward. Additionally, we discuss how to better connect with donors through more frequent email communication, why it’s important to remember that “you are not your donor,” and how combining both online and offline touchpoints—like email, social media, phone calls, and direct mail—can strengthen donor relationships and increase giving.


If you want to turn your website into a more effective fundraising tool, this episode is packed with actionable insights you can start using right away.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Brady Josephson is a nonprofit marketing and fundraising expert and a leading voice at NextAfter Institute, where he helps organizations grow their digital fundraising through research-backed strategies. He specializes in optimizing online donor experiences, reducing friction, and increasing conversions for nonprofit organizations.

Brady is passionate about helping nonprofits better understand donor behavior and implement simple, effective changes that lead to measurable increases in giving.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Are you struggling to get donations through your nonprofit’s website—even after setting everything up? You’ve added the donate button, connected your payment system, and made your site live… but still, nothing. It’s frustrating—and it might even make you wonder if people care about your mission. But here’s the truth: they probably do.

In this episode, Brady Josephson from NextAfter Institute breaks down what’s really going on—and why the issue often isn’t your mission, but the experience. We dive into the concept of donor friction and how small barriers—like broken links, too many form fields, or confusing steps—can stop someone from giving altogether. Brady shares practical ways to reduce friction and improve your online donation process so more visitors actually become donors.

We also explore key trends in online giving, including the significant growth in digital donations, and why nonprofits need to invest in technology and smarter digital strategies moving forward. Additionally, we discuss how to better connect with donors through more frequent email communication, why it’s important to remember that “you are not your donor,” and how combining both online and offline touchpoints—like email, social media, phone calls, and direct mail—can strengthen donor relationships and increase giving.


If you want to turn your website into a more effective fundraising tool, this episode is packed with actionable insights you can start using right away.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Brady Josephson is a nonprofit marketing and fundraising expert and a leading voice at NextAfter Institute, where he helps organizations grow their digital fundraising through research-backed strategies. He specializes in optimizing online donor experiences, reducing friction, and increasing conversions for nonprofit organizations.

Brady is passionate about helping nonprofits better understand donor behavior and implement simple, effective changes that lead to measurable increases in giving.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Thu, 15 Apr 2021 01:20:15 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 3129 Are you struggling to get donations through your nonprofit’s website—even after setting everything up? You’ve added the donate button, connected your payment system, and made your site live… but still, nothing. It’s frustrating—and it might even make you wonder if people care about your mission. But here’s the truth: they probably do.

In this episode, Brady Josephson from NextAfter Institute breaks down what’s really going on—and why the issue often isn’t your mission, but the experience. We dive into the concept of donor friction and how small barriers—like broken links, too many form fields, or confusing steps—can stop someone from giving altogether. Brady shares practical ways to reduce friction and improve your online donation process so more visitors actually become donors.

We also explore key trends in online giving, including the significant growth in digital donations, and why nonprofits need to invest in technology and smarter digital strategies moving forward. Additionally, we discuss how to better connect with donors through more frequent email communication, why it’s important to remember that “you are not your donor,” and how combining both online and offline touchpoints—like email, social media, phone calls, and direct mail—can strengthen donor relationships and increase giving.


If you want to turn your website into a more effective fundraising tool, this episode is packed with actionable insights you can start using right away.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Brady Josephson is a nonprofit marketing and fundraising expert and a leading voice at NextAfter Institute, where he helps organizations grow their digital fundraising through research-backed strategies. He specializes in optimizing online donor experiences, reducing friction, and increasing conversions for nonprofit organizations.

Brady is passionate about helping nonprofits better understand donor behavior and implement simple, effective changes that lead to measurable increases in giving.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Grant Management Made Easy: Never Miss a Grant or Funding Deadline 165 165 Grant Management Made Easy: Never Miss a Grant or Funding Deadline full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1024079746 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-165-grant-management-made-easy-never-miss-a-grant-or-funding-deadline Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night realizing you missed a grant deadline?

Or maybe you submitted a grant months ago… and now you can’t find the final application anywhere?

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and this episode is for you.

In this episode, Rachel Waterman, CEO and Founder of GDS Grants, shares how to simplify grant management so you can stay organized, professional, and on top of every opportunity. We dive into her journey into grant writing (including her time in the Peace Corps), how leveraging your strengths can elevate your work, and her unique systems for managing both grants and clients.

Rachel also breaks down how to effectively track upcoming opportunities so you never miss a deadline, how to manage multiple nonprofit clients with ease, and how to strengthen your professionalism as a grant writer. We explore how to write clear objectives and goals, as well as the similarities between federal and foundation grant writing—so you can streamline your approach across funding sources.

If you’re ready to stop feeling overwhelmed and start feeling in control of your grant pipeline, this episode will give you the systems and strategies you need.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Rachel Waterman has over 25 years of community development and grant writing experience and is a Grant Professional Certified (GPC), Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), and a Grant Professionals Association (GPA) Approved Trainer. She holds a Master’s degree in community and economic development with a concentration in applied social research from Illinois State University and a Bachelor’s degree in international studies from Barry University.

Her career spans a wide range of roles, including Peace Corps Volunteer, nonprofit executive director, community organizer, city master planner, researcher, and Mayor of Lake Worth Beach, Florida.

Rachel is the CEO and Founder of GDS Grants, where she leads client strategy, program and budget development, data tracking systems, and outcome measurement. She also oversees the GDS Professional Development Program and mentors interns, fellows, and grant professionals.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night realizing you missed a grant deadline?

Or maybe you submitted a grant months ago… and now you can’t find the final application anywhere?

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and this episode is for you.

In this episode, Rachel Waterman, CEO and Founder of GDS Grants, shares how to simplify grant management so you can stay organized, professional, and on top of every opportunity. We dive into her journey into grant writing (including her time in the Peace Corps), how leveraging your strengths can elevate your work, and her unique systems for managing both grants and clients.

Rachel also breaks down how to effectively track upcoming opportunities so you never miss a deadline, how to manage multiple nonprofit clients with ease, and how to strengthen your professionalism as a grant writer. We explore how to write clear objectives and goals, as well as the similarities between federal and foundation grant writing—so you can streamline your approach across funding sources.

If you’re ready to stop feeling overwhelmed and start feeling in control of your grant pipeline, this episode will give you the systems and strategies you need.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Rachel Waterman has over 25 years of community development and grant writing experience and is a Grant Professional Certified (GPC), Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), and a Grant Professionals Association (GPA) Approved Trainer. She holds a Master’s degree in community and economic development with a concentration in applied social research from Illinois State University and a Bachelor’s degree in international studies from Barry University.

Her career spans a wide range of roles, including Peace Corps Volunteer, nonprofit executive director, community organizer, city master planner, researcher, and Mayor of Lake Worth Beach, Florida.

Rachel is the CEO and Founder of GDS Grants, where she leads client strategy, program and budget development, data tracking systems, and outcome measurement. She also oversees the GDS Professional Development Program and mentors interns, fellows, and grant professionals.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Wed, 07 Apr 2021 00:06:33 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 3114 Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night realizing you missed a grant deadline?

Or maybe you submitted a grant months ago… and now you can’t find the final application anywhere?

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and this episode is for you.

In this episode, Rachel Waterman, CEO and Founder of GDS Grants, shares how to simplify grant management so you can stay organized, professional, and on top of every opportunity. We dive into her journey into grant writing (including her time in the Peace Corps), how leveraging your strengths can elevate your work, and her unique systems for managing both grants and clients.

Rachel also breaks down how to effectively track upcoming opportunities so you never miss a deadline, how to manage multiple nonprofit clients with ease, and how to strengthen your professionalism as a grant writer. We explore how to write clear objectives and goals, as well as the similarities between federal and foundation grant writing—so you can streamline your approach across funding sources.

If you’re ready to stop feeling overwhelmed and start feeling in control of your grant pipeline, this episode will give you the systems and strategies you need.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Rachel Waterman has over 25 years of community development and grant writing experience and is a Grant Professional Certified (GPC), Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), and a Grant Professionals Association (GPA) Approved Trainer. She holds a Master’s degree in community and economic development with a concentration in applied social research from Illinois State University and a Bachelor’s degree in international studies from Barry University.

Her career spans a wide range of roles, including Peace Corps Volunteer, nonprofit executive director, community organizer, city master planner, researcher, and Mayor of Lake Worth Beach, Florida.

Rachel is the CEO and Founder of GDS Grants, where she leads client strategy, program and budget development, data tracking systems, and outcome measurement. She also oversees the GDS Professional Development Program and mentors interns, fellows, and grant professionals.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No How to Get Rid of Boring SWOT Analysis and Revive Your Strategic Planning 164 164 How to Get Rid of Boring SWOT Analysis and Revive Your Strategic Planning full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1019580844 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/how-to-get-rid-of-boring-swot-analysis-and-revive-your-strategic-planning Are you not sure even what a SWOT Analysis is or how it relates to strategic planning?

Well, I am definitely not saying get rid of the SWOT analysis altogether, but I am saying the old tired way of just shoving it in your planning and not knowing how to utilize is so over.

How? Well, you do need a SWOT Analysis for your nonprofit’s strategic planning, however, it doesn’t have to be boring.

It is actually one of the most FUN activities in your strategic planning.

A SWOT Analysis

A SWOT stands for:

  • Strengths
  • Weaknesses
  • Opportunities
  • Threats (or Challenges)

And for the SWOT you analyze each of these for your nonprofit.

How to Start a SWOT Analysis

Make sure you include all your board of directors and staff for your planning. You can even take a weekend or day away from the office (or on Zoom) and do the SWOT Analysis.

  1. Strengths: Start with listing out all of the strengths of your nonprofit organization. What are the things that you are good at? What strengths do your employees, board members, volunteers, and staff bring to the table?
  2. Weaknesses: List out the weaknesses your nonprofit has. Do you have a functioning website? Does your board of directors bring in annual funding? Do you receive grants?
  3. Opportunities: What are some opportunities that your nonprofit could go after? Can you partner with new stakeholders? Is there training available for your staff? Are there funding opportunities available?
  4. Threats: What are some things that could hinder or hurt your nonprofit? Are there natural disasters in your area? Are budget cuts coming up?

How to Implement a SWOT Analysis into Your Strategic Planning

List out at least 5 to 10 items for each area: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. Then have your team vote on the top 3 in each section, Make these your priorities to leverage or mitigate.

For example, if one of your top three strengths is that you have a highly-skilled and engaged board of directors but a weakness is that you have limited funding for your programs, then you may want to pull on your board members’ strengths to mitigate this weakness.

This may seem like a no-brainer, but unless you write it down – and do it together – it isn’t clearly identified, and then there is no action or buy-in.

I recommend doing a SWOT Analysis every single year and part of your strategic planning. Now that you know how to do one, remember it doesn’t have to be boring. It should be fun and engaging as your team brainstorms together.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 

Links:

  • Ep. 125: How to Make Decisions Swiftly and Lead Your Organization: Click here.
  • Ep. 126: Strategic Planning Crash Course 10 Steps To Skyrocket Your Nonprofit or Freelance Biz: Click here.
  • Ep. 95: 3 Steps for Ultimate Self-Care for Nonprofits: Click here.
  • Ep. 46: Why Values Are Important For Your Nonprofit: Click here.
  • Ep. 11: Creating Credibility & Culture: Part III Doing the SWOT: Click here.

RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Are you not sure even what a SWOT Analysis is or how it relates to strategic planning?

Well, I am definitely not saying get rid of the SWOT analysis altogether, but I am saying the old tired way of just shoving it in your planning and not knowing how to utilize is so over.

How? Well, you do need a SWOT Analysis for your nonprofit’s strategic planning, however, it doesn’t have to be boring.

It is actually one of the most FUN activities in your strategic planning.

A SWOT Analysis

A SWOT stands for:

  • Strengths
  • Weaknesses
  • Opportunities
  • Threats (or Challenges)

And for the SWOT you analyze each of these for your nonprofit.

How to Start a SWOT Analysis

Make sure you include all your board of directors and staff for your planning. You can even take a weekend or day away from the office (or on Zoom) and do the SWOT Analysis.

  1. Strengths: Start with listing out all of the strengths of your nonprofit organization. What are the things that you are good at? What strengths do your employees, board members, volunteers, and staff bring to the table?
  2. Weaknesses: List out the weaknesses your nonprofit has. Do you have a functioning website? Does your board of directors bring in annual funding? Do you receive grants?
  3. Opportunities: What are some opportunities that your nonprofit could go after? Can you partner with new stakeholders? Is there training available for your staff? Are there funding opportunities available?
  4. Threats: What are some things that could hinder or hurt your nonprofit? Are there natural disasters in your area? Are budget cuts coming up?

How to Implement a SWOT Analysis into Your Strategic Planning

List out at least 5 to 10 items for each area: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. Then have your team vote on the top 3 in each section, Make these your priorities to leverage or mitigate.

For example, if one of your top three strengths is that you have a highly-skilled and engaged board of directors but a weakness is that you have limited funding for your programs, then you may want to pull on your board members’ strengths to mitigate this weakness.

This may seem like a no-brainer, but unless you write it down – and do it together – it isn’t clearly identified, and then there is no action or buy-in.

I recommend doing a SWOT Analysis every single year and part of your strategic planning. Now that you know how to do one, remember it doesn’t have to be boring. It should be fun and engaging as your team brainstorms together.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 

Links:

  • Ep. 125: How to Make Decisions Swiftly and Lead Your Organization: Click here.
  • Ep. 126: Strategic Planning Crash Course 10 Steps To Skyrocket Your Nonprofit or Freelance Biz: Click here.
  • Ep. 95: 3 Steps for Ultimate Self-Care for Nonprofits: Click here.
  • Ep. 46: Why Values Are Important For Your Nonprofit: Click here.
  • Ep. 11: Creating Credibility & Culture: Part III Doing the SWOT: Click here.

RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Wed, 31 Mar 2021 02:20:46 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1189 Are you not sure even what a SWOT Analysis is or how it relates to strategic planning?

Well, I am definitely not saying get rid of the SWOT analysis altogether, but I am saying the old tired way of just shoving it in your planning and not knowing how to utilize is so over.

How? Well, you do need a SWOT Analysis for your nonprofit’s strategic planning, however, it doesn’t have to be boring.

It is actually one of the most FUN activities in your strategic planning.

A SWOT Analysis

A SWOT stands for:

  • Strengths
  • Weaknesses
  • Opportunities
  • Threats (or Challenges)

And for the SWOT you analyze each of these for your nonprofit.

How to Start a SWOT Analysis

Make sure you include all your board of directors and staff for your planning. You can even take a weekend or day away from the office (or on Zoom) and do the SWOT Analysis.

  1. Strengths: Start with listing out all of the strengths of your nonprofit organization. What are the things that you are good at? What strengths do your employees, board members, volunteers, and staff bring to the table?
  2. Weaknesses: List out the weaknesses your nonprofit has. Do you have a functioning website? Does your board of directors bring in annual funding? Do you receive grants?
  3. Opportunities: What are some opportunities that your nonprofit could go after? Can you partner with new stakeholders? Is there training available for your staff? Are there funding opportunities available?
  4. Threats: What are some things that could hinder or hurt your nonprofit? Are there natural disasters in your area? Are budget cuts coming up?

How to Implement a SWOT Analysis into Your Strategic Planning

List out at least 5 to 10 items for each area: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. Then have your team vote on the top 3 in each section, Make these your priorities to leverage or mitigate.

For example, if one of your top three strengths is that you have a highly-skilled and engaged board of directors but a weakness is that you have limited funding for your programs, then you may want to pull on your board members’ strengths to mitigate this weakness.

This may seem like a no-brainer, but unless you write it down – and do it together – it isn’t clearly identified, and then there is no action or buy-in.

I recommend doing a SWOT Analysis every single year and part of your strategic planning. Now that you know how to do one, remember it doesn’t have to be boring. It should be fun and engaging as your team brainstorms together.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 

Links:

  • Ep. 125: How to Make Decisions Swiftly and Lead Your Organization: Click here.
  • Ep. 126: Strategic Planning Crash Course 10 Steps To Skyrocket Your Nonprofit or Freelance Biz: Click here.
  • Ep. 95: 3 Steps for Ultimate Self-Care for Nonprofits: Click here.
  • Ep. 46: Why Values Are Important For Your Nonprofit: Click here.
  • Ep. 11: Creating Credibility & Culture: Part III Doing the SWOT: Click here.

RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No 5 Proven Steps to Actually Find the Best-Fit Federal Grants 163 163 5 Proven Steps to Actually Find the Best-Fit Federal Grants full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1014250198 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-163-5-proven-steps-to-actually-find-the-best-fit-federal-grants In this episode, Holly Rustick sits down with federal grant research expert Jason Adkins to answer one of the most common questions: how do you actually find federal grants for your nonprofit? 

Jason breaks down five clear, actionable steps to uncover federal funding opportunities and shares the exact websites and strategies you need to get started. What may seem overwhelming at first quickly becomes manageable as he demystifies the process and shows how to approach federal grant research with confidence. 

Along the way, they discuss why having an English degree doesn’t automatically make someone a grant writer, the importance of “failing forward,” and how celebrating wins—like keeping a running list of secured grants—can keep you motivated. 

Jason also shares how his approach to writing federal grants mirrors foundation grants, why being a federal grant reviewer can strengthen your proposals, and the importance of writing clearly at a 9th–12th grade level. They dive into formatting tips, productivity strategies like scheduling dedicated time to find grants, and how to stay consistent without burnout. 

If federal grants have ever felt intimidating, this episode will give you the tools and confidence to start finding—and winning—them.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Jason Adkins is a federal grant research expert and experienced grant professional who specializes in helping nonprofits identify and secure federal funding opportunities. With a strong background in grant writing, reviewing, and research, Jason has developed proven systems to simplify the process of finding and applying for federal grants. He is passionate about equipping organizations and grant writers with practical tools, strategies, and confidence to navigate the federal funding landscape successfully.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> In this episode, Holly Rustick sits down with federal grant research expert Jason Adkins to answer one of the most common questions: how do you actually find federal grants for your nonprofit? 

Jason breaks down five clear, actionable steps to uncover federal funding opportunities and shares the exact websites and strategies you need to get started. What may seem overwhelming at first quickly becomes manageable as he demystifies the process and shows how to approach federal grant research with confidence. 

Along the way, they discuss why having an English degree doesn’t automatically make someone a grant writer, the importance of “failing forward,” and how celebrating wins—like keeping a running list of secured grants—can keep you motivated. 

Jason also shares how his approach to writing federal grants mirrors foundation grants, why being a federal grant reviewer can strengthen your proposals, and the importance of writing clearly at a 9th–12th grade level. They dive into formatting tips, productivity strategies like scheduling dedicated time to find grants, and how to stay consistent without burnout. 

If federal grants have ever felt intimidating, this episode will give you the tools and confidence to start finding—and winning—them.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Jason Adkins is a federal grant research expert and experienced grant professional who specializes in helping nonprofits identify and secure federal funding opportunities. With a strong background in grant writing, reviewing, and research, Jason has developed proven systems to simplify the process of finding and applying for federal grants. He is passionate about equipping organizations and grant writers with practical tools, strategies, and confidence to navigate the federal funding landscape successfully.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Mon, 22 Mar 2021 23:24:10 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 3059 In this episode, Holly Rustick sits down with federal grant research expert Jason Adkins to answer one of the most common questions: how do you actually find federal grants for your nonprofit? 

Jason breaks down five clear, actionable steps to uncover federal funding opportunities and shares the exact websites and strategies you need to get started. What may seem overwhelming at first quickly becomes manageable as he demystifies the process and shows how to approach federal grant research with confidence. 

Along the way, they discuss why having an English degree doesn’t automatically make someone a grant writer, the importance of “failing forward,” and how celebrating wins—like keeping a running list of secured grants—can keep you motivated. 

Jason also shares how his approach to writing federal grants mirrors foundation grants, why being a federal grant reviewer can strengthen your proposals, and the importance of writing clearly at a 9th–12th grade level. They dive into formatting tips, productivity strategies like scheduling dedicated time to find grants, and how to stay consistent without burnout. 

If federal grants have ever felt intimidating, this episode will give you the tools and confidence to start finding—and winning—them.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Jason Adkins is a federal grant research expert and experienced grant professional who specializes in helping nonprofits identify and secure federal funding opportunities. With a strong background in grant writing, reviewing, and research, Jason has developed proven systems to simplify the process of finding and applying for federal grants. He is passionate about equipping organizations and grant writers with practical tools, strategies, and confidence to navigate the federal funding landscape successfully.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Why You Cannot Guarantee Grant Award Funding as a Grant Professional 162 162 Why You Cannot Guarantee Grant Award Funding as a Grant Professional full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1008912730 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/why-you-cannot-guarantee-grant-award-funding-as-a-grant-professional “Can you guarantee that the grant you write for us will get awarded?”

There are a number of reasons that I say no. Very simply put, here are a few of the determining factors:

  1. It depends also on the nonprofit’s capacity and experience in winning and managing grants that depend on their competitiveness with getting a grant awarded.
  2. It depends on how well the grant project aligns with the priority of the funding source.
  3. It depends on how ‘trendy’ the project is with current funding overall.
  4. It depends on how many grant applications the funding source receives.

These are just a few, but there are many more reasons.

Listen to this week’s podcast to hear them all and how you can respond to this question!

Links:

  • Ep. 160: 2 Questions You Should Ask Before Getting a Grant Writing Certificate: Click here.
  • Ep. 159: 7 Myths That You Need to Know About Grants & Freelance Grant Writing: Click here.
  • Ep. 135: 1K into 15K in 1 Month: How This Freelance Grant Writer Did It: Click here.
  • Ep. 161: How Grant Research Can Be a Service You Offer a Nonprofit Client: Click here.  

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> “Can you guarantee that the grant you write for us will get awarded?”

There are a number of reasons that I say no. Very simply put, here are a few of the determining factors:

  1. It depends also on the nonprofit’s capacity and experience in winning and managing grants that depend on their competitiveness with getting a grant awarded.
  2. It depends on how well the grant project aligns with the priority of the funding source.
  3. It depends on how ‘trendy’ the project is with current funding overall.
  4. It depends on how many grant applications the funding source receives.

These are just a few, but there are many more reasons.

Listen to this week’s podcast to hear them all and how you can respond to this question!

Links:

  • Ep. 160: 2 Questions You Should Ask Before Getting a Grant Writing Certificate: Click here.
  • Ep. 159: 7 Myths That You Need to Know About Grants & Freelance Grant Writing: Click here.
  • Ep. 135: 1K into 15K in 1 Month: How This Freelance Grant Writer Did It: Click here.
  • Ep. 161: How Grant Research Can Be a Service You Offer a Nonprofit Client: Click here.  

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 16 Mar 2021 05:21:17 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 899 “Can you guarantee that the grant you write for us will get awarded?”

There are a number of reasons that I say no. Very simply put, here are a few of the determining factors:

  1. It depends also on the nonprofit’s capacity and experience in winning and managing grants that depend on their competitiveness with getting a grant awarded.
  2. It depends on how well the grant project aligns with the priority of the funding source.
  3. It depends on how ‘trendy’ the project is with current funding overall.
  4. It depends on how many grant applications the funding source receives.

These are just a few, but there are many more reasons.

Listen to this week’s podcast to hear them all and how you can respond to this question!

Links:

  • Ep. 160: 2 Questions You Should Ask Before Getting a Grant Writing Certificate: Click here.
  • Ep. 159: 7 Myths That You Need to Know About Grants & Freelance Grant Writing: Click here.
  • Ep. 135: 1K into 15K in 1 Month: How This Freelance Grant Writer Did It: Click here.
  • Ep. 161: How Grant Research Can Be a Service You Offer a Nonprofit Client: Click here.  

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No How Grant Research Can Be a Service You Offer Nonprofit Clients 161 161 How Grant Research Can Be a Service You Offer Nonprofit Clients full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/1004050297 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-161-how-grant-research-can-be-a-service-you-offer-nonprofit-clients Did you know that you can do grant research as a stand-alone service or package it into your nonprofit client offers?

You might already be writing grants—but are you charging separately for researching and finding those grant opportunities?

If not… this episode might just change your business model.

Here’s the reality: many nonprofit clients will come to you with a list of grants and ask you to write them. But more often than not, they also expect you to find those opportunities in the first place.

And here’s where things get tricky—clients don’t always realize that grant research is a separate, billable service.

Why?

Because grant research requires:

  •  A specialized skillset (yes, it’s absolutely an art!) 
  •  Time (hello, research rabbit holes) 
  •  Financial investment (most quality databases require paid access) 

In this episode, I break down how grant research can stand on its own as a service—or be strategically bundled into your grant writing packages.

You’ll learn the how, why, and what of offering grant research so you can increase your value, set clearer expectations with clients, and boost your revenue.

Be sure to give it a listen!

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
 https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
 https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
 https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Did you know that you can do grant research as a stand-alone service or package it into your nonprofit client offers?

You might already be writing grants—but are you charging separately for researching and finding those grant opportunities?

If not… this episode might just change your business model.

Here’s the reality: many nonprofit clients will come to you with a list of grants and ask you to write them. But more often than not, they also expect you to find those opportunities in the first place.

And here’s where things get tricky—clients don’t always realize that grant research is a separate, billable service.

Why?

Because grant research requires:

  •  A specialized skillset (yes, it’s absolutely an art!) 
  •  Time (hello, research rabbit holes) 
  •  Financial investment (most quality databases require paid access) 

In this episode, I break down how grant research can stand on its own as a service—or be strategically bundled into your grant writing packages.

You’ll learn the how, why, and what of offering grant research so you can increase your value, set clearer expectations with clients, and boost your revenue.

Be sure to give it a listen!

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
 https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
 https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
 https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Wed, 10 Mar 2021 06:35:14 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1184 Did you know that you can do grant research as a stand-alone service or package it into your nonprofit client offers?

You might already be writing grants—but are you charging separately for researching and finding those grant opportunities?

If not… this episode might just change your business model.

Here’s the reality: many nonprofit clients will come to you with a list of grants and ask you to write them. But more often than not, they also expect you to find those opportunities in the first place.

And here’s where things get tricky—clients don’t always realize that grant research is a separate, billable service.

Why?

Because grant research requires:

  •  A specialized skillset (yes, it’s absolutely an art!) 
  •  Time (hello, research rabbit holes) 
  •  Financial investment (most quality databases require paid access) 

In this episode, I break down how grant research can stand on its own as a service—or be strategically bundled into your grant writing packages.

You’ll learn the how, why, and what of offering grant research so you can increase your value, set clearer expectations with clients, and boost your revenue.

Be sure to give it a listen!

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
 https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
 https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
 https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ep. 160: 2 Questions You Should Ask Before Getting a Grant Writing Certificate 160 160 Ep. 160: 2 Questions You Should Ask Before Getting a Grant Writing Certificate full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/997743718 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-160-2-questions-you-should-ask-before-getting-a-grant-writing-certificate Wed, 03 Mar 2021 06:21:27 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1232 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No 7 Myths That You Need To Know About Grants & Freelance Grant Writing 159 159 7 Myths That You Need To Know About Grants & Freelance Grant Writing full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/991814521 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-159-7-myths-that-you-need-to-know-about-grants-freelance-grant-writing There’s a lot of misinformation out there about grant writing—and believing these myths can hold you back from success.

In this episode, we break down seven of the most common grant writing myths and what you actually need to know.


First, let’s talk about the idea that grants are easy to get. While grants are absolutely possible to win, they are competitive and require skill, strategy, and practice to write effectively. We also unpack the misconception that grants never have to be paid back. While generally true, funds must be used exactly as approved—or you risk having to return them. Always communicate with the funder before making any changes to your budget.

Another big myth? That grants can be used for personal expenses. The reality is that grants are awarded for specific program purposes—not to pay off personal debt or unrelated costs. We also cover the belief that grant writing is just like writing an English paper. While writing skills help, grant writing is a technical craft with its own rules and structure.

And let’s talk about money. You should not be writing grants for free if you have the skills and experience—you can and should get paid for your work. But at the same time, working on commission is not ethical and goes against industry best practices.

Finally, we address whether you can get paid clients without experience. If you’re new, it’s important to first build your skills—through volunteering, training, or internships—so you can confidently deliver results and charge for your services.


If you’re ready to separate fact from fiction and build a strong foundation in grant writing, this episode is a must-listen.


ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> There’s a lot of misinformation out there about grant writing—and believing these myths can hold you back from success.

In this episode, we break down seven of the most common grant writing myths and what you actually need to know.


First, let’s talk about the idea that grants are easy to get. While grants are absolutely possible to win, they are competitive and require skill, strategy, and practice to write effectively. We also unpack the misconception that grants never have to be paid back. While generally true, funds must be used exactly as approved—or you risk having to return them. Always communicate with the funder before making any changes to your budget.

Another big myth? That grants can be used for personal expenses. The reality is that grants are awarded for specific program purposes—not to pay off personal debt or unrelated costs. We also cover the belief that grant writing is just like writing an English paper. While writing skills help, grant writing is a technical craft with its own rules and structure.

And let’s talk about money. You should not be writing grants for free if you have the skills and experience—you can and should get paid for your work. But at the same time, working on commission is not ethical and goes against industry best practices.

Finally, we address whether you can get paid clients without experience. If you’re new, it’s important to first build your skills—through volunteering, training, or internships—so you can confidently deliver results and charge for your services.


If you’re ready to separate fact from fiction and build a strong foundation in grant writing, this episode is a must-listen.


ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Wed, 24 Feb 2021 05:04:17 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1539 There’s a lot of misinformation out there about grant writing—and believing these myths can hold you back from success.

In this episode, we break down seven of the most common grant writing myths and what you actually need to know.


First, let’s talk about the idea that grants are easy to get. While grants are absolutely possible to win, they are competitive and require skill, strategy, and practice to write effectively. We also unpack the misconception that grants never have to be paid back. While generally true, funds must be used exactly as approved—or you risk having to return them. Always communicate with the funder before making any changes to your budget.

Another big myth? That grants can be used for personal expenses. The reality is that grants are awarded for specific program purposes—not to pay off personal debt or unrelated costs. We also cover the belief that grant writing is just like writing an English paper. While writing skills help, grant writing is a technical craft with its own rules and structure.

And let’s talk about money. You should not be writing grants for free if you have the skills and experience—you can and should get paid for your work. But at the same time, working on commission is not ethical and goes against industry best practices.

Finally, we address whether you can get paid clients without experience. If you’re new, it’s important to first build your skills—through volunteering, training, or internships—so you can confidently deliver results and charge for your services.


If you’re ready to separate fact from fiction and build a strong foundation in grant writing, this episode is a must-listen.


ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ep. 158: 3 Tactics You Didn't Know to Become a Nonprofit Executive Director Ninja 158 158 Ep. 158: 3 Tactics You Didn't Know to Become a Nonprofit Executive Director Ninja full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/986571361 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-158-3-tactics-you-didnt-know-to-become-a-nonprofit-executive-director-ninja Tue, 16 Feb 2021 04:49:35 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2736 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Zero to 10 Nonprofit Clients in 5 Steps: Freelance Grant Writer Client Roadmap 157 157 Zero to 10 Nonprofit Clients in 5 Steps: Freelance Grant Writer Client Roadmap full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/983328283 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-157-zero-to-10-nonprofit-clients-in-5-steps-freelance-grant-writer-client-roadmap Ready to start growing your freelance grant writing business—but not sure where to begin? You’re not alone. Starting a freelance grant writing business or nonprofit consultancy can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to finding and securing your first clients. It can feel like you’re staring out at a massive ocean of possibilities with no clear direction.

But it doesn’t have to be that way.

In this episode, we walk through a clear, actionable roadmap to help you confidently connect with nonprofit leads and start securing clients—yes, even if you’re starting from zero.

This step-by-step approach breaks down exactly how to identify your strengths, clarify your niche, and position your services so you can attract the right clients.

We cover the five essential steps to building your client pipeline:

  •  Identifying your skillset 
  •  Clarifying your passion, knowledge, and experiences 
  •  Deciding which services to offer first 
  •  Creating a targeted nonprofit client lead list 
  •  Pitching your services with confidence 

By following this roadmap, you can build a list of at least 50 nonprofit leads—making it much more realistic to secure your first (or next) 10 clients.

Even better? These strategies help turn cold outreach into warm opportunities, so you can spend less time guessing and more time growing your business.

If you’re ready to take the guesswork out of finding clients and start building momentum, this episode is your starting point.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Ready to start growing your freelance grant writing business—but not sure where to begin? You’re not alone. Starting a freelance grant writing business or nonprofit consultancy can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to finding and securing your first clients. It can feel like you’re staring out at a massive ocean of possibilities with no clear direction.

But it doesn’t have to be that way.

In this episode, we walk through a clear, actionable roadmap to help you confidently connect with nonprofit leads and start securing clients—yes, even if you’re starting from zero.

This step-by-step approach breaks down exactly how to identify your strengths, clarify your niche, and position your services so you can attract the right clients.

We cover the five essential steps to building your client pipeline:

  •  Identifying your skillset 
  •  Clarifying your passion, knowledge, and experiences 
  •  Deciding which services to offer first 
  •  Creating a targeted nonprofit client lead list 
  •  Pitching your services with confidence 

By following this roadmap, you can build a list of at least 50 nonprofit leads—making it much more realistic to secure your first (or next) 10 clients.

Even better? These strategies help turn cold outreach into warm opportunities, so you can spend less time guessing and more time growing your business.

If you’re ready to take the guesswork out of finding clients and start building momentum, this episode is your starting point.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Thu, 11 Feb 2021 06:21:33 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2340 Ready to start growing your freelance grant writing business—but not sure where to begin? You’re not alone. Starting a freelance grant writing business or nonprofit consultancy can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to finding and securing your first clients. It can feel like you’re staring out at a massive ocean of possibilities with no clear direction.

But it doesn’t have to be that way.

In this episode, we walk through a clear, actionable roadmap to help you confidently connect with nonprofit leads and start securing clients—yes, even if you’re starting from zero.

This step-by-step approach breaks down exactly how to identify your strengths, clarify your niche, and position your services so you can attract the right clients.

We cover the five essential steps to building your client pipeline:

  •  Identifying your skillset 
  •  Clarifying your passion, knowledge, and experiences 
  •  Deciding which services to offer first 
  •  Creating a targeted nonprofit client lead list 
  •  Pitching your services with confidence 

By following this roadmap, you can build a list of at least 50 nonprofit leads—making it much more realistic to secure your first (or next) 10 clients.

Even better? These strategies help turn cold outreach into warm opportunities, so you can spend less time guessing and more time growing your business.

If you’re ready to take the guesswork out of finding clients and start building momentum, this episode is your starting point.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Common Freelance Grant Writer Mistakes: How To Avoid Them & Grow Your Business 156 156 Common Freelance Grant Writer Mistakes: How To Avoid Them & Grow Your Business full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/978176110 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-156-common-freelance-grant-writer-mistakes-how-to-avoid-them-grow-your-business Being a freelance grant writer doesn’t have to feel like a frustrating career filled with stress and uncertainty—it can be the exact opposite. 

In this episode, Holly Rustick sits down with freelance grant writing expert and coach Rodney Walker to talk about how to build your business with a strong foundation and grow in a methodical, sustainable way. 

Rodney shares his journey from struggle to success and offers an honest, behind-the-scenes look at the mistakes many new grant writers make—and how to avoid them. From developing real confidence as a business owner to understanding when closed doors are actually signs to pivot, this conversation is packed with insights. 

They also explore the power of affirmations, what it truly takes to move from broke to financially stable, and insider details about igrantwriters.com—including how you might already be featured there. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to strengthen your existing grant writing business, this episode will help you feel more confident, clear, and grounded in your path forward.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Rodney Walker is a freelance grant writing expert, coach, and founder of igrantwriters.com. He has helped aspiring and established grant writers build profitable businesses by strengthening their confidence, refining their skills, and avoiding common pitfalls in the industry. Through his work, Rodney empowers grant writers to create sustainable income streams while making a meaningful impact in the nonprofit sector.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Website: https://igrantwriters.com/

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Being a freelance grant writer doesn’t have to feel like a frustrating career filled with stress and uncertainty—it can be the exact opposite. 

In this episode, Holly Rustick sits down with freelance grant writing expert and coach Rodney Walker to talk about how to build your business with a strong foundation and grow in a methodical, sustainable way. 

Rodney shares his journey from struggle to success and offers an honest, behind-the-scenes look at the mistakes many new grant writers make—and how to avoid them. From developing real confidence as a business owner to understanding when closed doors are actually signs to pivot, this conversation is packed with insights. 

They also explore the power of affirmations, what it truly takes to move from broke to financially stable, and insider details about igrantwriters.com—including how you might already be featured there. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to strengthen your existing grant writing business, this episode will help you feel more confident, clear, and grounded in your path forward.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Rodney Walker is a freelance grant writing expert, coach, and founder of igrantwriters.com. He has helped aspiring and established grant writers build profitable businesses by strengthening their confidence, refining their skills, and avoiding common pitfalls in the industry. Through his work, Rodney empowers grant writers to create sustainable income streams while making a meaningful impact in the nonprofit sector.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Website: https://igrantwriters.com/

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Wed, 03 Feb 2021 03:49:53 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2897 Being a freelance grant writer doesn’t have to feel like a frustrating career filled with stress and uncertainty—it can be the exact opposite. 

In this episode, Holly Rustick sits down with freelance grant writing expert and coach Rodney Walker to talk about how to build your business with a strong foundation and grow in a methodical, sustainable way. 

Rodney shares his journey from struggle to success and offers an honest, behind-the-scenes look at the mistakes many new grant writers make—and how to avoid them. From developing real confidence as a business owner to understanding when closed doors are actually signs to pivot, this conversation is packed with insights. 

They also explore the power of affirmations, what it truly takes to move from broke to financially stable, and insider details about igrantwriters.com—including how you might already be featured there. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to strengthen your existing grant writing business, this episode will help you feel more confident, clear, and grounded in your path forward.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Rodney Walker is a freelance grant writing expert, coach, and founder of igrantwriters.com. He has helped aspiring and established grant writers build profitable businesses by strengthening their confidence, refining their skills, and avoiding common pitfalls in the industry. Through his work, Rodney empowers grant writers to create sustainable income streams while making a meaningful impact in the nonprofit sector.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Website: https://igrantwriters.com/

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ep. 155: 5-Steps to Know How & When Your Nonprofit or Business Should Publicly Support a Movement 155 155 Ep. 155: 5-Steps to Know How & When Your Nonprofit or Business Should Publicly Support a Movement full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/972867706 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-155-5-steps-to-know-how-when-your-nonprofit-or-business-should-publicly-support-a-movement Mon, 25 Jan 2021 23:31:41 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1841 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Why Your Nonprofit Should Start a Podcast & How to Monetize One with Larry Roberts 154 154 Why Your Nonprofit Should Start a Podcast & How to Monetize One with Larry Roberts full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/969200944 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-154-why-your-nonprofit-should-start-a-podcast-how-to-monetize-one-with-larry-roberts In this episode, we tackle one of the most common questions: Why should I start a podcast? And once that’s answered, the next questions naturally follow—How do I start one? and Can I actually make money from a podcast?

To break it all down, I’m joined by podcast expert Larry Roberts, host of Readily Random and 1 Big Win. Larry shares why podcasting is such a powerful platform for building your voice, expanding your reach, and creating new opportunities—and why he’s quickly becoming one of the most sought-after podcast consultants in the United States.

We explore why podcasting is a powerful tool for nonprofit leaders and freelance grant writers to build authority, credibility, and meaningful connections. A podcast can serve as your platform and voice, helping you become a go-to expert, open doors to speaking opportunities, and share impactful stories that resonate with funders and donors.

We also break down how to monetize a podcast, from promoting your own services and campaigns to understanding that revenue builds over time. You’ll learn how to strategically use your podcast to support both digital and physical offerings while growing your audience.

Finally, Larry takes us behind the scenes of his journey from a 21-year career into full-time podcasting. He shares lessons on trusting your intuition, testing the market before making a leap, recognizing when it’s time for a change, and why building multiple streams of income is essential—especially during uncertain times.


ABOUT OUR GUEST

Larry Roberts is a podcast expert, host of Readily Random and 1 Big Win, and a highly sought-after podcast consultant. He is quickly becoming one of the top podcast consultants in the United States, helping entrepreneurs and creators successfully launch and grow their shows.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> In this episode, we tackle one of the most common questions: Why should I start a podcast? And once that’s answered, the next questions naturally follow—How do I start one? and Can I actually make money from a podcast?

To break it all down, I’m joined by podcast expert Larry Roberts, host of Readily Random and 1 Big Win. Larry shares why podcasting is such a powerful platform for building your voice, expanding your reach, and creating new opportunities—and why he’s quickly becoming one of the most sought-after podcast consultants in the United States.

We explore why podcasting is a powerful tool for nonprofit leaders and freelance grant writers to build authority, credibility, and meaningful connections. A podcast can serve as your platform and voice, helping you become a go-to expert, open doors to speaking opportunities, and share impactful stories that resonate with funders and donors.

We also break down how to monetize a podcast, from promoting your own services and campaigns to understanding that revenue builds over time. You’ll learn how to strategically use your podcast to support both digital and physical offerings while growing your audience.

Finally, Larry takes us behind the scenes of his journey from a 21-year career into full-time podcasting. He shares lessons on trusting your intuition, testing the market before making a leap, recognizing when it’s time for a change, and why building multiple streams of income is essential—especially during uncertain times.


ABOUT OUR GUEST

Larry Roberts is a podcast expert, host of Readily Random and 1 Big Win, and a highly sought-after podcast consultant. He is quickly becoming one of the top podcast consultants in the United States, helping entrepreneurs and creators successfully launch and grow their shows.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Wed, 20 Jan 2021 07:08:50 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 3521 In this episode, we tackle one of the most common questions: Why should I start a podcast? And once that’s answered, the next questions naturally follow—How do I start one? and Can I actually make money from a podcast?

To break it all down, I’m joined by podcast expert Larry Roberts, host of Readily Random and 1 Big Win. Larry shares why podcasting is such a powerful platform for building your voice, expanding your reach, and creating new opportunities—and why he’s quickly becoming one of the most sought-after podcast consultants in the United States.

We explore why podcasting is a powerful tool for nonprofit leaders and freelance grant writers to build authority, credibility, and meaningful connections. A podcast can serve as your platform and voice, helping you become a go-to expert, open doors to speaking opportunities, and share impactful stories that resonate with funders and donors.

We also break down how to monetize a podcast, from promoting your own services and campaigns to understanding that revenue builds over time. You’ll learn how to strategically use your podcast to support both digital and physical offerings while growing your audience.

Finally, Larry takes us behind the scenes of his journey from a 21-year career into full-time podcasting. He shares lessons on trusting your intuition, testing the market before making a leap, recognizing when it’s time for a change, and why building multiple streams of income is essential—especially during uncertain times.


ABOUT OUR GUEST

Larry Roberts is a podcast expert, host of Readily Random and 1 Big Win, and a highly sought-after podcast consultant. He is quickly becoming one of the top podcast consultants in the United States, helping entrepreneurs and creators successfully launch and grow their shows.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Interview Like an Expert & Magic Tips to Boost Your LinkedIn Profile 153 153 Interview Like an Expert & Magic Tips to Boost Your LinkedIn Profile full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/964701475 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-153-interview-like-an-expert-magic-tips-to-boost-your-linkedin-profile Are you ready to stand out in your next job interview or elevate your professional presence online?


In this episode, Lynée Alves shares expert strategies on how to position yourself for success—whether you're applying for a nonprofit role, growing your freelance grant writing business, or advancing your career.

We dive into how to interview with confidence and clarity, including practical tips to help you communicate your value, showcase your experience, and leave a lasting impression.

Lynée also breaks down how to optimize your LinkedIn profile so it actually works for you—helping you attract opportunities, build credibility, and expand your professional network.

From mindset shifts to actionable tactics, this episode is packed with insights to help you show up as your best professional self. Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, volunteer, or freelancer, these strategies will help you take your career to the next level.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Lynée Alves is a career and business coach who helps individuals effectively position their skills and experience to achieve their professional goals. She specializes in job search strategies, interview preparation, and mindset coaching to help her clients gain confidence and clarity in their careers.

Lynée works with professionals across industries, including nonprofit leaders and entrepreneurs, to strengthen their personal brand, improve their communication skills, and create opportunities for growth and advancement.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Are you ready to stand out in your next job interview or elevate your professional presence online?


In this episode, Lynée Alves shares expert strategies on how to position yourself for success—whether you're applying for a nonprofit role, growing your freelance grant writing business, or advancing your career.

We dive into how to interview with confidence and clarity, including practical tips to help you communicate your value, showcase your experience, and leave a lasting impression.

Lynée also breaks down how to optimize your LinkedIn profile so it actually works for you—helping you attract opportunities, build credibility, and expand your professional network.

From mindset shifts to actionable tactics, this episode is packed with insights to help you show up as your best professional self. Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, volunteer, or freelancer, these strategies will help you take your career to the next level.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Lynée Alves is a career and business coach who helps individuals effectively position their skills and experience to achieve their professional goals. She specializes in job search strategies, interview preparation, and mindset coaching to help her clients gain confidence and clarity in their careers.

Lynée works with professionals across industries, including nonprofit leaders and entrepreneurs, to strengthen their personal brand, improve their communication skills, and create opportunities for growth and advancement.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Wed, 13 Jan 2021 04:25:15 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 3391 Are you ready to stand out in your next job interview or elevate your professional presence online?


In this episode, Lynée Alves shares expert strategies on how to position yourself for success—whether you're applying for a nonprofit role, growing your freelance grant writing business, or advancing your career.

We dive into how to interview with confidence and clarity, including practical tips to help you communicate your value, showcase your experience, and leave a lasting impression.

Lynée also breaks down how to optimize your LinkedIn profile so it actually works for you—helping you attract opportunities, build credibility, and expand your professional network.

From mindset shifts to actionable tactics, this episode is packed with insights to help you show up as your best professional self. Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, volunteer, or freelancer, these strategies will help you take your career to the next level.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Lynée Alves is a career and business coach who helps individuals effectively position their skills and experience to achieve their professional goals. She specializes in job search strategies, interview preparation, and mindset coaching to help her clients gain confidence and clarity in their careers.

Lynée works with professionals across industries, including nonprofit leaders and entrepreneurs, to strengthen their personal brand, improve their communication skills, and create opportunities for growth and advancement.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No 2020 Mash-Up 8 Tips on Freelance Grant Writing & Nonprofits 152 152 2020 Mash-Up 8 Tips on Freelance Grant Writing & Nonprofits full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/960309202 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-152-2020-mash-up-8-tips-on-freelance-grant-writing-nonprofits Oh my goodness—this episode was so much fun to put together.

I went back through some of the most-listened-to episodes of 2020 and pulled out the absolute best moments—the gold of the good. Think of this as your caramel boutique popcorn snack: bite-sized, powerful insights you can enjoy all in one place.

In this special mash-up episode, we kick things off with impactful nonprofit tips before diving into pricing and packaging strategies for freelance grant writers. Along the way, you’ll hear wisdom, strategies, and perspectives that helped shape how we all pivoted—and continue to pivot—in the nonprofit and grant writing world.

This episode is more than just a highlight reel—it’s a snapshot in time. A reminder of the resilience, creativity, and innovation that emerged during a pivotal year.

You’ll also hear from an incredible lineup of experts featured throughout the episode, including nonprofit leaders, grant professionals, and industry influencers who share their top insights and strategies.

If you’re looking for inspiration, practical tips, and a dose of motivation from voices across the field, this episode delivers.

Be sure to give it a listen!

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Oh my goodness—this episode was so much fun to put together.

I went back through some of the most-listened-to episodes of 2020 and pulled out the absolute best moments—the gold of the good. Think of this as your caramel boutique popcorn snack: bite-sized, powerful insights you can enjoy all in one place.

In this special mash-up episode, we kick things off with impactful nonprofit tips before diving into pricing and packaging strategies for freelance grant writers. Along the way, you’ll hear wisdom, strategies, and perspectives that helped shape how we all pivoted—and continue to pivot—in the nonprofit and grant writing world.

This episode is more than just a highlight reel—it’s a snapshot in time. A reminder of the resilience, creativity, and innovation that emerged during a pivotal year.

You’ll also hear from an incredible lineup of experts featured throughout the episode, including nonprofit leaders, grant professionals, and industry influencers who share their top insights and strategies.

If you’re looking for inspiration, practical tips, and a dose of motivation from voices across the field, this episode delivers.

Be sure to give it a listen!

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Wed, 06 Jan 2021 05:45:03 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2155 Oh my goodness—this episode was so much fun to put together.

I went back through some of the most-listened-to episodes of 2020 and pulled out the absolute best moments—the gold of the good. Think of this as your caramel boutique popcorn snack: bite-sized, powerful insights you can enjoy all in one place.

In this special mash-up episode, we kick things off with impactful nonprofit tips before diving into pricing and packaging strategies for freelance grant writers. Along the way, you’ll hear wisdom, strategies, and perspectives that helped shape how we all pivoted—and continue to pivot—in the nonprofit and grant writing world.

This episode is more than just a highlight reel—it’s a snapshot in time. A reminder of the resilience, creativity, and innovation that emerged during a pivotal year.

You’ll also hear from an incredible lineup of experts featured throughout the episode, including nonprofit leaders, grant professionals, and industry influencers who share their top insights and strategies.

If you’re looking for inspiration, practical tips, and a dose of motivation from voices across the field, this episode delivers.

Be sure to give it a listen!

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Nonprofit Expert Tips to Create the Best New Year's Resolution 151 151 Nonprofit Expert Tips to Create the Best New Year's Resolution full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/955793644 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-151-nonprofit-expert-tips-to-create-the-best-new-years-resolution What is your New Year’s resolution for your nonprofit?


As Dr. Beverly Browning says, “This is the time not to drink, but to think.”


In this episode, we dive into how nonprofits can use this time to reflect, reset, and strategically plan for the year ahead—especially in a landscape that has shifted priorities and funding opportunities. We discuss why understanding the full journey from startup to sustainability is critical before even launching your nonprofit, and how having the right foundation—like a strong board of directors, a clear strategic plan, financial systems, and cohesive branding—can set you up for long-term success.


We also explore how to reflect on what truly matters for your organization, set new and aligned goals with your board, evaluate whether your mission, vision, and values are still in sync, and determine if it’s time to create new or adapted programs.

If you’re ready to move into the new year with clarity, intention, and a stronger strategy, this episode will help guide your next steps.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Dr. Beverly A. Browning is a nationally recognized grant writing expert, author, and trainer with decades of experience helping nonprofits secure funding and build sustainable programs. She is the author of multiple books on grant writing, including Grant Writing for Dummies, and has trained thousands of nonprofit professionals across the United States.

Dr. Browning specializes in helping nonprofits build strong foundations—from startup through sustainability—by developing strategic plans, diversified funding streams, and effective organizational systems.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> What is your New Year’s resolution for your nonprofit?


As Dr. Beverly Browning says, “This is the time not to drink, but to think.”


In this episode, we dive into how nonprofits can use this time to reflect, reset, and strategically plan for the year ahead—especially in a landscape that has shifted priorities and funding opportunities. We discuss why understanding the full journey from startup to sustainability is critical before even launching your nonprofit, and how having the right foundation—like a strong board of directors, a clear strategic plan, financial systems, and cohesive branding—can set you up for long-term success.


We also explore how to reflect on what truly matters for your organization, set new and aligned goals with your board, evaluate whether your mission, vision, and values are still in sync, and determine if it’s time to create new or adapted programs.

If you’re ready to move into the new year with clarity, intention, and a stronger strategy, this episode will help guide your next steps.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Dr. Beverly A. Browning is a nationally recognized grant writing expert, author, and trainer with decades of experience helping nonprofits secure funding and build sustainable programs. She is the author of multiple books on grant writing, including Grant Writing for Dummies, and has trained thousands of nonprofit professionals across the United States.

Dr. Browning specializes in helping nonprofits build strong foundations—from startup through sustainability—by developing strategic plans, diversified funding streams, and effective organizational systems.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 29 Dec 2020 02:10:42 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1786 What is your New Year’s resolution for your nonprofit?


As Dr. Beverly Browning says, “This is the time not to drink, but to think.”


In this episode, we dive into how nonprofits can use this time to reflect, reset, and strategically plan for the year ahead—especially in a landscape that has shifted priorities and funding opportunities. We discuss why understanding the full journey from startup to sustainability is critical before even launching your nonprofit, and how having the right foundation—like a strong board of directors, a clear strategic plan, financial systems, and cohesive branding—can set you up for long-term success.


We also explore how to reflect on what truly matters for your organization, set new and aligned goals with your board, evaluate whether your mission, vision, and values are still in sync, and determine if it’s time to create new or adapted programs.

If you’re ready to move into the new year with clarity, intention, and a stronger strategy, this episode will help guide your next steps.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Dr. Beverly A. Browning is a nationally recognized grant writing expert, author, and trainer with decades of experience helping nonprofits secure funding and build sustainable programs. She is the author of multiple books on grant writing, including Grant Writing for Dummies, and has trained thousands of nonprofit professionals across the United States.

Dr. Browning specializes in helping nonprofits build strong foundations—from startup through sustainability—by developing strategic plans, diversified funding streams, and effective organizational systems.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Branding is Important to Demonstrate Nonprofit Credibility. Here's the Why, What, & How 150 150 Branding is Important to Demonstrate Nonprofit Credibility. Here's the Why, What, & How full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/952640530 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-150-branding-is-important-to-demonstrate-nonprofit-credibility-heres-the-why-what-how Branding is important—and it’s not going anywhere. Yes, even for nonprofit organizations. But if you’re thinking, “I don’t even have enough budget for my programs—how am I supposed to invest in branding?”—you’re not alone. Here’s the good news: you don’t need a big budget to build a strong brand.

In this episode, Dr. Beverly Browning and I break down what nonprofit branding really means and how you can create a professional, trustworthy presence without overspending.

We talk about simple, practical ways to get started—from basic materials like business cards to the must-have asset every nonprofit needs today: a website. Because let’s be real—having just a Facebook or Instagram page isn’t enough anymore.

We also share tips on affordable, user-friendly tools and platforms that can help you build a beautiful and functional online presence without feeling overwhelmed.

Whether you’re a nonprofit leader or a freelance grant writer supporting organizations, this episode gives you a crash course in branding that’s both accessible and impactful.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Dr. Beverly A. Browning is a nationally recognized grant writing expert, author, and trainer with decades of experience helping nonprofits secure funding and build sustainable programs. She is the author of multiple books on grant writing, including Grant Writing for Dummies, and has trained thousands of nonprofit professionals across the United States.

In addition to her expertise in grant writing, Dr. Browning supports nonprofits in strengthening their overall capacity, including strategic planning, funding diversification, and organizational development.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Branding is important—and it’s not going anywhere. Yes, even for nonprofit organizations. But if you’re thinking, “I don’t even have enough budget for my programs—how am I supposed to invest in branding?”—you’re not alone. Here’s the good news: you don’t need a big budget to build a strong brand.

In this episode, Dr. Beverly Browning and I break down what nonprofit branding really means and how you can create a professional, trustworthy presence without overspending.

We talk about simple, practical ways to get started—from basic materials like business cards to the must-have asset every nonprofit needs today: a website. Because let’s be real—having just a Facebook or Instagram page isn’t enough anymore.

We also share tips on affordable, user-friendly tools and platforms that can help you build a beautiful and functional online presence without feeling overwhelmed.

Whether you’re a nonprofit leader or a freelance grant writer supporting organizations, this episode gives you a crash course in branding that’s both accessible and impactful.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Dr. Beverly A. Browning is a nationally recognized grant writing expert, author, and trainer with decades of experience helping nonprofits secure funding and build sustainable programs. She is the author of multiple books on grant writing, including Grant Writing for Dummies, and has trained thousands of nonprofit professionals across the United States.

In addition to her expertise in grant writing, Dr. Browning supports nonprofits in strengthening their overall capacity, including strategic planning, funding diversification, and organizational development.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 22 Dec 2020 21:42:16 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2407 Branding is important—and it’s not going anywhere. Yes, even for nonprofit organizations. But if you’re thinking, “I don’t even have enough budget for my programs—how am I supposed to invest in branding?”—you’re not alone. Here’s the good news: you don’t need a big budget to build a strong brand.

In this episode, Dr. Beverly Browning and I break down what nonprofit branding really means and how you can create a professional, trustworthy presence without overspending.

We talk about simple, practical ways to get started—from basic materials like business cards to the must-have asset every nonprofit needs today: a website. Because let’s be real—having just a Facebook or Instagram page isn’t enough anymore.

We also share tips on affordable, user-friendly tools and platforms that can help you build a beautiful and functional online presence without feeling overwhelmed.

Whether you’re a nonprofit leader or a freelance grant writer supporting organizations, this episode gives you a crash course in branding that’s both accessible and impactful.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Dr. Beverly A. Browning is a nationally recognized grant writing expert, author, and trainer with decades of experience helping nonprofits secure funding and build sustainable programs. She is the author of multiple books on grant writing, including Grant Writing for Dummies, and has trained thousands of nonprofit professionals across the United States.

In addition to her expertise in grant writing, Dr. Browning supports nonprofits in strengthening their overall capacity, including strategic planning, funding diversification, and organizational development.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Discover Diverse Funding Streams For Nonprofit Organizations 149 149 Discover Diverse Funding Streams For Nonprofit Organizations full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/948493129 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-149-discover-diverse-funding-streams-for-nonprofit-organizations Is your nonprofit struggling financially—or relying on just one type of funding like grants or fundraising?

If so, this episode is for you.

And guess who’s back on the Grant Writing & Funding podcast? Dr. Beverly Browning—woot-woot!

In this conversation, we explore how nonprofits can build a more balanced and sustainable funding strategy by diversifying their income streams. We discuss how board members can play an active financial role, why even startup nonprofits should implement simple monthly fundraisers, and how to position your organization for credibility by being listed on platforms like GuideStar.

We also cover practical ways to secure startup funding, how organizations can raise $40,000+ within a year, and why your funding strategy should never rely on just one source. Plus, we dive into how social media plays a key role in amplifying your funding opportunities and visibility.

If you’re a nonprofit leader, board member, or grant writer looking to strengthen your organization’s financial health and expand your funding approach, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Dr. Beverly A. Browning is a nationally recognized grant writing expert, author, and trainer with decades of experience helping nonprofits secure funding and build sustainable programs. She is the author of multiple books on grant writing, including Grant Writing for Dummies, and has trained thousands of nonprofit professionals across the United States.

Dr. Browning specializes in helping nonprofits diversify their funding streams, strengthen organizational capacity, and develop long-term strategies for financial sustainability.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Is your nonprofit struggling financially—or relying on just one type of funding like grants or fundraising?

If so, this episode is for you.

And guess who’s back on the Grant Writing & Funding podcast? Dr. Beverly Browning—woot-woot!

In this conversation, we explore how nonprofits can build a more balanced and sustainable funding strategy by diversifying their income streams. We discuss how board members can play an active financial role, why even startup nonprofits should implement simple monthly fundraisers, and how to position your organization for credibility by being listed on platforms like GuideStar.

We also cover practical ways to secure startup funding, how organizations can raise $40,000+ within a year, and why your funding strategy should never rely on just one source. Plus, we dive into how social media plays a key role in amplifying your funding opportunities and visibility.

If you’re a nonprofit leader, board member, or grant writer looking to strengthen your organization’s financial health and expand your funding approach, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Dr. Beverly A. Browning is a nationally recognized grant writing expert, author, and trainer with decades of experience helping nonprofits secure funding and build sustainable programs. She is the author of multiple books on grant writing, including Grant Writing for Dummies, and has trained thousands of nonprofit professionals across the United States.

Dr. Browning specializes in helping nonprofits diversify their funding streams, strengthen organizational capacity, and develop long-term strategies for financial sustainability.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Wed, 16 Dec 2020 06:30:06 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2461 Is your nonprofit struggling financially—or relying on just one type of funding like grants or fundraising?

If so, this episode is for you.

And guess who’s back on the Grant Writing & Funding podcast? Dr. Beverly Browning—woot-woot!

In this conversation, we explore how nonprofits can build a more balanced and sustainable funding strategy by diversifying their income streams. We discuss how board members can play an active financial role, why even startup nonprofits should implement simple monthly fundraisers, and how to position your organization for credibility by being listed on platforms like GuideStar.

We also cover practical ways to secure startup funding, how organizations can raise $40,000+ within a year, and why your funding strategy should never rely on just one source. Plus, we dive into how social media plays a key role in amplifying your funding opportunities and visibility.

If you’re a nonprofit leader, board member, or grant writer looking to strengthen your organization’s financial health and expand your funding approach, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Dr. Beverly A. Browning is a nationally recognized grant writing expert, author, and trainer with decades of experience helping nonprofits secure funding and build sustainable programs. She is the author of multiple books on grant writing, including Grant Writing for Dummies, and has trained thousands of nonprofit professionals across the United States.

Dr. Browning specializes in helping nonprofits diversify their funding streams, strengthen organizational capacity, and develop long-term strategies for financial sustainability.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Strategic Plan Must-Haves to Stop "Chasing the Money" 148 148 Strategic Plan Must-Haves to Stop "Chasing the Money" full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/943529707 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-148-strategic-plan-must-haves-to-stop-chasing-the-money Don’t know where to start with strategic planning?

You’re not alone—and this episode is here to help.

Dr. Beverly Browning is back on the podcast, and together we dive into how nonprofits can shift from constantly chasing funding to building a clear, intentional strategic plan.

Instead of reacting to every grant opportunity, we talk about how to step back, define your priorities, and create a roadmap that actually supports long-term sustainability.

In this episode, you’ll get practical tips on how to approach strategic planning for the year ahead, how to align your funding efforts with your mission, and why having a plan in place can make all the difference in your nonprofit’s growth.

If you’re ready to move from reactive fundraising to proactive strategy, this episode is a must-listen.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Dr. Beverly A. Browning is a nationally recognized grant writing expert, author, and trainer with decades of experience helping nonprofits secure funding and build sustainable programs. She is the author of multiple books on grant writing, including Grant Writing for Dummies, and has trained thousands of nonprofit professionals across the United States.

Dr. Browning specializes in strategic planning and helping nonprofits develop diversified funding approaches that align with their mission and long-term goals.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Don’t know where to start with strategic planning?

You’re not alone—and this episode is here to help.

Dr. Beverly Browning is back on the podcast, and together we dive into how nonprofits can shift from constantly chasing funding to building a clear, intentional strategic plan.

Instead of reacting to every grant opportunity, we talk about how to step back, define your priorities, and create a roadmap that actually supports long-term sustainability.

In this episode, you’ll get practical tips on how to approach strategic planning for the year ahead, how to align your funding efforts with your mission, and why having a plan in place can make all the difference in your nonprofit’s growth.

If you’re ready to move from reactive fundraising to proactive strategy, this episode is a must-listen.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Dr. Beverly A. Browning is a nationally recognized grant writing expert, author, and trainer with decades of experience helping nonprofits secure funding and build sustainable programs. She is the author of multiple books on grant writing, including Grant Writing for Dummies, and has trained thousands of nonprofit professionals across the United States.

Dr. Browning specializes in strategic planning and helping nonprofits develop diversified funding approaches that align with their mission and long-term goals.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 08 Dec 2020 06:49:54 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1965 Don’t know where to start with strategic planning?

You’re not alone—and this episode is here to help.

Dr. Beverly Browning is back on the podcast, and together we dive into how nonprofits can shift from constantly chasing funding to building a clear, intentional strategic plan.

Instead of reacting to every grant opportunity, we talk about how to step back, define your priorities, and create a roadmap that actually supports long-term sustainability.

In this episode, you’ll get practical tips on how to approach strategic planning for the year ahead, how to align your funding efforts with your mission, and why having a plan in place can make all the difference in your nonprofit’s growth.

If you’re ready to move from reactive fundraising to proactive strategy, this episode is a must-listen.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Dr. Beverly A. Browning is a nationally recognized grant writing expert, author, and trainer with decades of experience helping nonprofits secure funding and build sustainable programs. She is the author of multiple books on grant writing, including Grant Writing for Dummies, and has trained thousands of nonprofit professionals across the United States.

Dr. Browning specializes in strategic planning and helping nonprofits develop diversified funding approaches that align with their mission and long-term goals.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Critical Red Flags To Avoid When Starting Or Growing A Nonprofit 147 147 Critical Red Flags To Avoid When Starting Or Growing A Nonprofit full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/939236272 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/critical-red-flags-to-avoid-when-starting-or-growing-a-nonprofit Welcome to the December Nonprofit Series! Dr. Beverly Browning will be my co-host throughout the entire month!

In this podcast, we go over the Red Flags that we have both seen time and time again when it comes to nonprofits starting or growing.

Some issues include:

  • Not having a board of directors
  • Having a family-only run board
  • Thinking the millions of dollars of grants will start rolling in the minute you file paperwork
  • Starting a Sole Corp instead of a 501(c)3
  • Thinking you can pay a grant writer with the commission of an awarded grant
  • Not having a conflict of interest policy

We discuss all of these and more!

About Dr. Beverly Browning

Dr. Beverly A. Browning has been consulting in the areas of grant writing, RFP responses, technical writing, and organizational development for over four decades.  She has assisted clients and workshop participants throughout the United States in receiving awards of more than $500 million.  Dr. Browning is the author of 43 grant-related publications, including six editions (over 1 million books sold) of Grant Writing For Dummies™ (Wiley.com). She is also an international trainer and keynote speaker.  In 2015, she was selected by the Centers for Disease Control NICRD division to conduct a five-day Grant Writing Boot Camp in South Africa for ministers of health and other top-level health directors from 23 African countries.

Dr. Browning holds graduate and post-graduate degrees in Organizational Development, Public Administration, and Business Administration.  She has been a grant writing course developer and online facilitator for Cengage Learning (www.ed2go.com) for 17 years.  Her online courses (taught to thousands of students annually) are Advanced Proposal Writing, Becoming a Grant Writing Consultant, and A to Z Grant Writing: Part 2 – Beyond the Basics.

Dr. Browning is Founder and Director of the Grant Writing Training Foundation and CEO for Bev Browning, LLC.  She was a 17-year member of the Grant Professionals Association (GPA) and has presented training workshops and keynote presentations for multiple GPA chapters U.S.-wide.  In 2017, Dr. Browning joined the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and was a workshop presenter at their 2018 International conference in New Orleans. She is an approved trainer for GPA and CFRE International.

Dr. Browning has been married 53 years to John and has one daughter, Lara, a licensed therapist, and a special needs granddaughter, Aaliyah.

Connect with Dr. Beverly:

To find out more about Dr. Bev, check out http://bevbrowning.com/

Or find her on LinkedIn where she facilitates a group at https://www.linkedin.com/in/bevbrowning/

Related Links:

  • Check out Episode #108: Freelance Grant Writing Wisdom with Dr. Beverly Browning. Click here. 
  • Check out Episode #118: Freelance Grant Writer Panel: Grant Writing During COVID-19. Click here.
  • Check out Episode #119: BONUS Freelance Grant Writer Panel: Grant Writing During COVID-19 Q&A. Click here.

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Welcome to the December Nonprofit Series! Dr. Beverly Browning will be my co-host throughout the entire month!

In this podcast, we go over the Red Flags that we have both seen time and time again when it comes to nonprofits starting or growing.

Some issues include:

  • Not having a board of directors
  • Having a family-only run board
  • Thinking the millions of dollars of grants will start rolling in the minute you file paperwork
  • Starting a Sole Corp instead of a 501(c)3
  • Thinking you can pay a grant writer with the commission of an awarded grant
  • Not having a conflict of interest policy

We discuss all of these and more!

About Dr. Beverly Browning

Dr. Beverly A. Browning has been consulting in the areas of grant writing, RFP responses, technical writing, and organizational development for over four decades.  She has assisted clients and workshop participants throughout the United States in receiving awards of more than $500 million.  Dr. Browning is the author of 43 grant-related publications, including six editions (over 1 million books sold) of Grant Writing For Dummies™ (Wiley.com). She is also an international trainer and keynote speaker.  In 2015, she was selected by the Centers for Disease Control NICRD division to conduct a five-day Grant Writing Boot Camp in South Africa for ministers of health and other top-level health directors from 23 African countries.

Dr. Browning holds graduate and post-graduate degrees in Organizational Development, Public Administration, and Business Administration.  She has been a grant writing course developer and online facilitator for Cengage Learning (www.ed2go.com) for 17 years.  Her online courses (taught to thousands of students annually) are Advanced Proposal Writing, Becoming a Grant Writing Consultant, and A to Z Grant Writing: Part 2 – Beyond the Basics.

Dr. Browning is Founder and Director of the Grant Writing Training Foundation and CEO for Bev Browning, LLC.  She was a 17-year member of the Grant Professionals Association (GPA) and has presented training workshops and keynote presentations for multiple GPA chapters U.S.-wide.  In 2017, Dr. Browning joined the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and was a workshop presenter at their 2018 International conference in New Orleans. She is an approved trainer for GPA and CFRE International.

Dr. Browning has been married 53 years to John and has one daughter, Lara, a licensed therapist, and a special needs granddaughter, Aaliyah.

Connect with Dr. Beverly:

To find out more about Dr. Bev, check out http://bevbrowning.com/

Or find her on LinkedIn where she facilitates a group at https://www.linkedin.com/in/bevbrowning/

Related Links:

  • Check out Episode #108: Freelance Grant Writing Wisdom with Dr. Beverly Browning. Click here. 
  • Check out Episode #118: Freelance Grant Writer Panel: Grant Writing During COVID-19. Click here.
  • Check out Episode #119: BONUS Freelance Grant Writer Panel: Grant Writing During COVID-19 Q&A. Click here.

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 01 Dec 2020 06:16:05 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2378 Welcome to the December Nonprofit Series! Dr. Beverly Browning will be my co-host throughout the entire month!

In this podcast, we go over the Red Flags that we have both seen time and time again when it comes to nonprofits starting or growing.

Some issues include:

  • Not having a board of directors
  • Having a family-only run board
  • Thinking the millions of dollars of grants will start rolling in the minute you file paperwork
  • Starting a Sole Corp instead of a 501(c)3
  • Thinking you can pay a grant writer with the commission of an awarded grant
  • Not having a conflict of interest policy

We discuss all of these and more!

About Dr. Beverly Browning

Dr. Beverly A. Browning has been consulting in the areas of grant writing, RFP responses, technical writing, and organizational development for over four decades.  She has assisted clients and workshop participants throughout the United States in receiving awards of more than $500 million.  Dr. Browning is the author of 43 grant-related publications, including six editions (over 1 million books sold) of Grant Writing For Dummies™ (Wiley.com). She is also an international trainer and keynote speaker.  In 2015, she was selected by the Centers for Disease Control NICRD division to conduct a five-day Grant Writing Boot Camp in South Africa for ministers of health and other top-level health directors from 23 African countries.

Dr. Browning holds graduate and post-graduate degrees in Organizational Development, Public Administration, and Business Administration.  She has been a grant writing course developer and online facilitator for Cengage Learning (www.ed2go.com) for 17 years.  Her online courses (taught to thousands of students annually) are Advanced Proposal Writing, Becoming a Grant Writing Consultant, and A to Z Grant Writing: Part 2 – Beyond the Basics.

Dr. Browning is Founder and Director of the Grant Writing Training Foundation and CEO for Bev Browning, LLC.  She was a 17-year member of the Grant Professionals Association (GPA) and has presented training workshops and keynote presentations for multiple GPA chapters U.S.-wide.  In 2017, Dr. Browning joined the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and was a workshop presenter at their 2018 International conference in New Orleans. She is an approved trainer for GPA and CFRE International.

Dr. Browning has been married 53 years to John and has one daughter, Lara, a licensed therapist, and a special needs granddaughter, Aaliyah.

Connect with Dr. Beverly:

To find out more about Dr. Bev, check out http://bevbrowning.com/

Or find her on LinkedIn where she facilitates a group at https://www.linkedin.com/in/bevbrowning/

Related Links:

  • Check out Episode #108: Freelance Grant Writing Wisdom with Dr. Beverly Browning. Click here. 
  • Check out Episode #118: Freelance Grant Writer Panel: Grant Writing During COVID-19. Click here.
  • Check out Episode #119: BONUS Freelance Grant Writer Panel: Grant Writing During COVID-19 Q&A. Click here.

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ep. 146: 6-Step System to Prepare a Nonprofit for GivingTuesday 146 146 Ep. 146: 6-Step System to Prepare a Nonprofit for GivingTuesday full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/935673826 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-146-6-step-system-to-prepare-a-nonprofit-for-givingtuesday Wed, 25 Nov 2020 01:21:48 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1579 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No 5 Virtual Fundraising Ideas For Thanksgiving 145 145 5 Virtual Fundraising Ideas For Thanksgiving full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/931355944 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-145-5-virtual-fundraising-ideas-for-thanksgiving This year may feel different when it comes to end-of-year fundraising—but that doesn’t mean fundraising should stop. In fact, it shouldn’t.


People still want to give. Some may even have more capacity to give, while others are more aware than ever of the impact your nonprofit has in the community. So, the question isn’t if you should fundraise—it’s how.

If traditional, in-person events aren’t an option, this episode walks you through creative and effective ways to shift your strategy online while still building connection and generating revenue.

We start with the foundation of all successful fundraising: relationships. Before asking for donations, it’s essential to thank and recognize your current donors—whether through handwritten notes, social media shoutouts, or other meaningful touches.

From there, we explore four additional virtual fundraising ideas that are both engaging and practical:

  •  Hosting a virtual Turkey Trot or fun run paired with a scavenger hunt 
  •  Organizing a seasonal baking competition with opportunities to upsell winning treats 
  •  Creating curated gift baskets for corporate partners with pre-orders to minimize risk 
  •  Planning a holiday-themed virtual trivia night to bring community and fun together online 

Each idea is designed to help you raise funds while strengthening relationships and creating memorable experiences for your supporters.

If you’re looking for ways to keep your fundraising strong—no matter the circumstances—this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable ideas.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> This year may feel different when it comes to end-of-year fundraising—but that doesn’t mean fundraising should stop. In fact, it shouldn’t.


People still want to give. Some may even have more capacity to give, while others are more aware than ever of the impact your nonprofit has in the community. So, the question isn’t if you should fundraise—it’s how.

If traditional, in-person events aren’t an option, this episode walks you through creative and effective ways to shift your strategy online while still building connection and generating revenue.

We start with the foundation of all successful fundraising: relationships. Before asking for donations, it’s essential to thank and recognize your current donors—whether through handwritten notes, social media shoutouts, or other meaningful touches.

From there, we explore four additional virtual fundraising ideas that are both engaging and practical:

  •  Hosting a virtual Turkey Trot or fun run paired with a scavenger hunt 
  •  Organizing a seasonal baking competition with opportunities to upsell winning treats 
  •  Creating curated gift baskets for corporate partners with pre-orders to minimize risk 
  •  Planning a holiday-themed virtual trivia night to bring community and fun together online 

Each idea is designed to help you raise funds while strengthening relationships and creating memorable experiences for your supporters.

If you’re looking for ways to keep your fundraising strong—no matter the circumstances—this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable ideas.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Wed, 18 Nov 2020 02:18:18 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1687 This year may feel different when it comes to end-of-year fundraising—but that doesn’t mean fundraising should stop. In fact, it shouldn’t.


People still want to give. Some may even have more capacity to give, while others are more aware than ever of the impact your nonprofit has in the community. So, the question isn’t if you should fundraise—it’s how.

If traditional, in-person events aren’t an option, this episode walks you through creative and effective ways to shift your strategy online while still building connection and generating revenue.

We start with the foundation of all successful fundraising: relationships. Before asking for donations, it’s essential to thank and recognize your current donors—whether through handwritten notes, social media shoutouts, or other meaningful touches.

From there, we explore four additional virtual fundraising ideas that are both engaging and practical:

  •  Hosting a virtual Turkey Trot or fun run paired with a scavenger hunt 
  •  Organizing a seasonal baking competition with opportunities to upsell winning treats 
  •  Creating curated gift baskets for corporate partners with pre-orders to minimize risk 
  •  Planning a holiday-themed virtual trivia night to bring community and fun together online 

Each idea is designed to help you raise funds while strengthening relationships and creating memorable experiences for your supporters.

If you’re looking for ways to keep your fundraising strong—no matter the circumstances—this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable ideas.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No How & Where to Find CARES Act Funding for Nonprofits (before it's gone) 144 144 How & Where to Find CARES Act Funding for Nonprofits (before it's gone) full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/926586367 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-144-how-where-to-find-cares-act-funding-for-nonprofits-before-its-gone Has your nonprofit—or the nonprofits you support—received CARES Act funding? If not, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.


In this conversation, Tim Butler breaks down how nonprofits can still tap into CARES Act funding and why it’s critical to act quickly. With specific deadlines and distribution requirements set at the state and city level, there’s a limited window to access these funds—and waiting could mean missing out.

Tim shares insights into how these funds are being allocated, what nonprofits need to know to qualify, and how to position your organization to secure this funding before it’s gone. If you’re looking for timely, actionable guidance on accessing emergency funding opportunities, this episode will help you understand what steps to take right now.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Tim Butler is the Founder and Owner of Freelance Soul Professional Services, a grant writing and fundraising consulting firm based in Tulsa, Oklahoma—home of the historic Black Wall Street. As an unapologetically Black male-owned business, Tim is dedicated to closing the funding gap for historically underrepresented communities and vulnerable populations, including people of color, women, veterans, faith communities, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and disadvantaged organizations.

With over 15 years of experience and a 93.75% grant success rate, Tim has secured more than $1 million in funding for startups, nonprofits, and social entrepreneurs. His clients have seen returns on investment as high as 35:1. He is a Certified Nonprofit Professional through the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance and holds a Community Development Certification from Howard University.

Tim specializes in helping organizations become grant-ready, secure their first funding, and implement systems for long-term sustainability. His services include nonprofit formation, grant research and writing, corporate sponsorship development, board training, and grant review and editing.

Guided by his belief that “knowledge is just having information—wisdom is knowing how to use that information to get desired results,” Tim is passionate about creating equitable access to funding and ensuring more organizations have a seat at the table.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/freelancesoul

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Has your nonprofit—or the nonprofits you support—received CARES Act funding? If not, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.


In this conversation, Tim Butler breaks down how nonprofits can still tap into CARES Act funding and why it’s critical to act quickly. With specific deadlines and distribution requirements set at the state and city level, there’s a limited window to access these funds—and waiting could mean missing out.

Tim shares insights into how these funds are being allocated, what nonprofits need to know to qualify, and how to position your organization to secure this funding before it’s gone. If you’re looking for timely, actionable guidance on accessing emergency funding opportunities, this episode will help you understand what steps to take right now.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Tim Butler is the Founder and Owner of Freelance Soul Professional Services, a grant writing and fundraising consulting firm based in Tulsa, Oklahoma—home of the historic Black Wall Street. As an unapologetically Black male-owned business, Tim is dedicated to closing the funding gap for historically underrepresented communities and vulnerable populations, including people of color, women, veterans, faith communities, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and disadvantaged organizations.

With over 15 years of experience and a 93.75% grant success rate, Tim has secured more than $1 million in funding for startups, nonprofits, and social entrepreneurs. His clients have seen returns on investment as high as 35:1. He is a Certified Nonprofit Professional through the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance and holds a Community Development Certification from Howard University.

Tim specializes in helping organizations become grant-ready, secure their first funding, and implement systems for long-term sustainability. His services include nonprofit formation, grant research and writing, corporate sponsorship development, board training, and grant review and editing.

Guided by his belief that “knowledge is just having information—wisdom is knowing how to use that information to get desired results,” Tim is passionate about creating equitable access to funding and ensuring more organizations have a seat at the table.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/freelancesoul

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 10 Nov 2020 07:41:21 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 3782 Has your nonprofit—or the nonprofits you support—received CARES Act funding? If not, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.


In this conversation, Tim Butler breaks down how nonprofits can still tap into CARES Act funding and why it’s critical to act quickly. With specific deadlines and distribution requirements set at the state and city level, there’s a limited window to access these funds—and waiting could mean missing out.

Tim shares insights into how these funds are being allocated, what nonprofits need to know to qualify, and how to position your organization to secure this funding before it’s gone. If you’re looking for timely, actionable guidance on accessing emergency funding opportunities, this episode will help you understand what steps to take right now.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Tim Butler is the Founder and Owner of Freelance Soul Professional Services, a grant writing and fundraising consulting firm based in Tulsa, Oklahoma—home of the historic Black Wall Street. As an unapologetically Black male-owned business, Tim is dedicated to closing the funding gap for historically underrepresented communities and vulnerable populations, including people of color, women, veterans, faith communities, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and disadvantaged organizations.

With over 15 years of experience and a 93.75% grant success rate, Tim has secured more than $1 million in funding for startups, nonprofits, and social entrepreneurs. His clients have seen returns on investment as high as 35:1. He is a Certified Nonprofit Professional through the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance and holds a Community Development Certification from Howard University.

Tim specializes in helping organizations become grant-ready, secure their first funding, and implement systems for long-term sustainability. His services include nonprofit formation, grant research and writing, corporate sponsorship development, board training, and grant review and editing.

Guided by his belief that “knowledge is just having information—wisdom is knowing how to use that information to get desired results,” Tim is passionate about creating equitable access to funding and ensuring more organizations have a seat at the table.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/freelancesoul

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No 5 Most Popular Grant Writing Questions 143 143 5 Most Popular Grant Writing Questions full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/922511146 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/5-most-popular-grant-writing-questions Oh yes. Those pesky grant writing qualms.

Here are the top questions that I get.

#1: How Do You Get Funding From Grants for General Operating Expenses?

You can get funding for general operating expenses through 3 ways:

  • Pursue specific grants that target general operating
  • Include a certain percentage of your general operating expenses within the direct categories of a grant project budget
  • Include up to 10% of the grant amount in the indirect category in a grant budget

#2: As a non-US grant seeker, is there funding available?

Yes! There is absolutely funding available! You can get that through the following:

  • There are certain U.S. federal grants that give specifically to nonprofits (both U.S. organizations based abroad and to non-U.S. nonprofits)
  • Certain foundations give out money to nonprofits around the world (think Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation)
  • There are many international funding sources, such as EU organizations, UN organizations, foundations, Canadian funding, etc.

#3: Do you recommend college courses for beginning grant writers?

That depends. If you are in college already and want to get college credit toward a degree this could be great. However, if you are not in college nor seeking a degree, then I would recommend taking a grant writing course offered by a grant writer that is in the field.

Such as my 6-Week Live Grant Writing Course or DIY Grant Writing Course *wink-wink*

But the fact is these courses can cost way less and take less time, but give you the real tips of how grant writers are actually winning grants!

#4: What’s the best approach when a foundation states they don’t accept unsolicited applications?

Develop a relationship. A way to side-step the gatekeeper is to go on LinkedIn and start a relationship with decision-makers at the foundations. But remember – don’t go in blazing asking for money right away. Spend time liking their posts and making comments. Start sharing things with them that they may find interesting. And make sure they are a good fit. Does their mission statement align with your nonprofit’s mission?

#5: I am a freelance grant writer and my nonprofit client does not know how to guide me.  What questions should I ask to get information?

Ooh, I love this one. So first off you need to:

  • Give them a list requesting certain documents

Then have a Kick-off Grant Writing Meeting

  • Include the Executive Director, Bookkeeper, Grant Coordinator, and possibly an expert
  • Write down the deadlines and tasks for everyone

Want to listen to the entire podcast with way more examples? Click above on the podcast link :)

To sum up, the 5 Most Popular Grant Writing Questions are:

  1. How Do You Get Funding From Grants for General Operating Expenses?
  2. As a non-US grant seeker, is there funding available?
  3. Do you recommend college courses for beginning grant writers?
  4. What’s the best approach when a foundation states they don’t accept unsolicited applications?
  5. I am a freelance grant writer and my nonprofit client does not know how to guide me.  What questions should I ask to get information?

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Oh yes. Those pesky grant writing qualms.

Here are the top questions that I get.

#1: How Do You Get Funding From Grants for General Operating Expenses?

You can get funding for general operating expenses through 3 ways:

  • Pursue specific grants that target general operating
  • Include a certain percentage of your general operating expenses within the direct categories of a grant project budget
  • Include up to 10% of the grant amount in the indirect category in a grant budget

#2: As a non-US grant seeker, is there funding available?

Yes! There is absolutely funding available! You can get that through the following:

  • There are certain U.S. federal grants that give specifically to nonprofits (both U.S. organizations based abroad and to non-U.S. nonprofits)
  • Certain foundations give out money to nonprofits around the world (think Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation)
  • There are many international funding sources, such as EU organizations, UN organizations, foundations, Canadian funding, etc.

#3: Do you recommend college courses for beginning grant writers?

That depends. If you are in college already and want to get college credit toward a degree this could be great. However, if you are not in college nor seeking a degree, then I would recommend taking a grant writing course offered by a grant writer that is in the field.

Such as my 6-Week Live Grant Writing Course or DIY Grant Writing Course *wink-wink*

But the fact is these courses can cost way less and take less time, but give you the real tips of how grant writers are actually winning grants!

#4: What’s the best approach when a foundation states they don’t accept unsolicited applications?

Develop a relationship. A way to side-step the gatekeeper is to go on LinkedIn and start a relationship with decision-makers at the foundations. But remember – don’t go in blazing asking for money right away. Spend time liking their posts and making comments. Start sharing things with them that they may find interesting. And make sure they are a good fit. Does their mission statement align with your nonprofit’s mission?

#5: I am a freelance grant writer and my nonprofit client does not know how to guide me.  What questions should I ask to get information?

Ooh, I love this one. So first off you need to:

  • Give them a list requesting certain documents

Then have a Kick-off Grant Writing Meeting

  • Include the Executive Director, Bookkeeper, Grant Coordinator, and possibly an expert
  • Write down the deadlines and tasks for everyone

Want to listen to the entire podcast with way more examples? Click above on the podcast link :)

To sum up, the 5 Most Popular Grant Writing Questions are:

  1. How Do You Get Funding From Grants for General Operating Expenses?
  2. As a non-US grant seeker, is there funding available?
  3. Do you recommend college courses for beginning grant writers?
  4. What’s the best approach when a foundation states they don’t accept unsolicited applications?
  5. I am a freelance grant writer and my nonprofit client does not know how to guide me.  What questions should I ask to get information?

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 03 Nov 2020 03:41:15 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1473 Oh yes. Those pesky grant writing qualms.

Here are the top questions that I get.

#1: How Do You Get Funding From Grants for General Operating Expenses?

You can get funding for general operating expenses through 3 ways:

  • Pursue specific grants that target general operating
  • Include a certain percentage of your general operating expenses within the direct categories of a grant project budget
  • Include up to 10% of the grant amount in the indirect category in a grant budget

#2: As a non-US grant seeker, is there funding available?

Yes! There is absolutely funding available! You can get that through the following:

  • There are certain U.S. federal grants that give specifically to nonprofits (both U.S. organizations based abroad and to non-U.S. nonprofits)
  • Certain foundations give out money to nonprofits around the world (think Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation)
  • There are many international funding sources, such as EU organizations, UN organizations, foundations, Canadian funding, etc.

#3: Do you recommend college courses for beginning grant writers?

That depends. If you are in college already and want to get college credit toward a degree this could be great. However, if you are not in college nor seeking a degree, then I would recommend taking a grant writing course offered by a grant writer that is in the field.

Such as my 6-Week Live Grant Writing Course or DIY Grant Writing Course *wink-wink*

But the fact is these courses can cost way less and take less time, but give you the real tips of how grant writers are actually winning grants!

#4: What’s the best approach when a foundation states they don’t accept unsolicited applications?

Develop a relationship. A way to side-step the gatekeeper is to go on LinkedIn and start a relationship with decision-makers at the foundations. But remember – don’t go in blazing asking for money right away. Spend time liking their posts and making comments. Start sharing things with them that they may find interesting. And make sure they are a good fit. Does their mission statement align with your nonprofit’s mission?

#5: I am a freelance grant writer and my nonprofit client does not know how to guide me.  What questions should I ask to get information?

Ooh, I love this one. So first off you need to:

  • Give them a list requesting certain documents

Then have a Kick-off Grant Writing Meeting

  • Include the Executive Director, Bookkeeper, Grant Coordinator, and possibly an expert
  • Write down the deadlines and tasks for everyone

Want to listen to the entire podcast with way more examples? Click above on the podcast link :)

To sum up, the 5 Most Popular Grant Writing Questions are:

  1. How Do You Get Funding From Grants for General Operating Expenses?
  2. As a non-US grant seeker, is there funding available?
  3. Do you recommend college courses for beginning grant writers?
  4. What’s the best approach when a foundation states they don’t accept unsolicited applications?
  5. I am a freelance grant writer and my nonprofit client does not know how to guide me.  What questions should I ask to get information?

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ep. 142: Where to Find the Best-Fit Grants 142 142 Ep. 142: Where to Find the Best-Fit Grants full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/918893293 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-142-where-to-find-the-best-fit-grants Wed, 28 Oct 2020 05:00:01 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1017 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Grant Writing Made Easy - 5 Hacks To Write A Grant Proposal 141 141 Grant Writing Made Easy - 5 Hacks To Write A Grant Proposal full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/914710939 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/grant-writing-made-easy-5-hacks-to-write-a-grant-proposal This week, I’m going to teach you how to write winning grants with this 5-step How to Write a Grant Proposal.  This will help you with your confidence if you are a beginner grant writer or even an advanced grant writer.

If you want a free grant writing class you can watch NOW, check out this free grant class.

So if you’re a new grant writer, but you aren’t sure how you can write winning grants, or you’re an experienced grant writer looking to understand the basic formula of all grant structure, you’ll discover how grant writers like you and me can write winning grants – and why it’s critical you focus on this right now.

In last week’s podcast, we talked about a process for creating award-winning grant applications.  I shared how this is going to immediately help you simplify grant lingo, so you feel less overwhelmed, check out Grant Language Made Easy.  So, if you listened to that podcast go back and watch it now – and then come back to this one.

This week I am going to build on what we discussed by sharing the #1 thing you must master if you want to write winning grants.  Think of this as your “first step” towards making this happen.

This is an entirely new way of thinking about grant writing, so you will want to pay close attention.

I am also going to share how to write a budget.  When you know how to do this, you will know exactly what funding you can request.

The goal is to break you free of being unsure of how to ask for money.  This way, you will never have to worry about how to write winning grants which means you’ll with your confidence if you are a freelance grant writer or write a grant for a specific nonprofit.

We have got a lot to cover today, so be sure to have your pen and paper ready to take notes as you follow along.

Any time you are trying to write winning grants, it is inevitable you’ll hit roadblocks.  You might have experienced some of them already.

Things like pulling out your hair, staring at a blank screen, and even not even knowing where to start.

Well, here is what I know to be true: if any of this sounds familiar, it’s totally normal.

But if you simply accept this at face value, you will never write winning grants.

And I know where you are coming from.  I get that it feels like some of this is out of your hands.

It’s frustrating to come up against these things – again and again.  I’ve been there myself, and I’ve seen other Grant Writers go through the same thing.

And it’s especially stressful because you know that getting past these challenges is key in helping you write winning grants.

So, in this podcast and article, I’m going to make it easy for you.  I’ll help you avoid these usual headaches by showing you the simple steps I follow to write winning grants which will save you lots of frustration.

So let’s get into the meat and potatoes of today’s article and podcast with these 5 Hacks to Write a Grant Proposal.

Okay, so when starting to write a grant application the first thing you need to do is:

#1) Get the Funding Opportunity Announcement or Request for Proposal

I never start with a blank page because I copy and paste what it is in the FOA for the criteria directly into my Word document or Google doc.

Firstly, I do this because I need to make sure the nonprofit is eligible for the grant program, but secondly, I do this because I am writing in response to what the funding source has requested. Now if you spend time writing a flowery narrative but it includes WAY more (or none) of the information requested the funding source is going to be a bit frustrated.

Sound harsh?

It is the truth and it’s not meant to be mean at all. A lot of these funding sources receive hundreds of applications and they need to follow what their priorities are. If they do not see that you are directly responding to their individual request they won’t look favorably on your application.

Another helpful reason I copy and paste the criteria and then turn it into headers is that it takes my guesswork out and gives me a guide. No more blank pages.

#2) Research the Needs

To create a compelling case for a grant application, you need to provide statistics and facts. A flowery statement about how awful the situation might get some tears, but it will not get grants won.

The funding source wants to know how well you can meet their priorities, so they know there is a gap and a need. Chances are they are as passionate as you are about solving the problem. But sad pictures and horror stories do not paint a complete picture. They need to see statistics, surveys, and case studies to show the need.

So, if you are pursuing a grant to serve human trafficking survivors, do put in the number of prosecuted cases in your region, the number of trafficked victims, and geographic vulnerabilities such as interstate highways, etc. Also, use research when you can that is within the previous five years.

#3) Articulate the Goals & Narrow Your Objectives

The goal or goals in a grant is the overarching outcome. This needs to be clear for both you and the funding source. If you don’t have a goal then it will be confusing for both of you.

What is it you want to accomplish? What other community goals can you tie this into?

It might be: “To create safe homes for survivors of human trafficking in our region.”

This is important as it is the big picture.

The objectives are then what you can do to reach your goal. These objectives also need to be SMART, which stands for:

  • Specific
  • Measurable
  • Achievable
  • Relevant
  • Timebound

For example, an objective to reach your goal could be, “By the end of quarter one, to lease a 4-plex apartment building that will provide housing for 8 survivors of human trafficking.”

What other objectives do you think would be needed to reach your broad goal: “To create safe homes for survivors of human trafficking in our region?”

What about hiring services workers, buying housing consumables, linking to food pantries for food, workforce training, education services, etc.

#4) About Your Organization

You also want to include why the funding source should give you money. Include your board of directors or experience of the key employees to carry out the services of the project.

You can also include any experience the nonprofit has of winning grants or securing donations. This shows that you have credibility in managing funds.

#5) the Budget

Of course, you also must provide a request for the actual money via a budget. It is not enough to say you need $500,000. You need to show how that money is broken down.

I encourage you to include a spreadsheet (even if you copy and paste it into your Word doc).

I encourage grant writers to use the main categories of the federal government to include the following:

  • Personnel
  • Fringe Benefits
  • Travel
  • Contracts/Consulting
  • Equipment
  • Supplies
  • Other
  • Indirect

In our example, the leases might fall into cont...

]]> This week, I’m going to teach you how to write winning grants with this 5-step How to Write a Grant Proposal.  This will help you with your confidence if you are a beginner grant writer or even an advanced grant writer.

If you want a free grant writing class you can watch NOW, check out this free grant class.

So if you’re a new grant writer, but you aren’t sure how you can write winning grants, or you’re an experienced grant writer looking to understand the basic formula of all grant structure, you’ll discover how grant writers like you and me can write winning grants – and why it’s critical you focus on this right now.

In last week’s podcast, we talked about a process for creating award-winning grant applications.  I shared how this is going to immediately help you simplify grant lingo, so you feel less overwhelmed, check out Grant Language Made Easy.  So, if you listened to that podcast go back and watch it now – and then come back to this one.

This week I am going to build on what we discussed by sharing the #1 thing you must master if you want to write winning grants.  Think of this as your “first step” towards making this happen.

This is an entirely new way of thinking about grant writing, so you will want to pay close attention.

I am also going to share how to write a budget.  When you know how to do this, you will know exactly what funding you can request.

The goal is to break you free of being unsure of how to ask for money.  This way, you will never have to worry about how to write winning grants which means you’ll with your confidence if you are a freelance grant writer or write a grant for a specific nonprofit.

We have got a lot to cover today, so be sure to have your pen and paper ready to take notes as you follow along.

Any time you are trying to write winning grants, it is inevitable you’ll hit roadblocks.  You might have experienced some of them already.

Things like pulling out your hair, staring at a blank screen, and even not even knowing where to start.

Well, here is what I know to be true: if any of this sounds familiar, it’s totally normal.

But if you simply accept this at face value, you will never write winning grants.

And I know where you are coming from.  I get that it feels like some of this is out of your hands.

It’s frustrating to come up against these things – again and again.  I’ve been there myself, and I’ve seen other Grant Writers go through the same thing.

And it’s especially stressful because you know that getting past these challenges is key in helping you write winning grants.

So, in this podcast and article, I’m going to make it easy for you.  I’ll help you avoid these usual headaches by showing you the simple steps I follow to write winning grants which will save you lots of frustration.

So let’s get into the meat and potatoes of today’s article and podcast with these 5 Hacks to Write a Grant Proposal.

Okay, so when starting to write a grant application the first thing you need to do is:

#1) Get the Funding Opportunity Announcement or Request for Proposal

I never start with a blank page because I copy and paste what it is in the FOA for the criteria directly into my Word document or Google doc.

Firstly, I do this because I need to make sure the nonprofit is eligible for the grant program, but secondly, I do this because I am writing in response to what the funding source has requested. Now if you spend time writing a flowery narrative but it includes WAY more (or none) of the information requested the funding source is going to be a bit frustrated.

Sound harsh?

It is the truth and it’s not meant to be mean at all. A lot of these funding sources receive hundreds of applications and they need to follow what their priorities are. If they do not see that you are directly responding to their individual request they won’t look favorably on your application.

Another helpful reason I copy and paste the criteria and then turn it into headers is that it takes my guesswork out and gives me a guide. No more blank pages.

#2) Research the Needs

To create a compelling case for a grant application, you need to provide statistics and facts. A flowery statement about how awful the situation might get some tears, but it will not get grants won.

The funding source wants to know how well you can meet their priorities, so they know there is a gap and a need. Chances are they are as passionate as you are about solving the problem. But sad pictures and horror stories do not paint a complete picture. They need to see statistics, surveys, and case studies to show the need.

So, if you are pursuing a grant to serve human trafficking survivors, do put in the number of prosecuted cases in your region, the number of trafficked victims, and geographic vulnerabilities such as interstate highways, etc. Also, use research when you can that is within the previous five years.

#3) Articulate the Goals & Narrow Your Objectives

The goal or goals in a grant is the overarching outcome. This needs to be clear for both you and the funding source. If you don’t have a goal then it will be confusing for both of you.

What is it you want to accomplish? What other community goals can you tie this into?

It might be: “To create safe homes for survivors of human trafficking in our region.”

This is important as it is the big picture.

The objectives are then what you can do to reach your goal. These objectives also need to be SMART, which stands for:

  • Specific
  • Measurable
  • Achievable
  • Relevant
  • Timebound

For example, an objective to reach your goal could be, “By the end of quarter one, to lease a 4-plex apartment building that will provide housing for 8 survivors of human trafficking.”

What other objectives do you think would be needed to reach your broad goal: “To create safe homes for survivors of human trafficking in our region?”

What about hiring services workers, buying housing consumables, linking to food pantries for food, workforce training, education services, etc.

#4) About Your Organization

You also want to include why the funding source should give you money. Include your board of directors or experience of the key employees to carry out the services of the project.

You can also include any experience the nonprofit has of winning grants or securing donations. This shows that you have credibility in managing funds.

#5) the Budget

Of course, you also must provide a request for the actual money via a budget. It is not enough to say you need $500,000. You need to show how that money is broken down.

I encourage you to include a spreadsheet (even if you copy and paste it into your Word doc).

I encourage grant writers to use the main categories of the federal government to include the following:

  • Personnel
  • Fringe Benefits
  • Travel
  • Contracts/Consulting
  • Equipment
  • Supplies
  • Other
  • Indirect

In our example, the leases might fall into cont...

]]> Tue, 20 Oct 2020 07:09:16 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1001 This week, I’m going to teach you how to write winning grants with this 5-step How to Write a Grant Proposal.  This will help you with your confidence if you are a beginner grant writer or even an advanced grant writer.

If you want a free grant writing class you can watch NOW, check out this free grant class.

So if you’re a new grant writer, but you aren’t sure how you can write winning grants, or you’re an experienced grant writer looking to understand the basic formula of all grant structure, you’ll discover how grant writers like you and me can write winning grants – and why it’s critical you focus on this right now.

In last week’s podcast, we talked about a process for creating award-winning grant applications.  I shared how this is going to immediately help you simplify grant lingo, so you feel less overwhelmed, check out Grant Language Made Easy.  So, if you listened to that podcast go back and watch it now – and then come back to this one.

This week I am going to build on what we discussed by sharing the #1 thing you must master if you want to write winning grants.  Think of this as your “first step” towards making this happen.

This is an entirely new way of thinking about grant writing, so you will want to pay close attention.

I am also going to share how to write a budget.  When you know how to do this, you will know exactly what funding you can request.

The goal is to break you free of being unsure of how to ask for money.  This way, you will never have to worry about how to write winning grants which means you’ll with your confidence if you are a freelance grant writer or write a grant for a specific nonprofit.

We have got a lot to cover today, so be sure to have your pen and paper ready to take notes as you follow along.

Any time you are trying to write winning grants, it is inevitable you’ll hit roadblocks.  You might have experienced some of them already.

Things like pulling out your hair, staring at a blank screen, and even not even knowing where to start.

Well, here is what I know to be true: if any of this sounds familiar, it’s totally normal.

But if you simply accept this at face value, you will never write winning grants.

And I know where you are coming from.  I get that it feels like some of this is out of your hands.

It’s frustrating to come up against these things – again and again.  I’ve been there myself, and I’ve seen other Grant Writers go through the same thing.

And it’s especially stressful because you know that getting past these challenges is key in helping you write winning grants.

So, in this podcast and article, I’m going to make it easy for you.  I’ll help you avoid these usual headaches by showing you the simple steps I follow to write winning grants which will save you lots of frustration.

So let’s get into the meat and potatoes of today’s article and podcast with these 5 Hacks to Write a Grant Proposal.

Okay, so when starting to write a grant application the first thing you need to do is:

#1) Get the Funding Opportunity Announcement or Request for Proposal

I never start with a blank page because I copy and paste what it is in the FOA for the criteria directly into my Word document or Google doc.

Firstly, I do this because I need to make sure the nonprofit is eligible for the grant program, but secondly, I do this because I am writing in response to what the funding source has requested. Now if you spend time writing a flowery narrative but it includes WAY more (or none) of the information requested the funding source is going to be a bit frustrated.

Sound harsh?

It is the truth and it’s not meant to be mean at all. A lot of these funding sources receive hundreds of applications and they need to follow what their priorities are. If they do not see that you are directly responding to their individual request they won’t look favorably on your application.

Another helpful reason I copy and paste the criteria and then turn it into headers is that it takes my guesswork out and gives me a guide. No more blank pages.

#2) Research the Needs

To create a compelling case for a grant application, you need to provide statistics and facts. A flowery statement about how awful the situation might get some tears, but it will not get grants won.

The funding source wants to know how well you can meet their priorities, so they know there is a gap and a need. Chances are they are as passionate as you are about solving the problem. But sad pictures and horror stories do not paint a complete picture. They need to see statistics, surveys, and case studies to show the need.

So, if you are pursuing a grant to serve human trafficking survivors, do put in the number of prosecuted cases in your region, the number of trafficked victims, and geographic vulnerabilities such as interstate highways, etc. Also, use research when you can that is within the previous five years.

#3) Articulate the Goals & Narrow Your Objectives

The goal or goals in a grant is the overarching outcome. This needs to be clear for both you and the funding source. If you don’t have a goal then it will be confusing for both of you.

What is it you want to accomplish? What other community goals can you tie this into?

It might be: “To create safe homes for survivors of human trafficking in our region.”

This is important as it is the big picture.

The objectives are then what you can do to reach your goal. These objectives also need to be SMART, which stands for:

  • Specific
  • Measurable
  • Achievable
  • Relevant
  • Timebound

For example, an objective to reach your goal could be, “By the end of quarter one, to lease a 4-plex apartment building that will provide housing for 8 survivors of human trafficking.”

What other objectives do you think would be needed to reach your broad goal: “To create safe homes for survivors of human trafficking in our region?”

What about hiring services workers, buying housing consumables, linking to food pantries for food, workforce training, education services, etc.

#4) About Your Organization

You also want to include why the funding source should give you money. Include your board of directors or experience of the key employees to carry out the services of the project.

You can also include any experience the nonprofit has of winning grants or securing donations. This shows that you have credibility in managing funds.

#5) the Budget

Of course, you also must provide a request for the actual money via a budget. It is not enough to say you need $500,000. You need to show how that money is broken down.

I encourage you to include a spreadsheet (even if you copy and paste it into your Word doc).

I encourage grant writers to use the main categories of the federal government to include the following:

  • Personnel
  • Fringe Benefits
  • Travel
  • Contracts/Consulting
  • Equipment
  • Supplies
  • Other
  • Indirect

In our example, the leases might fall into cont...

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Grant Language Made Easy [3 Types Of Grants to Get] 140 140 Grant Language Made Easy [3 Types Of Grants to Get] full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/911513650 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/grant-language-made-easy-3-types-of-grants-to-get As you may or may not know acronyms are grants best-friends.

If you’ve heard the terms FOA, RFP, SAM, DUNS, or a number of other terms, then you are in the grant world.

I once heard a grant writer speak an entire sentence using only acronyms!

Ugh! If you are overwhelmed already, don’t worry, I’m going to start breaking it down right now!

Let’s first dissect the main different types of grants and contracts.

There are federal grants, state contracts, and foundation grants. Think of those like your three main hubs.

Federal Grants

Federal grants are monies allocated from the federal government.

There are more than 900 grant programs offered by the 26 federal grant-making agencies. These programs fall into 20 categories. These categories include topics such as Agriculture, Food & Nutrition, and Community Development.

Yes, there are a ton of federal grants.

State and Local Government Contracts & Grants

State and local government contracts often receive much of their funding from the federal government as they can promote economic efficiency due to localized knowledge to implement a program more efficiently and effectively than the federal government (i.e., pass-through funding).

Contracts are basically either made through grant formulas or discretionary funding through federal, state, or government agencies. If we were to compare the two mechanisms, we would say that a contract has two parties exchanging promises where one party delivers and the other party pays.

A grant, however, has two parties wherein one party gives the money and another party performs the objectives in hopes of achieving them. A contract is legally binding, and nonperformance can be dealt with in court whereas nonperformance of a grant can result in the organization paying back monies and essentially being blacklisted.

Foundation Grants

A foundation grant is a monetary assistance provided to individuals and small businesses by companies, citizens, government, and non-government organizations. The money awarded as a grant is meant to meet particular needs and is not required to be repaid.

“A foundation is a non-governmental entity that is established as a nonprofit corporation or a charitable trust with a principal purpose of making grants to unrelated organizations, institutions, or individuals for scientific, educational, cultural, religious, or other charitable purposes.” ~ GRANTSPACE

When you think of private foundations, think the Ford Foundation, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, local insurance companies in your community that have foundations, and the like.

Which grants should your nonprofit go after? Well, the wide answer is all of them.

Listen to the full podcast to get all the details!

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> As you may or may not know acronyms are grants best-friends.

If you’ve heard the terms FOA, RFP, SAM, DUNS, or a number of other terms, then you are in the grant world.

I once heard a grant writer speak an entire sentence using only acronyms!

Ugh! If you are overwhelmed already, don’t worry, I’m going to start breaking it down right now!

Let’s first dissect the main different types of grants and contracts.

There are federal grants, state contracts, and foundation grants. Think of those like your three main hubs.

Federal Grants

Federal grants are monies allocated from the federal government.

There are more than 900 grant programs offered by the 26 federal grant-making agencies. These programs fall into 20 categories. These categories include topics such as Agriculture, Food & Nutrition, and Community Development.

Yes, there are a ton of federal grants.

State and Local Government Contracts & Grants

State and local government contracts often receive much of their funding from the federal government as they can promote economic efficiency due to localized knowledge to implement a program more efficiently and effectively than the federal government (i.e., pass-through funding).

Contracts are basically either made through grant formulas or discretionary funding through federal, state, or government agencies. If we were to compare the two mechanisms, we would say that a contract has two parties exchanging promises where one party delivers and the other party pays.

A grant, however, has two parties wherein one party gives the money and another party performs the objectives in hopes of achieving them. A contract is legally binding, and nonperformance can be dealt with in court whereas nonperformance of a grant can result in the organization paying back monies and essentially being blacklisted.

Foundation Grants

A foundation grant is a monetary assistance provided to individuals and small businesses by companies, citizens, government, and non-government organizations. The money awarded as a grant is meant to meet particular needs and is not required to be repaid.

“A foundation is a non-governmental entity that is established as a nonprofit corporation or a charitable trust with a principal purpose of making grants to unrelated organizations, institutions, or individuals for scientific, educational, cultural, religious, or other charitable purposes.” ~ GRANTSPACE

When you think of private foundations, think the Ford Foundation, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, local insurance companies in your community that have foundations, and the like.

Which grants should your nonprofit go after? Well, the wide answer is all of them.

Listen to the full podcast to get all the details!

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Fri, 16 Oct 2020 02:33:23 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1303 As you may or may not know acronyms are grants best-friends.

If you’ve heard the terms FOA, RFP, SAM, DUNS, or a number of other terms, then you are in the grant world.

I once heard a grant writer speak an entire sentence using only acronyms!

Ugh! If you are overwhelmed already, don’t worry, I’m going to start breaking it down right now!

Let’s first dissect the main different types of grants and contracts.

There are federal grants, state contracts, and foundation grants. Think of those like your three main hubs.

Federal Grants

Federal grants are monies allocated from the federal government.

There are more than 900 grant programs offered by the 26 federal grant-making agencies. These programs fall into 20 categories. These categories include topics such as Agriculture, Food & Nutrition, and Community Development.

Yes, there are a ton of federal grants.

State and Local Government Contracts & Grants

State and local government contracts often receive much of their funding from the federal government as they can promote economic efficiency due to localized knowledge to implement a program more efficiently and effectively than the federal government (i.e., pass-through funding).

Contracts are basically either made through grant formulas or discretionary funding through federal, state, or government agencies. If we were to compare the two mechanisms, we would say that a contract has two parties exchanging promises where one party delivers and the other party pays.

A grant, however, has two parties wherein one party gives the money and another party performs the objectives in hopes of achieving them. A contract is legally binding, and nonperformance can be dealt with in court whereas nonperformance of a grant can result in the organization paying back monies and essentially being blacklisted.

Foundation Grants

A foundation grant is a monetary assistance provided to individuals and small businesses by companies, citizens, government, and non-government organizations. The money awarded as a grant is meant to meet particular needs and is not required to be repaid.

“A foundation is a non-governmental entity that is established as a nonprofit corporation or a charitable trust with a principal purpose of making grants to unrelated organizations, institutions, or individuals for scientific, educational, cultural, religious, or other charitable purposes.” ~ GRANTSPACE

When you think of private foundations, think the Ford Foundation, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, local insurance companies in your community that have foundations, and the like.

Which grants should your nonprofit go after? Well, the wide answer is all of them.

Listen to the full podcast to get all the details!

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No $2 Million Secured in Grant Funding & 25+ Clients in 3 Years 139 139 $2 Million Secured in Grant Funding & 25+ Clients in 3 Years full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/901432465 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-139-2-million-secured-in-grant-funding-25-clients-in-3-years Navigating the road of freelance grant writing can feel lonely and overwhelming at times—but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, I sit down with Tawanda Ellis, whose journey is a powerful example of what’s possible when you follow a clear roadmap and stay committed.

Tawanda shares how she built a thriving grant writing business from home, landing 25+ clients in under three years using primarily word-of-mouth marketing. We talk about how she’s helped secure over $2.8 million in grant funding, how she supports nonprofits with strategic planning, and why she expanded her work to launch an additional business, MirrorMom360.

We also dive into her “Write It Out” Method, the importance of reflection time, and the intentional thinking behind her business branding. This conversation is packed with insight, encouragement, and real-world strategies for building a sustainable grant writing business. If you’ve been looking for proof that this path works—and a roadmap to follow—this episode will leave you inspired.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Tawanda Ellis is the Owner and Principal Consultant of DNA 360 Consulting, a minority-owned business that provides training and consulting services to government agencies, startup nonprofits, and organizations seeking sustainable funding strategies.

She founded DNA 360 Consulting out of a passion for helping nonprofits increase their impact, strengthen programs, and secure funding. Tawanda works closely with organization leaders to develop community-focused services, evaluate program effectiveness, and win grants to support their missions.

With her team, she brings decades of combined experience in program development, management, and evaluation. Together, they have helped nonprofits secure over $2.8 million in funding in just three years.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Website: https://dna-360-consulting.jimdosite.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tawanda-ellis-83476a198/

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Navigating the road of freelance grant writing can feel lonely and overwhelming at times—but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, I sit down with Tawanda Ellis, whose journey is a powerful example of what’s possible when you follow a clear roadmap and stay committed.

Tawanda shares how she built a thriving grant writing business from home, landing 25+ clients in under three years using primarily word-of-mouth marketing. We talk about how she’s helped secure over $2.8 million in grant funding, how she supports nonprofits with strategic planning, and why she expanded her work to launch an additional business, MirrorMom360.

We also dive into her “Write It Out” Method, the importance of reflection time, and the intentional thinking behind her business branding. This conversation is packed with insight, encouragement, and real-world strategies for building a sustainable grant writing business. If you’ve been looking for proof that this path works—and a roadmap to follow—this episode will leave you inspired.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Tawanda Ellis is the Owner and Principal Consultant of DNA 360 Consulting, a minority-owned business that provides training and consulting services to government agencies, startup nonprofits, and organizations seeking sustainable funding strategies.

She founded DNA 360 Consulting out of a passion for helping nonprofits increase their impact, strengthen programs, and secure funding. Tawanda works closely with organization leaders to develop community-focused services, evaluate program effectiveness, and win grants to support their missions.

With her team, she brings decades of combined experience in program development, management, and evaluation. Together, they have helped nonprofits secure over $2.8 million in funding in just three years.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Website: https://dna-360-consulting.jimdosite.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tawanda-ellis-83476a198/

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 06 Oct 2020 09:00:07 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2780 Navigating the road of freelance grant writing can feel lonely and overwhelming at times—but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, I sit down with Tawanda Ellis, whose journey is a powerful example of what’s possible when you follow a clear roadmap and stay committed.

Tawanda shares how she built a thriving grant writing business from home, landing 25+ clients in under three years using primarily word-of-mouth marketing. We talk about how she’s helped secure over $2.8 million in grant funding, how she supports nonprofits with strategic planning, and why she expanded her work to launch an additional business, MirrorMom360.

We also dive into her “Write It Out” Method, the importance of reflection time, and the intentional thinking behind her business branding. This conversation is packed with insight, encouragement, and real-world strategies for building a sustainable grant writing business. If you’ve been looking for proof that this path works—and a roadmap to follow—this episode will leave you inspired.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Tawanda Ellis is the Owner and Principal Consultant of DNA 360 Consulting, a minority-owned business that provides training and consulting services to government agencies, startup nonprofits, and organizations seeking sustainable funding strategies.

She founded DNA 360 Consulting out of a passion for helping nonprofits increase their impact, strengthen programs, and secure funding. Tawanda works closely with organization leaders to develop community-focused services, evaluate program effectiveness, and win grants to support their missions.

With her team, she brings decades of combined experience in program development, management, and evaluation. Together, they have helped nonprofits secure over $2.8 million in funding in just three years.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Website: https://dna-360-consulting.jimdosite.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tawanda-ellis-83476a198/

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Website ADA Compliance & Online Marketing for Nonprofits 138 138 Website ADA Compliance & Online Marketing for Nonprofits full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/899272633 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-138-website-ada-compliance-online-marketing-for-nonprofits In this week’s podcast, I’m joined by special guests Shinedelight Enterprises! This episode is perfect for nonprofits that want to become ADA compliant and attract more donors through effective digital marketing.

Together, we explore how improving accessibility and strengthening your online presence can help you reach a wider audience and increase engagement.

We cover simple tech solutions to help your nonprofit become ADA compliant, along with practical strategies for conducting effective digital marketing. We also share easy (and free) online marketing hacks, ways to attract more donors, and real-world case studies highlighting successful nonprofit digital marketing efforts.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Shinedelight Enterprises specializes in helping organizations enhance digital accessibility and marketing strategies, supporting nonprofits in becoming ADA compliant while growing their visibility and donor base.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> In this week’s podcast, I’m joined by special guests Shinedelight Enterprises! This episode is perfect for nonprofits that want to become ADA compliant and attract more donors through effective digital marketing.

Together, we explore how improving accessibility and strengthening your online presence can help you reach a wider audience and increase engagement.

We cover simple tech solutions to help your nonprofit become ADA compliant, along with practical strategies for conducting effective digital marketing. We also share easy (and free) online marketing hacks, ways to attract more donors, and real-world case studies highlighting successful nonprofit digital marketing efforts.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Shinedelight Enterprises specializes in helping organizations enhance digital accessibility and marketing strategies, supporting nonprofits in becoming ADA compliant while growing their visibility and donor base.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 29 Sep 2020 03:49:23 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 3590 In this week’s podcast, I’m joined by special guests Shinedelight Enterprises! This episode is perfect for nonprofits that want to become ADA compliant and attract more donors through effective digital marketing.

Together, we explore how improving accessibility and strengthening your online presence can help you reach a wider audience and increase engagement.

We cover simple tech solutions to help your nonprofit become ADA compliant, along with practical strategies for conducting effective digital marketing. We also share easy (and free) online marketing hacks, ways to attract more donors, and real-world case studies highlighting successful nonprofit digital marketing efforts.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Shinedelight Enterprises specializes in helping organizations enhance digital accessibility and marketing strategies, supporting nonprofits in becoming ADA compliant while growing their visibility and donor base.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No 3 Ways To Create A Name For Your Freelance Grant Writing Business 137 137 3 Ways To Create A Name For Your Freelance Grant Writing Business full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/891602125 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/3-ways-to-create-a-name-for-your-freelance-grant-writing-business There always comes a time when starting a business that stumps people. Creating the best name for your grant writing business is one of those times. Sometimes it completely throws people off the tracks that they never get back on and actually start their business.

Don’t let this stop you!

To help you navigate this process I have identified three different ways (and the pros and cons) to help you find the best name for you grant writing business.

#1 Use Your Name

Pros:

  • It is more personalized
  • If you have a unique name it won’t be taken!
  • It works for the 80% connection of social media (I am commenting on other people’s post, not a business name).
  • It is easier to get started (you don’t need to spend months trying to figure it out)

Cons:

  • If you have a common name, you will need to add a little more in, i.e. “Holly Rustick Grant Writing Consultancy”
  • If your name changes (get married, divorced, etc.) then your name shift can be difficult
  • If you decide to dissolve your business, then you may need to rebuild your social media and website branding
  • You can’t separate yourself from your business so easily

#2 Basic Company Name

Pros:

  • It tells the story very quickly of what you do; i.e. Grant Writing & Funding
  • It is found more easily when people are searching online (i.e. someone looking for grant writing and my business pops up. They aren’t looking for my name, but for what I do).

Cons:

  • A lot of the popular super basic domain names; i.e. www.grantwritingandfunding.com, are taken
  • It can feel a little sterile
  • Some people forget to personalize their branding because their business name is what they do and not who they are (i.e. they use stock photos and not pictures of themselves).

#3 Whimsical Name

Pros:

  • It can be fun and exemplify your character
  • You might be passionate about the words

Cons:

  • It can be too abstract that you won’t get noticed; “Wish Granted!” vs. “The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing.”
  • It can confuse your ideal client because they won’t know what you do
  • It can be cute to you, but hard to pronounce and doesn’t connect to other people

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> There always comes a time when starting a business that stumps people. Creating the best name for your grant writing business is one of those times. Sometimes it completely throws people off the tracks that they never get back on and actually start their business.

Don’t let this stop you!

To help you navigate this process I have identified three different ways (and the pros and cons) to help you find the best name for you grant writing business.

#1 Use Your Name

Pros:

  • It is more personalized
  • If you have a unique name it won’t be taken!
  • It works for the 80% connection of social media (I am commenting on other people’s post, not a business name).
  • It is easier to get started (you don’t need to spend months trying to figure it out)

Cons:

  • If you have a common name, you will need to add a little more in, i.e. “Holly Rustick Grant Writing Consultancy”
  • If your name changes (get married, divorced, etc.) then your name shift can be difficult
  • If you decide to dissolve your business, then you may need to rebuild your social media and website branding
  • You can’t separate yourself from your business so easily

#2 Basic Company Name

Pros:

  • It tells the story very quickly of what you do; i.e. Grant Writing & Funding
  • It is found more easily when people are searching online (i.e. someone looking for grant writing and my business pops up. They aren’t looking for my name, but for what I do).

Cons:

  • A lot of the popular super basic domain names; i.e. www.grantwritingandfunding.com, are taken
  • It can feel a little sterile
  • Some people forget to personalize their branding because their business name is what they do and not who they are (i.e. they use stock photos and not pictures of themselves).

#3 Whimsical Name

Pros:

  • It can be fun and exemplify your character
  • You might be passionate about the words

Cons:

  • It can be too abstract that you won’t get noticed; “Wish Granted!” vs. “The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing.”
  • It can confuse your ideal client because they won’t know what you do
  • It can be cute to you, but hard to pronounce and doesn’t connect to other people

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Fri, 11 Sep 2020 11:57:08 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1108 There always comes a time when starting a business that stumps people. Creating the best name for your grant writing business is one of those times. Sometimes it completely throws people off the tracks that they never get back on and actually start their business.

Don’t let this stop you!

To help you navigate this process I have identified three different ways (and the pros and cons) to help you find the best name for you grant writing business.

#1 Use Your Name

Pros:

  • It is more personalized
  • If you have a unique name it won’t be taken!
  • It works for the 80% connection of social media (I am commenting on other people’s post, not a business name).
  • It is easier to get started (you don’t need to spend months trying to figure it out)

Cons:

  • If you have a common name, you will need to add a little more in, i.e. “Holly Rustick Grant Writing Consultancy”
  • If your name changes (get married, divorced, etc.) then your name shift can be difficult
  • If you decide to dissolve your business, then you may need to rebuild your social media and website branding
  • You can’t separate yourself from your business so easily

#2 Basic Company Name

Pros:

  • It tells the story very quickly of what you do; i.e. Grant Writing & Funding
  • It is found more easily when people are searching online (i.e. someone looking for grant writing and my business pops up. They aren’t looking for my name, but for what I do).

Cons:

  • A lot of the popular super basic domain names; i.e. www.grantwritingandfunding.com, are taken
  • It can feel a little sterile
  • Some people forget to personalize their branding because their business name is what they do and not who they are (i.e. they use stock photos and not pictures of themselves).

#3 Whimsical Name

Pros:

  • It can be fun and exemplify your character
  • You might be passionate about the words

Cons:

  • It can be too abstract that you won’t get noticed; “Wish Granted!” vs. “The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing.”
  • It can confuse your ideal client because they won’t know what you do
  • It can be cute to you, but hard to pronounce and doesn’t connect to other people

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ep. 136: How to Overcome Impostor Syndrome & Grow Your Nonprofit or Freelance Biz 136 136 Ep. 136: How to Overcome Impostor Syndrome & Grow Your Nonprofit or Freelance Biz full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/888211300 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-136-how-to-overcome-impostor-syndrome-grow-your-nonprofit-or-freelance-biz Sat, 05 Sep 2020 08:42:14 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1429 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No $1K into $15K in 1 Month: How This Freelance Grant Writer Did It 135 135 $1K into $15K in 1 Month: How This Freelance Grant Writer Did It full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/883395145 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/1k-into-15k-in-1-month-how-this-freelance-grant-writer-did-it Have you ever known deep in your gut what your dream is, but you aren’t currently living in it? Or maybe you commit to living your dream but don’t even know where to start.

If you could sit down and have coffee with someone who turned $1,000 into $15,000 during the pandemic while helping others and working less, then would you? Because today we are doing just that as we listen to how Dr. Omotola Akinsola as she shares all her secrets and how she overcame challenges.

But even if you are not looking to open a freelance grant writing biz, and you run a nonprofit, you will also want to catch this as she is going to spill all in how she has also continued to grow a thriving nonprofit after doing a needs assessment. Due to that, her nonprofit has served more than 8,000 students and teachers in Nigeria.

This episode is definitely for you if:

  • You want to start or grow a nonprofit
  • You want to turn leads from being those that ghost you into high paying customers
  • You are a parent and need to balance running a business with being home with your kids
  • You want to find out how to price and charge clients
  • You want to be inspired because you need something positive to listen today (yes, Tola is that amazing!)
  • You want a free coupon on Tola’s Grant Writing Made Easy for Nonprofit! Click here.

Dr. Akinsola shares behind-the-scenes on:

  • How she grew up in poverty in Nigeria and followed her dreams by taking big risks
  • How the education strike made her start to do her own personal and professional development
  • Her Fab 6 heroes include: Nelson Mandela, Mother Theresa, and her parents
  • How she burned all her bridges to do massive things
  • Why and How she did a focus group before launching a nonprofit
  • How she opened a nonprofit in Nigeria while being a student in the States
  • How her nonprofit in Nigeria has trained more than 8,000 students and teachers
  • When and how she opened her freelance grant writing biz: The Funding Magnet
  • How she created a product after talking to 300 nonprofits
  • How the Freelance Grant Writing Master Course changed her business and she 15X her investment within a matter of months
  • How she has diversified her streams of income
  • How she learned how to create passive income
  • How she learned her value and how to price
  • How a one-hour consultation helped her raise $5,000 for her nonprofit
  • How she realized she was wasting her time with dead leads and started getting clients with less drain

About Dr. Omotola Akinsola

Omotola has over seven years of experience as both an in-house grant writer and as a freelance grant consultant to various nonprofit organizations across the United States and the continent of Africa.  A Social Worker by trade, Omotola combines her passion for education, youth, leadership, homelessness, community service, nonprofits and social entrepreneurship with her skills as a writer and researcher.


Omotola holds a master’s from George Warren Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis. She focused on nonprofit development, social enterprise development & management, grant writing, and fundraising during her master’s and received a specialization in social entrepreneurship. She earned a bachelor’s in social work with a double minor in leadership studies and psychology from Columbia College. She is completing her Ph.D. in Social Work from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.


Her interests are in educational & economic disparities, international youth development, youth unemployment, youth asset development, community development, social entrepreneurship, mentoring, and nonprofit management & fundraising.


She founded JumpStart Dream Academy, a nonprofit organization in Nigeria that works with youth to develop them into agents of positive change. She has worked and consulted for various nonprofit organizations in different capacities such as creating and designing programs, evaluating programs, structuring nonprofits to run effective, budgeting, grant proposal writing and reviews, and coming up with fundraising strategies.

Omotola is sold out to helping young nonprofit organizations be a force for good and guiding nonprofits in getting funded and being effective.


Where you can find Dr. Omotola Akinsola:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Have you ever known deep in your gut what your dream is, but you aren’t currently living in it? Or maybe you commit to living your dream but don’t even know where to start.

If you could sit down and have coffee with someone who turned $1,000 into $15,000 during the pandemic while helping others and working less, then would you? Because today we are doing just that as we listen to how Dr. Omotola Akinsola as she shares all her secrets and how she overcame challenges.

But even if you are not looking to open a freelance grant writing biz, and you run a nonprofit, you will also want to catch this as she is going to spill all in how she has also continued to grow a thriving nonprofit after doing a needs assessment. Due to that, her nonprofit has served more than 8,000 students and teachers in Nigeria.

This episode is definitely for you if:

  • You want to start or grow a nonprofit
  • You want to turn leads from being those that ghost you into high paying customers
  • You are a parent and need to balance running a business with being home with your kids
  • You want to find out how to price and charge clients
  • You want to be inspired because you need something positive to listen today (yes, Tola is that amazing!)
  • You want a free coupon on Tola’s Grant Writing Made Easy for Nonprofit! Click here.

Dr. Akinsola shares behind-the-scenes on:

  • How she grew up in poverty in Nigeria and followed her dreams by taking big risks
  • How the education strike made her start to do her own personal and professional development
  • Her Fab 6 heroes include: Nelson Mandela, Mother Theresa, and her parents
  • How she burned all her bridges to do massive things
  • Why and How she did a focus group before launching a nonprofit
  • How she opened a nonprofit in Nigeria while being a student in the States
  • How her nonprofit in Nigeria has trained more than 8,000 students and teachers
  • When and how she opened her freelance grant writing biz: The Funding Magnet
  • How she created a product after talking to 300 nonprofits
  • How the Freelance Grant Writing Master Course changed her business and she 15X her investment within a matter of months
  • How she has diversified her streams of income
  • How she learned how to create passive income
  • How she learned her value and how to price
  • How a one-hour consultation helped her raise $5,000 for her nonprofit
  • How she realized she was wasting her time with dead leads and started getting clients with less drain

About Dr. Omotola Akinsola

Omotola has over seven years of experience as both an in-house grant writer and as a freelance grant consultant to various nonprofit organizations across the United States and the continent of Africa.  A Social Worker by trade, Omotola combines her passion for education, youth, leadership, homelessness, community service, nonprofits and social entrepreneurship with her skills as a writer and researcher.


Omotola holds a master’s from George Warren Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis. She focused on nonprofit development, social enterprise development & management, grant writing, and fundraising during her master’s and received a specialization in social entrepreneurship. She earned a bachelor’s in social work with a double minor in leadership studies and psychology from Columbia College. She is completing her Ph.D. in Social Work from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.


Her interests are in educational & economic disparities, international youth development, youth unemployment, youth asset development, community development, social entrepreneurship, mentoring, and nonprofit management & fundraising.


She founded JumpStart Dream Academy, a nonprofit organization in Nigeria that works with youth to develop them into agents of positive change. She has worked and consulted for various nonprofit organizations in different capacities such as creating and designing programs, evaluating programs, structuring nonprofits to run effective, budgeting, grant proposal writing and reviews, and coming up with fundraising strategies.

Omotola is sold out to helping young nonprofit organizations be a force for good and guiding nonprofits in getting funded and being effective.


Where you can find Dr. Omotola Akinsola:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Fri, 28 Aug 2020 02:36:17 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 4685 Have you ever known deep in your gut what your dream is, but you aren’t currently living in it? Or maybe you commit to living your dream but don’t even know where to start.

If you could sit down and have coffee with someone who turned $1,000 into $15,000 during the pandemic while helping others and working less, then would you? Because today we are doing just that as we listen to how Dr. Omotola Akinsola as she shares all her secrets and how she overcame challenges.

But even if you are not looking to open a freelance grant writing biz, and you run a nonprofit, you will also want to catch this as she is going to spill all in how she has also continued to grow a thriving nonprofit after doing a needs assessment. Due to that, her nonprofit has served more than 8,000 students and teachers in Nigeria.

This episode is definitely for you if:

  • You want to start or grow a nonprofit
  • You want to turn leads from being those that ghost you into high paying customers
  • You are a parent and need to balance running a business with being home with your kids
  • You want to find out how to price and charge clients
  • You want to be inspired because you need something positive to listen today (yes, Tola is that amazing!)
  • You want a free coupon on Tola’s Grant Writing Made Easy for Nonprofit! Click here.

Dr. Akinsola shares behind-the-scenes on:

  • How she grew up in poverty in Nigeria and followed her dreams by taking big risks
  • How the education strike made her start to do her own personal and professional development
  • Her Fab 6 heroes include: Nelson Mandela, Mother Theresa, and her parents
  • How she burned all her bridges to do massive things
  • Why and How she did a focus group before launching a nonprofit
  • How she opened a nonprofit in Nigeria while being a student in the States
  • How her nonprofit in Nigeria has trained more than 8,000 students and teachers
  • When and how she opened her freelance grant writing biz: The Funding Magnet
  • How she created a product after talking to 300 nonprofits
  • How the Freelance Grant Writing Master Course changed her business and she 15X her investment within a matter of months
  • How she has diversified her streams of income
  • How she learned how to create passive income
  • How she learned her value and how to price
  • How a one-hour consultation helped her raise $5,000 for her nonprofit
  • How she realized she was wasting her time with dead leads and started getting clients with less drain

About Dr. Omotola Akinsola

Omotola has over seven years of experience as both an in-house grant writer and as a freelance grant consultant to various nonprofit organizations across the United States and the continent of Africa.  A Social Worker by trade, Omotola combines her passion for education, youth, leadership, homelessness, community service, nonprofits and social entrepreneurship with her skills as a writer and researcher.


Omotola holds a master’s from George Warren Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis. She focused on nonprofit development, social enterprise development & management, grant writing, and fundraising during her master’s and received a specialization in social entrepreneurship. She earned a bachelor’s in social work with a double minor in leadership studies and psychology from Columbia College. She is completing her Ph.D. in Social Work from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.


Her interests are in educational & economic disparities, international youth development, youth unemployment, youth asset development, community development, social entrepreneurship, mentoring, and nonprofit management & fundraising.


She founded JumpStart Dream Academy, a nonprofit organization in Nigeria that works with youth to develop them into agents of positive change. She has worked and consulted for various nonprofit organizations in different capacities such as creating and designing programs, evaluating programs, structuring nonprofits to run effective, budgeting, grant proposal writing and reviews, and coming up with fundraising strategies.

Omotola is sold out to helping young nonprofit organizations be a force for good and guiding nonprofits in getting funded and being effective.


Where you can find Dr. Omotola Akinsola:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ep. 134: Calling All Freelance Grant Writers! How To Narrow Down Your Nonprofit Niche 134 134 Ep. 134: Calling All Freelance Grant Writers! How To Narrow Down Your Nonprofit Niche full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/878317498 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-134-calling-all-freelance-grant-writers-how-to-narrow-down-your-nonprofit-niche Wed, 19 Aug 2020 03:17:28 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1316 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No 3 Fabulous Fundamentals to Grow a Freelance Grant Writer Biz 133 133 3 Fabulous Fundamentals to Grow a Freelance Grant Writer Biz full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/875590198 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-133-3-fabulous-fundamentals-to-grow-a-freelance-grant-writer-biz Have you ever dreamed of becoming a freelance grant writer—but don’t know where to start? Or maybe you’ve already started your business but you’ve hit a plateau. Either way, this episode is for you. Because here’s the truth: there are core fundamentals to building a successful freelance grant writing business—and if you skip them, you’re going to struggle. Not just a little… a lot.

You may find yourself constantly busy but not making progress. Always doing, but never feeling focused. Stuck in what I call the “hamster wheel syndrome.” And the hardest part? You won’t even know why.


In this episode, we break it down—big time. We dive into the top three foundational elements you need to build, grow, and sustain your freelance grant writing business with clarity and direction. These fundamentals will help you move from scattered effort to strategic action so you can actually see results.


And stay tuned—next week, we’ll cover two more essential fundamentals to keep your business moving forward.


ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!


Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Have you ever dreamed of becoming a freelance grant writer—but don’t know where to start? Or maybe you’ve already started your business but you’ve hit a plateau. Either way, this episode is for you. Because here’s the truth: there are core fundamentals to building a successful freelance grant writing business—and if you skip them, you’re going to struggle. Not just a little… a lot.

You may find yourself constantly busy but not making progress. Always doing, but never feeling focused. Stuck in what I call the “hamster wheel syndrome.” And the hardest part? You won’t even know why.


In this episode, we break it down—big time. We dive into the top three foundational elements you need to build, grow, and sustain your freelance grant writing business with clarity and direction. These fundamentals will help you move from scattered effort to strategic action so you can actually see results.


And stay tuned—next week, we’ll cover two more essential fundamentals to keep your business moving forward.


ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!


Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Fri, 14 Aug 2020 02:36:03 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1327 Have you ever dreamed of becoming a freelance grant writer—but don’t know where to start? Or maybe you’ve already started your business but you’ve hit a plateau. Either way, this episode is for you. Because here’s the truth: there are core fundamentals to building a successful freelance grant writing business—and if you skip them, you’re going to struggle. Not just a little… a lot.

You may find yourself constantly busy but not making progress. Always doing, but never feeling focused. Stuck in what I call the “hamster wheel syndrome.” And the hardest part? You won’t even know why.


In this episode, we break it down—big time. We dive into the top three foundational elements you need to build, grow, and sustain your freelance grant writing business with clarity and direction. These fundamentals will help you move from scattered effort to strategic action so you can actually see results.


And stay tuned—next week, we’ll cover two more essential fundamentals to keep your business moving forward.


ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!


Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Become A Federal Grant Reviewer - 10X Your Grant Writing Skills While Getting Paid 132 132 Become A Federal Grant Reviewer - 10X Your Grant Writing Skills While Getting Paid full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/871086709 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-132-become-a-federal-grant-reviewer-10x-your-grant-writing-skills-while-getting-paid Are you interested in becoming a better grant writer while gaining real, paid experience—not just volunteering? If you have a background in fields like education, homelessness, climate change, workforce development, tribal work, or more, you may be qualified to become a federal grant reviewer.

In this episode, I’m joined by two of my amazing Changemaker Members, Christine Taylor and Jennifer Mitsch, who share their journeys into becoming federal grant reviewers. We dive into what the grant review process looks like, what it takes to get started, and how this experience can dramatically improve your skills as a grant writer.

We also pull back the curtain on how proposals are scored, common mistakes reviewers catch, and why following scoring criteria is critical. Plus, we talk about how reviewers get paid, how freelancers can leverage this experience to land more clients, and even how you can position yourself to step into this role—yes, even if you’ve never done it before.

ABOUT OUR GUESTS

Christine Taylor and Jennifer Mitsch are experienced grant professionals and Changemaker Members who have successfully become federal grant reviewers. They bring firsthand insights into the review process and share practical strategies for grant writers looking to strengthen their skills and expand their opportunities.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Are you interested in becoming a better grant writer while gaining real, paid experience—not just volunteering? If you have a background in fields like education, homelessness, climate change, workforce development, tribal work, or more, you may be qualified to become a federal grant reviewer.

In this episode, I’m joined by two of my amazing Changemaker Members, Christine Taylor and Jennifer Mitsch, who share their journeys into becoming federal grant reviewers. We dive into what the grant review process looks like, what it takes to get started, and how this experience can dramatically improve your skills as a grant writer.

We also pull back the curtain on how proposals are scored, common mistakes reviewers catch, and why following scoring criteria is critical. Plus, we talk about how reviewers get paid, how freelancers can leverage this experience to land more clients, and even how you can position yourself to step into this role—yes, even if you’ve never done it before.

ABOUT OUR GUESTS

Christine Taylor and Jennifer Mitsch are experienced grant professionals and Changemaker Members who have successfully become federal grant reviewers. They bring firsthand insights into the review process and share practical strategies for grant writers looking to strengthen their skills and expand their opportunities.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Thu, 06 Aug 2020 06:12:25 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 3715 Are you interested in becoming a better grant writer while gaining real, paid experience—not just volunteering? If you have a background in fields like education, homelessness, climate change, workforce development, tribal work, or more, you may be qualified to become a federal grant reviewer.

In this episode, I’m joined by two of my amazing Changemaker Members, Christine Taylor and Jennifer Mitsch, who share their journeys into becoming federal grant reviewers. We dive into what the grant review process looks like, what it takes to get started, and how this experience can dramatically improve your skills as a grant writer.

We also pull back the curtain on how proposals are scored, common mistakes reviewers catch, and why following scoring criteria is critical. Plus, we talk about how reviewers get paid, how freelancers can leverage this experience to land more clients, and even how you can position yourself to step into this role—yes, even if you’ve never done it before.

ABOUT OUR GUESTS

Christine Taylor and Jennifer Mitsch are experienced grant professionals and Changemaker Members who have successfully become federal grant reviewers. They bring firsthand insights into the review process and share practical strategies for grant writers looking to strengthen their skills and expand their opportunities.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No The Flawless Framework to Transform a Nonprofit's Board of Directors with Sean Kosofsky 131 131 The Flawless Framework to Transform a Nonprofit's Board of Directors with Sean Kosofsky full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/866270443 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/the-flawless-framework-to-transform-a-nonprofits-board-of-directors-with-sean-kosofsky If you are a nonprofit leader, freelance grant writer, or nonprofit consultant then you know that the role and efficiency of a healthy board of directors is vital for nonprofit health!

That’s why I brought Sean Kosofsky from Nonprofit Fixer on the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to share with you how to improve a nonprofit’s board of directors.

If you resonate with not knowing how to ask your board to contribute financially, what their expectations are of showing up, or how they can be the most effective, then this episode is for you!

Also, we talk about how freelance grant writers and nonprofit consultants can add a board of director training to their services and how this can help nonprofits get MORE funding.

This is a must-listen!

About Sean Kosofsky

Sean Kosofsky is the NonProfit Fixer! He has worked in nonprofits for more than 27 years, including as executive director for five organizations. He has worked in policy, communications, grassroots advocacy, direct service, development, management and served on numerous boards. He has raised millions of dollars for causes, candidates, and campaigns. His work has appeared in news stories around the world, and he has offered webinars or blog posts through AFP, Candid, Idealware, Bloomerang, Wild Apricot, and Pamela Grow’s Motivate Mondays.

He has worked on a wide range of issues including LGBTQ equality, reproductive justice, voting access, bullying prevention, climate change, and more. He offers coaching, consulting, training and free tools at his website Nonprofitfixer.com.

In today’s episode, we discuss the following:

  • How to help recruit, retain, and grow a board of directors
  • How a freelancer/consultant can conduct board of directors training for nonprofits as a side income or main income
  • Sean’s colorful story on why he became involved with nonprofits
  • How you can use your passion to do good in the world
  • How Sean moved to a new city and started a freelance nonprofit consultancy
  • How to leverage your relationships in your geographic area to get new leads
  • What freelancers need to focus on that will lead to a full-time hustle job
  • The huge space available for nonprofit consultants
  • How to test your services to see which ones will sell the most
  • The key elements in why a board of directors is inefficient and how to fix it
  • 80% of what You do – Recruit, Retain, Remove board members
  • The 3 M’s: Members, Meetings, and Money
  • The Board Agreement: How to have a board of directors actually commit to bringing in funding every single year
  • The Fundamental Change to Uplevel a Nonprofit: Flipping the Mindset of Board Members

Links Mentioned From the Episode:

  • How to Build a Rockstar Board Master Course: Click here
  • Find out more about Sean, get a free consultation, or see FREE resources at: nonprofitfixer.com

Want more training from Sean on nonprofit board hacks?

Click here to get “Build a Rockstar Board” and build a board that raises money, does their job, and builds power!

Imagine having a sophisticated board that is the envy of every other nonprofit.

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> If you are a nonprofit leader, freelance grant writer, or nonprofit consultant then you know that the role and efficiency of a healthy board of directors is vital for nonprofit health!

That’s why I brought Sean Kosofsky from Nonprofit Fixer on the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to share with you how to improve a nonprofit’s board of directors.

If you resonate with not knowing how to ask your board to contribute financially, what their expectations are of showing up, or how they can be the most effective, then this episode is for you!

Also, we talk about how freelance grant writers and nonprofit consultants can add a board of director training to their services and how this can help nonprofits get MORE funding.

This is a must-listen!

About Sean Kosofsky

Sean Kosofsky is the NonProfit Fixer! He has worked in nonprofits for more than 27 years, including as executive director for five organizations. He has worked in policy, communications, grassroots advocacy, direct service, development, management and served on numerous boards. He has raised millions of dollars for causes, candidates, and campaigns. His work has appeared in news stories around the world, and he has offered webinars or blog posts through AFP, Candid, Idealware, Bloomerang, Wild Apricot, and Pamela Grow’s Motivate Mondays.

He has worked on a wide range of issues including LGBTQ equality, reproductive justice, voting access, bullying prevention, climate change, and more. He offers coaching, consulting, training and free tools at his website Nonprofitfixer.com.

In today’s episode, we discuss the following:

  • How to help recruit, retain, and grow a board of directors
  • How a freelancer/consultant can conduct board of directors training for nonprofits as a side income or main income
  • Sean’s colorful story on why he became involved with nonprofits
  • How you can use your passion to do good in the world
  • How Sean moved to a new city and started a freelance nonprofit consultancy
  • How to leverage your relationships in your geographic area to get new leads
  • What freelancers need to focus on that will lead to a full-time hustle job
  • The huge space available for nonprofit consultants
  • How to test your services to see which ones will sell the most
  • The key elements in why a board of directors is inefficient and how to fix it
  • 80% of what You do – Recruit, Retain, Remove board members
  • The 3 M’s: Members, Meetings, and Money
  • The Board Agreement: How to have a board of directors actually commit to bringing in funding every single year
  • The Fundamental Change to Uplevel a Nonprofit: Flipping the Mindset of Board Members

Links Mentioned From the Episode:

  • How to Build a Rockstar Board Master Course: Click here
  • Find out more about Sean, get a free consultation, or see FREE resources at: nonprofitfixer.com

Want more training from Sean on nonprofit board hacks?

Click here to get “Build a Rockstar Board” and build a board that raises money, does their job, and builds power!

Imagine having a sophisticated board that is the envy of every other nonprofit.

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 28 Jul 2020 19:44:01 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 3193 If you are a nonprofit leader, freelance grant writer, or nonprofit consultant then you know that the role and efficiency of a healthy board of directors is vital for nonprofit health!

That’s why I brought Sean Kosofsky from Nonprofit Fixer on the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to share with you how to improve a nonprofit’s board of directors.

If you resonate with not knowing how to ask your board to contribute financially, what their expectations are of showing up, or how they can be the most effective, then this episode is for you!

Also, we talk about how freelance grant writers and nonprofit consultants can add a board of director training to their services and how this can help nonprofits get MORE funding.

This is a must-listen!

About Sean Kosofsky

Sean Kosofsky is the NonProfit Fixer! He has worked in nonprofits for more than 27 years, including as executive director for five organizations. He has worked in policy, communications, grassroots advocacy, direct service, development, management and served on numerous boards. He has raised millions of dollars for causes, candidates, and campaigns. His work has appeared in news stories around the world, and he has offered webinars or blog posts through AFP, Candid, Idealware, Bloomerang, Wild Apricot, and Pamela Grow’s Motivate Mondays.

He has worked on a wide range of issues including LGBTQ equality, reproductive justice, voting access, bullying prevention, climate change, and more. He offers coaching, consulting, training and free tools at his website Nonprofitfixer.com.

In today’s episode, we discuss the following:

  • How to help recruit, retain, and grow a board of directors
  • How a freelancer/consultant can conduct board of directors training for nonprofits as a side income or main income
  • Sean’s colorful story on why he became involved with nonprofits
  • How you can use your passion to do good in the world
  • How Sean moved to a new city and started a freelance nonprofit consultancy
  • How to leverage your relationships in your geographic area to get new leads
  • What freelancers need to focus on that will lead to a full-time hustle job
  • The huge space available for nonprofit consultants
  • How to test your services to see which ones will sell the most
  • The key elements in why a board of directors is inefficient and how to fix it
  • 80% of what You do – Recruit, Retain, Remove board members
  • The 3 M’s: Members, Meetings, and Money
  • The Board Agreement: How to have a board of directors actually commit to bringing in funding every single year
  • The Fundamental Change to Uplevel a Nonprofit: Flipping the Mindset of Board Members

Links Mentioned From the Episode:

  • How to Build a Rockstar Board Master Course: Click here
  • Find out more about Sean, get a free consultation, or see FREE resources at: nonprofitfixer.com

Want more training from Sean on nonprofit board hacks?

Click here to get “Build a Rockstar Board” and build a board that raises money, does their job, and builds power!

Imagine having a sophisticated board that is the envy of every other nonprofit.

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ep. 130: 3 Essential Steps For Freelance Grant Writers To Pitch Services 130 130 Ep. 130: 3 Essential Steps For Freelance Grant Writers To Pitch Services full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/861709669 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-130-3-essential-steps-for-freelance-grant-writers-to-pitch-services Tue, 21 Jul 2020 02:56:41 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1049 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ep. 129 Freelance Grant Writer 6 Weeks To Summer Success Toolkit 129 129 Ep. 129 Freelance Grant Writer 6 Weeks To Summer Success Toolkit full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/858364456 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-129-freelance-grant-writer-6-weeks-to-summer-success-toolkit Wed, 15 Jul 2020 09:42:38 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2010 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ep. 128: Why You Must Write A Grant In 2020 (Plus, the Where & How) 128 128 Ep. 128: Why You Must Write A Grant In 2020 (Plus, the Where & How) full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/854176873 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-128-why-you-must-write-a-grant-in-2020-plus-the-where-how Wed, 08 Jul 2020 05:38:33 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1402 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Strategic Hacks To Rethink Fundraising To Grow A Nonprofit With Samantha Taitano 127 127 Strategic Hacks To Rethink Fundraising To Grow A Nonprofit With Samantha Taitano full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/849509209 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/127-strategic-hacks-to-rethink-fundraising-to-grow-a-nonprofit-with-samantha-taitano This week’s episode continues our Nonprofit Strategic Planning series—and it comes at the perfect time. We’re halfway through the year, which makes this the ideal moment to pause, reflect, and get clear on your strategy moving forward.


If you’re looking to strengthen your leadership skills or you’re a consultant (or aspiring one) wanting to expand your services into strategic planning, this episode is for you.

Joining me is Samantha Taitano, Executive Director of Mañe’lu (formerly Big Brothers Big Sisters of Guam), who shares practical and powerful insights on how to rethink fundraising and grow your nonprofit’s impact.

In our conversation, Samantha dives into strategic planning tips, time management for productivity, and creative fundraising pivots that nonprofits can implement right now. We also explore how to build a strong and committed board of directors, why tracking your social media data matters more than just posting content, and how to choose the right platforms for your organization.

Additionally, we discuss branding, hosting effective strategic planning retreats, navigating HR challenges while wearing multiple hats in a small nonprofit, and why now is a great time to apply for grants with potentially less competition.

Samantha also shares her experience transitioning an organization from a national nonprofit model to a locally driven one—along with lessons learned along the way.

If you’re ready to get focused, strategic, and creative with your nonprofit planning and fundraising, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Samantha Taitano is the Executive Director of Mañe’lu, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering and educating youth and families to create positive change in their lives. Since joining the organization in 2018, she has successfully led its transformation and rebranding from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Guam to Mañe’lu.

Samantha has secured over $500,000 in grant funding, enabling the expansion of programs and services across the organization. Her background includes community development work with the Peace Corps in South Africa, where she supported rural communities, as well as experience in the private sector developing IT solutions.

She is passionate about strengthening local communities, building organizational capacity, and integrating innovative strategies into nonprofit leadership. In her free time, she enjoys connecting with her island home of Guam and exploring new destinations.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> This week’s episode continues our Nonprofit Strategic Planning series—and it comes at the perfect time. We’re halfway through the year, which makes this the ideal moment to pause, reflect, and get clear on your strategy moving forward.


If you’re looking to strengthen your leadership skills or you’re a consultant (or aspiring one) wanting to expand your services into strategic planning, this episode is for you.

Joining me is Samantha Taitano, Executive Director of Mañe’lu (formerly Big Brothers Big Sisters of Guam), who shares practical and powerful insights on how to rethink fundraising and grow your nonprofit’s impact.

In our conversation, Samantha dives into strategic planning tips, time management for productivity, and creative fundraising pivots that nonprofits can implement right now. We also explore how to build a strong and committed board of directors, why tracking your social media data matters more than just posting content, and how to choose the right platforms for your organization.

Additionally, we discuss branding, hosting effective strategic planning retreats, navigating HR challenges while wearing multiple hats in a small nonprofit, and why now is a great time to apply for grants with potentially less competition.

Samantha also shares her experience transitioning an organization from a national nonprofit model to a locally driven one—along with lessons learned along the way.

If you’re ready to get focused, strategic, and creative with your nonprofit planning and fundraising, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Samantha Taitano is the Executive Director of Mañe’lu, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering and educating youth and families to create positive change in their lives. Since joining the organization in 2018, she has successfully led its transformation and rebranding from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Guam to Mañe’lu.

Samantha has secured over $500,000 in grant funding, enabling the expansion of programs and services across the organization. Her background includes community development work with the Peace Corps in South Africa, where she supported rural communities, as well as experience in the private sector developing IT solutions.

She is passionate about strengthening local communities, building organizational capacity, and integrating innovative strategies into nonprofit leadership. In her free time, she enjoys connecting with her island home of Guam and exploring new destinations.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 30 Jun 2020 06:52:08 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 3576 This week’s episode continues our Nonprofit Strategic Planning series—and it comes at the perfect time. We’re halfway through the year, which makes this the ideal moment to pause, reflect, and get clear on your strategy moving forward.


If you’re looking to strengthen your leadership skills or you’re a consultant (or aspiring one) wanting to expand your services into strategic planning, this episode is for you.

Joining me is Samantha Taitano, Executive Director of Mañe’lu (formerly Big Brothers Big Sisters of Guam), who shares practical and powerful insights on how to rethink fundraising and grow your nonprofit’s impact.

In our conversation, Samantha dives into strategic planning tips, time management for productivity, and creative fundraising pivots that nonprofits can implement right now. We also explore how to build a strong and committed board of directors, why tracking your social media data matters more than just posting content, and how to choose the right platforms for your organization.

Additionally, we discuss branding, hosting effective strategic planning retreats, navigating HR challenges while wearing multiple hats in a small nonprofit, and why now is a great time to apply for grants with potentially less competition.

Samantha also shares her experience transitioning an organization from a national nonprofit model to a locally driven one—along with lessons learned along the way.

If you’re ready to get focused, strategic, and creative with your nonprofit planning and fundraising, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Samantha Taitano is the Executive Director of Mañe’lu, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering and educating youth and families to create positive change in their lives. Since joining the organization in 2018, she has successfully led its transformation and rebranding from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Guam to Mañe’lu.

Samantha has secured over $500,000 in grant funding, enabling the expansion of programs and services across the organization. Her background includes community development work with the Peace Corps in South Africa, where she supported rural communities, as well as experience in the private sector developing IT solutions.

She is passionate about strengthening local communities, building organizational capacity, and integrating innovative strategies into nonprofit leadership. In her free time, she enjoys connecting with her island home of Guam and exploring new destinations.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No 126: Strategic Planning Crash Course 10 Steps To Skyrocket Your Nonprofit or Freelance Biz 126 126 126: Strategic Planning Crash Course 10 Steps To Skyrocket Your Nonprofit or Freelance Biz full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/846396202 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/126-strategic-planning-crash-course-10-steps-to-skyrocket-your-nonprofit-or-freelance-biz Thu, 25 Jun 2020 03:32:44 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2549 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ep. 125: How to Make Decisions Swiftly and Lead Your Organization 125 125 Ep. 125: How to Make Decisions Swiftly and Lead Your Organization full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/840479257 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-125-how-to-make-decisions-swiftly-and-lead-your-organization Tue, 16 Jun 2020 09:00:14 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1810 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No 124: 4 Reasons to Expand (Not Grow) Your Nonprofit or Freelance Consultancy 124 124 124: 4 Reasons to Expand (Not Grow) Your Nonprofit or Freelance Consultancy full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/837487756 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/124-4-reasons-to-expand-not-grow-your-nonprofit-or-freelance-consultancy Wed, 10 Jun 2020 09:00:38 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1856 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Holly Rustick on Grant Writing Lessons Learned 123 123 Holly Rustick on Grant Writing Lessons Learned full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/833883847 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/123-holly-rustick-on-grant-writing-lessons-learned In this special behind-the-scenes episode from the Open Kimono series, Holly Rustick is interviewed by Dr. James Pann to share her journey and insights into building a successful grant writing consultancy. This episode is perfect for aspiring and established consultants alike who want to sharpen their grant writing skills and grow their business with real-world lessons. 

Together, they dive into how Holly got started in grant writing, why conducting a Needs and Strengths Assessment is essential, and what led her to launch her own company. They also discuss where to find grants, how to set realistic expectations with nonprofit clients, and what to communicate when funding isn’t awarded. 

Holly shares lessons learned from podcasting, the importance of maintaining a positive mindset, and how to use tools like the G.R.A.N.T.S. formula to get started with writing proposals. The conversation also highlights why becoming a grant reviewer can strengthen your skills, resources for new grant writers, and how platforms like Instagram can help you build meaningful professional connections.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Dr. James Pann, Ph.D., is an educator, interviewer, and thought leader who brings insightful conversations to the nonprofit and professional development space. Through his work, he highlights the journeys and expertise of leaders, helping audiences gain practical strategies and inspiration for growth. His engaging interview style draws out actionable insights that support both aspiring and experienced professionals.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> In this special behind-the-scenes episode from the Open Kimono series, Holly Rustick is interviewed by Dr. James Pann to share her journey and insights into building a successful grant writing consultancy. This episode is perfect for aspiring and established consultants alike who want to sharpen their grant writing skills and grow their business with real-world lessons. 

Together, they dive into how Holly got started in grant writing, why conducting a Needs and Strengths Assessment is essential, and what led her to launch her own company. They also discuss where to find grants, how to set realistic expectations with nonprofit clients, and what to communicate when funding isn’t awarded. 

Holly shares lessons learned from podcasting, the importance of maintaining a positive mindset, and how to use tools like the G.R.A.N.T.S. formula to get started with writing proposals. The conversation also highlights why becoming a grant reviewer can strengthen your skills, resources for new grant writers, and how platforms like Instagram can help you build meaningful professional connections.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Dr. James Pann, Ph.D., is an educator, interviewer, and thought leader who brings insightful conversations to the nonprofit and professional development space. Through his work, he highlights the journeys and expertise of leaders, helping audiences gain practical strategies and inspiration for growth. His engaging interview style draws out actionable insights that support both aspiring and experienced professionals.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Thu, 04 Jun 2020 09:00:27 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2870 In this special behind-the-scenes episode from the Open Kimono series, Holly Rustick is interviewed by Dr. James Pann to share her journey and insights into building a successful grant writing consultancy. This episode is perfect for aspiring and established consultants alike who want to sharpen their grant writing skills and grow their business with real-world lessons. 

Together, they dive into how Holly got started in grant writing, why conducting a Needs and Strengths Assessment is essential, and what led her to launch her own company. They also discuss where to find grants, how to set realistic expectations with nonprofit clients, and what to communicate when funding isn’t awarded. 

Holly shares lessons learned from podcasting, the importance of maintaining a positive mindset, and how to use tools like the G.R.A.N.T.S. formula to get started with writing proposals. The conversation also highlights why becoming a grant reviewer can strengthen your skills, resources for new grant writers, and how platforms like Instagram can help you build meaningful professional connections.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Dr. James Pann, Ph.D., is an educator, interviewer, and thought leader who brings insightful conversations to the nonprofit and professional development space. Through his work, he highlights the journeys and expertise of leaders, helping audiences gain practical strategies and inspiration for growth. His engaging interview style draws out actionable insights that support both aspiring and experienced professionals.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Nonprofits Who Get Tech Savvy Earn More with Jenni Hargrove 122 122 Nonprofits Who Get Tech Savvy Earn More with Jenni Hargrove full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/820997368 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/122-nonprofits-who-get-tech-savvy-earn-more-with-jenni-hargrove Jenni Hargrove joins us to share what foundations are really looking for when deciding to fund your nonprofit and how you can better position your organization for success. She breaks down key insights into funder expectations, along with practical strategies for improving your nonprofit’s visibility through Search Engine Optimization (SEO) so you can rank higher in Google search results. We also explore how to easily host online auctions as a fundraising strategy, giving nonprofits additional tools to diversify revenue and increase engagement.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Jenni Hargrove is a nonprofit consultant and fundraising strategist who specializes in helping organizations increase their visibility, strengthen their funding strategies, and leverage digital tools for growth. With expertise in foundation funding, SEO, and online fundraising, Jenni supports nonprofits in building sustainable revenue streams and expanding their reach in an increasingly digital world.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Jenni Hargrove joins us to share what foundations are really looking for when deciding to fund your nonprofit and how you can better position your organization for success. She breaks down key insights into funder expectations, along with practical strategies for improving your nonprofit’s visibility through Search Engine Optimization (SEO) so you can rank higher in Google search results. We also explore how to easily host online auctions as a fundraising strategy, giving nonprofits additional tools to diversify revenue and increase engagement.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Jenni Hargrove is a nonprofit consultant and fundraising strategist who specializes in helping organizations increase their visibility, strengthen their funding strategies, and leverage digital tools for growth. With expertise in foundation funding, SEO, and online fundraising, Jenni supports nonprofits in building sustainable revenue streams and expanding their reach in an increasingly digital world.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 19 May 2020 09:00:03 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 3272 Jenni Hargrove joins us to share what foundations are really looking for when deciding to fund your nonprofit and how you can better position your organization for success. She breaks down key insights into funder expectations, along with practical strategies for improving your nonprofit’s visibility through Search Engine Optimization (SEO) so you can rank higher in Google search results. We also explore how to easily host online auctions as a fundraising strategy, giving nonprofits additional tools to diversify revenue and increase engagement.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Jenni Hargrove is a nonprofit consultant and fundraising strategist who specializes in helping organizations increase their visibility, strengthen their funding strategies, and leverage digital tools for growth. With expertise in foundation funding, SEO, and online fundraising, Jenni supports nonprofits in building sustainable revenue streams and expanding their reach in an increasingly digital world.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No 121: Behind the Scenes with Grant Writing & Funding: How We Are Navigating COVID-19 121 121 121: Behind the Scenes with Grant Writing & Funding: How We Are Navigating COVID-19 full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/818083333 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/121-behind-the-scenes-with-grant-writing-funding-how-we-are-navigating-covid-19 Tue, 12 May 2020 09:00:13 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2849 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ways to Embrace Online Fundraising with Brady Josephson 120 120 Ways to Embrace Online Fundraising with Brady Josephson full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/813240688 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/120-ways-to-embrace-online-fundraising-with-brady-josephson As we’ve navigated through the pandemic and into a more digital world, one thing is clear—online engagement and fundraising are here to stay.

And if you’re like many nonprofit leaders, you might be thinking: I need to learn everything about online marketing and invest all my resources into it.

But what if it didn’t have to be that complicated?

In this episode, Brady Josephson joins us to share a simpler, more effective approach to online fundraising for nonprofits. Instead of overwhelming strategies, Brady breaks things down into practical steps you can take right now to strengthen your online presence, connect with your audience, and increase donations. We talk about how to focus your efforts, avoid common pitfalls, and create meaningful engagement without burning out your team or your budget.

If you’re ready to simplify your digital fundraising strategy while still seeing results, this episode is a must-listen.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Brady Josephson is a nonprofit marketing and fundraising expert known for helping organizations grow their impact through simple, effective digital strategies. He has worked with leading nonprofit organizations to improve online fundraising, donor engagement, and marketing performance.

Brady is passionate about cutting through the noise of complex marketing tactics and helping nonprofits focus on what truly works to build relationships and drive sustainable funding.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> As we’ve navigated through the pandemic and into a more digital world, one thing is clear—online engagement and fundraising are here to stay.

And if you’re like many nonprofit leaders, you might be thinking: I need to learn everything about online marketing and invest all my resources into it.

But what if it didn’t have to be that complicated?

In this episode, Brady Josephson joins us to share a simpler, more effective approach to online fundraising for nonprofits. Instead of overwhelming strategies, Brady breaks things down into practical steps you can take right now to strengthen your online presence, connect with your audience, and increase donations. We talk about how to focus your efforts, avoid common pitfalls, and create meaningful engagement without burning out your team or your budget.

If you’re ready to simplify your digital fundraising strategy while still seeing results, this episode is a must-listen.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Brady Josephson is a nonprofit marketing and fundraising expert known for helping organizations grow their impact through simple, effective digital strategies. He has worked with leading nonprofit organizations to improve online fundraising, donor engagement, and marketing performance.

Brady is passionate about cutting through the noise of complex marketing tactics and helping nonprofits focus on what truly works to build relationships and drive sustainable funding.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 05 May 2020 09:00:14 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2767 As we’ve navigated through the pandemic and into a more digital world, one thing is clear—online engagement and fundraising are here to stay.

And if you’re like many nonprofit leaders, you might be thinking: I need to learn everything about online marketing and invest all my resources into it.

But what if it didn’t have to be that complicated?

In this episode, Brady Josephson joins us to share a simpler, more effective approach to online fundraising for nonprofits. Instead of overwhelming strategies, Brady breaks things down into practical steps you can take right now to strengthen your online presence, connect with your audience, and increase donations. We talk about how to focus your efforts, avoid common pitfalls, and create meaningful engagement without burning out your team or your budget.

If you’re ready to simplify your digital fundraising strategy while still seeing results, this episode is a must-listen.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Brady Josephson is a nonprofit marketing and fundraising expert known for helping organizations grow their impact through simple, effective digital strategies. He has worked with leading nonprofit organizations to improve online fundraising, donor engagement, and marketing performance.

Brady is passionate about cutting through the noise of complex marketing tactics and helping nonprofits focus on what truly works to build relationships and drive sustainable funding.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No BONUS Freelance Grant Writer Panel: Grant Writing During COVID-19 Q&A 119 119 BONUS Freelance Grant Writer Panel: Grant Writing During COVID-19 Q&A bonus tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/809666032 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/119-bonus-freelance-grant-writer-panel-grant-writing-during-covid-19-q-a If you’re a grant writer—or aspiring to become one—especially during times of uncertainty, you probably have a lot of questions. That’s exactly why we brought two powerhouse experts, Dr. Beverly Browning and Rodney Walker, together for a live, virtual Q&A session to tackle some of the most common (and real) challenges grant writers face.

In this episode, we dive into lessons learned from failed grant applications, recommendations on grant writing certifications, and how to navigate the ups and downs of client workload—from having too few clients to suddenly being overwhelmed.

We also explore practical advice for beginners just entering the grant world, including how to build credibility with limited experience and how to confidently demonstrate your value to potential clients or employers. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to stabilize and grow your grant writing business, this episode is packed with honest insights and expert guidance.

ABOUT OUR GUESTS

Dr. Beverly A. Browning is a nationally recognized grant writing expert, author, and trainer with decades of experience helping nonprofits secure funding and build sustainable programs. She is the author of multiple books on grant writing, including Grant Writing for Dummies, and has trained thousands of nonprofit professionals across the United States. Dr. Browning is known for her practical, results-driven approach to grant writing and funding strategy.

Rodney Walker is the President of Grant Central USA, an internationally recognized grant development training firm that helps organizations secure six- and seven-figure grants. He leads a network of licensed trainers who deliver one of today’s leading systems in grant development. Rodney is passionate about helping organizations streamline their grant processes and significantly reduce the time it takes to secure funding.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> If you’re a grant writer—or aspiring to become one—especially during times of uncertainty, you probably have a lot of questions. That’s exactly why we brought two powerhouse experts, Dr. Beverly Browning and Rodney Walker, together for a live, virtual Q&A session to tackle some of the most common (and real) challenges grant writers face.

In this episode, we dive into lessons learned from failed grant applications, recommendations on grant writing certifications, and how to navigate the ups and downs of client workload—from having too few clients to suddenly being overwhelmed.

We also explore practical advice for beginners just entering the grant world, including how to build credibility with limited experience and how to confidently demonstrate your value to potential clients or employers. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to stabilize and grow your grant writing business, this episode is packed with honest insights and expert guidance.

ABOUT OUR GUESTS

Dr. Beverly A. Browning is a nationally recognized grant writing expert, author, and trainer with decades of experience helping nonprofits secure funding and build sustainable programs. She is the author of multiple books on grant writing, including Grant Writing for Dummies, and has trained thousands of nonprofit professionals across the United States. Dr. Browning is known for her practical, results-driven approach to grant writing and funding strategy.

Rodney Walker is the President of Grant Central USA, an internationally recognized grant development training firm that helps organizations secure six- and seven-figure grants. He leads a network of licensed trainers who deliver one of today’s leading systems in grant development. Rodney is passionate about helping organizations streamline their grant processes and significantly reduce the time it takes to secure funding.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Wed, 29 Apr 2020 09:00:49 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2779 If you’re a grant writer—or aspiring to become one—especially during times of uncertainty, you probably have a lot of questions. That’s exactly why we brought two powerhouse experts, Dr. Beverly Browning and Rodney Walker, together for a live, virtual Q&A session to tackle some of the most common (and real) challenges grant writers face.

In this episode, we dive into lessons learned from failed grant applications, recommendations on grant writing certifications, and how to navigate the ups and downs of client workload—from having too few clients to suddenly being overwhelmed.

We also explore practical advice for beginners just entering the grant world, including how to build credibility with limited experience and how to confidently demonstrate your value to potential clients or employers. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to stabilize and grow your grant writing business, this episode is packed with honest insights and expert guidance.

ABOUT OUR GUESTS

Dr. Beverly A. Browning is a nationally recognized grant writing expert, author, and trainer with decades of experience helping nonprofits secure funding and build sustainable programs. She is the author of multiple books on grant writing, including Grant Writing for Dummies, and has trained thousands of nonprofit professionals across the United States. Dr. Browning is known for her practical, results-driven approach to grant writing and funding strategy.

Rodney Walker is the President of Grant Central USA, an internationally recognized grant development training firm that helps organizations secure six- and seven-figure grants. He leads a network of licensed trainers who deliver one of today’s leading systems in grant development. Rodney is passionate about helping organizations streamline their grant processes and significantly reduce the time it takes to secure funding.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Freelance Grant Writer Panel: Grant Writing During COVID-19 118 118 Freelance Grant Writer Panel: Grant Writing During COVID-19 full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/807471238 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/118-freelance-grant-writer-panel-grant-writing-during-covid-19 This is an extra-special episode! I hope you enjoy listening to this dynamic panel of grant writing experts, including Rodney Walker of Grant Central USA, Dr. Beverly Browning, author of Grant Writing for Dummies, and Holly Rustick.

Together, they bring a broad range of experience and insights from across the grant writing field, sharing perspectives, lessons learned, and expert advice to help you strengthen your grant writing skills and approach.

ABOUT OUR GUESTS

Rodney Walker is the founder of Grant Central USA, supporting nonprofits and organizations in securing funding and building strong grant strategies.

Dr. Beverly Browning is the author of Grant Writing for Dummies and a nationally recognized expert in grant writing and nonprofit funding strategies. She has helped thousands of organizations improve their grant success rates through her trainings and resources.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> This is an extra-special episode! I hope you enjoy listening to this dynamic panel of grant writing experts, including Rodney Walker of Grant Central USA, Dr. Beverly Browning, author of Grant Writing for Dummies, and Holly Rustick.

Together, they bring a broad range of experience and insights from across the grant writing field, sharing perspectives, lessons learned, and expert advice to help you strengthen your grant writing skills and approach.

ABOUT OUR GUESTS

Rodney Walker is the founder of Grant Central USA, supporting nonprofits and organizations in securing funding and building strong grant strategies.

Dr. Beverly Browning is the author of Grant Writing for Dummies and a nationally recognized expert in grant writing and nonprofit funding strategies. She has helped thousands of organizations improve their grant success rates through her trainings and resources.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Mon, 27 Apr 2020 09:00:18 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 3469 This is an extra-special episode! I hope you enjoy listening to this dynamic panel of grant writing experts, including Rodney Walker of Grant Central USA, Dr. Beverly Browning, author of Grant Writing for Dummies, and Holly Rustick.

Together, they bring a broad range of experience and insights from across the grant writing field, sharing perspectives, lessons learned, and expert advice to help you strengthen your grant writing skills and approach.

ABOUT OUR GUESTS

Rodney Walker is the founder of Grant Central USA, supporting nonprofits and organizations in securing funding and building strong grant strategies.

Dr. Beverly Browning is the author of Grant Writing for Dummies and a nationally recognized expert in grant writing and nonprofit funding strategies. She has helped thousands of organizations improve their grant success rates through her trainings and resources.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Learn How to Pivot Your Nonprofit's Operations with Sarah Olivieri 117 117 Learn How to Pivot Your Nonprofit's Operations with Sarah Olivieri full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/805268731 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/117-learn-how-to-pivot-your-nonprofits-operations-with-sarah-olivieri Sarah Olivieri joins us to discuss how nonprofits can increase productivity and strengthen their operations during times of uncertainty, including the challenges brought on by Covid-19. She shares insights on whether nonprofits should pursue CARES Act funding, how to plan spending to not only survive but thrive, and ways to expand and engage your donor base. 

We also explore what it truly means to pivot operations, the eight key areas of nonprofit operations, strategies for building resilience, the importance of networking and relationship-building during a crisis, and why taking calculated risks can be essential for growth.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Sarah Olivieri is the founder of PivotGround, where she helps nonprofit leaders improve their organizations through stronger operations, strategic planning, and leadership development. 

With a background in nonprofit management and business strategy, Sarah specializes in helping organizations become more efficient, sustainable, and impactful. She is known for her practical frameworks that empower nonprofits to scale their work, adapt to change, and lead with clarity.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Sarah Olivieri joins us to discuss how nonprofits can increase productivity and strengthen their operations during times of uncertainty, including the challenges brought on by Covid-19. She shares insights on whether nonprofits should pursue CARES Act funding, how to plan spending to not only survive but thrive, and ways to expand and engage your donor base. 

We also explore what it truly means to pivot operations, the eight key areas of nonprofit operations, strategies for building resilience, the importance of networking and relationship-building during a crisis, and why taking calculated risks can be essential for growth.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Sarah Olivieri is the founder of PivotGround, where she helps nonprofit leaders improve their organizations through stronger operations, strategic planning, and leadership development. 

With a background in nonprofit management and business strategy, Sarah specializes in helping organizations become more efficient, sustainable, and impactful. She is known for her practical frameworks that empower nonprofits to scale their work, adapt to change, and lead with clarity.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Thu, 23 Apr 2020 19:00:43 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2922 Sarah Olivieri joins us to discuss how nonprofits can increase productivity and strengthen their operations during times of uncertainty, including the challenges brought on by Covid-19. She shares insights on whether nonprofits should pursue CARES Act funding, how to plan spending to not only survive but thrive, and ways to expand and engage your donor base. 

We also explore what it truly means to pivot operations, the eight key areas of nonprofit operations, strategies for building resilience, the importance of networking and relationship-building during a crisis, and why taking calculated risks can be essential for growth.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Sarah Olivieri is the founder of PivotGround, where she helps nonprofit leaders improve their organizations through stronger operations, strategic planning, and leadership development. 

With a background in nonprofit management and business strategy, Sarah specializes in helping organizations become more efficient, sustainable, and impactful. She is known for her practical frameworks that empower nonprofits to scale their work, adapt to change, and lead with clarity.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No 116: Covid 19 Funding, Grants, and Loans for Nonprofits & Freelancers 116 116 116: Covid 19 Funding, Grants, and Loans for Nonprofits & Freelancers full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/795208798 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/116-covid-19-funding-grants-and-loans-for-nonprofits-freelancers Fri, 10 Apr 2020 05:25:07 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1416 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No 115: 3 Things You Need To Know to Succeed as a Freelancer 115 115 115: 3 Things You Need To Know to Succeed as a Freelancer full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/776979421 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/115-3-things-you-need-to-know-to-succeed-as-a-freelancer Tue, 17 Mar 2020 09:00:18 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1377 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Challenges & Solutions of European Grants & How to Get Paid as a Grant Writer w/ Geir S. Nilsen 114 114 Challenges & Solutions of European Grants & How to Get Paid as a Grant Writer w/ Geir S. Nilsen full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/773122480 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/challenges-solutions-of-european-grants-how-to-get-paid-as-a-grant-writer-w-geir-s-nilsen I often get emails from people asking about grants in Europe. Although I have worked on international grants before, that is not my forte.

So I was super pleased when Geir Sand Nilsen reached out to me to discuss the challenges and solutions of European grants. This goes for grants for businesses, grant writers, and nonprofits.

In this podcast, Geir and I discuss:

Challenges of EU grants

  • Navigation is a mess
  • EU is a union with many different languages and cultures so it is difficult to organize a central place for grant research
  • It’s a partner’s game. You need intra-country partners for many grants
  • Local help. Your country needs to have money to fund the grants
  • In the end, it’s about Europe

About Geir Sand Nilsen

Geir Sand Nilsen is a Norwegian-based serial tech entrepreneur and thought leader. He has experience from a wide range of industries including app development, mobile marketing, social media, chatbots, and educational technology. 

For his ventures, Geir has raised both public grants and private funding from the Nordics, EU, Singapore and the US. In his newest venture, mrgrants.com, Geir will use technology to make life easier for all grant writers in the EU.

Connect with Geir:

Geir’s Top Quotes:

  • “My nature is finding money to build the dreams. Now I just want to go back and do this a lot, and help others do the same thing.”
  • “Building a business that scales always comes down to understanding people.”

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> I often get emails from people asking about grants in Europe. Although I have worked on international grants before, that is not my forte.

So I was super pleased when Geir Sand Nilsen reached out to me to discuss the challenges and solutions of European grants. This goes for grants for businesses, grant writers, and nonprofits.

In this podcast, Geir and I discuss:

Challenges of EU grants

  • Navigation is a mess
  • EU is a union with many different languages and cultures so it is difficult to organize a central place for grant research
  • It’s a partner’s game. You need intra-country partners for many grants
  • Local help. Your country needs to have money to fund the grants
  • In the end, it’s about Europe

About Geir Sand Nilsen

Geir Sand Nilsen is a Norwegian-based serial tech entrepreneur and thought leader. He has experience from a wide range of industries including app development, mobile marketing, social media, chatbots, and educational technology. 

For his ventures, Geir has raised both public grants and private funding from the Nordics, EU, Singapore and the US. In his newest venture, mrgrants.com, Geir will use technology to make life easier for all grant writers in the EU.

Connect with Geir:

Geir’s Top Quotes:

  • “My nature is finding money to build the dreams. Now I just want to go back and do this a lot, and help others do the same thing.”
  • “Building a business that scales always comes down to understanding people.”

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 10 Mar 2020 09:00:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2483 I often get emails from people asking about grants in Europe. Although I have worked on international grants before, that is not my forte.

So I was super pleased when Geir Sand Nilsen reached out to me to discuss the challenges and solutions of European grants. This goes for grants for businesses, grant writers, and nonprofits.

In this podcast, Geir and I discuss:

Challenges of EU grants

  • Navigation is a mess
  • EU is a union with many different languages and cultures so it is difficult to organize a central place for grant research
  • It’s a partner’s game. You need intra-country partners for many grants
  • Local help. Your country needs to have money to fund the grants
  • In the end, it’s about Europe

About Geir Sand Nilsen

Geir Sand Nilsen is a Norwegian-based serial tech entrepreneur and thought leader. He has experience from a wide range of industries including app development, mobile marketing, social media, chatbots, and educational technology. 

For his ventures, Geir has raised both public grants and private funding from the Nordics, EU, Singapore and the US. In his newest venture, mrgrants.com, Geir will use technology to make life easier for all grant writers in the EU.

Connect with Geir:

Geir’s Top Quotes:

  • “My nature is finding money to build the dreams. Now I just want to go back and do this a lot, and help others do the same thing.”
  • “Building a business that scales always comes down to understanding people.”

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Get a Committed Board, Increase Product Sales & Organize a Fundraiser with Ashia Stevens 113 113 Get a Committed Board, Increase Product Sales & Organize a Fundraiser with Ashia Stevens full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/769970254 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/113-get-a-committed-board-increase-product-sales-organize-a-fundraiser-with-ashia-stevens In this episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Ashia Stevens to discuss how to strengthen your nonprofit from the inside out by building a committed board, increasing product-based revenue, and organizing impactful fundraisers. Ashia shares how her passion for animals led her to create a growing nonprofit and the strategies she’s used to expand its reach and sustainability. 

The conversation dives into practical ways to engage board members more effectively, develop income streams through product sales, and plan fundraisers that not only bring in revenue but also build community support. Whether you're looking to energize your leadership team or diversify your funding, this episode offers actionable insights to help your nonprofit thrive.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Ashia Stevens is the founder of a mission-driven animal nonprofit, where she has turned her passion for helping animals into a growing and impactful organization. With hands-on experience in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and community engagement, Ashia focuses on building strong boards, creating sustainable revenue streams through product sales, and organizing successful fundraising events. Her work is rooted in compassion, innovation, and a deep commitment to making a difference.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> In this episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Ashia Stevens to discuss how to strengthen your nonprofit from the inside out by building a committed board, increasing product-based revenue, and organizing impactful fundraisers. Ashia shares how her passion for animals led her to create a growing nonprofit and the strategies she’s used to expand its reach and sustainability. 

The conversation dives into practical ways to engage board members more effectively, develop income streams through product sales, and plan fundraisers that not only bring in revenue but also build community support. Whether you're looking to energize your leadership team or diversify your funding, this episode offers actionable insights to help your nonprofit thrive.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Ashia Stevens is the founder of a mission-driven animal nonprofit, where she has turned her passion for helping animals into a growing and impactful organization. With hands-on experience in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and community engagement, Ashia focuses on building strong boards, creating sustainable revenue streams through product sales, and organizing successful fundraising events. Her work is rooted in compassion, innovation, and a deep commitment to making a difference.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 03 Mar 2020 08:00:30 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2473 In this episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Ashia Stevens to discuss how to strengthen your nonprofit from the inside out by building a committed board, increasing product-based revenue, and organizing impactful fundraisers. Ashia shares how her passion for animals led her to create a growing nonprofit and the strategies she’s used to expand its reach and sustainability. 

The conversation dives into practical ways to engage board members more effectively, develop income streams through product sales, and plan fundraisers that not only bring in revenue but also build community support. Whether you're looking to energize your leadership team or diversify your funding, this episode offers actionable insights to help your nonprofit thrive.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Ashia Stevens is the founder of a mission-driven animal nonprofit, where she has turned her passion for helping animals into a growing and impactful organization. With hands-on experience in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and community engagement, Ashia focuses on building strong boards, creating sustainable revenue streams through product sales, and organizing successful fundraising events. Her work is rooted in compassion, innovation, and a deep commitment to making a difference.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No How to Write a Successful Evaluation Section in Grants with James Pann 112 112 How to Write a Successful Evaluation Section in Grants with James Pann full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/765571171 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/112-how-to-write-a-successful-evaluation-section-in-grants-with-james-pann Do you know the difference between research and evaluation? Or how to clearly explain what a logic model is used for? These may seem like small distinctions, but they can make a major impact in grant writing.

In many grant applications, the evaluation section alone can be worth up to 30 points—and with competitive grants often requiring scores of 93 or higher, getting this right is critical. In this episode, Dr. James Pann joins us to break down the differences between research and evaluation, explain the purpose of a logic model, and share insights on how to find the right expert to support your evaluation section.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Dr. James Pann is an expert in evaluation and research, helping organizations design strong evaluation frameworks and clearly communicate impact within grant proposals.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Do you know the difference between research and evaluation? Or how to clearly explain what a logic model is used for? These may seem like small distinctions, but they can make a major impact in grant writing.

In many grant applications, the evaluation section alone can be worth up to 30 points—and with competitive grants often requiring scores of 93 or higher, getting this right is critical. In this episode, Dr. James Pann joins us to break down the differences between research and evaluation, explain the purpose of a logic model, and share insights on how to find the right expert to support your evaluation section.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Dr. James Pann is an expert in evaluation and research, helping organizations design strong evaluation frameworks and clearly communicate impact within grant proposals.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 25 Feb 2020 08:00:10 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2816 Do you know the difference between research and evaluation? Or how to clearly explain what a logic model is used for? These may seem like small distinctions, but they can make a major impact in grant writing.

In many grant applications, the evaluation section alone can be worth up to 30 points—and with competitive grants often requiring scores of 93 or higher, getting this right is critical. In this episode, Dr. James Pann joins us to break down the differences between research and evaluation, explain the purpose of a logic model, and share insights on how to find the right expert to support your evaluation section.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Dr. James Pann is an expert in evaluation and research, helping organizations design strong evaluation frameworks and clearly communicate impact within grant proposals.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No 111: 7 Steps to Quickly Get Money From Products & Services for Nonprofits 111 111 111: 7 Steps to Quickly Get Money From Products & Services for Nonprofits full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/762482317 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/111-7-steps-to-quickly-get-money-from-products-services-for-nonprofits Tue, 18 Feb 2020 08:00:21 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1329 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Why Grants Should be Eliminated with Vu Le of Nonprofit AF 110 110 Why Grants Should be Eliminated with Vu Le of Nonprofit AF full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/758094994 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/why-grants-should-be-eliminated-with-vu-le-of-nonprofit-af Vu Le of Nonprofit AF discusses grant writing challenges

I met Vu Le at the Grant Writing Professionals conference in D.C. We talked after his wonderful keynote. I love his fresh outlook on the grant process and progressive nonprofits!

About Vu Le

Vu Le (“voo lay”) is a writer, speaker, vegan, Pisces, and the former Executive Director of RVC, a nonprofit in Seattle that promotes social justice by developing leaders of color, strengthening organizations led by communities of color, and fostering collaboration between diverse communities.

Vu’s passion to make the world better, combined with a low score on the Law School Admission Test, drove him into the field of nonprofit work, where he learned that we should take the work seriously, but not ourselves. There’s tons of humor in the nonprofit world, and someone needs to document it. He is going to do that, with the hope that one day, a TV producer will see how cool and interesting our field is and make a show about nonprofit work, featuring attractive actors attending strategic planning meetings and filing 990 tax forms.

Known for his no-BS approach, irreverent sense of humor, and love of unicorns, Vu has been featured in dozens, if not hundreds, of his own blog posts at NonprofitAF.com, formerly nonprofitwithballs.com.

Connect with Vu:


OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Vu Le of Nonprofit AF discusses grant writing challenges

I met Vu Le at the Grant Writing Professionals conference in D.C. We talked after his wonderful keynote. I love his fresh outlook on the grant process and progressive nonprofits!

About Vu Le

Vu Le (“voo lay”) is a writer, speaker, vegan, Pisces, and the former Executive Director of RVC, a nonprofit in Seattle that promotes social justice by developing leaders of color, strengthening organizations led by communities of color, and fostering collaboration between diverse communities.

Vu’s passion to make the world better, combined with a low score on the Law School Admission Test, drove him into the field of nonprofit work, where he learned that we should take the work seriously, but not ourselves. There’s tons of humor in the nonprofit world, and someone needs to document it. He is going to do that, with the hope that one day, a TV producer will see how cool and interesting our field is and make a show about nonprofit work, featuring attractive actors attending strategic planning meetings and filing 990 tax forms.

Known for his no-BS approach, irreverent sense of humor, and love of unicorns, Vu has been featured in dozens, if not hundreds, of his own blog posts at NonprofitAF.com, formerly nonprofitwithballs.com.

Connect with Vu:


OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 11 Feb 2020 08:00:10 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2492 Vu Le of Nonprofit AF discusses grant writing challenges

I met Vu Le at the Grant Writing Professionals conference in D.C. We talked after his wonderful keynote. I love his fresh outlook on the grant process and progressive nonprofits!

About Vu Le

Vu Le (“voo lay”) is a writer, speaker, vegan, Pisces, and the former Executive Director of RVC, a nonprofit in Seattle that promotes social justice by developing leaders of color, strengthening organizations led by communities of color, and fostering collaboration between diverse communities.

Vu’s passion to make the world better, combined with a low score on the Law School Admission Test, drove him into the field of nonprofit work, where he learned that we should take the work seriously, but not ourselves. There’s tons of humor in the nonprofit world, and someone needs to document it. He is going to do that, with the hope that one day, a TV producer will see how cool and interesting our field is and make a show about nonprofit work, featuring attractive actors attending strategic planning meetings and filing 990 tax forms.

Known for his no-BS approach, irreverent sense of humor, and love of unicorns, Vu has been featured in dozens, if not hundreds, of his own blog posts at NonprofitAF.com, formerly nonprofitwithballs.com.

Connect with Vu:


OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No How to Write a Grant in 15 Minutes 109 109 How to Write a Grant in 15 Minutes full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/754142215 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/how-to-write-a-grant-in-15-minutes I’m going to walk you through the outline of how to write a grant in 15 minutes. For some of you, this will be a reminder. But my goal is that you walk away from this podcast having learned at least one new thing!

I’ve had different grant writing courses on various platforms, I teach it in universities, and I have even written a book on grant writing, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing: Tips, Tools, & Templates to Write Winning Grants which hit #1 in 10 categories on Amazon. Thanks to all of you who are on my Advanced Reader Team!

But my goal today is to give you a basic bootcamp on grants so you can either refresh your memory, or find out if you are truly interested in grant writing.

So, let’s get to it! 

I am going to use the basis of my G.R.A.N.T.S. Formula to really showcase the grant process. I do have more podcasts that go into depth for each of these categories, but once again this week’s goal is to give you all the candy in one bite and still be able to chew it.

G: Get the FOA. 

For any type of grant you want to make sure that you gather the Funding Opportunity Announcement or Request for Proposal or the application. Read it so you are sure that:

  1. You meet the eligibility — i.e. Maybe you have to be an IRS 501(c)3 nonprofit to be eligible, but you’re still only thinking about forming a nonprofit. In this case you aren’t eligible.
  2. You know what the funding priorities are — If the funding source is focused on giving money out for projects that preserve marine life and you have a financial literacy project, then that isn’t aligned with the priority.
  3. There is enough money to meet your project — Don’t think that $5,000 is going to fund your need for $750,000. However, it could fund a part of it.
  4. You can meet the deadline — If it’s in a week and you haven’t started you may think of preparing better for the next cycle.
  5. You understand the application process and scoring criteria — What you actually need to write and include.

R: Research the Needs & Target Population

Do the research. It is not enough that there is a ‘need’ for the project. How do you know there is a need? Include actual statistics, data, testimonials, surveys, focus group information, or other resources to actually cite the need. 

Once you have this data, then come up with very clear problems, such as “According to the Cool Census in 2019, 54% of the indigenous people compared to only 21% of Caucasians live below the national poverty threshold in Cool City.” This creates a stronger argument than “A lot of indigenous people are poor in Cool City.”

Additionally, who are you serving? If you say, “We are going to serve people in Cool City,” that is not very clear. It is much more clear if you show your niche target population: “The Project will serve Indigenous people below the poverty level in Cool City.” 

A: Articulate the Goal

A goal is essential in a grant. Remember this is your big audacious outcome. You are reaching to achieve this! Think of it as being the outcome after implementation and funding. What do you want to achieve?

Example: “The project goal is to increase employment of Indigenous People in Cool City by 20%. 

N: Narrow the Objectives

The Objectives are how you reach your goal. Typically grant applications do not want more than three objectives per year. However, this isn’t set in stone. 

Objectives need to be SMART — Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timebound. So always ask yourself if your objectives meet each of these.

Example: “By the end of year one, the Project will provide workforce training for 50% (1,000) Indigenous people in Cool City.”

  • It is specific because it tells you what it will specifically do: i.e. workforce training
  • It is measurable because it identifies how many people it will serve: 1,000 Indigenous people.
  • It is achievable because you are set up to provide workforce training and have partners with the target demographic.
  • It is relevant because it relates back to the need (i.e. high unemployment rates) and the goal (increase in employment).
  • It is timebound because you will serve 1,000 people by the end of year one.

T: Timetable the Activities

Okay, let’s peel the onion back one more layer. The objectives allow you to reach your goal, but the activities allow you to reach your objectives. Under each objective you need to provide tangible activities, along with who is responsible for each activity and when they will get it down. 

Example: In order to meet our objective of “By the end of year one, the Project will provide workforce training for 50% (1,000) Indigenous people in Cool City,” you will want to have various activities. 

  • Activity 1) The program coordinator will sign MOUs with 10 partners in the community by the end of month two. 
  • Activity 2) The program coordinator will provide outreach and awareness of the workforce program by creating fliers, social media posts, and a website page for the project by the end of month two.

You can see how activities can be happening simultaneously and get more into the nitty gritty of what needs to get done and utilizes an implementation plan.

This also helps with the last point…

S: Strategic Budget

A budget is essential for a grant application because you are, after all, asking for money. You need to describe how much you need for each activity or objective in rolling out the project. 

Having a well defined goal, objectives, and activities then allows you to know what a reasonable budget will be. You may think that you only need $5,000, but when you really flesh out your project you realize you actually need $50,000. 

Make sure that for each item you put in your budget you are able to quantify why you need it (i.e. how it relates to your project) and where you came up with the amount. 

Don’t guestimate!

If you are asking for an item that is more than $5,000 then you will need to provide several quotes to showcase that is the price across the market. You may want to do this even for smaller items, such as computers. 

There you have it. The main parts of a grant in only 15 minutes. 

Get the FOA

Research your Needs & Target Demographic

Articulate your Goal

Narrow Your Objectives

Timetable Your Activities and Create a 

Strategic Budget

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  

]]> I’m going to walk you through the outline of how to write a grant in 15 minutes. For some of you, this will be a reminder. But my goal is that you walk away from this podcast having learned at least one new thing!

I’ve had different grant writing courses on various platforms, I teach it in universities, and I have even written a book on grant writing, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing: Tips, Tools, & Templates to Write Winning Grants which hit #1 in 10 categories on Amazon. Thanks to all of you who are on my Advanced Reader Team!

But my goal today is to give you a basic bootcamp on grants so you can either refresh your memory, or find out if you are truly interested in grant writing.

So, let’s get to it! 

I am going to use the basis of my G.R.A.N.T.S. Formula to really showcase the grant process. I do have more podcasts that go into depth for each of these categories, but once again this week’s goal is to give you all the candy in one bite and still be able to chew it.

G: Get the FOA. 

For any type of grant you want to make sure that you gather the Funding Opportunity Announcement or Request for Proposal or the application. Read it so you are sure that:

  1. You meet the eligibility — i.e. Maybe you have to be an IRS 501(c)3 nonprofit to be eligible, but you’re still only thinking about forming a nonprofit. In this case you aren’t eligible.
  2. You know what the funding priorities are — If the funding source is focused on giving money out for projects that preserve marine life and you have a financial literacy project, then that isn’t aligned with the priority.
  3. There is enough money to meet your project — Don’t think that $5,000 is going to fund your need for $750,000. However, it could fund a part of it.
  4. You can meet the deadline — If it’s in a week and you haven’t started you may think of preparing better for the next cycle.
  5. You understand the application process and scoring criteria — What you actually need to write and include.

R: Research the Needs & Target Population

Do the research. It is not enough that there is a ‘need’ for the project. How do you know there is a need? Include actual statistics, data, testimonials, surveys, focus group information, or other resources to actually cite the need. 

Once you have this data, then come up with very clear problems, such as “According to the Cool Census in 2019, 54% of the indigenous people compared to only 21% of Caucasians live below the national poverty threshold in Cool City.” This creates a stronger argument than “A lot of indigenous people are poor in Cool City.”

Additionally, who are you serving? If you say, “We are going to serve people in Cool City,” that is not very clear. It is much more clear if you show your niche target population: “The Project will serve Indigenous people below the poverty level in Cool City.” 

A: Articulate the Goal

A goal is essential in a grant. Remember this is your big audacious outcome. You are reaching to achieve this! Think of it as being the outcome after implementation and funding. What do you want to achieve?

Example: “The project goal is to increase employment of Indigenous People in Cool City by 20%. 

N: Narrow the Objectives

The Objectives are how you reach your goal. Typically grant applications do not want more than three objectives per year. However, this isn’t set in stone. 

Objectives need to be SMART — Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timebound. So always ask yourself if your objectives meet each of these.

Example: “By the end of year one, the Project will provide workforce training for 50% (1,000) Indigenous people in Cool City.”

  • It is specific because it tells you what it will specifically do: i.e. workforce training
  • It is measurable because it identifies how many people it will serve: 1,000 Indigenous people.
  • It is achievable because you are set up to provide workforce training and have partners with the target demographic.
  • It is relevant because it relates back to the need (i.e. high unemployment rates) and the goal (increase in employment).
  • It is timebound because you will serve 1,000 people by the end of year one.

T: Timetable the Activities

Okay, let’s peel the onion back one more layer. The objectives allow you to reach your goal, but the activities allow you to reach your objectives. Under each objective you need to provide tangible activities, along with who is responsible for each activity and when they will get it down. 

Example: In order to meet our objective of “By the end of year one, the Project will provide workforce training for 50% (1,000) Indigenous people in Cool City,” you will want to have various activities. 

  • Activity 1) The program coordinator will sign MOUs with 10 partners in the community by the end of month two. 
  • Activity 2) The program coordinator will provide outreach and awareness of the workforce program by creating fliers, social media posts, and a website page for the project by the end of month two.

You can see how activities can be happening simultaneously and get more into the nitty gritty of what needs to get done and utilizes an implementation plan.

This also helps with the last point…

S: Strategic Budget

A budget is essential for a grant application because you are, after all, asking for money. You need to describe how much you need for each activity or objective in rolling out the project. 

Having a well defined goal, objectives, and activities then allows you to know what a reasonable budget will be. You may think that you only need $5,000, but when you really flesh out your project you realize you actually need $50,000. 

Make sure that for each item you put in your budget you are able to quantify why you need it (i.e. how it relates to your project) and where you came up with the amount. 

Don’t guestimate!

If you are asking for an item that is more than $5,000 then you will need to provide several quotes to showcase that is the price across the market. You may want to do this even for smaller items, such as computers. 

There you have it. The main parts of a grant in only 15 minutes. 

Get the FOA

Research your Needs & Target Demographic

Articulate your Goal

Narrow Your Objectives

Timetable Your Activities and Create a 

Strategic Budget

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  

]]> Tue, 04 Feb 2020 08:00:10 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1020 I’m going to walk you through the outline of how to write a grant in 15 minutes. For some of you, this will be a reminder. But my goal is that you walk away from this podcast having learned at least one new thing!

I’ve had different grant writing courses on various platforms, I teach it in universities, and I have even written a book on grant writing, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing: Tips, Tools, & Templates to Write Winning Grants which hit #1 in 10 categories on Amazon. Thanks to all of you who are on my Advanced Reader Team!

But my goal today is to give you a basic bootcamp on grants so you can either refresh your memory, or find out if you are truly interested in grant writing.

So, let’s get to it! 

I am going to use the basis of my G.R.A.N.T.S. Formula to really showcase the grant process. I do have more podcasts that go into depth for each of these categories, but once again this week’s goal is to give you all the candy in one bite and still be able to chew it.

G: Get the FOA. 

For any type of grant you want to make sure that you gather the Funding Opportunity Announcement or Request for Proposal or the application. Read it so you are sure that:

  1. You meet the eligibility — i.e. Maybe you have to be an IRS 501(c)3 nonprofit to be eligible, but you’re still only thinking about forming a nonprofit. In this case you aren’t eligible.
  2. You know what the funding priorities are — If the funding source is focused on giving money out for projects that preserve marine life and you have a financial literacy project, then that isn’t aligned with the priority.
  3. There is enough money to meet your project — Don’t think that $5,000 is going to fund your need for $750,000. However, it could fund a part of it.
  4. You can meet the deadline — If it’s in a week and you haven’t started you may think of preparing better for the next cycle.
  5. You understand the application process and scoring criteria — What you actually need to write and include.

R: Research the Needs & Target Population

Do the research. It is not enough that there is a ‘need’ for the project. How do you know there is a need? Include actual statistics, data, testimonials, surveys, focus group information, or other resources to actually cite the need. 

Once you have this data, then come up with very clear problems, such as “According to the Cool Census in 2019, 54% of the indigenous people compared to only 21% of Caucasians live below the national poverty threshold in Cool City.” This creates a stronger argument than “A lot of indigenous people are poor in Cool City.”

Additionally, who are you serving? If you say, “We are going to serve people in Cool City,” that is not very clear. It is much more clear if you show your niche target population: “The Project will serve Indigenous people below the poverty level in Cool City.” 

A: Articulate the Goal

A goal is essential in a grant. Remember this is your big audacious outcome. You are reaching to achieve this! Think of it as being the outcome after implementation and funding. What do you want to achieve?

Example: “The project goal is to increase employment of Indigenous People in Cool City by 20%. 

N: Narrow the Objectives

The Objectives are how you reach your goal. Typically grant applications do not want more than three objectives per year. However, this isn’t set in stone. 

Objectives need to be SMART — Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timebound. So always ask yourself if your objectives meet each of these.

Example: “By the end of year one, the Project will provide workforce training for 50% (1,000) Indigenous people in Cool City.”

  • It is specific because it tells you what it will specifically do: i.e. workforce training
  • It is measurable because it identifies how many people it will serve: 1,000 Indigenous people.
  • It is achievable because you are set up to provide workforce training and have partners with the target demographic.
  • It is relevant because it relates back to the need (i.e. high unemployment rates) and the goal (increase in employment).
  • It is timebound because you will serve 1,000 people by the end of year one.

T: Timetable the Activities

Okay, let’s peel the onion back one more layer. The objectives allow you to reach your goal, but the activities allow you to reach your objectives. Under each objective you need to provide tangible activities, along with who is responsible for each activity and when they will get it down. 

Example: In order to meet our objective of “By the end of year one, the Project will provide workforce training for 50% (1,000) Indigenous people in Cool City,” you will want to have various activities. 

  • Activity 1) The program coordinator will sign MOUs with 10 partners in the community by the end of month two. 
  • Activity 2) The program coordinator will provide outreach and awareness of the workforce program by creating fliers, social media posts, and a website page for the project by the end of month two.

You can see how activities can be happening simultaneously and get more into the nitty gritty of what needs to get done and utilizes an implementation plan.

This also helps with the last point…

S: Strategic Budget

A budget is essential for a grant application because you are, after all, asking for money. You need to describe how much you need for each activity or objective in rolling out the project. 

Having a well defined goal, objectives, and activities then allows you to know what a reasonable budget will be. You may think that you only need $5,000, but when you really flesh out your project you realize you actually need $50,000. 

Make sure that for each item you put in your budget you are able to quantify why you need it (i.e. how it relates to your project) and where you came up with the amount. 

Don’t guestimate!

If you are asking for an item that is more than $5,000 then you will need to provide several quotes to showcase that is the price across the market. You may want to do this even for smaller items, such as computers. 

There you have it. The main parts of a grant in only 15 minutes. 

Get the FOA

Research your Needs & Target Demographic

Articulate your Goal

Narrow Your Objectives

Timetable Your Activities and Create a 

Strategic Budget

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Freelance Grant Writing Wisdom with Dr. Bev 108 108 Freelance Grant Writing Wisdom with Dr. Bev full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/750175549 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/freelance-grant-writing-wisdom-with-dr-bev Dr. Bev Browning is the person everyone knows in the grant writing world. She is the author of 43 grant-related publications, including six editions (over 1 million books sold) of Grant Writing For Dummies™. Dr. Browning shared with me that she first started writing grants back in the 1970s. She’s been doing this for half a century and tells all on how grant writing has changed and how you as a freelance consultant can keep up with all those changes and trends.

About Dr. Beverly A. Browning:

Dr. Beverly A. Browning has been consulting in the areas of grant writing, RFP responses, technical writing, and organizational development for over four decades.  She has assisted clients and workshop participants throughout the United States in receiving awards of more than $500 million.  Dr. Browning is the author of 43 grant-related publications, including six editions (over 1 million books sold) of Grant Writing For Dummies™ (Wiley.com). She is also an international trainer and keynote speaker.  In 2015, she was selected by the Centers for Disease Control NICRD division to conduct a five-day Grant Writing Boot Camp in South Africa for ministers of health and other top-level health directors from 23 African countries.

Dr. Browning holds graduate and post-graduate degrees in Organizational Development, Public Administration, and Business Administration.  She has been a grant writing course developer and online facilitator for Cengage Learning (www.ed2go.com) for 17 years.  Her online courses (taught to thousands of students annually) are Advanced Proposal Writing, Becoming a Grant Writing Consultant, and A to Z Grant Writing: Part 2 – Beyond the Basics.

Dr. Browning is Founder and Director of the Grant Writing Training Foundation and CEO for Bev Browning, LLC.  She was a 17-year member of the Grant Professionals Association (GPA) and has presented training workshops and keynote presentations for multiple GPA chapters U.S.-wide.  In 2017, Dr. Browning joined the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and was a workshop presenter at their 2018 International conference in New Orleans. She is an approved trainer for GPA and CFRE International.

Dr. Browning has been married 53 years to John and has one daughter, Lara, a licensed therapist, and a special needs granddaughter, Aaliyah.


Connect with Dr. Beverly:

OTHER RESOURCES:


Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.  https://grantwritingandfunding.com/


Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/


Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship 


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


]]> Dr. Bev Browning is the person everyone knows in the grant writing world. She is the author of 43 grant-related publications, including six editions (over 1 million books sold) of Grant Writing For Dummies™. Dr. Browning shared with me that she first started writing grants back in the 1970s. She’s been doing this for half a century and tells all on how grant writing has changed and how you as a freelance consultant can keep up with all those changes and trends.

About Dr. Beverly A. Browning:

Dr. Beverly A. Browning has been consulting in the areas of grant writing, RFP responses, technical writing, and organizational development for over four decades.  She has assisted clients and workshop participants throughout the United States in receiving awards of more than $500 million.  Dr. Browning is the author of 43 grant-related publications, including six editions (over 1 million books sold) of Grant Writing For Dummies™ (Wiley.com). She is also an international trainer and keynote speaker.  In 2015, she was selected by the Centers for Disease Control NICRD division to conduct a five-day Grant Writing Boot Camp in South Africa for ministers of health and other top-level health directors from 23 African countries.

Dr. Browning holds graduate and post-graduate degrees in Organizational Development, Public Administration, and Business Administration.  She has been a grant writing course developer and online facilitator for Cengage Learning (www.ed2go.com) for 17 years.  Her online courses (taught to thousands of students annually) are Advanced Proposal Writing, Becoming a Grant Writing Consultant, and A to Z Grant Writing: Part 2 – Beyond the Basics.

Dr. Browning is Founder and Director of the Grant Writing Training Foundation and CEO for Bev Browning, LLC.  She was a 17-year member of the Grant Professionals Association (GPA) and has presented training workshops and keynote presentations for multiple GPA chapters U.S.-wide.  In 2017, Dr. Browning joined the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and was a workshop presenter at their 2018 International conference in New Orleans. She is an approved trainer for GPA and CFRE International.

Dr. Browning has been married 53 years to John and has one daughter, Lara, a licensed therapist, and a special needs granddaughter, Aaliyah.


Connect with Dr. Beverly:

OTHER RESOURCES:


Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.  https://grantwritingandfunding.com/


Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/


Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship 


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


]]> Tue, 28 Jan 2020 08:00:10 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 4391 Dr. Bev Browning is the person everyone knows in the grant writing world. She is the author of 43 grant-related publications, including six editions (over 1 million books sold) of Grant Writing For Dummies™. Dr. Browning shared with me that she first started writing grants back in the 1970s. She’s been doing this for half a century and tells all on how grant writing has changed and how you as a freelance consultant can keep up with all those changes and trends.

About Dr. Beverly A. Browning:

Dr. Beverly A. Browning has been consulting in the areas of grant writing, RFP responses, technical writing, and organizational development for over four decades.  She has assisted clients and workshop participants throughout the United States in receiving awards of more than $500 million.  Dr. Browning is the author of 43 grant-related publications, including six editions (over 1 million books sold) of Grant Writing For Dummies™ (Wiley.com). She is also an international trainer and keynote speaker.  In 2015, she was selected by the Centers for Disease Control NICRD division to conduct a five-day Grant Writing Boot Camp in South Africa for ministers of health and other top-level health directors from 23 African countries.

Dr. Browning holds graduate and post-graduate degrees in Organizational Development, Public Administration, and Business Administration.  She has been a grant writing course developer and online facilitator for Cengage Learning (www.ed2go.com) for 17 years.  Her online courses (taught to thousands of students annually) are Advanced Proposal Writing, Becoming a Grant Writing Consultant, and A to Z Grant Writing: Part 2 – Beyond the Basics.

Dr. Browning is Founder and Director of the Grant Writing Training Foundation and CEO for Bev Browning, LLC.  She was a 17-year member of the Grant Professionals Association (GPA) and has presented training workshops and keynote presentations for multiple GPA chapters U.S.-wide.  In 2017, Dr. Browning joined the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and was a workshop presenter at their 2018 International conference in New Orleans. She is an approved trainer for GPA and CFRE International.

Dr. Browning has been married 53 years to John and has one daughter, Lara, a licensed therapist, and a special needs granddaughter, Aaliyah.


Connect with Dr. Beverly:

OTHER RESOURCES:


Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.  https://grantwritingandfunding.com/


Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/


Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship 


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.


]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Behind the Scenes with the Co-Founder of Instrumentl (Plus, grant research tutorial!) 107 107 Behind the Scenes with the Co-Founder of Instrumentl (Plus, grant research tutorial!) full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/744840721 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/behind-the-scenes-with-the-co-founder-of-instrumentl-plus-grant-research-tutorial If you are tired of tracking grants in Excel sheets or jumping around on Google and constantly missing out on deadlines, then Instrumentl might be what you are looking for.

I met Angela in November 2019 at the Grant Professionals Association annual conference. After she showed me some of what Instrumentl can do, I asked her to be on the podcast! Eek, it was like she was reading my grant writing mind of how I want grant research presented.

But what really intrigued me is that Instrumentl is a women-owned business, developed by women who actually worked in the nonprofit arena and faced some of the same overwhelming issues in grant research as all of us changemakers. Then they coupled with (ahem) another woman in the tech industry to work grant research magic. Love it!

Angela's Bio:

  • Writing, winning & awarding grants for 14 years
  • Started as a grant writer/jill-of-all-trades at an environmental nonprofit after college and most recently at the Global Fund for Women in San Francisco.
  • Lead Instrumentl building what she wishes she had when she was a fundraiser. 
  • When she’s not thinking about grants she’s either at yoga, on a hike or hanging out with her two calico rescue cats, Bella and Possum.

Connect with Instrumentl:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> If you are tired of tracking grants in Excel sheets or jumping around on Google and constantly missing out on deadlines, then Instrumentl might be what you are looking for.

I met Angela in November 2019 at the Grant Professionals Association annual conference. After she showed me some of what Instrumentl can do, I asked her to be on the podcast! Eek, it was like she was reading my grant writing mind of how I want grant research presented.

But what really intrigued me is that Instrumentl is a women-owned business, developed by women who actually worked in the nonprofit arena and faced some of the same overwhelming issues in grant research as all of us changemakers. Then they coupled with (ahem) another woman in the tech industry to work grant research magic. Love it!

Angela's Bio:

  • Writing, winning & awarding grants for 14 years
  • Started as a grant writer/jill-of-all-trades at an environmental nonprofit after college and most recently at the Global Fund for Women in San Francisco.
  • Lead Instrumentl building what she wishes she had when she was a fundraiser. 
  • When she’s not thinking about grants she’s either at yoga, on a hike or hanging out with her two calico rescue cats, Bella and Possum.

Connect with Instrumentl:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 21 Jan 2020 08:00:10 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 3528 If you are tired of tracking grants in Excel sheets or jumping around on Google and constantly missing out on deadlines, then Instrumentl might be what you are looking for.

I met Angela in November 2019 at the Grant Professionals Association annual conference. After she showed me some of what Instrumentl can do, I asked her to be on the podcast! Eek, it was like she was reading my grant writing mind of how I want grant research presented.

But what really intrigued me is that Instrumentl is a women-owned business, developed by women who actually worked in the nonprofit arena and faced some of the same overwhelming issues in grant research as all of us changemakers. Then they coupled with (ahem) another woman in the tech industry to work grant research magic. Love it!

Angela's Bio:

  • Writing, winning & awarding grants for 14 years
  • Started as a grant writer/jill-of-all-trades at an environmental nonprofit after college and most recently at the Global Fund for Women in San Francisco.
  • Lead Instrumentl building what she wishes she had when she was a fundraiser. 
  • When she’s not thinking about grants she’s either at yoga, on a hike or hanging out with her two calico rescue cats, Bella and Possum.

Connect with Instrumentl:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No How to Shift Your Mindset to Build Confidence & Increase Funding with THE Sean Croxton 106 106 How to Shift Your Mindset to Build Confidence & Increase Funding with THE Sean Croxton full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/739528972 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/106-how-to-shift-your-mindset-to-build-confidence-increase-funding-with-the-sean-croxton Have you ever wondered how your mindset around money is shaping your success?


In this episode, Sean Croxton—an expert in money mindset—dives deep into how our beliefs about money are formed and how they influence our decisions, behaviors, and outcomes.


Having followed Sean’s work for years, Holly shares how impactful his teachings have been—not just from a motivational standpoint, but from a practical, science-backed perspective.


Sean breaks down money mindset in a way that’s not “woo-woo,” but grounded in how the brain actually works. We explore how past experiences shape your current financial beliefs, how those beliefs can either limit or expand your opportunities, and what it takes to start rewiring your thinking.


This conversation goes beyond surface-level advice and gets into the psychology behind behavior change—helping you understand why you think the way you do and how to shift it.


If you’re ready to break through limiting beliefs and build a healthier, more empowered relationship with money, this episode is a must-listen.


ABOUT OUR GUEST

Sean Croxton is a leading expert in personal development and money mindset, known for helping individuals transform their thinking to achieve greater success and fulfillment. He is the host of the top-ranked podcast Quote of the Day and has built a global audience through his work in health, wellness, and mindset coaching.


Through his teachings, Sean combines science-backed principles with practical strategies to help people rewire limiting beliefs, improve habits, and create lasting change in both their personal and professional lives.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Have you ever wondered how your mindset around money is shaping your success?


In this episode, Sean Croxton—an expert in money mindset—dives deep into how our beliefs about money are formed and how they influence our decisions, behaviors, and outcomes.


Having followed Sean’s work for years, Holly shares how impactful his teachings have been—not just from a motivational standpoint, but from a practical, science-backed perspective.


Sean breaks down money mindset in a way that’s not “woo-woo,” but grounded in how the brain actually works. We explore how past experiences shape your current financial beliefs, how those beliefs can either limit or expand your opportunities, and what it takes to start rewiring your thinking.


This conversation goes beyond surface-level advice and gets into the psychology behind behavior change—helping you understand why you think the way you do and how to shift it.


If you’re ready to break through limiting beliefs and build a healthier, more empowered relationship with money, this episode is a must-listen.


ABOUT OUR GUEST

Sean Croxton is a leading expert in personal development and money mindset, known for helping individuals transform their thinking to achieve greater success and fulfillment. He is the host of the top-ranked podcast Quote of the Day and has built a global audience through his work in health, wellness, and mindset coaching.


Through his teachings, Sean combines science-backed principles with practical strategies to help people rewire limiting beliefs, improve habits, and create lasting change in both their personal and professional lives.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 14 Jan 2020 08:00:02 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 3437 Have you ever wondered how your mindset around money is shaping your success?


In this episode, Sean Croxton—an expert in money mindset—dives deep into how our beliefs about money are formed and how they influence our decisions, behaviors, and outcomes.


Having followed Sean’s work for years, Holly shares how impactful his teachings have been—not just from a motivational standpoint, but from a practical, science-backed perspective.


Sean breaks down money mindset in a way that’s not “woo-woo,” but grounded in how the brain actually works. We explore how past experiences shape your current financial beliefs, how those beliefs can either limit or expand your opportunities, and what it takes to start rewiring your thinking.


This conversation goes beyond surface-level advice and gets into the psychology behind behavior change—helping you understand why you think the way you do and how to shift it.


If you’re ready to break through limiting beliefs and build a healthier, more empowered relationship with money, this episode is a must-listen.


ABOUT OUR GUEST

Sean Croxton is a leading expert in personal development and money mindset, known for helping individuals transform their thinking to achieve greater success and fulfillment. He is the host of the top-ranked podcast Quote of the Day and has built a global audience through his work in health, wellness, and mindset coaching.


Through his teachings, Sean combines science-backed principles with practical strategies to help people rewire limiting beliefs, improve habits, and create lasting change in both their personal and professional lives.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No 105: How to Conduct Nonprofit Strategic Planning for Your Best Year Ever 105 105 105: How to Conduct Nonprofit Strategic Planning for Your Best Year Ever full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/740066722 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/105-how-to-conduct-nonprofit-strategic-planning-for-your-best-year-ever Wed, 08 Jan 2020 03:28:06 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2083 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No 104: Top 4 Episodes of 2019 104 104 104: Top 4 Episodes of 2019 full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/734438539 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/104-top-4-episodes-of-2019 Tue, 31 Dec 2019 08:00:03 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2244 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Grant Writing Certification: To Be or Not to Be with Mike Chamberlain, CEO of GPA 103 103 Grant Writing Certification: To Be or Not to Be with Mike Chamberlain, CEO of GPA full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/732703564 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/grant-writing-certification-to-be-or-not-to-be-with-mike-chamberlain-ceo-of-gpa Grant Writing Certification

One of the most common questions I hear is “Should I become a certified grant writer?” Well, the answer is different for everyone! That’s why we walk you through all the ins and outs of certification in this episode.

“I may not write grant proposals or manage grant funds, but I want to make sure that grant professionals everywhere have the tools and resources so that they can make those impacts on their communities.” – Mike Chamberlain

Mike and I discuss:

  • How Mike got involved with grants and became an entrepreneur
  • Getting started as an independent contractor or freelancer
  • Developing a business plan for yourself
  • Different tasks you can help a nonprofit with
  • Networking resources for grant writers
  • Types of grant writing certifications
  • Should you become a certified grant writer?
  • How long it takes to become certified
  • The cost to become certified
  • The GPA community where you can find your tribe

Mike’s Bio:

Mike Chamberlain is an association executive with over 30 years of leadership experience with for profit and not for profit organizations, including national and international associations.

Mike grew up in Omaha Nebraska with his parents Al and Cindy Chamberlain and his two younger sisters. He enjoyed camping and other outdoor activities as a Boy Scout, ultimately earning the rank of Eagle Scout. Mike graduated from Creighton Prep High School and moved to Kansas City to attend Rockhurst University. At Rockhurst University, Mike earned an undergraduate degree in Marketing/Management and he met the love of his life, his wife Jackie. Mike and Jackie made their home in the Kansas City area after graduation. Jackie is a professional artist and a member of Summit Art in Lees Summit, Missouri.

Mike enjoys all forms of exercise and is an age group triathlete with a dream of completing an IronMan® distance triathlon. Mike’s hobbies include woodworking, home improvement projects, being a Nebraska Football fan and reading.

Mike and his wife Jackie share their home in Lees Summit with their dog Rifkin.

Mike is a Certified Association Executive. He has been active in several local associations, serving on the boards of the Greater Kansas City Postal Customer Council, Kansas City Meetings Industry Council, and the Kansas City Society of Association Executives, serving as President of KCSAE in 2008-2009. He is an active member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and the American Society of Association Executives.

Mike has been a speaker at the Professional Convention Management Association annual convention and at the American Society of Association Executives Annual Conference.

Resources from this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Grant Writing Certification

One of the most common questions I hear is “Should I become a certified grant writer?” Well, the answer is different for everyone! That’s why we walk you through all the ins and outs of certification in this episode.

“I may not write grant proposals or manage grant funds, but I want to make sure that grant professionals everywhere have the tools and resources so that they can make those impacts on their communities.” – Mike Chamberlain

Mike and I discuss:

  • How Mike got involved with grants and became an entrepreneur
  • Getting started as an independent contractor or freelancer
  • Developing a business plan for yourself
  • Different tasks you can help a nonprofit with
  • Networking resources for grant writers
  • Types of grant writing certifications
  • Should you become a certified grant writer?
  • How long it takes to become certified
  • The cost to become certified
  • The GPA community where you can find your tribe

Mike’s Bio:

Mike Chamberlain is an association executive with over 30 years of leadership experience with for profit and not for profit organizations, including national and international associations.

Mike grew up in Omaha Nebraska with his parents Al and Cindy Chamberlain and his two younger sisters. He enjoyed camping and other outdoor activities as a Boy Scout, ultimately earning the rank of Eagle Scout. Mike graduated from Creighton Prep High School and moved to Kansas City to attend Rockhurst University. At Rockhurst University, Mike earned an undergraduate degree in Marketing/Management and he met the love of his life, his wife Jackie. Mike and Jackie made their home in the Kansas City area after graduation. Jackie is a professional artist and a member of Summit Art in Lees Summit, Missouri.

Mike enjoys all forms of exercise and is an age group triathlete with a dream of completing an IronMan® distance triathlon. Mike’s hobbies include woodworking, home improvement projects, being a Nebraska Football fan and reading.

Mike and his wife Jackie share their home in Lees Summit with their dog Rifkin.

Mike is a Certified Association Executive. He has been active in several local associations, serving on the boards of the Greater Kansas City Postal Customer Council, Kansas City Meetings Industry Council, and the Kansas City Society of Association Executives, serving as President of KCSAE in 2008-2009. He is an active member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and the American Society of Association Executives.

Mike has been a speaker at the Professional Convention Management Association annual convention and at the American Society of Association Executives Annual Conference.

Resources from this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 24 Dec 2019 08:00:23 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2936 Grant Writing Certification

One of the most common questions I hear is “Should I become a certified grant writer?” Well, the answer is different for everyone! That’s why we walk you through all the ins and outs of certification in this episode.

“I may not write grant proposals or manage grant funds, but I want to make sure that grant professionals everywhere have the tools and resources so that they can make those impacts on their communities.” – Mike Chamberlain

Mike and I discuss:

  • How Mike got involved with grants and became an entrepreneur
  • Getting started as an independent contractor or freelancer
  • Developing a business plan for yourself
  • Different tasks you can help a nonprofit with
  • Networking resources for grant writers
  • Types of grant writing certifications
  • Should you become a certified grant writer?
  • How long it takes to become certified
  • The cost to become certified
  • The GPA community where you can find your tribe

Mike’s Bio:

Mike Chamberlain is an association executive with over 30 years of leadership experience with for profit and not for profit organizations, including national and international associations.

Mike grew up in Omaha Nebraska with his parents Al and Cindy Chamberlain and his two younger sisters. He enjoyed camping and other outdoor activities as a Boy Scout, ultimately earning the rank of Eagle Scout. Mike graduated from Creighton Prep High School and moved to Kansas City to attend Rockhurst University. At Rockhurst University, Mike earned an undergraduate degree in Marketing/Management and he met the love of his life, his wife Jackie. Mike and Jackie made their home in the Kansas City area after graduation. Jackie is a professional artist and a member of Summit Art in Lees Summit, Missouri.

Mike enjoys all forms of exercise and is an age group triathlete with a dream of completing an IronMan® distance triathlon. Mike’s hobbies include woodworking, home improvement projects, being a Nebraska Football fan and reading.

Mike and his wife Jackie share their home in Lees Summit with their dog Rifkin.

Mike is a Certified Association Executive. He has been active in several local associations, serving on the boards of the Greater Kansas City Postal Customer Council, Kansas City Meetings Industry Council, and the Kansas City Society of Association Executives, serving as President of KCSAE in 2008-2009. He is an active member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and the American Society of Association Executives.

Mike has been a speaker at the Professional Convention Management Association annual convention and at the American Society of Association Executives Annual Conference.

Resources from this episode:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No How to Create a Platform & Secure Multiple Streams of Income with Honoree Corder 102 102 How to Create a Platform & Secure Multiple Streams of Income with Honoree Corder full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/727177891 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/102-how-to-create-a-platform-secure-multiple-streams-of-income-with-honoree-corder If you think you don’t know enough to write a book—this episode will completely change your mind. As Honoree Corder says, “Turn the volume up on the voice of possibility.”

In this inspiring conversation, we explore how writing a book can open doors you never imagined—from building authority to creating multiple income streams. Honoree shares her journey of writing (now 50+ books!) and how becoming a published author transformed her life and business. We dive into how books can lead to speaking opportunities, consulting clients, and long-term business growth.

You’ll also learn about the different ways to generate income as an entrepreneur, including how writing can become a foundational asset in your business model.

We cover practical tips for getting paid to speak, the pros and cons of traditional vs. self-publishing, and how to start developing your business—even if you feel like you don’t have enough experience yet. If you’ve ever thought about writing a book or expanding your impact, this episode will show you what’s possible.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Honoree Corder is a bestselling author, publishing strategist, and business coach who has written more than 50 books and helped countless entrepreneurs become published authors. She specializes in helping professionals turn their ideas into books that build authority, generate income, and create new opportunities for speaking, consulting, and business growth.

Honoree is passionate about empowering others to share their message, expand their influence, and create multiple streams of income through writing and entrepreneurship.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> If you think you don’t know enough to write a book—this episode will completely change your mind. As Honoree Corder says, “Turn the volume up on the voice of possibility.”

In this inspiring conversation, we explore how writing a book can open doors you never imagined—from building authority to creating multiple income streams. Honoree shares her journey of writing (now 50+ books!) and how becoming a published author transformed her life and business. We dive into how books can lead to speaking opportunities, consulting clients, and long-term business growth.

You’ll also learn about the different ways to generate income as an entrepreneur, including how writing can become a foundational asset in your business model.

We cover practical tips for getting paid to speak, the pros and cons of traditional vs. self-publishing, and how to start developing your business—even if you feel like you don’t have enough experience yet. If you’ve ever thought about writing a book or expanding your impact, this episode will show you what’s possible.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Honoree Corder is a bestselling author, publishing strategist, and business coach who has written more than 50 books and helped countless entrepreneurs become published authors. She specializes in helping professionals turn their ideas into books that build authority, generate income, and create new opportunities for speaking, consulting, and business growth.

Honoree is passionate about empowering others to share their message, expand their influence, and create multiple streams of income through writing and entrepreneurship.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 17 Dec 2019 08:00:03 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 3310 If you think you don’t know enough to write a book—this episode will completely change your mind. As Honoree Corder says, “Turn the volume up on the voice of possibility.”

In this inspiring conversation, we explore how writing a book can open doors you never imagined—from building authority to creating multiple income streams. Honoree shares her journey of writing (now 50+ books!) and how becoming a published author transformed her life and business. We dive into how books can lead to speaking opportunities, consulting clients, and long-term business growth.

You’ll also learn about the different ways to generate income as an entrepreneur, including how writing can become a foundational asset in your business model.

We cover practical tips for getting paid to speak, the pros and cons of traditional vs. self-publishing, and how to start developing your business—even if you feel like you don’t have enough experience yet. If you’ve ever thought about writing a book or expanding your impact, this episode will show you what’s possible.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Honoree Corder is a bestselling author, publishing strategist, and business coach who has written more than 50 books and helped countless entrepreneurs become published authors. She specializes in helping professionals turn their ideas into books that build authority, generate income, and create new opportunities for speaking, consulting, and business growth.

Honoree is passionate about empowering others to share their message, expand their influence, and create multiple streams of income through writing and entrepreneurship.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Why the DUNS & SAM is Vital to Securing Federal Money with Boris Hertslet of Guam PTAC 101 101 Why the DUNS & SAM is Vital to Securing Federal Money with Boris Hertslet of Guam PTAC full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/725630176 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/101-why-the-duns-sam-is-vital-to-securing-federal-money-with-boris-hertslet-of-guam-ptac Boris Hertslet joins us to break down two of the most essential (and often confusing) acronyms in federal grant funding—DUNS and SAM—and how to navigate them successfully. We walk through the first steps to accessing federal grants, including obtaining your EIN, understanding what a DUNS number is and why it matters, and how to properly register with SAM. 

Boris also shares common pitfalls to avoid, including scams (these registrations are always free), tips for annual renewals, and how organizations like Guam PTAC can provide free support and resources to help you through the process.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Boris Hertslet is a procurement specialist with Guam PTAC (Procurement Technical Assistance Center), where he helps businesses and nonprofits navigate government contracting and federal funding opportunities. 

With expertise in registrations like DUNS and SAM, Boris supports organizations in becoming eligible for federal funding and contracts by guiding them through compliance, setup, and ongoing requirements. He is passionate about connecting local organizations with free resources and tools to help them successfully access government opportunities.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Boris Hertslet joins us to break down two of the most essential (and often confusing) acronyms in federal grant funding—DUNS and SAM—and how to navigate them successfully. We walk through the first steps to accessing federal grants, including obtaining your EIN, understanding what a DUNS number is and why it matters, and how to properly register with SAM. 

Boris also shares common pitfalls to avoid, including scams (these registrations are always free), tips for annual renewals, and how organizations like Guam PTAC can provide free support and resources to help you through the process.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Boris Hertslet is a procurement specialist with Guam PTAC (Procurement Technical Assistance Center), where he helps businesses and nonprofits navigate government contracting and federal funding opportunities. 

With expertise in registrations like DUNS and SAM, Boris supports organizations in becoming eligible for federal funding and contracts by guiding them through compliance, setup, and ongoing requirements. He is passionate about connecting local organizations with free resources and tools to help them successfully access government opportunities.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 10 Dec 2019 08:01:13 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 3050 Boris Hertslet joins us to break down two of the most essential (and often confusing) acronyms in federal grant funding—DUNS and SAM—and how to navigate them successfully. We walk through the first steps to accessing federal grants, including obtaining your EIN, understanding what a DUNS number is and why it matters, and how to properly register with SAM. 

Boris also shares common pitfalls to avoid, including scams (these registrations are always free), tips for annual renewals, and how organizations like Guam PTAC can provide free support and resources to help you through the process.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Boris Hertslet is a procurement specialist with Guam PTAC (Procurement Technical Assistance Center), where he helps businesses and nonprofits navigate government contracting and federal funding opportunities. 

With expertise in registrations like DUNS and SAM, Boris supports organizations in becoming eligible for federal funding and contracts by guiding them through compliance, setup, and ongoing requirements. He is passionate about connecting local organizations with free resources and tools to help them successfully access government opportunities.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No 100th Episode! How to Create Valuable Content that Brings in Donors & Clients 100 100 100th Episode! How to Create Valuable Content that Brings in Donors & Clients full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/721993459 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/100th-episode-how-to-create-valuable-content-that-brings-in-donors-clients Hey changemaker! I am so excited about today’s podcast! I know I say that every week, but today is the 100th episode! Can you believe it? Before we even start today I want to say a HUGE THANK YOU for listening and hanging out with me on this journey! You are simply amazing!


Today I am paying homage to you and this podcast! You are going to learn about creating content, why it is super important to show your credibility as a nonprofit or consultant, how to effectively tell your story as a nonprofit or creating depth as a consultant, and create a movement for people to be part of!  Of course, moreover the content will help build up donors, funders, clients, and/or customers.

Today I will give examples for both nonprofits and consultants and how you can get ahead without overwhelm before 2020 even kicks off.

I wanted to pay tribute to this 100th episode with an episode on sharing content and value. This is extremely important to both nonprofits and to freelancers because if we aren’t sharing we don’t build credibility, the story, or an experience or even a movement.

We heard from Dan Portnoy last week of Portnoy Media Group that sharing a story is vital for a nonprofit to have an effective fundraiser strategy or to attract long-term donors. This is also important for freelancers to actually share value then also sell, sell, sell.

Content. So this word is used a LOT these days. So is the word Value. But what does these words actually mean when used together?

The Word Factory gives a great definition of content: “Content is the presentation of information for a purpose to an audience through a channel in a form.”

This is pretty cool as it is a way that I want you to think of content. I also want you to think of content as your story, your tribe, and your experience.

Let’s look at this from a nonprofit’s point of view. You have fantastic projects where you serve underserved youth in an inner city with free summer soccer camps, soccer practice during the year, and academic tutoring. But you don’t really do much with your Facebook or Instagram page. Once in a while you scramble together a newsletter to send out to your donors, but it’s sporadic at best. You submit annually to foundations for grants but one time you even missed a grant opportunity because the foundation asked for a presentation about your nonprofit and you couldn’t find any pictures or content to share with the board.

Yes, you DO plenty! Yes, 100 underserved youth went through your program last year and the youth shared about it on their social media, but pieces of video and pictures and testimonials are scattered and in old computers that don’t work any longer.

Now let’s look at this from a consultant’s point of view. You started up a nonprofit consultancy this year – yay You! – but you are still getting your bearings straight. You have a put together website and you post daily on LinkedIn about all the great services you have. That’s all well and good, but what are you sharing to build a community? Do you do more asking rather than giving?

So content can be sharing all the cool stuff you are doing through a system, all the amazing things you are learning or wanting to learn, and/or sharing information and resources that help solve people’s problems.

To kind of put this in perspective I am going to talk about this podcast. This podcast started out of a semi-dare. I actually had another podcast before this one – Creatives Exposed – where I had long, in-depth conversations with different types of creatives and shared those stories. It was pretty cool, but it didn’t relate to my business, it just related to my interests and my need to meet more creatives on Guam. So, it was awesome. But during a Master Mind meeting a friend – Michelle from Secret Owl Society who is a boss entrepreneur, said, “why don’t you start one for your business?” Having only produced about five podcasts of Creatives Exposed I rolled my eyes and said these are taking me forever to do! At the time we had a $100 monthly challenge where we had to do one thing to drive our business forward each month and if we didn’t meet the goal by the end of we owed $100. Now if you really want to move and shake, I recommend finding some amazing people and doing this! So she said, “make your podcast super short with specific tips each week on grants and funding.” So I took it on as my monthly challenge. Now, more than two years later I am SO glad I did. I wasn’t so sure about it, but I wasn’t about to lose that $100!

Why the podcast though? Well, I wanted a way to scale beyond Guam and to build a tribe. Now I talk to you Changemakers every single week and the coolest thing is you talk back to me by sending emails, signing up for coaching and memberships, or joining courses. It is SO cool!

On my podcast I share content with you every week. In the beginning I didn’t podcast every week, but before 2019 hit I knew I had to be more consistent as I had people tuning in every week. If I was sporadic with my episodes I knew I would lose the momentum I created.

In the past couple of months I have been doing a lot more interviews as I am interested about certain topics so curating experts that can share more in-depth on topics that maybe I can’t. Plus I love meeting and interviewing people as it is so much fun! I’ll still have a mix of solo show (like today) with specific tips to drive your nonprofit or consultancy forward and interviews with other experts in the field.

What this podcast has allowed me to do is to build up the grant writing & funding tribe, to see which podcasts are getting the most downloads so I have an idea of what service or product to create or provide, and to actually help other people in advancing their business or organization. I’ve also been able to meet people and have a platform where I can talk with them or share their views with all of you.

Of course, having this content also helps build up customers. That is important. For you, the content will help build up donors, funders, clients, and/or customers.

Ideas for Content

E-Content includes blogging, writing articles, videos, and podcasts.

Hard content includes brochures, power points, in-person meetups, etc.

It really can depend on what you do and who your audience is. If you work at that soccer nonprofit then you might realize that your audience is youth and since you have dynamic active projects, you may want to collect mini-videos of the different projects you, testimonials of the youth, and share soccer related information. Then think of the main medium. Video, youth, and YouTube go hand-in-hand, so you start a YouTube channel with the full videos. But then you think, how can I repurpose this content for my Instagram page? So you take clips of these videos and share on social media. At some point you may even consider putting together all your videos into a documentary. Believe me, your chances of getting a grant to fund the documentary will be competitive if you can show some of your clips and statistics on your view/likes/comments rather than having none! In any case, you may have a funding source come to you because they came across one of your videos. These might be fun things to send to potential funding sources rather than just a brochure. However, if you just are not digging the E-world, then creating a brochure could be just as impactful. You could include the same content but just in a different format.

Can you see the difference your nonprofit can make when having a ...

]]> Hey changemaker! I am so excited about today’s podcast! I know I say that every week, but today is the 100th episode! Can you believe it? Before we even start today I want to say a HUGE THANK YOU for listening and hanging out with me on this journey! You are simply amazing!


Today I am paying homage to you and this podcast! You are going to learn about creating content, why it is super important to show your credibility as a nonprofit or consultant, how to effectively tell your story as a nonprofit or creating depth as a consultant, and create a movement for people to be part of!  Of course, moreover the content will help build up donors, funders, clients, and/or customers.

Today I will give examples for both nonprofits and consultants and how you can get ahead without overwhelm before 2020 even kicks off.

I wanted to pay tribute to this 100th episode with an episode on sharing content and value. This is extremely important to both nonprofits and to freelancers because if we aren’t sharing we don’t build credibility, the story, or an experience or even a movement.

We heard from Dan Portnoy last week of Portnoy Media Group that sharing a story is vital for a nonprofit to have an effective fundraiser strategy or to attract long-term donors. This is also important for freelancers to actually share value then also sell, sell, sell.

Content. So this word is used a LOT these days. So is the word Value. But what does these words actually mean when used together?

The Word Factory gives a great definition of content: “Content is the presentation of information for a purpose to an audience through a channel in a form.”

This is pretty cool as it is a way that I want you to think of content. I also want you to think of content as your story, your tribe, and your experience.

Let’s look at this from a nonprofit’s point of view. You have fantastic projects where you serve underserved youth in an inner city with free summer soccer camps, soccer practice during the year, and academic tutoring. But you don’t really do much with your Facebook or Instagram page. Once in a while you scramble together a newsletter to send out to your donors, but it’s sporadic at best. You submit annually to foundations for grants but one time you even missed a grant opportunity because the foundation asked for a presentation about your nonprofit and you couldn’t find any pictures or content to share with the board.

Yes, you DO plenty! Yes, 100 underserved youth went through your program last year and the youth shared about it on their social media, but pieces of video and pictures and testimonials are scattered and in old computers that don’t work any longer.

Now let’s look at this from a consultant’s point of view. You started up a nonprofit consultancy this year – yay You! – but you are still getting your bearings straight. You have a put together website and you post daily on LinkedIn about all the great services you have. That’s all well and good, but what are you sharing to build a community? Do you do more asking rather than giving?

So content can be sharing all the cool stuff you are doing through a system, all the amazing things you are learning or wanting to learn, and/or sharing information and resources that help solve people’s problems.

To kind of put this in perspective I am going to talk about this podcast. This podcast started out of a semi-dare. I actually had another podcast before this one – Creatives Exposed – where I had long, in-depth conversations with different types of creatives and shared those stories. It was pretty cool, but it didn’t relate to my business, it just related to my interests and my need to meet more creatives on Guam. So, it was awesome. But during a Master Mind meeting a friend – Michelle from Secret Owl Society who is a boss entrepreneur, said, “why don’t you start one for your business?” Having only produced about five podcasts of Creatives Exposed I rolled my eyes and said these are taking me forever to do! At the time we had a $100 monthly challenge where we had to do one thing to drive our business forward each month and if we didn’t meet the goal by the end of we owed $100. Now if you really want to move and shake, I recommend finding some amazing people and doing this! So she said, “make your podcast super short with specific tips each week on grants and funding.” So I took it on as my monthly challenge. Now, more than two years later I am SO glad I did. I wasn’t so sure about it, but I wasn’t about to lose that $100!

Why the podcast though? Well, I wanted a way to scale beyond Guam and to build a tribe. Now I talk to you Changemakers every single week and the coolest thing is you talk back to me by sending emails, signing up for coaching and memberships, or joining courses. It is SO cool!

On my podcast I share content with you every week. In the beginning I didn’t podcast every week, but before 2019 hit I knew I had to be more consistent as I had people tuning in every week. If I was sporadic with my episodes I knew I would lose the momentum I created.

In the past couple of months I have been doing a lot more interviews as I am interested about certain topics so curating experts that can share more in-depth on topics that maybe I can’t. Plus I love meeting and interviewing people as it is so much fun! I’ll still have a mix of solo show (like today) with specific tips to drive your nonprofit or consultancy forward and interviews with other experts in the field.

What this podcast has allowed me to do is to build up the grant writing & funding tribe, to see which podcasts are getting the most downloads so I have an idea of what service or product to create or provide, and to actually help other people in advancing their business or organization. I’ve also been able to meet people and have a platform where I can talk with them or share their views with all of you.

Of course, having this content also helps build up customers. That is important. For you, the content will help build up donors, funders, clients, and/or customers.

Ideas for Content

E-Content includes blogging, writing articles, videos, and podcasts.

Hard content includes brochures, power points, in-person meetups, etc.

It really can depend on what you do and who your audience is. If you work at that soccer nonprofit then you might realize that your audience is youth and since you have dynamic active projects, you may want to collect mini-videos of the different projects you, testimonials of the youth, and share soccer related information. Then think of the main medium. Video, youth, and YouTube go hand-in-hand, so you start a YouTube channel with the full videos. But then you think, how can I repurpose this content for my Instagram page? So you take clips of these videos and share on social media. At some point you may even consider putting together all your videos into a documentary. Believe me, your chances of getting a grant to fund the documentary will be competitive if you can show some of your clips and statistics on your view/likes/comments rather than having none! In any case, you may have a funding source come to you because they came across one of your videos. These might be fun things to send to potential funding sources rather than just a brochure. However, if you just are not digging the E-world, then creating a brochure could be just as impactful. You could include the same content but just in a different format.

Can you see the difference your nonprofit can make when having a ...

]]> Tue, 03 Dec 2019 02:00:23 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1520 Hey changemaker! I am so excited about today’s podcast! I know I say that every week, but today is the 100th episode! Can you believe it? Before we even start today I want to say a HUGE THANK YOU for listening and hanging out with me on this journey! You are simply amazing!


Today I am paying homage to you and this podcast! You are going to learn about creating content, why it is super important to show your credibility as a nonprofit or consultant, how to effectively tell your story as a nonprofit or creating depth as a consultant, and create a movement for people to be part of!  Of course, moreover the content will help build up donors, funders, clients, and/or customers.

Today I will give examples for both nonprofits and consultants and how you can get ahead without overwhelm before 2020 even kicks off.

I wanted to pay tribute to this 100th episode with an episode on sharing content and value. This is extremely important to both nonprofits and to freelancers because if we aren’t sharing we don’t build credibility, the story, or an experience or even a movement.

We heard from Dan Portnoy last week of Portnoy Media Group that sharing a story is vital for a nonprofit to have an effective fundraiser strategy or to attract long-term donors. This is also important for freelancers to actually share value then also sell, sell, sell.

Content. So this word is used a LOT these days. So is the word Value. But what does these words actually mean when used together?

The Word Factory gives a great definition of content: “Content is the presentation of information for a purpose to an audience through a channel in a form.”

This is pretty cool as it is a way that I want you to think of content. I also want you to think of content as your story, your tribe, and your experience.

Let’s look at this from a nonprofit’s point of view. You have fantastic projects where you serve underserved youth in an inner city with free summer soccer camps, soccer practice during the year, and academic tutoring. But you don’t really do much with your Facebook or Instagram page. Once in a while you scramble together a newsletter to send out to your donors, but it’s sporadic at best. You submit annually to foundations for grants but one time you even missed a grant opportunity because the foundation asked for a presentation about your nonprofit and you couldn’t find any pictures or content to share with the board.

Yes, you DO plenty! Yes, 100 underserved youth went through your program last year and the youth shared about it on their social media, but pieces of video and pictures and testimonials are scattered and in old computers that don’t work any longer.

Now let’s look at this from a consultant’s point of view. You started up a nonprofit consultancy this year – yay You! – but you are still getting your bearings straight. You have a put together website and you post daily on LinkedIn about all the great services you have. That’s all well and good, but what are you sharing to build a community? Do you do more asking rather than giving?

So content can be sharing all the cool stuff you are doing through a system, all the amazing things you are learning or wanting to learn, and/or sharing information and resources that help solve people’s problems.

To kind of put this in perspective I am going to talk about this podcast. This podcast started out of a semi-dare. I actually had another podcast before this one – Creatives Exposed – where I had long, in-depth conversations with different types of creatives and shared those stories. It was pretty cool, but it didn’t relate to my business, it just related to my interests and my need to meet more creatives on Guam. So, it was awesome. But during a Master Mind meeting a friend – Michelle from Secret Owl Society who is a boss entrepreneur, said, “why don’t you start one for your business?” Having only produced about five podcasts of Creatives Exposed I rolled my eyes and said these are taking me forever to do! At the time we had a $100 monthly challenge where we had to do one thing to drive our business forward each month and if we didn’t meet the goal by the end of we owed $100. Now if you really want to move and shake, I recommend finding some amazing people and doing this! So she said, “make your podcast super short with specific tips each week on grants and funding.” So I took it on as my monthly challenge. Now, more than two years later I am SO glad I did. I wasn’t so sure about it, but I wasn’t about to lose that $100!

Why the podcast though? Well, I wanted a way to scale beyond Guam and to build a tribe. Now I talk to you Changemakers every single week and the coolest thing is you talk back to me by sending emails, signing up for coaching and memberships, or joining courses. It is SO cool!

On my podcast I share content with you every week. In the beginning I didn’t podcast every week, but before 2019 hit I knew I had to be more consistent as I had people tuning in every week. If I was sporadic with my episodes I knew I would lose the momentum I created.

In the past couple of months I have been doing a lot more interviews as I am interested about certain topics so curating experts that can share more in-depth on topics that maybe I can’t. Plus I love meeting and interviewing people as it is so much fun! I’ll still have a mix of solo show (like today) with specific tips to drive your nonprofit or consultancy forward and interviews with other experts in the field.

What this podcast has allowed me to do is to build up the grant writing & funding tribe, to see which podcasts are getting the most downloads so I have an idea of what service or product to create or provide, and to actually help other people in advancing their business or organization. I’ve also been able to meet people and have a platform where I can talk with them or share their views with all of you.

Of course, having this content also helps build up customers. That is important. For you, the content will help build up donors, funders, clients, and/or customers.

Ideas for Content

E-Content includes blogging, writing articles, videos, and podcasts.

Hard content includes brochures, power points, in-person meetups, etc.

It really can depend on what you do and who your audience is. If you work at that soccer nonprofit then you might realize that your audience is youth and since you have dynamic active projects, you may want to collect mini-videos of the different projects you, testimonials of the youth, and share soccer related information. Then think of the main medium. Video, youth, and YouTube go hand-in-hand, so you start a YouTube channel with the full videos. But then you think, how can I repurpose this content for my Instagram page? So you take clips of these videos and share on social media. At some point you may even consider putting together all your videos into a documentary. Believe me, your chances of getting a grant to fund the documentary will be competitive if you can show some of your clips and statistics on your view/likes/comments rather than having none! In any case, you may have a funding source come to you because they came across one of your videos. These might be fun things to send to potential funding sources rather than just a brochure. However, if you just are not digging the E-world, then creating a brochure could be just as impactful. You could include the same content but just in a different format.

Can you see the difference your nonprofit can make when having a ...

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Do You Just Ask for Money or Do You Tell a Story? Featuring Dan Portnoy of Portnoy Media Group 99 99 Do You Just Ask for Money or Do You Tell a Story? Featuring Dan Portnoy of Portnoy Media Group full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/718599100 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/099-do-you-just-ask-for-money-or-do-you-tell-a-story-featuring-dan-portnoy-of-portnoy-media-group Dan Portnoy joins us to share how nonprofits can increase funding through the power of storytelling—just in time for Giving Tuesday. With decades of experience working with organizations and Fortune 500 companies, Dan explains how simplifying your message can create deeper connections with donors, how to assess your nonprofit’s story both internally and externally, and how strong narratives can break down barriers between donor cultivation and acquisition to drive real results.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Dan Portnoy is the founder of Portnoy Media Group and the author of The Non-Profit Narrative: How Telling Stories Can Change the World. With over two decades of experience, Dan has worked with Fortune 500 companies and nonprofits to help them refine their messaging, strengthen their storytelling, and achieve measurable growth. 

He is a sought-after expert known for helping teams clarify their ideas, navigate the digital landscape, and build compelling narratives that connect with audiences and inspire action.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Websites: Portnoy Media Group | Dan Portnoy

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Dan Portnoy joins us to share how nonprofits can increase funding through the power of storytelling—just in time for Giving Tuesday. With decades of experience working with organizations and Fortune 500 companies, Dan explains how simplifying your message can create deeper connections with donors, how to assess your nonprofit’s story both internally and externally, and how strong narratives can break down barriers between donor cultivation and acquisition to drive real results.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Dan Portnoy is the founder of Portnoy Media Group and the author of The Non-Profit Narrative: How Telling Stories Can Change the World. With over two decades of experience, Dan has worked with Fortune 500 companies and nonprofits to help them refine their messaging, strengthen their storytelling, and achieve measurable growth. 

He is a sought-after expert known for helping teams clarify their ideas, navigate the digital landscape, and build compelling narratives that connect with audiences and inspire action.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Websites: Portnoy Media Group | Dan Portnoy

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 26 Nov 2019 08:00:33 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 3120 Dan Portnoy joins us to share how nonprofits can increase funding through the power of storytelling—just in time for Giving Tuesday. With decades of experience working with organizations and Fortune 500 companies, Dan explains how simplifying your message can create deeper connections with donors, how to assess your nonprofit’s story both internally and externally, and how strong narratives can break down barriers between donor cultivation and acquisition to drive real results.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Dan Portnoy is the founder of Portnoy Media Group and the author of The Non-Profit Narrative: How Telling Stories Can Change the World. With over two decades of experience, Dan has worked with Fortune 500 companies and nonprofits to help them refine their messaging, strengthen their storytelling, and achieve measurable growth. 

He is a sought-after expert known for helping teams clarify their ideas, navigate the digital landscape, and build compelling narratives that connect with audiences and inspire action.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Websites: Portnoy Media Group | Dan Portnoy

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No How to Make a Nonprofit Fly with Zac Woonsam of Youth Inspiration Nation 98 98 How to Make a Nonprofit Fly with Zac Woonsam of Youth Inspiration Nation full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/713126782 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/098-how-to-make-a-nonprofit-fly-with-zac-woonsam-of-youth-inspiration-nation Zac Woonsam joins us to share the real, behind-the-scenes journey of building and running a nonprofit, while Holly provides powerful, practical tips to help increase funding and secure more grants. 

Zac opens up about the inspiration behind Youth Inspiration Nation and how he teaches and empowers middle school students through aviation, including the logistics of teaching kids how to fly. 

We also dive into the realities of nonprofit work, funding challenges, and the downsides of offering free services, along with strategies to grow support—from building connections and writing press releases for visibility to transitioning from foundation grants to federal funding. 

Plus, Holly shares actionable advice on pursuing federal grants and what to do if you can’t yet afford a grant writer.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Zac Woonsam is the Executive Director of Youth Inspiration Nation Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to providing motivation, inspiration, and education through aviation—teaching kids how to fly. He founded the organization in 2017, and describes the journey as both incredibly challenging and deeply rewarding. 

Zac is passionate about inspiring the next generation and lives by his favorite saying: “If it was easy, it wouldn’t be any fun!”

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Website: https://inspirekids.us/
Instagram & Facebook: @AviationEducation4Kids

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Zac Woonsam joins us to share the real, behind-the-scenes journey of building and running a nonprofit, while Holly provides powerful, practical tips to help increase funding and secure more grants. 

Zac opens up about the inspiration behind Youth Inspiration Nation and how he teaches and empowers middle school students through aviation, including the logistics of teaching kids how to fly. 

We also dive into the realities of nonprofit work, funding challenges, and the downsides of offering free services, along with strategies to grow support—from building connections and writing press releases for visibility to transitioning from foundation grants to federal funding. 

Plus, Holly shares actionable advice on pursuing federal grants and what to do if you can’t yet afford a grant writer.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Zac Woonsam is the Executive Director of Youth Inspiration Nation Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to providing motivation, inspiration, and education through aviation—teaching kids how to fly. He founded the organization in 2017, and describes the journey as both incredibly challenging and deeply rewarding. 

Zac is passionate about inspiring the next generation and lives by his favorite saying: “If it was easy, it wouldn’t be any fun!”

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Website: https://inspirekids.us/
Instagram & Facebook: @AviationEducation4Kids

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 19 Nov 2019 08:00:03 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 4537 Zac Woonsam joins us to share the real, behind-the-scenes journey of building and running a nonprofit, while Holly provides powerful, practical tips to help increase funding and secure more grants. 

Zac opens up about the inspiration behind Youth Inspiration Nation and how he teaches and empowers middle school students through aviation, including the logistics of teaching kids how to fly. 

We also dive into the realities of nonprofit work, funding challenges, and the downsides of offering free services, along with strategies to grow support—from building connections and writing press releases for visibility to transitioning from foundation grants to federal funding. 

Plus, Holly shares actionable advice on pursuing federal grants and what to do if you can’t yet afford a grant writer.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Zac Woonsam is the Executive Director of Youth Inspiration Nation Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to providing motivation, inspiration, and education through aviation—teaching kids how to fly. He founded the organization in 2017, and describes the journey as both incredibly challenging and deeply rewarding. 

Zac is passionate about inspiring the next generation and lives by his favorite saying: “If it was easy, it wouldn’t be any fun!”

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Website: https://inspirekids.us/
Instagram & Facebook: @AviationEducation4Kids

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No What You Need to Know Before You Start a Fundraiser w/ Matt Hugg, Founder of Nonprofit.Courses 97 97 What You Need to Know Before You Start a Fundraiser w/ Matt Hugg, Founder of Nonprofit.Courses full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/711441775 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/097-what-you-need-to-know-before-you-start-a-fundraiser-w-matt-hugg-founder-of-nonprofit-courses Matt Hugg’s passion is education, and he brings a wealth of knowledge to the nonprofit sector. In this episode, we explore how his platform, Nonprofit.Courses, provides access to over 300 free courses designed to help nonprofit professionals grow their skills and expand their impact.

Matt shares how he got started with Nonprofit.Courses, his background in teaching and fundraising, and why nonprofit professionals must look beyond the “mission bubble” to build skills in areas like marketing, HR, and finance. We also dive into the fundamentals of successful fundraising, including the core elements every organization must have in place, common challenges nonprofits face, and how a simple, strategic formula can guide more effective fundraising efforts.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Matt Hugg is the president and founder of Nonprofit.Courses, an on-demand, online educational platform for nonprofit leaders, staff, board members, and volunteers.

He is also the author of The Guide to Nonprofit Consulting and teaches nonprofit management at universities and organizations around the world, including in the United States, Africa, Asia, and Europe.

Matt has extensive experience in nonprofit fundraising and holds a BS from Juniata College and an MA in Philanthropy and Development from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Email: matthugg@nonprofitedu.com
Website & Social: Nonprofit.Courses
Books: Available on Amazon

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Matt Hugg’s passion is education, and he brings a wealth of knowledge to the nonprofit sector. In this episode, we explore how his platform, Nonprofit.Courses, provides access to over 300 free courses designed to help nonprofit professionals grow their skills and expand their impact.

Matt shares how he got started with Nonprofit.Courses, his background in teaching and fundraising, and why nonprofit professionals must look beyond the “mission bubble” to build skills in areas like marketing, HR, and finance. We also dive into the fundamentals of successful fundraising, including the core elements every organization must have in place, common challenges nonprofits face, and how a simple, strategic formula can guide more effective fundraising efforts.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Matt Hugg is the president and founder of Nonprofit.Courses, an on-demand, online educational platform for nonprofit leaders, staff, board members, and volunteers.

He is also the author of The Guide to Nonprofit Consulting and teaches nonprofit management at universities and organizations around the world, including in the United States, Africa, Asia, and Europe.

Matt has extensive experience in nonprofit fundraising and holds a BS from Juniata College and an MA in Philanthropy and Development from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Email: matthugg@nonprofitedu.com
Website & Social: Nonprofit.Courses
Books: Available on Amazon

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 12 Nov 2019 08:00:23 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 3371 Matt Hugg’s passion is education, and he brings a wealth of knowledge to the nonprofit sector. In this episode, we explore how his platform, Nonprofit.Courses, provides access to over 300 free courses designed to help nonprofit professionals grow their skills and expand their impact.

Matt shares how he got started with Nonprofit.Courses, his background in teaching and fundraising, and why nonprofit professionals must look beyond the “mission bubble” to build skills in areas like marketing, HR, and finance. We also dive into the fundamentals of successful fundraising, including the core elements every organization must have in place, common challenges nonprofits face, and how a simple, strategic formula can guide more effective fundraising efforts.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Matt Hugg is the president and founder of Nonprofit.Courses, an on-demand, online educational platform for nonprofit leaders, staff, board members, and volunteers.

He is also the author of The Guide to Nonprofit Consulting and teaches nonprofit management at universities and organizations around the world, including in the United States, Africa, Asia, and Europe.

Matt has extensive experience in nonprofit fundraising and holds a BS from Juniata College and an MA in Philanthropy and Development from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Email: matthugg@nonprofitedu.com
Website & Social: Nonprofit.Courses
Books: Available on Amazon

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Raise Funds Without Overwhelm for Your Nonprofit with Beaudy Camacho 96 96 Raise Funds Without Overwhelm for Your Nonprofit with Beaudy Camacho full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/705743116 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/096-raise-funds-without-overwhelm-for-your-nonprofit-with-beaudy-camacho If you’re looking for fresh, creative fundraising ideas that actually work—you’re going to love this episode.

Beaudy Camacho brings incredible energy and expertise as she shares how fundraising events can (and should!) be safe, fun, and profitable.

In this conversation, we explore how Beaudy got started in fundraising and built her business, along with a wide variety of fundraising strategies your nonprofit can start using right away. From events and sponsorships to crowdfunding, contests, giveaways, and even loyalty programs, she breaks down different types of fundraisers and how to choose the right one for your organization.

We also dive into practical tips for planning successful fundraising events, how to save time by leveraging expert strategies, and how to create memorable experiences that keep donors engaged. Plus, Beaudy shares ideas for seasonal fundraising (including what to focus on in November) and how to build a cohesive fundraising plan that supports your goals.

If you’re ready to think outside the box and turn your passion into a paycheck, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable ideas.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Beaudy Camacho is the founder of Fundforte, an events agency specializing in fundraising, special events, and custom parties. She has received numerous awards and recognition for her work, including the Small Business Administration’s 2018 Home-based Business Champion for the Island of Guam.

Beaudy is passionate about helping organizations and individuals create impactful, memorable events while supporting meaningful causes. Through Fundforte, she also aims to give back to the community through educational resources, digital products, and programs that support underserved populations. Her future plans include offering online courses and coaching to help event planners, fundraiser coordinators, and creatives elevate their skills and impact.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Website: www.fundforte.com

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> If you’re looking for fresh, creative fundraising ideas that actually work—you’re going to love this episode.

Beaudy Camacho brings incredible energy and expertise as she shares how fundraising events can (and should!) be safe, fun, and profitable.

In this conversation, we explore how Beaudy got started in fundraising and built her business, along with a wide variety of fundraising strategies your nonprofit can start using right away. From events and sponsorships to crowdfunding, contests, giveaways, and even loyalty programs, she breaks down different types of fundraisers and how to choose the right one for your organization.

We also dive into practical tips for planning successful fundraising events, how to save time by leveraging expert strategies, and how to create memorable experiences that keep donors engaged. Plus, Beaudy shares ideas for seasonal fundraising (including what to focus on in November) and how to build a cohesive fundraising plan that supports your goals.

If you’re ready to think outside the box and turn your passion into a paycheck, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable ideas.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Beaudy Camacho is the founder of Fundforte, an events agency specializing in fundraising, special events, and custom parties. She has received numerous awards and recognition for her work, including the Small Business Administration’s 2018 Home-based Business Champion for the Island of Guam.

Beaudy is passionate about helping organizations and individuals create impactful, memorable events while supporting meaningful causes. Through Fundforte, she also aims to give back to the community through educational resources, digital products, and programs that support underserved populations. Her future plans include offering online courses and coaching to help event planners, fundraiser coordinators, and creatives elevate their skills and impact.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Website: www.fundforte.com

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 05 Nov 2019 08:00:02 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 3698 If you’re looking for fresh, creative fundraising ideas that actually work—you’re going to love this episode.

Beaudy Camacho brings incredible energy and expertise as she shares how fundraising events can (and should!) be safe, fun, and profitable.

In this conversation, we explore how Beaudy got started in fundraising and built her business, along with a wide variety of fundraising strategies your nonprofit can start using right away. From events and sponsorships to crowdfunding, contests, giveaways, and even loyalty programs, she breaks down different types of fundraisers and how to choose the right one for your organization.

We also dive into practical tips for planning successful fundraising events, how to save time by leveraging expert strategies, and how to create memorable experiences that keep donors engaged. Plus, Beaudy shares ideas for seasonal fundraising (including what to focus on in November) and how to build a cohesive fundraising plan that supports your goals.

If you’re ready to think outside the box and turn your passion into a paycheck, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable ideas.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Beaudy Camacho is the founder of Fundforte, an events agency specializing in fundraising, special events, and custom parties. She has received numerous awards and recognition for her work, including the Small Business Administration’s 2018 Home-based Business Champion for the Island of Guam.

Beaudy is passionate about helping organizations and individuals create impactful, memorable events while supporting meaningful causes. Through Fundforte, she also aims to give back to the community through educational resources, digital products, and programs that support underserved populations. Her future plans include offering online courses and coaching to help event planners, fundraiser coordinators, and creatives elevate their skills and impact.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Website: www.fundforte.com

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No 3 Steps for Ultimate Self-Care for Nonprofits 95 95 3 Steps for Ultimate Self-Care for Nonprofits full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/703725061 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/095-3-steps-for-ultimate-self-care-for-nonprofits In this episode, Holly Rustick dives into the importance of self-care—not as a luxury, but as a necessity for sustainable success. She shares practical strategies to help you take control of your time, reduce overwhelm, and stay productive without burning out. 

Holly breaks down how planning your week in advance can transform lingering, stressful to-do lists into clear, manageable action steps. She also discusses the power of saying no, setting boundaries, and protecting your time so you can focus on what truly matters. 

Finally, Holly emphasizes the importance of listening to your body, recognizing when you need rest, and allowing yourself to recharge so you can show up at your best. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed or stretched too thin, this episode will give you simple, actionable ways to create balance and move forward with intention.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> In this episode, Holly Rustick dives into the importance of self-care—not as a luxury, but as a necessity for sustainable success. She shares practical strategies to help you take control of your time, reduce overwhelm, and stay productive without burning out. 

Holly breaks down how planning your week in advance can transform lingering, stressful to-do lists into clear, manageable action steps. She also discusses the power of saying no, setting boundaries, and protecting your time so you can focus on what truly matters. 

Finally, Holly emphasizes the importance of listening to your body, recognizing when you need rest, and allowing yourself to recharge so you can show up at your best. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed or stretched too thin, this episode will give you simple, actionable ways to create balance and move forward with intention.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 29 Oct 2019 09:00:22 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1148 In this episode, Holly Rustick dives into the importance of self-care—not as a luxury, but as a necessity for sustainable success. She shares practical strategies to help you take control of your time, reduce overwhelm, and stay productive without burning out. 

Holly breaks down how planning your week in advance can transform lingering, stressful to-do lists into clear, manageable action steps. She also discusses the power of saying no, setting boundaries, and protecting your time so you can focus on what truly matters. 

Finally, Holly emphasizes the importance of listening to your body, recognizing when you need rest, and allowing yourself to recharge so you can show up at your best. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed or stretched too thin, this episode will give you simple, actionable ways to create balance and move forward with intention.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Trials & Triumph in the First 6 Months of Freelance Grant Writing with Derrick Clark 94 94 Trials & Triumph in the First 6 Months of Freelance Grant Writing with Derrick Clark full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/699895555 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/trials-triumph-in-the-first-6-months-of-freelance-grant-writing-with-derrick-clark This is your chance to hear from someone who is 6 months into their grant writing business. Where could you be 6 months from now?

Derrick and I discuss:

  • Motto – “Resolve to have an impact on your community.”
  • Derrick’s military experience 
  • His “why” for getting into grant writing and how he got started
  • Business started as a side hustle and is now full-time
  • “Writing a grant is like writing a research paper and a business plan together.”
  • How to use your experiences to develop a niche
  • Offering free services or volunteering to build relationships
  • Moving from free services to getting paid
  • Overcoming the difficult conversations associated with getting paid
  • Challenges of owning a grant writing business
  • Hiring freelancers or interns to help you with your business
  • Being prepared for upcoming grants
  • Different pitches you can use to make connections and build even more relationships
  • Additional services you can offer in your business

Derrick’s Bio:

Derrick Clark, M.A. Human Services Leadership, owner of DC Resolve Consulting and Proposal Writing. He is an Army Veteran who served 8 years as a combat medic with the 101st Airborne Division, current spouse of an Army Environmental Science Officer. He transitioned from active duty service nearly 5 years ago, completed undergraduate and graduate degrees to begin working with veteran service organizations ranging from homeless veteran and substance abuse case manager to managing regional veteran benefits programs.

Derrick recently moved to Honolulu, HI and started a business that provides consulting and proposal/grant writing services to nonprofit organizations.  Currently, he works with San Antonio veteran nonprofits writing state grants, local foundation proposals, social media marketing and creating event flyers. Also, he recently began building a relationship with the Prevent Suicide Hawaii Task Force to find out what needs they have. 

Connect with Derrick

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> This is your chance to hear from someone who is 6 months into their grant writing business. Where could you be 6 months from now?

Derrick and I discuss:

  • Motto – “Resolve to have an impact on your community.”
  • Derrick’s military experience 
  • His “why” for getting into grant writing and how he got started
  • Business started as a side hustle and is now full-time
  • “Writing a grant is like writing a research paper and a business plan together.”
  • How to use your experiences to develop a niche
  • Offering free services or volunteering to build relationships
  • Moving from free services to getting paid
  • Overcoming the difficult conversations associated with getting paid
  • Challenges of owning a grant writing business
  • Hiring freelancers or interns to help you with your business
  • Being prepared for upcoming grants
  • Different pitches you can use to make connections and build even more relationships
  • Additional services you can offer in your business

Derrick’s Bio:

Derrick Clark, M.A. Human Services Leadership, owner of DC Resolve Consulting and Proposal Writing. He is an Army Veteran who served 8 years as a combat medic with the 101st Airborne Division, current spouse of an Army Environmental Science Officer. He transitioned from active duty service nearly 5 years ago, completed undergraduate and graduate degrees to begin working with veteran service organizations ranging from homeless veteran and substance abuse case manager to managing regional veteran benefits programs.

Derrick recently moved to Honolulu, HI and started a business that provides consulting and proposal/grant writing services to nonprofit organizations.  Currently, he works with San Antonio veteran nonprofits writing state grants, local foundation proposals, social media marketing and creating event flyers. Also, he recently began building a relationship with the Prevent Suicide Hawaii Task Force to find out what needs they have. 

Connect with Derrick

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 22 Oct 2019 08:00:32 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 4427 This is your chance to hear from someone who is 6 months into their grant writing business. Where could you be 6 months from now?

Derrick and I discuss:

  • Motto – “Resolve to have an impact on your community.”
  • Derrick’s military experience 
  • His “why” for getting into grant writing and how he got started
  • Business started as a side hustle and is now full-time
  • “Writing a grant is like writing a research paper and a business plan together.”
  • How to use your experiences to develop a niche
  • Offering free services or volunteering to build relationships
  • Moving from free services to getting paid
  • Overcoming the difficult conversations associated with getting paid
  • Challenges of owning a grant writing business
  • Hiring freelancers or interns to help you with your business
  • Being prepared for upcoming grants
  • Different pitches you can use to make connections and build even more relationships
  • Additional services you can offer in your business

Derrick’s Bio:

Derrick Clark, M.A. Human Services Leadership, owner of DC Resolve Consulting and Proposal Writing. He is an Army Veteran who served 8 years as a combat medic with the 101st Airborne Division, current spouse of an Army Environmental Science Officer. He transitioned from active duty service nearly 5 years ago, completed undergraduate and graduate degrees to begin working with veteran service organizations ranging from homeless veteran and substance abuse case manager to managing regional veteran benefits programs.

Derrick recently moved to Honolulu, HI and started a business that provides consulting and proposal/grant writing services to nonprofit organizations.  Currently, he works with San Antonio veteran nonprofits writing state grants, local foundation proposals, social media marketing and creating event flyers. Also, he recently began building a relationship with the Prevent Suicide Hawaii Task Force to find out what needs they have. 

Connect with Derrick

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Growing a Freelance Grant Biz & Lessons Learned w/ Pres. Rodney Walker of Grant Central USA 93 93 Growing a Freelance Grant Biz & Lessons Learned w/ Pres. Rodney Walker of Grant Central USA full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/688442269 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/growing-a-freelance-grant-biz-lessons-learned-w-pres-rodney-walker-of-grant-central-usa If you have a grant writing business, or you want to become a grant writer, then this interview is gold for you!

Rodney and I discuss:

  • Rodney’s background and how he got started with grants
  • First grant that he got funded
  • At what point do grant writers get paid
  • How do you typically charge clients?
  • Decide on your ideal client
  • How do you provide value to clients?
  • 2 big things every business and organization has to do
  • Challenges and solutions in his business
  • Changing your mindset – How failure became his best friend
  • How he got his very first grant writing client
  • Branding your business vs branding yourself (which should you do?)
  • Is there enough room in the market for new grant writing businesses?
  • Investing time in yourself vs investing time in your business
  • The most valuable investment that you can make in yourself and your business
  • Improving your mindset to overcome the fear and doubt
  • Using a vision board to reinforce positive messages

Rodney’s Top Quotes:

  • “Be brave. Be bold. Be brilliant.”
  • “The best way to get to success is through failure, and really, embracing failure”


Rodney’s Bio:

Rodney Walker is the President of Grant Central USA and is a highly sought-after, Grant Development Systems™ expert that helps thousands of organizations nationwide to get funded! With over 14,000 members in his online discussion group, he influences and inspires people to do a better job of telling their organizational stories to become more attractive to funders.

He has helped his clients raise over $357 million in grants and conducts The Ultimate Grant Writing That Gets Funded training workshops nationwide to empower nonprofits, governmental agencies, and individuals on the best ways to secure grant money. They also host the Education Grants Conference that trains schools and districts on today’s best practices in winning educational grants at EducationGrantsConference.com

A few of his clients have included United Way, Habitat for Humanity, The Magic Johnson Foundation, the Bush Foundation, Hawaii State Teachers Association, and numerous school districts and city governments. Other celebrity clients have included, Danny Glover and Ben Guillory.

Rodney has appeared on ABC, NBC, and CBS News for his work in education and in hundreds of grant training videos and produces numerous award-winning resources at GrantCentralUSA.com

He is also the executive producer of Education Today, a channel dedicated to advancing, reporting and sharing education best practices and trends nationally to inspire school administrators, parents, and communities to excellence at K12EducationToday.com

Rodney has spoken and taught at several prestigious institutions including, Regis University, Oklahoma University, the University of Nevada in Las Vegas, California Polytechnic State University, Florida Atlantic University and the University of Hawaii.

He earned a Master of Business Administration and has a certificate in Nonprofit Management from Duke University. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Texas in Austin and has a leadership certificate from the University of Southern California. His works with schools and communities have garnered him awards and congressional recognition.

During his free-time, Rodney enjoys traveling, listening to live music, salsa dancing, and going for adventure rides with his rooftop down throughout the greater Los Angeles area where he resides in Pasadena, California.

Connect with Rodney:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> If you have a grant writing business, or you want to become a grant writer, then this interview is gold for you!

Rodney and I discuss:

  • Rodney’s background and how he got started with grants
  • First grant that he got funded
  • At what point do grant writers get paid
  • How do you typically charge clients?
  • Decide on your ideal client
  • How do you provide value to clients?
  • 2 big things every business and organization has to do
  • Challenges and solutions in his business
  • Changing your mindset – How failure became his best friend
  • How he got his very first grant writing client
  • Branding your business vs branding yourself (which should you do?)
  • Is there enough room in the market for new grant writing businesses?
  • Investing time in yourself vs investing time in your business
  • The most valuable investment that you can make in yourself and your business
  • Improving your mindset to overcome the fear and doubt
  • Using a vision board to reinforce positive messages

Rodney’s Top Quotes:

  • “Be brave. Be bold. Be brilliant.”
  • “The best way to get to success is through failure, and really, embracing failure”


Rodney’s Bio:

Rodney Walker is the President of Grant Central USA and is a highly sought-after, Grant Development Systems™ expert that helps thousands of organizations nationwide to get funded! With over 14,000 members in his online discussion group, he influences and inspires people to do a better job of telling their organizational stories to become more attractive to funders.

He has helped his clients raise over $357 million in grants and conducts The Ultimate Grant Writing That Gets Funded training workshops nationwide to empower nonprofits, governmental agencies, and individuals on the best ways to secure grant money. They also host the Education Grants Conference that trains schools and districts on today’s best practices in winning educational grants at EducationGrantsConference.com

A few of his clients have included United Way, Habitat for Humanity, The Magic Johnson Foundation, the Bush Foundation, Hawaii State Teachers Association, and numerous school districts and city governments. Other celebrity clients have included, Danny Glover and Ben Guillory.

Rodney has appeared on ABC, NBC, and CBS News for his work in education and in hundreds of grant training videos and produces numerous award-winning resources at GrantCentralUSA.com

He is also the executive producer of Education Today, a channel dedicated to advancing, reporting and sharing education best practices and trends nationally to inspire school administrators, parents, and communities to excellence at K12EducationToday.com

Rodney has spoken and taught at several prestigious institutions including, Regis University, Oklahoma University, the University of Nevada in Las Vegas, California Polytechnic State University, Florida Atlantic University and the University of Hawaii.

He earned a Master of Business Administration and has a certificate in Nonprofit Management from Duke University. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Texas in Austin and has a leadership certificate from the University of Southern California. His works with schools and communities have garnered him awards and congressional recognition.

During his free-time, Rodney enjoys traveling, listening to live music, salsa dancing, and going for adventure rides with his rooftop down throughout the greater Los Angeles area where he resides in Pasadena, California.

Connect with Rodney:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 15 Oct 2019 08:00:06 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 3369 If you have a grant writing business, or you want to become a grant writer, then this interview is gold for you!

Rodney and I discuss:

  • Rodney’s background and how he got started with grants
  • First grant that he got funded
  • At what point do grant writers get paid
  • How do you typically charge clients?
  • Decide on your ideal client
  • How do you provide value to clients?
  • 2 big things every business and organization has to do
  • Challenges and solutions in his business
  • Changing your mindset – How failure became his best friend
  • How he got his very first grant writing client
  • Branding your business vs branding yourself (which should you do?)
  • Is there enough room in the market for new grant writing businesses?
  • Investing time in yourself vs investing time in your business
  • The most valuable investment that you can make in yourself and your business
  • Improving your mindset to overcome the fear and doubt
  • Using a vision board to reinforce positive messages

Rodney’s Top Quotes:

  • “Be brave. Be bold. Be brilliant.”
  • “The best way to get to success is through failure, and really, embracing failure”


Rodney’s Bio:

Rodney Walker is the President of Grant Central USA and is a highly sought-after, Grant Development Systems™ expert that helps thousands of organizations nationwide to get funded! With over 14,000 members in his online discussion group, he influences and inspires people to do a better job of telling their organizational stories to become more attractive to funders.

He has helped his clients raise over $357 million in grants and conducts The Ultimate Grant Writing That Gets Funded training workshops nationwide to empower nonprofits, governmental agencies, and individuals on the best ways to secure grant money. They also host the Education Grants Conference that trains schools and districts on today’s best practices in winning educational grants at EducationGrantsConference.com

A few of his clients have included United Way, Habitat for Humanity, The Magic Johnson Foundation, the Bush Foundation, Hawaii State Teachers Association, and numerous school districts and city governments. Other celebrity clients have included, Danny Glover and Ben Guillory.

Rodney has appeared on ABC, NBC, and CBS News for his work in education and in hundreds of grant training videos and produces numerous award-winning resources at GrantCentralUSA.com

He is also the executive producer of Education Today, a channel dedicated to advancing, reporting and sharing education best practices and trends nationally to inspire school administrators, parents, and communities to excellence at K12EducationToday.com

Rodney has spoken and taught at several prestigious institutions including, Regis University, Oklahoma University, the University of Nevada in Las Vegas, California Polytechnic State University, Florida Atlantic University and the University of Hawaii.

He earned a Master of Business Administration and has a certificate in Nonprofit Management from Duke University. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Texas in Austin and has a leadership certificate from the University of Southern California. His works with schools and communities have garnered him awards and congressional recognition.

During his free-time, Rodney enjoys traveling, listening to live music, salsa dancing, and going for adventure rides with his rooftop down throughout the greater Los Angeles area where he resides in Pasadena, California.

Connect with Rodney:

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No 092: What, Why, & How Nonprofits Can Get Money (Not from Grants) 92 92 092: What, Why, & How Nonprofits Can Get Money (Not from Grants) full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/688784770 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/092-what-why-how-nonprofits-can-get-money-not-from-grants Tue, 08 Oct 2019 08:00:24 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1635 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No 5 Ways Your Nonprofit Can Make Money from Services 91 91 5 Ways Your Nonprofit Can Make Money from Services full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/686951608 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/5-ways-your-nonprofit-can-make-money-from-services Is your nonprofit ready to earn income?

“What?? But we’re a nonprofit. We can’t earn income!”

Oh, yes you can! Just because you are a nonprofit organization does not mean that you cannot earn income. Nonprofit doesn’t mean ‘no’ profit. It simply means you take the profit and put it back into the organization.

However, you do have to make sure that anything you do to earn income directly relates to the mission of your nonprofit. For example, if your nonprofit is an animal shelter and you start raising revenue by providing human resource services for solo entrepreneurs, it may not be a good fit. Offering pet rentals for connecting with senior citizens may be a better way of raising revenue.

Of course, if you do find something that is a great income generator and isn’t related to your mission, your nonprofit may still be able to do it, but it might not be ‘tax-exempt’ income; i.e. you may have to pay taxes on it.

Before we get into earned income, if you would like more information about other types of revenue for nonprofits be sure to check out episode 90! There is an amazing FREE downloadable included! www.grantwritingandfunding.com/90.

As with anyone wanting to get income for offering services or products, first the nonprofit needs to develop a business plan! 

Eek! Even a nonprofit needs a business plan?

Yes! Actually, you should’ve developed one before you became incorporated, but it might not have happened or maybe your nonprofit has changed a lot since that amazing day!

So what do you need to know?

Well, what your nonprofit can provide and what the market will pay for. This is the basic supply/demand model.

We aren’t going to go into a crazy business plan, but I am going to give you some examples so you can get some ideas for your nonprofit!  Try to keep in mind the idea of supply and demand as you read through these.

I might share something that sounds amazing and you think would work for your nonprofit, but first test it on a small-scale before you invest crazy time and money into it!

General Services

According to MissionBox, a fee-for-service approach for nonprofits is defined as “nonprofit uses its earnings to support its mission and prioritizes benefit to the community over profits. Your organization can grow financial sustainability with a fee-for-service model.”


Case Study: YMCA

They are a hybrid as they offer Membership programs (see below) for their services. These services include workout classes, community classes, a gym, etc.

Examples:

  • Classes on gardening (or other specialized skill! Painting, etc)
  • Consulting
  • Counseling
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Human resources
  • IT skills

Memberships

I see a lot of 501(c)6 nonprofits utilizing the basic membership service approach. For example, a Chamber of Commerce, Lions Club, etc. may charge individuals, nonprofits, and corporations a fee to enjoy the membership of the organization.

I typically see fees for membership at a flat rate. Other times, there is a sliding fee based on how much revenue your business has, or how many individuals in your business or nonprofit will benefit from the membership. Advantages of individuals, nonprofits, and businesses signing up for memberships could be specialized training, networking, advertising, and other opportunities.

Case Study: Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce

I serve on the board at the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce and our operations are mainly funded through membership dues. This provides funding for the executive director and other types of administrative costs.

Examples:

  • Other types of incentives for membership fees include the members getting:
  • A monthly magazine
  • Weekly newsletter
  • Discounts to fundraisers or affiliates organizations
  • Member-only events

Think of art museums, nature societies, or other nonprofits that offer these types of memberships. Maybe you have an animal shelter and include a membership where members get monthly pictures of the animals, free admission to the annual doggy 5K race, or other exclusive or informational opportunities.

Tuition Fees

This is commonly associated with universities, but you could also think of this if your nonprofit is (or can!) offer any knowledge sessions.

Nonprofit colleges and schools do charge tuition fees! Just because it is a nonprofit college doesn’t mean it is dirt cheap tuition fees, either!

Case Study: Many USA Universities

Examples:

  • University of Southern California
  • Georgetown University
  • Boston University
  • University of Boston

To name a few. Check out more!

Speaking Engagements / Appearances

Your executive director, people who serve on your board of directors, or even some of your volunteers probably have amazing stories!

Of course, all won’t necessarily be offered a financial contribution to be speakers, but some might be.  Building up to speak at national or international conferences can include a nice side income. But even speaking at local trade associations or chambers can produce some money.


Case Study: Bethany Hamilton

Bethany is a surfer from Hawaii who lost her arm during a shark attack while surfing. I actually remember this day as I lived on O’ahu at the time and the word traveled very quickly (even though she was on a different Hawaiian island). Even though she lost her arm, she returned to surfing and has won many competitions.

She also started a group, “Friends of Bethany” where they have speaking engagements and conferences. They charge fees for some of these events/speaking engagements to fund their efforts of helping other amputees and shark attack survivors.

Examples:

Get paid to speak at the following:

  • National Conferences (in your field)
  • Rotary Clubs
  • Chamber Events
  • University Events
  • City College Events
  • Here’s a Directory of Associations

Renting out Space

Does your nonprofit have a building or physical space? Are you utilizing the space at all times? Well even if you’re not, your are paying for rent 24/7!

If you aren’t utilizing the space at all times, you may consider renting out some of that unused space! You could rent out to other nonprofits or individuals to run workshops, AA groups, training, or even baby showers!

Maybe your office is closed on the weekends, but a smaller house church would love to rent out your conference room on Sundays? Or maybe you have a beautiful garden area outside (or real quick want to create one!) and you can rent it out for weddings or photoshoots?<...

]]> Is your nonprofit ready to earn income?

“What?? But we’re a nonprofit. We can’t earn income!”

Oh, yes you can! Just because you are a nonprofit organization does not mean that you cannot earn income. Nonprofit doesn’t mean ‘no’ profit. It simply means you take the profit and put it back into the organization.

However, you do have to make sure that anything you do to earn income directly relates to the mission of your nonprofit. For example, if your nonprofit is an animal shelter and you start raising revenue by providing human resource services for solo entrepreneurs, it may not be a good fit. Offering pet rentals for connecting with senior citizens may be a better way of raising revenue.

Of course, if you do find something that is a great income generator and isn’t related to your mission, your nonprofit may still be able to do it, but it might not be ‘tax-exempt’ income; i.e. you may have to pay taxes on it.

Before we get into earned income, if you would like more information about other types of revenue for nonprofits be sure to check out episode 90! There is an amazing FREE downloadable included! www.grantwritingandfunding.com/90.

As with anyone wanting to get income for offering services or products, first the nonprofit needs to develop a business plan! 

Eek! Even a nonprofit needs a business plan?

Yes! Actually, you should’ve developed one before you became incorporated, but it might not have happened or maybe your nonprofit has changed a lot since that amazing day!

So what do you need to know?

Well, what your nonprofit can provide and what the market will pay for. This is the basic supply/demand model.

We aren’t going to go into a crazy business plan, but I am going to give you some examples so you can get some ideas for your nonprofit!  Try to keep in mind the idea of supply and demand as you read through these.

I might share something that sounds amazing and you think would work for your nonprofit, but first test it on a small-scale before you invest crazy time and money into it!

General Services

According to MissionBox, a fee-for-service approach for nonprofits is defined as “nonprofit uses its earnings to support its mission and prioritizes benefit to the community over profits. Your organization can grow financial sustainability with a fee-for-service model.”


Case Study: YMCA

They are a hybrid as they offer Membership programs (see below) for their services. These services include workout classes, community classes, a gym, etc.

Examples:

  • Classes on gardening (or other specialized skill! Painting, etc)
  • Consulting
  • Counseling
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Human resources
  • IT skills

Memberships

I see a lot of 501(c)6 nonprofits utilizing the basic membership service approach. For example, a Chamber of Commerce, Lions Club, etc. may charge individuals, nonprofits, and corporations a fee to enjoy the membership of the organization.

I typically see fees for membership at a flat rate. Other times, there is a sliding fee based on how much revenue your business has, or how many individuals in your business or nonprofit will benefit from the membership. Advantages of individuals, nonprofits, and businesses signing up for memberships could be specialized training, networking, advertising, and other opportunities.

Case Study: Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce

I serve on the board at the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce and our operations are mainly funded through membership dues. This provides funding for the executive director and other types of administrative costs.

Examples:

  • Other types of incentives for membership fees include the members getting:
  • A monthly magazine
  • Weekly newsletter
  • Discounts to fundraisers or affiliates organizations
  • Member-only events

Think of art museums, nature societies, or other nonprofits that offer these types of memberships. Maybe you have an animal shelter and include a membership where members get monthly pictures of the animals, free admission to the annual doggy 5K race, or other exclusive or informational opportunities.

Tuition Fees

This is commonly associated with universities, but you could also think of this if your nonprofit is (or can!) offer any knowledge sessions.

Nonprofit colleges and schools do charge tuition fees! Just because it is a nonprofit college doesn’t mean it is dirt cheap tuition fees, either!

Case Study: Many USA Universities

Examples:

  • University of Southern California
  • Georgetown University
  • Boston University
  • University of Boston

To name a few. Check out more!

Speaking Engagements / Appearances

Your executive director, people who serve on your board of directors, or even some of your volunteers probably have amazing stories!

Of course, all won’t necessarily be offered a financial contribution to be speakers, but some might be.  Building up to speak at national or international conferences can include a nice side income. But even speaking at local trade associations or chambers can produce some money.


Case Study: Bethany Hamilton

Bethany is a surfer from Hawaii who lost her arm during a shark attack while surfing. I actually remember this day as I lived on O’ahu at the time and the word traveled very quickly (even though she was on a different Hawaiian island). Even though she lost her arm, she returned to surfing and has won many competitions.

She also started a group, “Friends of Bethany” where they have speaking engagements and conferences. They charge fees for some of these events/speaking engagements to fund their efforts of helping other amputees and shark attack survivors.

Examples:

Get paid to speak at the following:

  • National Conferences (in your field)
  • Rotary Clubs
  • Chamber Events
  • University Events
  • City College Events
  • Here’s a Directory of Associations

Renting out Space

Does your nonprofit have a building or physical space? Are you utilizing the space at all times? Well even if you’re not, your are paying for rent 24/7!

If you aren’t utilizing the space at all times, you may consider renting out some of that unused space! You could rent out to other nonprofits or individuals to run workshops, AA groups, training, or even baby showers!

Maybe your office is closed on the weekends, but a smaller house church would love to rent out your conference room on Sundays? Or maybe you have a beautiful garden area outside (or real quick want to create one!) and you can rent it out for weddings or photoshoots?<...

]]> Tue, 01 Oct 2019 09:00:04 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1280 Is your nonprofit ready to earn income?

“What?? But we’re a nonprofit. We can’t earn income!”

Oh, yes you can! Just because you are a nonprofit organization does not mean that you cannot earn income. Nonprofit doesn’t mean ‘no’ profit. It simply means you take the profit and put it back into the organization.

However, you do have to make sure that anything you do to earn income directly relates to the mission of your nonprofit. For example, if your nonprofit is an animal shelter and you start raising revenue by providing human resource services for solo entrepreneurs, it may not be a good fit. Offering pet rentals for connecting with senior citizens may be a better way of raising revenue.

Of course, if you do find something that is a great income generator and isn’t related to your mission, your nonprofit may still be able to do it, but it might not be ‘tax-exempt’ income; i.e. you may have to pay taxes on it.

Before we get into earned income, if you would like more information about other types of revenue for nonprofits be sure to check out episode 90! There is an amazing FREE downloadable included! www.grantwritingandfunding.com/90.

As with anyone wanting to get income for offering services or products, first the nonprofit needs to develop a business plan! 

Eek! Even a nonprofit needs a business plan?

Yes! Actually, you should’ve developed one before you became incorporated, but it might not have happened or maybe your nonprofit has changed a lot since that amazing day!

So what do you need to know?

Well, what your nonprofit can provide and what the market will pay for. This is the basic supply/demand model.

We aren’t going to go into a crazy business plan, but I am going to give you some examples so you can get some ideas for your nonprofit!  Try to keep in mind the idea of supply and demand as you read through these.

I might share something that sounds amazing and you think would work for your nonprofit, but first test it on a small-scale before you invest crazy time and money into it!

General Services

According to MissionBox, a fee-for-service approach for nonprofits is defined as “nonprofit uses its earnings to support its mission and prioritizes benefit to the community over profits. Your organization can grow financial sustainability with a fee-for-service model.”


Case Study: YMCA

They are a hybrid as they offer Membership programs (see below) for their services. These services include workout classes, community classes, a gym, etc.

Examples:

  • Classes on gardening (or other specialized skill! Painting, etc)
  • Consulting
  • Counseling
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Human resources
  • IT skills

Memberships

I see a lot of 501(c)6 nonprofits utilizing the basic membership service approach. For example, a Chamber of Commerce, Lions Club, etc. may charge individuals, nonprofits, and corporations a fee to enjoy the membership of the organization.

I typically see fees for membership at a flat rate. Other times, there is a sliding fee based on how much revenue your business has, or how many individuals in your business or nonprofit will benefit from the membership. Advantages of individuals, nonprofits, and businesses signing up for memberships could be specialized training, networking, advertising, and other opportunities.

Case Study: Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce

I serve on the board at the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce and our operations are mainly funded through membership dues. This provides funding for the executive director and other types of administrative costs.

Examples:

  • Other types of incentives for membership fees include the members getting:
  • A monthly magazine
  • Weekly newsletter
  • Discounts to fundraisers or affiliates organizations
  • Member-only events

Think of art museums, nature societies, or other nonprofits that offer these types of memberships. Maybe you have an animal shelter and include a membership where members get monthly pictures of the animals, free admission to the annual doggy 5K race, or other exclusive or informational opportunities.

Tuition Fees

This is commonly associated with universities, but you could also think of this if your nonprofit is (or can!) offer any knowledge sessions.

Nonprofit colleges and schools do charge tuition fees! Just because it is a nonprofit college doesn’t mean it is dirt cheap tuition fees, either!

Case Study: Many USA Universities

Examples:

  • University of Southern California
  • Georgetown University
  • Boston University
  • University of Boston

To name a few. Check out more!

Speaking Engagements / Appearances

Your executive director, people who serve on your board of directors, or even some of your volunteers probably have amazing stories!

Of course, all won’t necessarily be offered a financial contribution to be speakers, but some might be.  Building up to speak at national or international conferences can include a nice side income. But even speaking at local trade associations or chambers can produce some money.


Case Study: Bethany Hamilton

Bethany is a surfer from Hawaii who lost her arm during a shark attack while surfing. I actually remember this day as I lived on O’ahu at the time and the word traveled very quickly (even though she was on a different Hawaiian island). Even though she lost her arm, she returned to surfing and has won many competitions.

She also started a group, “Friends of Bethany” where they have speaking engagements and conferences. They charge fees for some of these events/speaking engagements to fund their efforts of helping other amputees and shark attack survivors.

Examples:

Get paid to speak at the following:

  • National Conferences (in your field)
  • Rotary Clubs
  • Chamber Events
  • University Events
  • City College Events
  • Here’s a Directory of Associations

Renting out Space

Does your nonprofit have a building or physical space? Are you utilizing the space at all times? Well even if you’re not, your are paying for rent 24/7!

If you aren’t utilizing the space at all times, you may consider renting out some of that unused space! You could rent out to other nonprofits or individuals to run workshops, AA groups, training, or even baby showers!

Maybe your office is closed on the weekends, but a smaller house church would love to rent out your conference room on Sundays? Or maybe you have a beautiful garden area outside (or real quick want to create one!) and you can rent it out for weddings or photoshoots?<...

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No 090: 8 Powerful Ways to Get Money for Your Nonprofit 90 90 090: 8 Powerful Ways to Get Money for Your Nonprofit full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/682684685 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/090-8-powerful-ways-to-get-money-for-your-nonprofit Tue, 24 Sep 2019 09:00:06 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1714 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No How For-Profit Businesses Support Nonprofits with Alexis Cook of Unlocked 89 89 How For-Profit Businesses Support Nonprofits with Alexis Cook of Unlocked full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/680393276 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/089-how-for-profit-businesses-support-nonprofits-with-alexis-cook-of-unlocked Alexis Cook, Co-Founder and Co-President of Unlocked, joins us to share the inspiring story behind her ethical jewelry brand that empowers women transitioning out of homelessness. She walks us through how Unlocked was built from the ground up while she was still a student at Vanderbilt, how market research shaped their business model, and how they partner with nonprofits to create meaningful employment opportunities. 

We also explore why they chose a for-profit structure, how they’ve scaled and gained national recognition, their approach to product design and pricing for inclusivity, and how nonprofits and for-profits can collaborate to create lasting social impact.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Alexis Cook is the Co-Founder and Co-President of Unlocked, an ethical jewelry brand based in Nashville, Tennessee, that employs and empowers women transitioning out of homelessness. She was an Ingram Scholar at Vanderbilt University, where she studied Human and Organizational Development and Economics. 

Alexis co-founded Unlocked during her undergraduate years and transitioned into running the company full-time after graduating in 2018. Since then, Unlocked has grown rapidly and has been featured in publications such as the Social Enterprise Alliance and News Channel 5.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Alexis Cook, Co-Founder and Co-President of Unlocked, joins us to share the inspiring story behind her ethical jewelry brand that empowers women transitioning out of homelessness. She walks us through how Unlocked was built from the ground up while she was still a student at Vanderbilt, how market research shaped their business model, and how they partner with nonprofits to create meaningful employment opportunities. 

We also explore why they chose a for-profit structure, how they’ve scaled and gained national recognition, their approach to product design and pricing for inclusivity, and how nonprofits and for-profits can collaborate to create lasting social impact.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Alexis Cook is the Co-Founder and Co-President of Unlocked, an ethical jewelry brand based in Nashville, Tennessee, that employs and empowers women transitioning out of homelessness. She was an Ingram Scholar at Vanderbilt University, where she studied Human and Organizational Development and Economics. 

Alexis co-founded Unlocked during her undergraduate years and transitioned into running the company full-time after graduating in 2018. Since then, Unlocked has grown rapidly and has been featured in publications such as the Social Enterprise Alliance and News Channel 5.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 17 Sep 2019 16:03:16 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 3074 Alexis Cook, Co-Founder and Co-President of Unlocked, joins us to share the inspiring story behind her ethical jewelry brand that empowers women transitioning out of homelessness. She walks us through how Unlocked was built from the ground up while she was still a student at Vanderbilt, how market research shaped their business model, and how they partner with nonprofits to create meaningful employment opportunities. 

We also explore why they chose a for-profit structure, how they’ve scaled and gained national recognition, their approach to product design and pricing for inclusivity, and how nonprofits and for-profits can collaborate to create lasting social impact.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Alexis Cook is the Co-Founder and Co-President of Unlocked, an ethical jewelry brand based in Nashville, Tennessee, that employs and empowers women transitioning out of homelessness. She was an Ingram Scholar at Vanderbilt University, where she studied Human and Organizational Development and Economics. 

Alexis co-founded Unlocked during her undergraduate years and transitioned into running the company full-time after graduating in 2018. Since then, Unlocked has grown rapidly and has been featured in publications such as the Social Enterprise Alliance and News Channel 5.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No 088: The S in the G.R.A.N.T.S. Formula: How to develop a strategic budget for your grants 88 88 088: The S in the G.R.A.N.T.S. Formula: How to develop a strategic budget for your grants full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/678981342 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/088-the-s-in-the-g-r-a-n-t-s-formula-how-to-develop-a-strategic-budget-for-your-grants Wed, 11 Sep 2019 03:00:06 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2009 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No 087: The T in the G.R.A.N.T.S. Formula: How to Draft Activities that Get your Grant Funded 87 87 087: The T in the G.R.A.N.T.S. Formula: How to Draft Activities that Get your Grant Funded full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/676083857 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/087-the-t-in-the-g-r-a-n-t-s-formula-how-to-draft-activities-that-get-your-grant-funded Wed, 04 Sep 2019 03:00:26 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1464 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No 086: The N in the G.R.A.N.T.S. Formula: 5 Tips If You Want to Avoid Failure When Writing Objectives 86 86 086: The N in the G.R.A.N.T.S. Formula: 5 Tips If You Want to Avoid Failure When Writing Objectives full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/671573180 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/086-the-n-in-the-g-r-a-n-t-s-formula-5-tips-if-you-want-to-avoid-failure-when-writing-objectives Wed, 28 Aug 2019 03:00:26 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1119 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No 085: The A in the G.R.A.N.T.S. Formula: How to Quickly Articulate a Goal to Guide your Grant 85 85 085: The A in the G.R.A.N.T.S. Formula: How to Quickly Articulate a Goal to Guide your Grant full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/668398307 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/085-the-a-in-the-g-r-a-n-t-s-formula-how-to-quickly-articulate-a-goal-to-guide-your-grant Wed, 21 Aug 2019 03:00:16 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 967 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No 084: The R in the G.R.A.N.T.S. Formula 84 84 084: The R in the G.R.A.N.T.S. Formula full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/665474138 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/084-the-r-in-the-g-r-a-n-t-s-formula Wed, 14 Aug 2019 03:00:16 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1385 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No The G in the G.R.A.N.T.S. Formula 83 83 The G in the G.R.A.N.T.S. Formula full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/661812500 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/the-g-in-the-g-r-a-n-t-s-formula Introducing the G.R.A.N.T.S. Formula – Your Key to Writing Efficient Grants

Are you ready to revolutionize your grant writing process?

Look no further than the G.R.A.N.T.S. Formula, a proven framework designed to enhance your grant writing skills and create a competitive grant structure. Developed to address the challenges faced by grant writers, this formula will guide you from a blank page to a well-structured grant proposal in no time.

Let’s dive into the details of the G.R.A.N.T.S. Formula, starting with the “G” – Get the FOA or RFP and Use it as a Template.

A Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), or Request for Proposal (RFP), provides essential information on how funding agencies want grant applications to be written. Each FOA or RFP is unique, with its own set of requirements and guidelines.

By thoroughly reading and understanding the FOA or RFP, you can use its criteria as headers in your grant application, ensuring alignment with the funding agency’s expectations.

This will get you over the ‘blank staring at a screen’ that many beginner grant writers find themselves.

During this initial step, you’ll familiarize yourself with the mission, eligibility criteria, deadlines, technical requirements, and sections to be addressed in the grant application. Additionally, you’ll have access to scoring criteria and contact information for any clarifications.

I’ve received many emails from people saying that they’re struggling with the learning process of writing grants and gaining experience with grant writing. This formula will help you achieve exactly that! It will also help you go from staring at a blank page and being overwhelmed, to having a draft developed in no time at all!

Let’s get into some of those tricks with our “G” from the G.R.A.N.T.S. Formula.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Introducing the G.R.A.N.T.S. Formula – Your Key to Writing Efficient Grants

Are you ready to revolutionize your grant writing process?

Look no further than the G.R.A.N.T.S. Formula, a proven framework designed to enhance your grant writing skills and create a competitive grant structure. Developed to address the challenges faced by grant writers, this formula will guide you from a blank page to a well-structured grant proposal in no time.

Let’s dive into the details of the G.R.A.N.T.S. Formula, starting with the “G” – Get the FOA or RFP and Use it as a Template.

A Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), or Request for Proposal (RFP), provides essential information on how funding agencies want grant applications to be written. Each FOA or RFP is unique, with its own set of requirements and guidelines.

By thoroughly reading and understanding the FOA or RFP, you can use its criteria as headers in your grant application, ensuring alignment with the funding agency’s expectations.

This will get you over the ‘blank staring at a screen’ that many beginner grant writers find themselves.

During this initial step, you’ll familiarize yourself with the mission, eligibility criteria, deadlines, technical requirements, and sections to be addressed in the grant application. Additionally, you’ll have access to scoring criteria and contact information for any clarifications.

I’ve received many emails from people saying that they’re struggling with the learning process of writing grants and gaining experience with grant writing. This formula will help you achieve exactly that! It will also help you go from staring at a blank page and being overwhelmed, to having a draft developed in no time at all!

Let’s get into some of those tricks with our “G” from the G.R.A.N.T.S. Formula.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Wed, 07 Aug 2019 03:00:15 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1689 Introducing the G.R.A.N.T.S. Formula – Your Key to Writing Efficient Grants

Are you ready to revolutionize your grant writing process?

Look no further than the G.R.A.N.T.S. Formula, a proven framework designed to enhance your grant writing skills and create a competitive grant structure. Developed to address the challenges faced by grant writers, this formula will guide you from a blank page to a well-structured grant proposal in no time.

Let’s dive into the details of the G.R.A.N.T.S. Formula, starting with the “G” – Get the FOA or RFP and Use it as a Template.

A Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), or Request for Proposal (RFP), provides essential information on how funding agencies want grant applications to be written. Each FOA or RFP is unique, with its own set of requirements and guidelines.

By thoroughly reading and understanding the FOA or RFP, you can use its criteria as headers in your grant application, ensuring alignment with the funding agency’s expectations.

This will get you over the ‘blank staring at a screen’ that many beginner grant writers find themselves.

During this initial step, you’ll familiarize yourself with the mission, eligibility criteria, deadlines, technical requirements, and sections to be addressed in the grant application. Additionally, you’ll have access to scoring criteria and contact information for any clarifications.

I’ve received many emails from people saying that they’re struggling with the learning process of writing grants and gaining experience with grant writing. This formula will help you achieve exactly that! It will also help you go from staring at a blank page and being overwhelmed, to having a draft developed in no time at all!

Let’s get into some of those tricks with our “G” from the G.R.A.N.T.S. Formula.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No 082: How to Submit for IRB and Conduct a Needs & Strengths Assessment w/ Dr. Ellen 82 82 082: How to Submit for IRB and Conduct a Needs & Strengths Assessment w/ Dr. Ellen full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/658855403 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/082-how-to-submit-for-irb-and-conduct-a-needs-strengths-assessment-w-dr-ellen Wed, 31 Jul 2019 03:00:35 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2449 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No 081: 7 Reasons to Get IRB Approval and How it Can Make You Money 81 81 081: 7 Reasons to Get IRB Approval and How it Can Make You Money full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/655589963 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/081-7-reasons-to-get-irb-approval-and-how-it-can-make-you-money Wed, 24 Jul 2019 03:00:24 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1428 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ep. 80: 8 Ways to Cite Research for Grants 80 80 Ep. 80: 8 Ways to Cite Research for Grants full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/651801212 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/080-8-ways-to-cite-research-for-grants-plus-its-my-birthday-and-i-got-you-a-gift Learn how to track sources and file them into a stunning bibliography for your grant. We're all about citations and celebrations because it's Holly's Birthday! Head on over to www.grantwritingandfunding.com/80 for your FREE gift! Listen to the podcast on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher or watch on YouTube! To share your thoughts: Send Holly an email at holly@grantwritingandfunding.com To help out the show: Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help, and I read all of them! Subscribe on iTunes or on YouTube. Looking for more? Follow us on Instagram @grantwriting_funding

]]> Learn how to track sources and file them into a stunning bibliography for your grant. We're all about citations and celebrations because it's Holly's Birthday! Head on over to www.grantwritingandfunding.com/80 for your FREE gift! Listen to the podcast on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher or watch on YouTube! To share your thoughts: Send Holly an email at holly@grantwritingandfunding.com To help out the show: Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help, and I read all of them! Subscribe on iTunes or on YouTube. Looking for more? Follow us on Instagram @grantwriting_funding

]]> Tue, 16 Jul 2019 03:00:34 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1373 Learn how to track sources and file them into a stunning bibliography for your grant. We're all about citations and celebrations because it's Holly's Birthday! Head on over to www.grantwritingandfunding.com/80 for your FREE gift! Listen to the podcast on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher or watch on YouTube! To share your thoughts: Send Holly an email at holly@grantwritingandfunding.com To help out the show: Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help, and I read all of them! Subscribe on iTunes or on YouTube. Looking for more? Follow us on Instagram @grantwriting_funding

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Social Media Polls Made Easy for Grants 79 79 Social Media Polls Made Easy for Grants full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/648560663 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/social-media-polls-made-easy-for-grants Gathering data is important when supporting grants, connecting with your beneficiaries, providing credibility for your projects, and even understanding what projects to develop. Data can be gathered in a multitude of different ways and as we discussed last week in our re-broadcast for conducting a Needs & Strengths Assessment (episode 78), I discussed methods for Needs & Strengths Assessments to utilize are online surveys, in-person surveys, and focus groups.

However, there are some other methods (and can be FREE or very affordable) ways to gather research. One, low hanging fruit way, to gather data that we will discuss today is using polls on Facebook and Instagram.

Social media can be a great platform to gather information about the needs and strengths of your beneficiaries or those who you may want to serve. So, let’s look at some main big social media mongrels. This is not extensive at all, but these are some of the larger social media platforms and you will walk away today being able to gather data on these platforms using very simple processes. If you have never utilized social media polls to gather information for your nonprofit or a nonprofit that you work with, after this episode you will be able to do it.

A full disclaimer is that any tactic that I am talking about as of July 2019 may change in the future as social media is always changing strategies, user interfaces, and options. These polls may not always be an option or as we speak they may be getting more and more robust. But the essence behind the strategy is the same. Social media is to create interaction and I am sure that connecting with your supporters, beneficiaries, and advocates utilizing social media will always be possible to some extent. 

Facebook Social Media Polls

As of 2019 Facebook is still the behemoth on social media. Yes, there are shifts and I see more and more people are using other social media platforms as their main sources, but Facebook is still king as has the most users at 2.23 billion users every month. That’s nearly a 1/3 of the world’s population!

Many nonprofits only have a Facebook page for their nonprofit and not even a website. I do not recommend this at all (and you can listen to more about why in episode 12: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/12) but the fact is this true. In any case, you should have some sort of social media platform for your nonprofit, or the ones you work with, and because of Facebook’s size, many nonprofits have pages on Facebook.

In order to really utilize Facebook for polls, ads, and other ways you need to have a separate page for your nonprofit or a group and not just your personal page.

For nonprofits, I like Facebook nonprofit pages so they can set up groups, go Live, add updated information, create ads, and form a tribe. So how do you gather information utilizing Facebook polls?

Facebook has the option to easily create a poll in groups or on non-personal pages. All you have to do is click on ‘create a post’ and you have the option for poll. You can even add images to each choice. This is a great way to get your supporters or beneficiaries to answer some questions. I am an administrator of a couple of pages on Facebook and one poll I recently did was to ask people in the group which type of funding they are most focused on securing for their nonprofits in 2019. I gave them the choices of 1) grants, 2) fundraising events, 3) crowdfunding campaign, 4) donor support, 5) create products, or to 6) create services. If you are part of “Fund My Nonprofit” on Facebook, you can scroll down the page and check it out. If you are not yet in the group, please join as this is a free group and has hundreds of members! Just look for “Fund My Nonprofit – Funding Tips and How-To’s”.

The Facebook poll I created took me less than a minute and the feedback was super helpful on a couple of different levels. One level is that I know what type of content to create for this group because I know what most people will find the most valuable. Most people clicked ‘grant funding’ which is perfect for me as that is what I can talk about all day long!

Another level on how it was helpful is that it gives the people a voice and creates a stronger tribe. They get to tell me what they want more of and have a voice to contribute in the group.

How do you get people to take your poll, though?

Well, polls are simple, too, and very quick for people to take. You can use open-ended questions and ask people to reply in the comments, but by providing pre-set answers you will in most cases get a higher amount of responses. This is because when people are on social media, they are getting pings and notifications from a bunch of different sources all at the same time. Polls make a quick and easy way to gather information from a specific group of people.

Guiding people to your poll

The best way you can get an increased number of people replying to your poll is to also email out the list. For example, since I am targeting mainly people who work at nonprofits for my poll I will also email my list and ask people to respond to the poll by providing a link. Once people start responding to the poll, then Facebook does a funny thing of algorithms by notifying more people that like or follow your page and let them know about it. This is pretty cool as Facebook starts to do the work for you. However, you may have this in a private FB group and don’t want any and everyone’s reaction to it and only your targeted audience. That is fine as FB will only let people in your private group know.

Other than email, you can also drive people to your poll by creating ads on Facebook. In this way you can specifically narrow your target to the people with interests in your poll. I can pick a certain city and their interest has to include nonprofits. It is pretty cool, but ads will cost you money. The good thing is you can control how much money you will spend. We won’t go into creating ads as that is its own entire episode or series of episode, but this is an option. One reason you might do a targeted ad is if you do not have a lot of followers or want a larger response rate.

Another simple way to drive people to your poll is by creating more social media posts with the link back to your poll.

Of course polls are not the only way to gather information on Facebook, but I find they are the simplest and most straightforward way.

Polls on Instagram

Create a poll utilizing Instagram Stories:

  1. Create a new Instagram Story
  2. Tap the sticker icon at the top of the screen
  3. Tap to select the “Poll” sticker icon
  4. Fill in the question for your poll
  5. Tap “Your Story” or “Send To >” to share your poll to your Story

This can also be shared with your Facebook page if you have it connected. This is cool way to add a poll.

To check the results on your poll

  1. Scroll up on your story (or if it’s been more than 24 hours, go to Archives in your Instagram account)
  2. Click on the post
  3. Scroll up.

Very cool.

For either Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and other

Create an engaging image or video and inside the text ask people a question and to leave their answer in the comment section. This can be a way to get more information, as well.

You can also utilize so...

]]> Gathering data is important when supporting grants, connecting with your beneficiaries, providing credibility for your projects, and even understanding what projects to develop. Data can be gathered in a multitude of different ways and as we discussed last week in our re-broadcast for conducting a Needs & Strengths Assessment (episode 78), I discussed methods for Needs & Strengths Assessments to utilize are online surveys, in-person surveys, and focus groups.

However, there are some other methods (and can be FREE or very affordable) ways to gather research. One, low hanging fruit way, to gather data that we will discuss today is using polls on Facebook and Instagram.

Social media can be a great platform to gather information about the needs and strengths of your beneficiaries or those who you may want to serve. So, let’s look at some main big social media mongrels. This is not extensive at all, but these are some of the larger social media platforms and you will walk away today being able to gather data on these platforms using very simple processes. If you have never utilized social media polls to gather information for your nonprofit or a nonprofit that you work with, after this episode you will be able to do it.

A full disclaimer is that any tactic that I am talking about as of July 2019 may change in the future as social media is always changing strategies, user interfaces, and options. These polls may not always be an option or as we speak they may be getting more and more robust. But the essence behind the strategy is the same. Social media is to create interaction and I am sure that connecting with your supporters, beneficiaries, and advocates utilizing social media will always be possible to some extent. 

Facebook Social Media Polls

As of 2019 Facebook is still the behemoth on social media. Yes, there are shifts and I see more and more people are using other social media platforms as their main sources, but Facebook is still king as has the most users at 2.23 billion users every month. That’s nearly a 1/3 of the world’s population!

Many nonprofits only have a Facebook page for their nonprofit and not even a website. I do not recommend this at all (and you can listen to more about why in episode 12: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/12) but the fact is this true. In any case, you should have some sort of social media platform for your nonprofit, or the ones you work with, and because of Facebook’s size, many nonprofits have pages on Facebook.

In order to really utilize Facebook for polls, ads, and other ways you need to have a separate page for your nonprofit or a group and not just your personal page.

For nonprofits, I like Facebook nonprofit pages so they can set up groups, go Live, add updated information, create ads, and form a tribe. So how do you gather information utilizing Facebook polls?

Facebook has the option to easily create a poll in groups or on non-personal pages. All you have to do is click on ‘create a post’ and you have the option for poll. You can even add images to each choice. This is a great way to get your supporters or beneficiaries to answer some questions. I am an administrator of a couple of pages on Facebook and one poll I recently did was to ask people in the group which type of funding they are most focused on securing for their nonprofits in 2019. I gave them the choices of 1) grants, 2) fundraising events, 3) crowdfunding campaign, 4) donor support, 5) create products, or to 6) create services. If you are part of “Fund My Nonprofit” on Facebook, you can scroll down the page and check it out. If you are not yet in the group, please join as this is a free group and has hundreds of members! Just look for “Fund My Nonprofit – Funding Tips and How-To’s”.

The Facebook poll I created took me less than a minute and the feedback was super helpful on a couple of different levels. One level is that I know what type of content to create for this group because I know what most people will find the most valuable. Most people clicked ‘grant funding’ which is perfect for me as that is what I can talk about all day long!

Another level on how it was helpful is that it gives the people a voice and creates a stronger tribe. They get to tell me what they want more of and have a voice to contribute in the group.

How do you get people to take your poll, though?

Well, polls are simple, too, and very quick for people to take. You can use open-ended questions and ask people to reply in the comments, but by providing pre-set answers you will in most cases get a higher amount of responses. This is because when people are on social media, they are getting pings and notifications from a bunch of different sources all at the same time. Polls make a quick and easy way to gather information from a specific group of people.

Guiding people to your poll

The best way you can get an increased number of people replying to your poll is to also email out the list. For example, since I am targeting mainly people who work at nonprofits for my poll I will also email my list and ask people to respond to the poll by providing a link. Once people start responding to the poll, then Facebook does a funny thing of algorithms by notifying more people that like or follow your page and let them know about it. This is pretty cool as Facebook starts to do the work for you. However, you may have this in a private FB group and don’t want any and everyone’s reaction to it and only your targeted audience. That is fine as FB will only let people in your private group know.

Other than email, you can also drive people to your poll by creating ads on Facebook. In this way you can specifically narrow your target to the people with interests in your poll. I can pick a certain city and their interest has to include nonprofits. It is pretty cool, but ads will cost you money. The good thing is you can control how much money you will spend. We won’t go into creating ads as that is its own entire episode or series of episode, but this is an option. One reason you might do a targeted ad is if you do not have a lot of followers or want a larger response rate.

Another simple way to drive people to your poll is by creating more social media posts with the link back to your poll.

Of course polls are not the only way to gather information on Facebook, but I find they are the simplest and most straightforward way.

Polls on Instagram

Create a poll utilizing Instagram Stories:

  1. Create a new Instagram Story
  2. Tap the sticker icon at the top of the screen
  3. Tap to select the “Poll” sticker icon
  4. Fill in the question for your poll
  5. Tap “Your Story” or “Send To >” to share your poll to your Story

This can also be shared with your Facebook page if you have it connected. This is cool way to add a poll.

To check the results on your poll

  1. Scroll up on your story (or if it’s been more than 24 hours, go to Archives in your Instagram account)
  2. Click on the post
  3. Scroll up.

Very cool.

For either Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and other

Create an engaging image or video and inside the text ask people a question and to leave their answer in the comment section. This can be a way to get more information, as well.

You can also utilize so...

]]> Wed, 10 Jul 2019 03:00:14 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1677 Gathering data is important when supporting grants, connecting with your beneficiaries, providing credibility for your projects, and even understanding what projects to develop. Data can be gathered in a multitude of different ways and as we discussed last week in our re-broadcast for conducting a Needs & Strengths Assessment (episode 78), I discussed methods for Needs & Strengths Assessments to utilize are online surveys, in-person surveys, and focus groups.

However, there are some other methods (and can be FREE or very affordable) ways to gather research. One, low hanging fruit way, to gather data that we will discuss today is using polls on Facebook and Instagram.

Social media can be a great platform to gather information about the needs and strengths of your beneficiaries or those who you may want to serve. So, let’s look at some main big social media mongrels. This is not extensive at all, but these are some of the larger social media platforms and you will walk away today being able to gather data on these platforms using very simple processes. If you have never utilized social media polls to gather information for your nonprofit or a nonprofit that you work with, after this episode you will be able to do it.

A full disclaimer is that any tactic that I am talking about as of July 2019 may change in the future as social media is always changing strategies, user interfaces, and options. These polls may not always be an option or as we speak they may be getting more and more robust. But the essence behind the strategy is the same. Social media is to create interaction and I am sure that connecting with your supporters, beneficiaries, and advocates utilizing social media will always be possible to some extent. 

Facebook Social Media Polls

As of 2019 Facebook is still the behemoth on social media. Yes, there are shifts and I see more and more people are using other social media platforms as their main sources, but Facebook is still king as has the most users at 2.23 billion users every month. That’s nearly a 1/3 of the world’s population!

Many nonprofits only have a Facebook page for their nonprofit and not even a website. I do not recommend this at all (and you can listen to more about why in episode 12: https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/12) but the fact is this true. In any case, you should have some sort of social media platform for your nonprofit, or the ones you work with, and because of Facebook’s size, many nonprofits have pages on Facebook.

In order to really utilize Facebook for polls, ads, and other ways you need to have a separate page for your nonprofit or a group and not just your personal page.

For nonprofits, I like Facebook nonprofit pages so they can set up groups, go Live, add updated information, create ads, and form a tribe. So how do you gather information utilizing Facebook polls?

Facebook has the option to easily create a poll in groups or on non-personal pages. All you have to do is click on ‘create a post’ and you have the option for poll. You can even add images to each choice. This is a great way to get your supporters or beneficiaries to answer some questions. I am an administrator of a couple of pages on Facebook and one poll I recently did was to ask people in the group which type of funding they are most focused on securing for their nonprofits in 2019. I gave them the choices of 1) grants, 2) fundraising events, 3) crowdfunding campaign, 4) donor support, 5) create products, or to 6) create services. If you are part of “Fund My Nonprofit” on Facebook, you can scroll down the page and check it out. If you are not yet in the group, please join as this is a free group and has hundreds of members! Just look for “Fund My Nonprofit – Funding Tips and How-To’s”.

The Facebook poll I created took me less than a minute and the feedback was super helpful on a couple of different levels. One level is that I know what type of content to create for this group because I know what most people will find the most valuable. Most people clicked ‘grant funding’ which is perfect for me as that is what I can talk about all day long!

Another level on how it was helpful is that it gives the people a voice and creates a stronger tribe. They get to tell me what they want more of and have a voice to contribute in the group.

How do you get people to take your poll, though?

Well, polls are simple, too, and very quick for people to take. You can use open-ended questions and ask people to reply in the comments, but by providing pre-set answers you will in most cases get a higher amount of responses. This is because when people are on social media, they are getting pings and notifications from a bunch of different sources all at the same time. Polls make a quick and easy way to gather information from a specific group of people.

Guiding people to your poll

The best way you can get an increased number of people replying to your poll is to also email out the list. For example, since I am targeting mainly people who work at nonprofits for my poll I will also email my list and ask people to respond to the poll by providing a link. Once people start responding to the poll, then Facebook does a funny thing of algorithms by notifying more people that like or follow your page and let them know about it. This is pretty cool as Facebook starts to do the work for you. However, you may have this in a private FB group and don’t want any and everyone’s reaction to it and only your targeted audience. That is fine as FB will only let people in your private group know.

Other than email, you can also drive people to your poll by creating ads on Facebook. In this way you can specifically narrow your target to the people with interests in your poll. I can pick a certain city and their interest has to include nonprofits. It is pretty cool, but ads will cost you money. The good thing is you can control how much money you will spend. We won’t go into creating ads as that is its own entire episode or series of episode, but this is an option. One reason you might do a targeted ad is if you do not have a lot of followers or want a larger response rate.

Another simple way to drive people to your poll is by creating more social media posts with the link back to your poll.

Of course polls are not the only way to gather information on Facebook, but I find they are the simplest and most straightforward way.

Polls on Instagram

Create a poll utilizing Instagram Stories:

  1. Create a new Instagram Story
  2. Tap the sticker icon at the top of the screen
  3. Tap to select the “Poll” sticker icon
  4. Fill in the question for your poll
  5. Tap “Your Story” or “Send To >” to share your poll to your Story

This can also be shared with your Facebook page if you have it connected. This is cool way to add a poll.

To check the results on your poll

  1. Scroll up on your story (or if it’s been more than 24 hours, go to Archives in your Instagram account)
  2. Click on the post
  3. Scroll up.

Very cool.

For either Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and other

Create an engaging image or video and inside the text ask people a question and to leave their answer in the comment section. This can be a way to get more information, as well.

You can also utilize so...

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No 078: Rebroadcast: Needs and Strengths Assessment 78 78 078: Rebroadcast: Needs and Strengths Assessment full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/645145953 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/078-rebroadcast-needs-and-strengths-assessment Wed, 03 Jul 2019 03:00:10 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2071 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No 077: How to Get Wildly Successful Media for Nonprofits: Tips on How to Write a Press Release 77 77 077: How to Get Wildly Successful Media for Nonprofits: Tips on How to Write a Press Release full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/641305806 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/077-how-to-get-wildly-successful-media-for-nonprofits-tips-on-how-to-write-a-press-release Wed, 26 Jun 2019 04:00:04 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1067 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No 076: 10 Steps to Get Video Comfortable for Your Nonprofit [w/ Downloadable] 76 76 076: 10 Steps to Get Video Comfortable for Your Nonprofit [w/ Downloadable] full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/638472678 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/076-10-steps-to-get-video-comfortable-for-your-nonprofit-w-downloadable Wed, 19 Jun 2019 06:59:59 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1673 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No 075: How to get Nonprofits Noticed [Free PR Checklist] 75 75 075: How to get Nonprofits Noticed [Free PR Checklist] full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/635405247 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/075-how-to-get-nonprofits-noticed-free-pr-checklist Wed, 12 Jun 2019 01:23:59 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 3507 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No 4 Proven Ways To Get Nonprofit Clients 74 74 4 Proven Ways To Get Nonprofit Clients full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/631940721 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/4-proven-ways-to-get-nonprofit-clients Are you a freelance grant writer or nonprofit consultant?

If you are then you know that one thing you want to know is how to get nonprofit clients! Sure, in the beginning you may have gotten a lot of people asking you to write grants, but how do you know if they will be a good-fit nonprofit client?

In order to secure nonprofit clients, freelance grant writers need to understand and do the following:

1) Understand the different types of nonprofits

You first need to really identify what types of nonprofits you want to target and to know that you need to understand the different types of nonprofit organizations.

Are they the cash cow, the expanding monkey, or the pups?

2) Be aware of funding priority shifts

This means, pay attention to trends and make your mark as an expert! Maybe you have nonprofit organizations asking about:

Be prepared to answer those questions! But also know what is going on in the grant writing arena.

3) Do you want to be a generalist or specialist?

These are all things for you to consider as a grant writer. What type of clients do you want to work with?

  • Generalist: Maybe you love working with nonprofits that are varied, in different states, and have a variety of projects. You love a challenge! You love learning about the latest trends and projects going on all over the world and are at your best when you can learn about new projects.
  • Specialist: You might be a specialist if you absolutely are passionate about working for a specific cause. Maybe you were in a nonprofit that served at-risk youth and you want to continue to serve other nonprofits that have this same specific cause. You want to focus most of your grant writing on writing to specific federal and founding funding sources that fund at-risk youth projects. You start an Instagram page on at-risk youth facts and statistics, create posts when grants are available, and follow the hashtag #nonprofityouth. Maybe your passion stems from being an at-risk youth yourself and you want to become part of that movement. This is a topic that you never get tired of talking about.

4) Write grants!

Get really good at first increasing the number of grants that you write. Just by doing this you will get experience! Sometimes you may have to start off as a volunteer, or working more as a generalist, but other things you can do are to take a grant writing course and show that you have some sort of experience.

So to sum up how to identify and get nonprofit clients as a grant writer are the following:

  1. Understand the different types of nonprofits (and know which ones you want to work with)
  2. Be aware of funding priorities shifting
  3. Identify if you want (or need to be) a generalist or specialist grant writer
  4. Write Grants

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Are you a freelance grant writer or nonprofit consultant?

If you are then you know that one thing you want to know is how to get nonprofit clients! Sure, in the beginning you may have gotten a lot of people asking you to write grants, but how do you know if they will be a good-fit nonprofit client?

In order to secure nonprofit clients, freelance grant writers need to understand and do the following:

1) Understand the different types of nonprofits

You first need to really identify what types of nonprofits you want to target and to know that you need to understand the different types of nonprofit organizations.

Are they the cash cow, the expanding monkey, or the pups?

2) Be aware of funding priority shifts

This means, pay attention to trends and make your mark as an expert! Maybe you have nonprofit organizations asking about:

Be prepared to answer those questions! But also know what is going on in the grant writing arena.

3) Do you want to be a generalist or specialist?

These are all things for you to consider as a grant writer. What type of clients do you want to work with?

  • Generalist: Maybe you love working with nonprofits that are varied, in different states, and have a variety of projects. You love a challenge! You love learning about the latest trends and projects going on all over the world and are at your best when you can learn about new projects.
  • Specialist: You might be a specialist if you absolutely are passionate about working for a specific cause. Maybe you were in a nonprofit that served at-risk youth and you want to continue to serve other nonprofits that have this same specific cause. You want to focus most of your grant writing on writing to specific federal and founding funding sources that fund at-risk youth projects. You start an Instagram page on at-risk youth facts and statistics, create posts when grants are available, and follow the hashtag #nonprofityouth. Maybe your passion stems from being an at-risk youth yourself and you want to become part of that movement. This is a topic that you never get tired of talking about.

4) Write grants!

Get really good at first increasing the number of grants that you write. Just by doing this you will get experience! Sometimes you may have to start off as a volunteer, or working more as a generalist, but other things you can do are to take a grant writing course and show that you have some sort of experience.

So to sum up how to identify and get nonprofit clients as a grant writer are the following:

  1. Understand the different types of nonprofits (and know which ones you want to work with)
  2. Be aware of funding priorities shifting
  3. Identify if you want (or need to be) a generalist or specialist grant writer
  4. Write Grants

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 04 Jun 2019 23:57:30 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1761 Are you a freelance grant writer or nonprofit consultant?

If you are then you know that one thing you want to know is how to get nonprofit clients! Sure, in the beginning you may have gotten a lot of people asking you to write grants, but how do you know if they will be a good-fit nonprofit client?

In order to secure nonprofit clients, freelance grant writers need to understand and do the following:

1) Understand the different types of nonprofits

You first need to really identify what types of nonprofits you want to target and to know that you need to understand the different types of nonprofit organizations.

Are they the cash cow, the expanding monkey, or the pups?

2) Be aware of funding priority shifts

This means, pay attention to trends and make your mark as an expert! Maybe you have nonprofit organizations asking about:

Be prepared to answer those questions! But also know what is going on in the grant writing arena.

3) Do you want to be a generalist or specialist?

These are all things for you to consider as a grant writer. What type of clients do you want to work with?

  • Generalist: Maybe you love working with nonprofits that are varied, in different states, and have a variety of projects. You love a challenge! You love learning about the latest trends and projects going on all over the world and are at your best when you can learn about new projects.
  • Specialist: You might be a specialist if you absolutely are passionate about working for a specific cause. Maybe you were in a nonprofit that served at-risk youth and you want to continue to serve other nonprofits that have this same specific cause. You want to focus most of your grant writing on writing to specific federal and founding funding sources that fund at-risk youth projects. You start an Instagram page on at-risk youth facts and statistics, create posts when grants are available, and follow the hashtag #nonprofityouth. Maybe your passion stems from being an at-risk youth yourself and you want to become part of that movement. This is a topic that you never get tired of talking about.

4) Write grants!

Get really good at first increasing the number of grants that you write. Just by doing this you will get experience! Sometimes you may have to start off as a volunteer, or working more as a generalist, but other things you can do are to take a grant writing course and show that you have some sort of experience.

So to sum up how to identify and get nonprofit clients as a grant writer are the following:

  1. Understand the different types of nonprofits (and know which ones you want to work with)
  2. Be aware of funding priorities shifting
  3. Identify if you want (or need to be) a generalist or specialist grant writer
  4. Write Grants

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No What's Your Grant Success? 5 Reasons This Is Myth 73 73 What's Your Grant Success? 5 Reasons This Is Myth full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/629320587 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/whats-your-grant-success-5-reasons-this-is-myth  If you are a freelance grant writer, then you probably get asked by potential clients what your grant writing success rate is; i.e.:

“What is your grant writing success rate?”

While I completely understand this question, it isn’t the clearest level of success for a grant writer.

Sure, there is validation of having grants awarded. I definitely recommend boasting about your secured grants so potential nonprofit clients can see what types of grants and clients you have worked with.

But stating an 80 percent or 50 percent success rate doesn’t really say how good of a grant writer you are. Chances are the nonprofit client that asks you your success rate won’t be able to interpret what is a ‘good’ success rate either.

Of course, you can and should track grants won for your own method, but there are better ways to identify your value as a grant writer.

What is Your Grant Writing Success Rate?

A lot of time you, as a grant writer, won’t even know what your success rate is unless you are tracking it. But your success rate is built upon a variety of variables.

#1) Quantity: If you have a ton of clients, your success rate could be lower. For example, you may write 10 grants per client and get two or three grants awarded per client. That could be a total of 30 grants secured and could total well into the millions of dollars. But your success rate would only be 10 percent. Ugh! On the other hand, if you only have written one grant and got it secured, then you have a 100 percent success rate. But you can see how that may not be a good indicator of you being a good grant writer.

#2) Nonprofit Credibility: A grant writer’s success rate is much of the time really supported by the credibility and experience of the nonprofit. If a nonprofit has been around for 40+ years, has secured a multitude of grants (maybe 30 percent + of the annual operating budget is supported by grants), and has a strong infrastructure then your grant writing success rate is automatically increased just based on the health of the nonprofit. As a reviewer looks at resumes with a strong track record on managing grants and implementing projects, they will have more confidence in the application versus a start-up nonprofit’s grant application.

#3) Nonprofit Project Experience: If the nonprofit has had years of experience serving a similar project that it is asking for funding for, they will have a leg-up. This differs from overall experience, as it looks at specific project experience. For example, if the nonprofit has a women’s project that serves victims of crime with housing and they are requesting grant funding for supportive services for their existing clients, they will have a higher chance of securing a grant compared to a nonprofit who has never served victims of crime and is asking for the same funding. According to Funding For Good, a success rate for a well-established nonprofit can be around 90 percent, expanding programs around 80 percent, and start-up projects around 30 percent. So it really does depend, in large part, of how much the nonprofit has experience with similar projects. Funding begets funding.

#4) Funding priorities: This year is the year of opioid grants, research, and STEM funding. Last year the funding priority was human trafficking. The trends of federal grants are reflected of the political administration.

#5) Knowing the grant: Another variable is how well you as a grant writer know a certain grant. I know other grant writers who only write grants for specific grants and categories; such as SAMHSA grants for family and children programs. They know they are more successful and like to write these grants so that is all they do. Some departments at universities focus nearly exclusively on NSF and NIH grants. This is due to it being a super good fit and them getting experience writing these grants and in return their success being very good at securing these grants.

The top 5 reasons that success rates are not a true indicator on your grant writing skills are:

  1. A percentage is tweaked by the number of grants you have written
  2. The credibility of the nonprofit
  3. The experience that the nonprofit has with the project
  4. Current funding priorities of federal grants and society trends
  5. How well you, as a grant writer, know the grant

So, what are good indicators for grant success?

#1: The types and number of grants you have secured: The bottom line is writing more grants produces more awarded grants. It’s simple math. But, also it really depends on the types of grants you are writing and getting awarded. Maybe you know a lot about project for women in need so it’ll be easier for you to secure certain DOJ or SAMHSA grants. Then those types of clients will be more drawn to you because of your success with those grants.

#2: The types of nonprofits you have worked with: If you have worked with start-up nonprofits, and due to the nature of start-ups work more on developing projects, then you will be more attractive for start-ups. Vice versa if you work with larger nonprofits, then you might be able to have leverage with working with other larger nonprofits.

#3: How well you are aware of priority shifts: Staying up-to-date on the political and economic climate is essential as a grant writer. Noting what is a priority for funding sources can also help you market to new clients. But most of all, this helps secure and maintain clients because you go through the shifts and pay attention to the federal guidelines and societal changes under foundations. Following grants.gov to keep up with federal guidelines is a good idea, and also following foundations on social media can give you updated information on where trends are headed.

#4: How well you know the grant or agency: This aligns with #1 and #3 but goes a step deeper. How well do you know a particular funding source? Go a step further and develop relationships with people who serve on the board at local foundations.

#5: How much funding you have secured. This is basic. Nonprofit clients want to know how much money you have secured. This goes back to #1 on funding begets funding, and writing more and more grants increases your knowledge on writing grants!

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the...

]]>  If you are a freelance grant writer, then you probably get asked by potential clients what your grant writing success rate is; i.e.:

“What is your grant writing success rate?”

While I completely understand this question, it isn’t the clearest level of success for a grant writer.

Sure, there is validation of having grants awarded. I definitely recommend boasting about your secured grants so potential nonprofit clients can see what types of grants and clients you have worked with.

But stating an 80 percent or 50 percent success rate doesn’t really say how good of a grant writer you are. Chances are the nonprofit client that asks you your success rate won’t be able to interpret what is a ‘good’ success rate either.

Of course, you can and should track grants won for your own method, but there are better ways to identify your value as a grant writer.

What is Your Grant Writing Success Rate?

A lot of time you, as a grant writer, won’t even know what your success rate is unless you are tracking it. But your success rate is built upon a variety of variables.

#1) Quantity: If you have a ton of clients, your success rate could be lower. For example, you may write 10 grants per client and get two or three grants awarded per client. That could be a total of 30 grants secured and could total well into the millions of dollars. But your success rate would only be 10 percent. Ugh! On the other hand, if you only have written one grant and got it secured, then you have a 100 percent success rate. But you can see how that may not be a good indicator of you being a good grant writer.

#2) Nonprofit Credibility: A grant writer’s success rate is much of the time really supported by the credibility and experience of the nonprofit. If a nonprofit has been around for 40+ years, has secured a multitude of grants (maybe 30 percent + of the annual operating budget is supported by grants), and has a strong infrastructure then your grant writing success rate is automatically increased just based on the health of the nonprofit. As a reviewer looks at resumes with a strong track record on managing grants and implementing projects, they will have more confidence in the application versus a start-up nonprofit’s grant application.

#3) Nonprofit Project Experience: If the nonprofit has had years of experience serving a similar project that it is asking for funding for, they will have a leg-up. This differs from overall experience, as it looks at specific project experience. For example, if the nonprofit has a women’s project that serves victims of crime with housing and they are requesting grant funding for supportive services for their existing clients, they will have a higher chance of securing a grant compared to a nonprofit who has never served victims of crime and is asking for the same funding. According to Funding For Good, a success rate for a well-established nonprofit can be around 90 percent, expanding programs around 80 percent, and start-up projects around 30 percent. So it really does depend, in large part, of how much the nonprofit has experience with similar projects. Funding begets funding.

#4) Funding priorities: This year is the year of opioid grants, research, and STEM funding. Last year the funding priority was human trafficking. The trends of federal grants are reflected of the political administration.

#5) Knowing the grant: Another variable is how well you as a grant writer know a certain grant. I know other grant writers who only write grants for specific grants and categories; such as SAMHSA grants for family and children programs. They know they are more successful and like to write these grants so that is all they do. Some departments at universities focus nearly exclusively on NSF and NIH grants. This is due to it being a super good fit and them getting experience writing these grants and in return their success being very good at securing these grants.

The top 5 reasons that success rates are not a true indicator on your grant writing skills are:

  1. A percentage is tweaked by the number of grants you have written
  2. The credibility of the nonprofit
  3. The experience that the nonprofit has with the project
  4. Current funding priorities of federal grants and society trends
  5. How well you, as a grant writer, know the grant

So, what are good indicators for grant success?

#1: The types and number of grants you have secured: The bottom line is writing more grants produces more awarded grants. It’s simple math. But, also it really depends on the types of grants you are writing and getting awarded. Maybe you know a lot about project for women in need so it’ll be easier for you to secure certain DOJ or SAMHSA grants. Then those types of clients will be more drawn to you because of your success with those grants.

#2: The types of nonprofits you have worked with: If you have worked with start-up nonprofits, and due to the nature of start-ups work more on developing projects, then you will be more attractive for start-ups. Vice versa if you work with larger nonprofits, then you might be able to have leverage with working with other larger nonprofits.

#3: How well you are aware of priority shifts: Staying up-to-date on the political and economic climate is essential as a grant writer. Noting what is a priority for funding sources can also help you market to new clients. But most of all, this helps secure and maintain clients because you go through the shifts and pay attention to the federal guidelines and societal changes under foundations. Following grants.gov to keep up with federal guidelines is a good idea, and also following foundations on social media can give you updated information on where trends are headed.

#4: How well you know the grant or agency: This aligns with #1 and #3 but goes a step deeper. How well do you know a particular funding source? Go a step further and develop relationships with people who serve on the board at local foundations.

#5: How much funding you have secured. This is basic. Nonprofit clients want to know how much money you have secured. This goes back to #1 on funding begets funding, and writing more and more grants increases your knowledge on writing grants!

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the...

]]> Thu, 30 May 2019 22:00:44 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1367  If you are a freelance grant writer, then you probably get asked by potential clients what your grant writing success rate is; i.e.:

“What is your grant writing success rate?”

While I completely understand this question, it isn’t the clearest level of success for a grant writer.

Sure, there is validation of having grants awarded. I definitely recommend boasting about your secured grants so potential nonprofit clients can see what types of grants and clients you have worked with.

But stating an 80 percent or 50 percent success rate doesn’t really say how good of a grant writer you are. Chances are the nonprofit client that asks you your success rate won’t be able to interpret what is a ‘good’ success rate either.

Of course, you can and should track grants won for your own method, but there are better ways to identify your value as a grant writer.

What is Your Grant Writing Success Rate?

A lot of time you, as a grant writer, won’t even know what your success rate is unless you are tracking it. But your success rate is built upon a variety of variables.

#1) Quantity: If you have a ton of clients, your success rate could be lower. For example, you may write 10 grants per client and get two or three grants awarded per client. That could be a total of 30 grants secured and could total well into the millions of dollars. But your success rate would only be 10 percent. Ugh! On the other hand, if you only have written one grant and got it secured, then you have a 100 percent success rate. But you can see how that may not be a good indicator of you being a good grant writer.

#2) Nonprofit Credibility: A grant writer’s success rate is much of the time really supported by the credibility and experience of the nonprofit. If a nonprofit has been around for 40+ years, has secured a multitude of grants (maybe 30 percent + of the annual operating budget is supported by grants), and has a strong infrastructure then your grant writing success rate is automatically increased just based on the health of the nonprofit. As a reviewer looks at resumes with a strong track record on managing grants and implementing projects, they will have more confidence in the application versus a start-up nonprofit’s grant application.

#3) Nonprofit Project Experience: If the nonprofit has had years of experience serving a similar project that it is asking for funding for, they will have a leg-up. This differs from overall experience, as it looks at specific project experience. For example, if the nonprofit has a women’s project that serves victims of crime with housing and they are requesting grant funding for supportive services for their existing clients, they will have a higher chance of securing a grant compared to a nonprofit who has never served victims of crime and is asking for the same funding. According to Funding For Good, a success rate for a well-established nonprofit can be around 90 percent, expanding programs around 80 percent, and start-up projects around 30 percent. So it really does depend, in large part, of how much the nonprofit has experience with similar projects. Funding begets funding.

#4) Funding priorities: This year is the year of opioid grants, research, and STEM funding. Last year the funding priority was human trafficking. The trends of federal grants are reflected of the political administration.

#5) Knowing the grant: Another variable is how well you as a grant writer know a certain grant. I know other grant writers who only write grants for specific grants and categories; such as SAMHSA grants for family and children programs. They know they are more successful and like to write these grants so that is all they do. Some departments at universities focus nearly exclusively on NSF and NIH grants. This is due to it being a super good fit and them getting experience writing these grants and in return their success being very good at securing these grants.

The top 5 reasons that success rates are not a true indicator on your grant writing skills are:

  1. A percentage is tweaked by the number of grants you have written
  2. The credibility of the nonprofit
  3. The experience that the nonprofit has with the project
  4. Current funding priorities of federal grants and society trends
  5. How well you, as a grant writer, know the grant

So, what are good indicators for grant success?

#1: The types and number of grants you have secured: The bottom line is writing more grants produces more awarded grants. It’s simple math. But, also it really depends on the types of grants you are writing and getting awarded. Maybe you know a lot about project for women in need so it’ll be easier for you to secure certain DOJ or SAMHSA grants. Then those types of clients will be more drawn to you because of your success with those grants.

#2: The types of nonprofits you have worked with: If you have worked with start-up nonprofits, and due to the nature of start-ups work more on developing projects, then you will be more attractive for start-ups. Vice versa if you work with larger nonprofits, then you might be able to have leverage with working with other larger nonprofits.

#3: How well you are aware of priority shifts: Staying up-to-date on the political and economic climate is essential as a grant writer. Noting what is a priority for funding sources can also help you market to new clients. But most of all, this helps secure and maintain clients because you go through the shifts and pay attention to the federal guidelines and societal changes under foundations. Following grants.gov to keep up with federal guidelines is a good idea, and also following foundations on social media can give you updated information on where trends are headed.

#4: How well you know the grant or agency: This aligns with #1 and #3 but goes a step deeper. How well do you know a particular funding source? Go a step further and develop relationships with people who serve on the board at local foundations.

#5: How much funding you have secured. This is basic. Nonprofit clients want to know how much money you have secured. This goes back to #1 on funding begets funding, and writing more and more grants increases your knowledge on writing grants!

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the...

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No 072: 4 Reasons Why You Should Get Paid As A Grant Writer and 3 Ways A Nonprofit Can Pay You 72 72 072: 4 Reasons Why You Should Get Paid As A Grant Writer and 3 Ways A Nonprofit Can Pay You full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/625060533 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/072-4-reasons-why-you-should-get-paid-as-a-grant-writer-and-3-ways-a-nonprofit-can-pay-you Wed, 22 May 2019 20:56:13 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1082 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No One-on-One Coaching Call with Founding Member Meg Tyquiengco of ENERGETIC PRESENCE 71 71 One-on-One Coaching Call with Founding Member Meg Tyquiengco of ENERGETIC PRESENCE full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/621327390 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/071-one-on-one-coaching-call-with-founding-member-meg-tyquiengco-of-energetic-presence In this episode, Holly Rustick takes you behind the scenes of a live coaching call with founding member Meg Tyquiengco of Energetic Presence, offering a real look into the kind of support available inside the Grant Writing & Funding Membership. 

During this 30-minute one-on-one session, Meg brings forward key challenges many nonprofits face, including how to transition from a working board of directors to a governing board, how to grow an organization with only a part-time executive director, how to effectively manage volunteers, and how to localize a nonprofit chapter within a larger national organization. 

Holly provides practical strategies, insights, and coaching to help navigate each of these areas, making this episode a valuable resource for nonprofit leaders looking to strengthen their structure, leadership, and impact.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Meg Tyquiengco is a coach, mentor, and trainer/facilitator through her organization, Energetic Presence. She specializes in leadership, communication, teamwork, and sales and service, with a focus on creating teams of leaders. 

Meg is also a sought-after speaker across Guam, where she promotes “The Power of Giving Back,” leadership through mentoring, and the importance of supporting your community.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> In this episode, Holly Rustick takes you behind the scenes of a live coaching call with founding member Meg Tyquiengco of Energetic Presence, offering a real look into the kind of support available inside the Grant Writing & Funding Membership. 

During this 30-minute one-on-one session, Meg brings forward key challenges many nonprofits face, including how to transition from a working board of directors to a governing board, how to grow an organization with only a part-time executive director, how to effectively manage volunteers, and how to localize a nonprofit chapter within a larger national organization. 

Holly provides practical strategies, insights, and coaching to help navigate each of these areas, making this episode a valuable resource for nonprofit leaders looking to strengthen their structure, leadership, and impact.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Meg Tyquiengco is a coach, mentor, and trainer/facilitator through her organization, Energetic Presence. She specializes in leadership, communication, teamwork, and sales and service, with a focus on creating teams of leaders. 

Meg is also a sought-after speaker across Guam, where she promotes “The Power of Giving Back,” leadership through mentoring, and the importance of supporting your community.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Wed, 15 May 2019 22:31:24 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 3052 In this episode, Holly Rustick takes you behind the scenes of a live coaching call with founding member Meg Tyquiengco of Energetic Presence, offering a real look into the kind of support available inside the Grant Writing & Funding Membership. 

During this 30-minute one-on-one session, Meg brings forward key challenges many nonprofits face, including how to transition from a working board of directors to a governing board, how to grow an organization with only a part-time executive director, how to effectively manage volunteers, and how to localize a nonprofit chapter within a larger national organization. 

Holly provides practical strategies, insights, and coaching to help navigate each of these areas, making this episode a valuable resource for nonprofit leaders looking to strengthen their structure, leadership, and impact.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Meg Tyquiengco is a coach, mentor, and trainer/facilitator through her organization, Energetic Presence. She specializes in leadership, communication, teamwork, and sales and service, with a focus on creating teams of leaders. 

Meg is also a sought-after speaker across Guam, where she promotes “The Power of Giving Back,” leadership through mentoring, and the importance of supporting your community.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Why Blueprints Organize Your Nonprofit Strategies With Sarah Olivieri 70 70 Why Blueprints Organize Your Nonprofit Strategies With Sarah Olivieri full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/617329587 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/070-why-blueprints-organize-your-nonprofit-strategies-with-sarah-olivieri Sarah Olivieri, founder of PivotGround and creator of The Impact Method, joins us to share how nonprofits can build stronger, more effective organizations through strategic frameworks and intentional planning. We dive into The Impact Method, how to develop a clear blueprint for your organization, and the key elements of a successful blueprint checklist. 

Sarah also breaks down practical approaches to time management and introduces the Accountability Optimizer to help teams stay focused, aligned, and results-driven while increasing their overall impact and funding potential.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Sarah Olivieri is the founder of PivotGround and the creator of The Impact Method, a framework designed to help nonprofits improve their programs, increase funding, and strengthen their overall operations. 

Through her work, Sarah supports organizations in building clear strategies, optimizing performance, and creating sustainable impact. Her mission is to help nonprofits deliver better programming, attract more resources, and ultimately make the world a better place.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Sarah Olivieri, founder of PivotGround and creator of The Impact Method, joins us to share how nonprofits can build stronger, more effective organizations through strategic frameworks and intentional planning. We dive into The Impact Method, how to develop a clear blueprint for your organization, and the key elements of a successful blueprint checklist. 

Sarah also breaks down practical approaches to time management and introduces the Accountability Optimizer to help teams stay focused, aligned, and results-driven while increasing their overall impact and funding potential.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Sarah Olivieri is the founder of PivotGround and the creator of The Impact Method, a framework designed to help nonprofits improve their programs, increase funding, and strengthen their overall operations. 

Through her work, Sarah supports organizations in building clear strategies, optimizing performance, and creating sustainable impact. Her mission is to help nonprofits deliver better programming, attract more resources, and ultimately make the world a better place.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 07 May 2019 23:36:47 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2187 Sarah Olivieri, founder of PivotGround and creator of The Impact Method, joins us to share how nonprofits can build stronger, more effective organizations through strategic frameworks and intentional planning. We dive into The Impact Method, how to develop a clear blueprint for your organization, and the key elements of a successful blueprint checklist. 

Sarah also breaks down practical approaches to time management and introduces the Accountability Optimizer to help teams stay focused, aligned, and results-driven while increasing their overall impact and funding potential.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Sarah Olivieri is the founder of PivotGround and the creator of The Impact Method, a framework designed to help nonprofits improve their programs, increase funding, and strengthen their overall operations. 

Through her work, Sarah supports organizations in building clear strategies, optimizing performance, and creating sustainable impact. Her mission is to help nonprofits deliver better programming, attract more resources, and ultimately make the world a better place.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No 14 Secrets To NOT Leave Out Of Your Bylaws 69 69 14 Secrets To NOT Leave Out Of Your Bylaws full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/615158370 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/14-secrets-to-not-leave-out-of-your-bylaws What would happen if you handed a newly elected board member your nonprofit bylaws — and they instantly understood their role, responsibilities, and expectations?

In this episode, Holly breaks down the essential components every nonprofit should include in its bylaws to create clarity, accountability, and strong governance. Your bylaws are more than just a legal requirement — they are the operating manual for your board of directors.

You’ll learn the top 14 bylaw elements Holly recommends, including board size, officer roles, conflict of interest policies, quorum requirements, meeting structures, amendment processes, and more. She also shares practical insights on staggered terms, attendance expectations, fiscal year clarity, and why non-compensation policies matter.

Whether you’re starting a nonprofit, restructuring your board, or simply reviewing your governance documents, this episode will help you strengthen your foundation.

Get the FREE Downloadable Bylaws Template here:
https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/bylaws 


ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/


RESOURCES:


Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/


Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/


Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> What would happen if you handed a newly elected board member your nonprofit bylaws — and they instantly understood their role, responsibilities, and expectations?

In this episode, Holly breaks down the essential components every nonprofit should include in its bylaws to create clarity, accountability, and strong governance. Your bylaws are more than just a legal requirement — they are the operating manual for your board of directors.

You’ll learn the top 14 bylaw elements Holly recommends, including board size, officer roles, conflict of interest policies, quorum requirements, meeting structures, amendment processes, and more. She also shares practical insights on staggered terms, attendance expectations, fiscal year clarity, and why non-compensation policies matter.

Whether you’re starting a nonprofit, restructuring your board, or simply reviewing your governance documents, this episode will help you strengthen your foundation.

Get the FREE Downloadable Bylaws Template here:
https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/bylaws 


ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/


RESOURCES:


Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/


Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/


Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Fri, 03 May 2019 10:17:29 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1384 What would happen if you handed a newly elected board member your nonprofit bylaws — and they instantly understood their role, responsibilities, and expectations?

In this episode, Holly breaks down the essential components every nonprofit should include in its bylaws to create clarity, accountability, and strong governance. Your bylaws are more than just a legal requirement — they are the operating manual for your board of directors.

You’ll learn the top 14 bylaw elements Holly recommends, including board size, officer roles, conflict of interest policies, quorum requirements, meeting structures, amendment processes, and more. She also shares practical insights on staggered terms, attendance expectations, fiscal year clarity, and why non-compensation policies matter.

Whether you’re starting a nonprofit, restructuring your board, or simply reviewing your governance documents, this episode will help you strengthen your foundation.

Get the FREE Downloadable Bylaws Template here:
https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/bylaws 


ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/


RESOURCES:


Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/


Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/


Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No 15 Simple Steps to Create Successful Articles of Incorporation 68 68 15 Simple Steps to Create Successful Articles of Incorporation full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/611972760 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/068-15-simple-steps-to-create-successful-articles-of-incorporation Developing your Articles of Incorporation is a critical next step in officially establishing your nonprofit organization.

Once you’ve decided to move forward with forming a nonprofit, filing your Articles of Incorporation with your state is required—and while each state has its own process, the purpose remains the same.


In this episode, we walk through what Articles of Incorporation are, why they matter, and how to create them.

Some states provide simple templates you can fill out, while others require you to draft your own. That’s why understanding the core components is so important.


Think of your Articles of Incorporation as the constitution of your nonprofit.

They outline how your organization will operate and provide structure and guidance—especially as new board members join over time. These documents ensure consistency, clarity, and accountability in how your nonprofit is governed.


We also break down the two main reasons you need Articles of Incorporation:

  1.  They are required to establish a tax-exempt nonprofit organization 
  2.  They provide foundational guidance for your nonprofit’s structure and operations 

In this episode, you’ll get a clear, basic outline to help you start drafting your own Articles of Incorporation.

And if you’re a grant writer, this is an especially valuable skill—because many nonprofits will look to you for guidance when they’re just getting started. Having a nonprofit toolkit (including templates like this) can position you as an even more valuable resource.


You can also download a free Articles of Incorporation template here: https://grantwritingandfunding.podia.com/article-of-incorporation-template


ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Developing your Articles of Incorporation is a critical next step in officially establishing your nonprofit organization.

Once you’ve decided to move forward with forming a nonprofit, filing your Articles of Incorporation with your state is required—and while each state has its own process, the purpose remains the same.


In this episode, we walk through what Articles of Incorporation are, why they matter, and how to create them.

Some states provide simple templates you can fill out, while others require you to draft your own. That’s why understanding the core components is so important.


Think of your Articles of Incorporation as the constitution of your nonprofit.

They outline how your organization will operate and provide structure and guidance—especially as new board members join over time. These documents ensure consistency, clarity, and accountability in how your nonprofit is governed.


We also break down the two main reasons you need Articles of Incorporation:

  1.  They are required to establish a tax-exempt nonprofit organization 
  2.  They provide foundational guidance for your nonprofit’s structure and operations 

In this episode, you’ll get a clear, basic outline to help you start drafting your own Articles of Incorporation.

And if you’re a grant writer, this is an especially valuable skill—because many nonprofits will look to you for guidance when they’re just getting started. Having a nonprofit toolkit (including templates like this) can position you as an even more valuable resource.


You can also download a free Articles of Incorporation template here: https://grantwritingandfunding.podia.com/article-of-incorporation-template


ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Fri, 26 Apr 2019 18:30:16 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2087 Developing your Articles of Incorporation is a critical next step in officially establishing your nonprofit organization.

Once you’ve decided to move forward with forming a nonprofit, filing your Articles of Incorporation with your state is required—and while each state has its own process, the purpose remains the same.


In this episode, we walk through what Articles of Incorporation are, why they matter, and how to create them.

Some states provide simple templates you can fill out, while others require you to draft your own. That’s why understanding the core components is so important.


Think of your Articles of Incorporation as the constitution of your nonprofit.

They outline how your organization will operate and provide structure and guidance—especially as new board members join over time. These documents ensure consistency, clarity, and accountability in how your nonprofit is governed.


We also break down the two main reasons you need Articles of Incorporation:

  1.  They are required to establish a tax-exempt nonprofit organization 
  2.  They provide foundational guidance for your nonprofit’s structure and operations 

In this episode, you’ll get a clear, basic outline to help you start drafting your own Articles of Incorporation.

And if you’re a grant writer, this is an especially valuable skill—because many nonprofits will look to you for guidance when they’re just getting started. Having a nonprofit toolkit (including templates like this) can position you as an even more valuable resource.


You can also download a free Articles of Incorporation template here: https://grantwritingandfunding.podia.com/article-of-incorporation-template


ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Values, Mission And Vision 67 67 Values, Mission And Vision full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/608212695 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/values-mission-and-vision Have you identified your values, and developed a concise and well communicated mission and visions statement for your nonprofit or freelance grant writing company? Your mission statement is what you do today, and your vision statement is what you will be doing tomorrow. These elements are crucial, as they guide your organization to success.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Have you identified your values, and developed a concise and well communicated mission and visions statement for your nonprofit or freelance grant writing company? Your mission statement is what you do today, and your vision statement is what you will be doing tomorrow. These elements are crucial, as they guide your organization to success.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Fri, 19 Apr 2019 00:45:40 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1625 Have you identified your values, and developed a concise and well communicated mission and visions statement for your nonprofit or freelance grant writing company? Your mission statement is what you do today, and your vision statement is what you will be doing tomorrow. These elements are crucial, as they guide your organization to success.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No How To Select The Best Board Of Directors 66 66 How To Select The Best Board Of Directors full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/604245585 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/066-how-to-select-the-best-board-of-directors Don’t make a desperate plea just to fill seats on your board of directors. The people you bring onto your board should be intentional, aligned, and truly invested in your mission. Your board members don’t just show up to meetings—they represent your organization everywhere they go.

In this episode, Holly talks about the importance of being strategic when building your board. She shares why rushing to fill positions can hurt your nonprofit in the long run, how the right board members can elevate your credibility and impact, and what to consider when selecting individuals who will advocate for your mission, open doors, and support sustainable growth.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Don’t make a desperate plea just to fill seats on your board of directors. The people you bring onto your board should be intentional, aligned, and truly invested in your mission. Your board members don’t just show up to meetings—they represent your organization everywhere they go.

In this episode, Holly talks about the importance of being strategic when building your board. She shares why rushing to fill positions can hurt your nonprofit in the long run, how the right board members can elevate your credibility and impact, and what to consider when selecting individuals who will advocate for your mission, open doors, and support sustainable growth.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Thu, 11 Apr 2019 00:43:36 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1376 Don’t make a desperate plea just to fill seats on your board of directors. The people you bring onto your board should be intentional, aligned, and truly invested in your mission. Your board members don’t just show up to meetings—they represent your organization everywhere they go.

In this episode, Holly talks about the importance of being strategic when building your board. She shares why rushing to fill positions can hurt your nonprofit in the long run, how the right board members can elevate your credibility and impact, and what to consider when selecting individuals who will advocate for your mission, open doors, and support sustainable growth.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Which Type of Nonprofit Should You Start 65 65 Which Type of Nonprofit Should You Start full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/600810789 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-65-which-type-of-nonprofit-should-you-start If you’re starting a nonprofit—or thinking about it—there’s one critical step you can’t afford to skip: obtaining your 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.

In this episode, we break down why this designation is so important and how it directly impacts your ability to secure funding.

Most foundations and federal grant programs require nonprofits to have 501(c)(3) status before they will even consider awarding funds. Without it, your opportunities for grant funding are extremely limited.

But it’s not just about eligibility—it’s also about credibility.

Having official tax-exempt status signals to donors, funders, and partners that your organization is legitimate, transparent, and structured for impact—not just a front for collecting money.

We also discuss how this status benefits your supporters by allowing individuals and corporations to receive tax deductions for their donations—making it easier to attract and retain donors.

If you’re in the early stages of building your nonprofit, this episode will help you understand why securing your 501(c)(3) status should be a top priority after establishing your board and clearly defining your mission.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> If you’re starting a nonprofit—or thinking about it—there’s one critical step you can’t afford to skip: obtaining your 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.

In this episode, we break down why this designation is so important and how it directly impacts your ability to secure funding.

Most foundations and federal grant programs require nonprofits to have 501(c)(3) status before they will even consider awarding funds. Without it, your opportunities for grant funding are extremely limited.

But it’s not just about eligibility—it’s also about credibility.

Having official tax-exempt status signals to donors, funders, and partners that your organization is legitimate, transparent, and structured for impact—not just a front for collecting money.

We also discuss how this status benefits your supporters by allowing individuals and corporations to receive tax deductions for their donations—making it easier to attract and retain donors.

If you’re in the early stages of building your nonprofit, this episode will help you understand why securing your 501(c)(3) status should be a top priority after establishing your board and clearly defining your mission.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Thu, 04 Apr 2019 08:16:43 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1492 If you’re starting a nonprofit—or thinking about it—there’s one critical step you can’t afford to skip: obtaining your 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.

In this episode, we break down why this designation is so important and how it directly impacts your ability to secure funding.

Most foundations and federal grant programs require nonprofits to have 501(c)(3) status before they will even consider awarding funds. Without it, your opportunities for grant funding are extremely limited.

But it’s not just about eligibility—it’s also about credibility.

Having official tax-exempt status signals to donors, funders, and partners that your organization is legitimate, transparent, and structured for impact—not just a front for collecting money.

We also discuss how this status benefits your supporters by allowing individuals and corporations to receive tax deductions for their donations—making it easier to attract and retain donors.

If you’re in the early stages of building your nonprofit, this episode will help you understand why securing your 501(c)(3) status should be a top priority after establishing your board and clearly defining your mission.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ep. 64: 6 Steps Before You Start a Nonprofit 64 64 Ep. 64: 6 Steps Before You Start a Nonprofit full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/594004788 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-64-6-steps-before-you-start-a-nonprofit Fri, 22 Mar 2019 04:42:04 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 887 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No All About 501(c)3 Nonprofits with Lawyer Vanessa L. Williams 63 63 All About 501(c)3 Nonprofits with Lawyer Vanessa L. Williams full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/585709875 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-63-all-about-501-c-3-nonprofits-with-lawyer-vanessa-l-williams Thinking about starting a 501(c)(3) nonprofit—but not sure where to begin?


In this episode, Holly Rustick interviews business lawyer Vanessa L. Williams to break down the legal essentials of forming a tax-exempt nonprofit organization.


Vanessa shares common mistakes and challenges she sees nonprofits face early on, along with practical guidance on the key documents and steps required to properly establish your organization.


We dive into what you need to have in place before applying for 501(c)(3) status, how to set your nonprofit up for compliance and sustainability, and why getting the legal foundation right from the beginning is so critical.


This episode also serves as a strong foundation for deeper conversations around nonprofit setup and strategy, making it a perfect starting point if you're exploring launching your own organization.


If you want clarity, confidence, and expert insight into starting a nonprofit the right way, this episode is a must-listen.


ABOUT OUR GUEST

Vanessa L. Williams is a business lawyer who specializes in helping entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders establish legally sound and sustainable organizations. She provides guidance on business formation, nonprofit compliance, and legal strategy to ensure her clients build strong foundations from the start.


Vanessa is passionate about empowering individuals with the knowledge and tools needed to successfully launch and manage their organizations.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
 https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Thinking about starting a 501(c)(3) nonprofit—but not sure where to begin?


In this episode, Holly Rustick interviews business lawyer Vanessa L. Williams to break down the legal essentials of forming a tax-exempt nonprofit organization.


Vanessa shares common mistakes and challenges she sees nonprofits face early on, along with practical guidance on the key documents and steps required to properly establish your organization.


We dive into what you need to have in place before applying for 501(c)(3) status, how to set your nonprofit up for compliance and sustainability, and why getting the legal foundation right from the beginning is so critical.


This episode also serves as a strong foundation for deeper conversations around nonprofit setup and strategy, making it a perfect starting point if you're exploring launching your own organization.


If you want clarity, confidence, and expert insight into starting a nonprofit the right way, this episode is a must-listen.


ABOUT OUR GUEST

Vanessa L. Williams is a business lawyer who specializes in helping entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders establish legally sound and sustainable organizations. She provides guidance on business formation, nonprofit compliance, and legal strategy to ensure her clients build strong foundations from the start.


Vanessa is passionate about empowering individuals with the knowledge and tools needed to successfully launch and manage their organizations.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
 https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Wed, 06 Mar 2019 03:20:24 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2668 Thinking about starting a 501(c)(3) nonprofit—but not sure where to begin?


In this episode, Holly Rustick interviews business lawyer Vanessa L. Williams to break down the legal essentials of forming a tax-exempt nonprofit organization.


Vanessa shares common mistakes and challenges she sees nonprofits face early on, along with practical guidance on the key documents and steps required to properly establish your organization.


We dive into what you need to have in place before applying for 501(c)(3) status, how to set your nonprofit up for compliance and sustainability, and why getting the legal foundation right from the beginning is so critical.


This episode also serves as a strong foundation for deeper conversations around nonprofit setup and strategy, making it a perfect starting point if you're exploring launching your own organization.


If you want clarity, confidence, and expert insight into starting a nonprofit the right way, this episode is a must-listen.


ABOUT OUR GUEST

Vanessa L. Williams is a business lawyer who specializes in helping entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders establish legally sound and sustainable organizations. She provides guidance on business formation, nonprofit compliance, and legal strategy to ensure her clients build strong foundations from the start.


Vanessa is passionate about empowering individuals with the knowledge and tools needed to successfully launch and manage their organizations.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
 https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No How Will a MOU Strengthen Your Grant Application? 62 62 How Will a MOU Strengthen Your Grant Application? full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/583800420 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/how-will-a-mou-strengthen-your-grant-application A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) can strengthen your grant application in the eyes of a funding source. It demonstrates a strong, committed partnership to ensure the project can and will happen as it is laid out in the proposal. This commitment gives security to all the partners involved as well. 

Plus, MOUs are frequently REQUIRED when submitting grant applications and can be scored! Have a template to create the highest scoring MOUs by listening to this podcast! 

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) can strengthen your grant application in the eyes of a funding source. It demonstrates a strong, committed partnership to ensure the project can and will happen as it is laid out in the proposal. This commitment gives security to all the partners involved as well. 

Plus, MOUs are frequently REQUIRED when submitting grant applications and can be scored! Have a template to create the highest scoring MOUs by listening to this podcast! 

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Sat, 02 Mar 2019 06:59:00 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1157 A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) can strengthen your grant application in the eyes of a funding source. It demonstrates a strong, committed partnership to ensure the project can and will happen as it is laid out in the proposal. This commitment gives security to all the partners involved as well. 

Plus, MOUs are frequently REQUIRED when submitting grant applications and can be scored! Have a template to create the highest scoring MOUs by listening to this podcast! 

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Get Ready & Prepare Strong Letters of Commitment 61 61 Get Ready & Prepare Strong Letters of Commitment full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/572099067 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-61-get-ready-prepare-strong-letters-of-commitment In this solo episode, Holly Rustick shares practical tips on how to develop a strong letter of commitment that strengthens your grant proposals and builds funder confidence. She explains how a well-crafted letter can demonstrate meaningful collaboration, highlight partner alignment, and showcase the depth of support behind your project. 

Holly also walks through what funders are really looking for and how to position your commitments in a way that elevates the overall quality and competitiveness of your proposal.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, and serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> In this solo episode, Holly Rustick shares practical tips on how to develop a strong letter of commitment that strengthens your grant proposals and builds funder confidence. She explains how a well-crafted letter can demonstrate meaningful collaboration, highlight partner alignment, and showcase the depth of support behind your project. 

Holly also walks through what funders are really looking for and how to position your commitments in a way that elevates the overall quality and competitiveness of your proposal.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, and serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Fri, 08 Feb 2019 07:11:40 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1212 In this solo episode, Holly Rustick shares practical tips on how to develop a strong letter of commitment that strengthens your grant proposals and builds funder confidence. She explains how a well-crafted letter can demonstrate meaningful collaboration, highlight partner alignment, and showcase the depth of support behind your project. 

Holly also walks through what funders are really looking for and how to position your commitments in a way that elevates the overall quality and competitiveness of your proposal.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, and serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No How to Get Letters Of Support on Time 60 60 How to Get Letters Of Support on Time full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/563171865 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/how-to-get-letters-of-support-on-time The dreaded Letter of Support.

This is the one that you forgot to get and then go to upload the grant application you’ve been working on for weeks and realize you forgot to get your partners to endorse your project.

Ugh.

Yeah, this is one of the first things that I have my clients to gather as getting letters of support from partners can take TIME. If they are out of town or just busy (as most are), Letters of Support can take weeks to get signed and approved, and returned to your nonprofit.

Now, this is different than a Letter of Commitment. We will talk about Letters of Commitment next time. Letters of Commitment have a bit more teeth and can teeter on Memorandums of Understanding, referred to as MOUs.

Sometimes a Letter of Commitment and Letter of Support can be very similar based on the funding source, but with federal grants, there is a bigger difference.

So, let’s get back to Letters of Support. These are the softest letter of them all but can offer your nonprofit a large stamp of validation. These can also be required from certain funding sources and other funding sources may allow you to include these as attachments. These should not be included with Letters of Intent or Letters of Inquiry unless specifically requested by the funding source.

Basically, a letter of support is where your community says that they support your project that you are requesting funding for. You can, and VERY OFTEN you will, write a template letter of support from your partners and send over to them to put on their letterhead and sign.

This is a very common practice. They will read the letter of support (or should) and may change some language, but really don’t want to do the work. They don’t mind skimming over something and signing in the off chance that you actually get the grant awarded! (If you want a downloadable template of a Letter of Support, join the waitlist for the GW&F Changemakers Members Club!)

Who should you ask for letters of support? You should ask the partners that make sense for the project you are submitting a grant application for. If you are writing a grant for a suicide prevention program for youth, then you may want to get letters from your partners in the community that serves youth, such as the Department of Youth Affairs, other Youth nonprofits, middle and high schools in your community, and so forth. This demonstrates that your community will support you in implementing the grant. It does not state that they will get paid a subcontractor anything else, that is for your Letter of Commitment or an MOU.

Okay, so how are these written?

  • Make sure your partner has their letterhead on the paper and that it is signed by your partner’s authorized official, such as the director or acting director.
  • Make sure they are dated and addressed to the funding source, NOT to your nonprofit, to include the address of the funding source.
  • The salutation should be to the director of the funding source.
  • The letter should be one to two pages maximum
  • The first part of the letter should include an appreciation of your partner to submit a letter of support for your nonprofit for the specific grant. Include the CFDA number of the grant (if it’s federal), the title of the grant program and the source the funding is from; i.e. the Office of Violence Against Women or the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. It should also include the project name and what the project will do (think objective), the project grant amount, and the duration of the grant. For example, the Community School will support the Suicide Prevention Nonprofit’s YES LIFE! A project that will provide a suicide prevention summer camp for at-risk youth, ages 12-years-old to 16-years-old for three years totaling the amount of $200,000 from the AMAZING Foundation under the Youth Grant Project.
  • The body of the email should include how your nonprofit and your partner have worked together in the past (on which projects, etc.) and/or are currently working together. This part of the letter can also include why the project is a good idea and some statistics to support the need of the project.
  • In closing, your partner can mention again that they support the project and the impact the project will have on the community.
  • For the signature, include the name of the director of your partner’s organization including a title, signature, and contact information.

That’s it! This letter of support can provide a competitive advantage to other nonprofits who submit grants but do not include letters of support or have weak partners.

So the trick is to draft this letter of support for your partners and ask them if they would be willing to sign it as soon as you decide to go after a grant!

Do not just email it to them and expect an immediate response. In my years of grant writing, the most effective way is to personally call your contacts and explain to them the project and ask over the phone (or in-person) if they will provide a letter of support. Ask them if they would like a template (most likely they will) and then let them know you will email it over to them. If you don’t hear back from them, then follow up with a call or text to let them know you emailed the letter. This will substantially increase the number of letters of support that your nonprofit will receive.

If you just email one to them and never call, do not think that they hate your project or are a terrible partner. The email may have gone to SPAM or got buried in their inbox. Make signing this letter the easiest thing in the world by giving them a head’s up, sending it via email, giving them a kind reminder, and even physically picking up the hard copy from their office if you are in their town. At this point in time signed PDF letters are accepted (and could be how you email it to the funding source anyway), but if you can save them the time from scanning the letter over, then do it.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

  • Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.  https://grantwritingandfunding.com/
  • Freelance Grant Writer A...
]]> The dreaded Letter of Support.

This is the one that you forgot to get and then go to upload the grant application you’ve been working on for weeks and realize you forgot to get your partners to endorse your project.

Ugh.

Yeah, this is one of the first things that I have my clients to gather as getting letters of support from partners can take TIME. If they are out of town or just busy (as most are), Letters of Support can take weeks to get signed and approved, and returned to your nonprofit.

Now, this is different than a Letter of Commitment. We will talk about Letters of Commitment next time. Letters of Commitment have a bit more teeth and can teeter on Memorandums of Understanding, referred to as MOUs.

Sometimes a Letter of Commitment and Letter of Support can be very similar based on the funding source, but with federal grants, there is a bigger difference.

So, let’s get back to Letters of Support. These are the softest letter of them all but can offer your nonprofit a large stamp of validation. These can also be required from certain funding sources and other funding sources may allow you to include these as attachments. These should not be included with Letters of Intent or Letters of Inquiry unless specifically requested by the funding source.

Basically, a letter of support is where your community says that they support your project that you are requesting funding for. You can, and VERY OFTEN you will, write a template letter of support from your partners and send over to them to put on their letterhead and sign.

This is a very common practice. They will read the letter of support (or should) and may change some language, but really don’t want to do the work. They don’t mind skimming over something and signing in the off chance that you actually get the grant awarded! (If you want a downloadable template of a Letter of Support, join the waitlist for the GW&F Changemakers Members Club!)

Who should you ask for letters of support? You should ask the partners that make sense for the project you are submitting a grant application for. If you are writing a grant for a suicide prevention program for youth, then you may want to get letters from your partners in the community that serves youth, such as the Department of Youth Affairs, other Youth nonprofits, middle and high schools in your community, and so forth. This demonstrates that your community will support you in implementing the grant. It does not state that they will get paid a subcontractor anything else, that is for your Letter of Commitment or an MOU.

Okay, so how are these written?

  • Make sure your partner has their letterhead on the paper and that it is signed by your partner’s authorized official, such as the director or acting director.
  • Make sure they are dated and addressed to the funding source, NOT to your nonprofit, to include the address of the funding source.
  • The salutation should be to the director of the funding source.
  • The letter should be one to two pages maximum
  • The first part of the letter should include an appreciation of your partner to submit a letter of support for your nonprofit for the specific grant. Include the CFDA number of the grant (if it’s federal), the title of the grant program and the source the funding is from; i.e. the Office of Violence Against Women or the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. It should also include the project name and what the project will do (think objective), the project grant amount, and the duration of the grant. For example, the Community School will support the Suicide Prevention Nonprofit’s YES LIFE! A project that will provide a suicide prevention summer camp for at-risk youth, ages 12-years-old to 16-years-old for three years totaling the amount of $200,000 from the AMAZING Foundation under the Youth Grant Project.
  • The body of the email should include how your nonprofit and your partner have worked together in the past (on which projects, etc.) and/or are currently working together. This part of the letter can also include why the project is a good idea and some statistics to support the need of the project.
  • In closing, your partner can mention again that they support the project and the impact the project will have on the community.
  • For the signature, include the name of the director of your partner’s organization including a title, signature, and contact information.

That’s it! This letter of support can provide a competitive advantage to other nonprofits who submit grants but do not include letters of support or have weak partners.

So the trick is to draft this letter of support for your partners and ask them if they would be willing to sign it as soon as you decide to go after a grant!

Do not just email it to them and expect an immediate response. In my years of grant writing, the most effective way is to personally call your contacts and explain to them the project and ask over the phone (or in-person) if they will provide a letter of support. Ask them if they would like a template (most likely they will) and then let them know you will email it over to them. If you don’t hear back from them, then follow up with a call or text to let them know you emailed the letter. This will substantially increase the number of letters of support that your nonprofit will receive.

If you just email one to them and never call, do not think that they hate your project or are a terrible partner. The email may have gone to SPAM or got buried in their inbox. Make signing this letter the easiest thing in the world by giving them a head’s up, sending it via email, giving them a kind reminder, and even physically picking up the hard copy from their office if you are in their town. At this point in time signed PDF letters are accepted (and could be how you email it to the funding source anyway), but if you can save them the time from scanning the letter over, then do it.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

  • Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.  https://grantwritingandfunding.com/
  • Freelance Grant Writer A...
]]> Tue, 22 Jan 2019 19:28:25 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 847 The dreaded Letter of Support.

This is the one that you forgot to get and then go to upload the grant application you’ve been working on for weeks and realize you forgot to get your partners to endorse your project.

Ugh.

Yeah, this is one of the first things that I have my clients to gather as getting letters of support from partners can take TIME. If they are out of town or just busy (as most are), Letters of Support can take weeks to get signed and approved, and returned to your nonprofit.

Now, this is different than a Letter of Commitment. We will talk about Letters of Commitment next time. Letters of Commitment have a bit more teeth and can teeter on Memorandums of Understanding, referred to as MOUs.

Sometimes a Letter of Commitment and Letter of Support can be very similar based on the funding source, but with federal grants, there is a bigger difference.

So, let’s get back to Letters of Support. These are the softest letter of them all but can offer your nonprofit a large stamp of validation. These can also be required from certain funding sources and other funding sources may allow you to include these as attachments. These should not be included with Letters of Intent or Letters of Inquiry unless specifically requested by the funding source.

Basically, a letter of support is where your community says that they support your project that you are requesting funding for. You can, and VERY OFTEN you will, write a template letter of support from your partners and send over to them to put on their letterhead and sign.

This is a very common practice. They will read the letter of support (or should) and may change some language, but really don’t want to do the work. They don’t mind skimming over something and signing in the off chance that you actually get the grant awarded! (If you want a downloadable template of a Letter of Support, join the waitlist for the GW&F Changemakers Members Club!)

Who should you ask for letters of support? You should ask the partners that make sense for the project you are submitting a grant application for. If you are writing a grant for a suicide prevention program for youth, then you may want to get letters from your partners in the community that serves youth, such as the Department of Youth Affairs, other Youth nonprofits, middle and high schools in your community, and so forth. This demonstrates that your community will support you in implementing the grant. It does not state that they will get paid a subcontractor anything else, that is for your Letter of Commitment or an MOU.

Okay, so how are these written?

  • Make sure your partner has their letterhead on the paper and that it is signed by your partner’s authorized official, such as the director or acting director.
  • Make sure they are dated and addressed to the funding source, NOT to your nonprofit, to include the address of the funding source.
  • The salutation should be to the director of the funding source.
  • The letter should be one to two pages maximum
  • The first part of the letter should include an appreciation of your partner to submit a letter of support for your nonprofit for the specific grant. Include the CFDA number of the grant (if it’s federal), the title of the grant program and the source the funding is from; i.e. the Office of Violence Against Women or the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. It should also include the project name and what the project will do (think objective), the project grant amount, and the duration of the grant. For example, the Community School will support the Suicide Prevention Nonprofit’s YES LIFE! A project that will provide a suicide prevention summer camp for at-risk youth, ages 12-years-old to 16-years-old for three years totaling the amount of $200,000 from the AMAZING Foundation under the Youth Grant Project.
  • The body of the email should include how your nonprofit and your partner have worked together in the past (on which projects, etc.) and/or are currently working together. This part of the letter can also include why the project is a good idea and some statistics to support the need of the project.
  • In closing, your partner can mention again that they support the project and the impact the project will have on the community.
  • For the signature, include the name of the director of your partner’s organization including a title, signature, and contact information.

That’s it! This letter of support can provide a competitive advantage to other nonprofits who submit grants but do not include letters of support or have weak partners.

So the trick is to draft this letter of support for your partners and ask them if they would be willing to sign it as soon as you decide to go after a grant!

Do not just email it to them and expect an immediate response. In my years of grant writing, the most effective way is to personally call your contacts and explain to them the project and ask over the phone (or in-person) if they will provide a letter of support. Ask them if they would like a template (most likely they will) and then let them know you will email it over to them. If you don’t hear back from them, then follow up with a call or text to let them know you emailed the letter. This will substantially increase the number of letters of support that your nonprofit will receive.

If you just email one to them and never call, do not think that they hate your project or are a terrible partner. The email may have gone to SPAM or got buried in their inbox. Make signing this letter the easiest thing in the world by giving them a head’s up, sending it via email, giving them a kind reminder, and even physically picking up the hard copy from their office if you are in their town. At this point in time signed PDF letters are accepted (and could be how you email it to the funding source anyway), but if you can save them the time from scanning the letter over, then do it.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

  • Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.  https://grantwritingandfunding.com/
  • Freelance Grant Writer A...
]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ep. 59: How to Boost an Invitation to Apply for a Grant - The Letter of Intent 59 59 Ep. 59: How to Boost an Invitation to Apply for a Grant - The Letter of Intent full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/559820901 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-59-how-to-boost-an-invitation-to-apply-for-a-grant-the-letter-of-intent Wed, 16 Jan 2019 04:05:50 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1159 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ep. 58: How to Knock your Letter of Inquiry out of the Park in 10 Steps! 58 58 Ep. 58: How to Knock your Letter of Inquiry out of the Park in 10 Steps! full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/556808055 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-58-how-to-knock-your-letter-of-inquiry-out-of-the-park-in-10-steps Thu, 10 Jan 2019 06:51:57 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1649 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ep. 57: Your Best Year - How To Increase Funding, Eliminate Burnout, And Avoid Competition 57 57 Ep. 57: Your Best Year - How To Increase Funding, Eliminate Burnout, And Avoid Competition full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/553457523 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-57-your-best-year-how-to-increase-funding-eliminate-burnout-and-avoid-competition Thu, 03 Jan 2019 06:03:24 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1044 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ep. 56: How to Find Your S.U.R.E. Word for the Year 56 56 Ep. 56: How to Find Your S.U.R.E. Word for the Year full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/550442940 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-56-how-to-find-your-s-u-r-e-word-for-the-year Wed, 26 Dec 2018 21:09:50 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1356 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ep. 55: Simple 10 Step Checklist to Write Winning Grants 55 55 Ep. 55: Simple 10 Step Checklist to Write Winning Grants full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/547533948 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-55-simple-10-step-checklist-to-write-winning-grants Wed, 19 Dec 2018 20:34:05 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1645 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ep. 54: The Secret Formula To Unlock Funding For Your Nonprofit 54 54 Ep. 54: The Secret Formula To Unlock Funding For Your Nonprofit full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/544326771 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-54-the-secret-formula-to-unlock-funding-for-your-nonprofit Thu, 13 Dec 2018 07:10:05 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1590 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ep. 53: How Do You Win Grants When You're A New Nonprofit? 53 53 Ep. 53: How Do You Win Grants When You're A New Nonprofit? full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/537697377 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-53-how-do-you-win-grants-when-youre-a-new-nonprofit Fri, 30 Nov 2018 06:05:39 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 820 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Thanksgiving Fundraising - 7 Tips for Success 52 52 Thanksgiving Fundraising - 7 Tips for Success full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/533333022 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-52-thanksgiving-fundraising-7-tips-for-success This week, we have so much to be thankful for! Tune in as I share 7 tips to help you increase your fundraising success around Thanksgiving. These ideas are designed to be fun, meaningful, and impactful—not only during the Thanksgiving season but for other holidays throughout the year as well. If you’re looking to deepen donor relationships, increase engagement, and bring more heart into your fundraising, this episode is for you.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> This week, we have so much to be thankful for! Tune in as I share 7 tips to help you increase your fundraising success around Thanksgiving. These ideas are designed to be fun, meaningful, and impactful—not only during the Thanksgiving season but for other holidays throughout the year as well. If you’re looking to deepen donor relationships, increase engagement, and bring more heart into your fundraising, this episode is for you.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Wed, 21 Nov 2018 06:09:44 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 850 This week, we have so much to be thankful for! Tune in as I share 7 tips to help you increase your fundraising success around Thanksgiving. These ideas are designed to be fun, meaningful, and impactful—not only during the Thanksgiving season but for other holidays throughout the year as well. If you’re looking to deepen donor relationships, increase engagement, and bring more heart into your fundraising, this episode is for you.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ep. 51: 6 Ways To Stand Out On #GivingTuesday 51 51 Ep. 51: 6 Ways To Stand Out On #GivingTuesday full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/530244939 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-51-6-ways-to-stand-out-on-givingtuesday Thu, 15 Nov 2018 06:34:23 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 731 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No The Importance of In-kind Gifts for Nonprofits 50 50 The Importance of In-kind Gifts for Nonprofits full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/525973488 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-50-the-importance-of-in-kind-gifts-for-nonprofits In-kind resources are one of the most overlooked—but incredibly valuable—assets your nonprofit can leverage.

These are the goods, services, and people who help offset the costs of running your organization. In other words, they are budget-relieving resources that can significantly expand your capacity without increasing your expenses.

But here’s the key: their value shouldn’t just be appreciated—it should be documented and strategically used.

In this episode, we break down what in-kind resources really are, how to identify them within your organization, and why they play such an important role in both relationship-building and grant applications.

You’ll learn how recognizing and tracking these contributions can strengthen your funding proposals, demonstrate community support, and position your nonprofit as more sustainable and impactful.

If you’re looking to better leverage what you already have—and elevate your grant writing skills in the process—this episode is for you.


ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
 https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
 https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> In-kind resources are one of the most overlooked—but incredibly valuable—assets your nonprofit can leverage.

These are the goods, services, and people who help offset the costs of running your organization. In other words, they are budget-relieving resources that can significantly expand your capacity without increasing your expenses.

But here’s the key: their value shouldn’t just be appreciated—it should be documented and strategically used.

In this episode, we break down what in-kind resources really are, how to identify them within your organization, and why they play such an important role in both relationship-building and grant applications.

You’ll learn how recognizing and tracking these contributions can strengthen your funding proposals, demonstrate community support, and position your nonprofit as more sustainable and impactful.

If you’re looking to better leverage what you already have—and elevate your grant writing skills in the process—this episode is for you.


ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
 https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
 https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 06 Nov 2018 23:04:17 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1055 In-kind resources are one of the most overlooked—but incredibly valuable—assets your nonprofit can leverage.

These are the goods, services, and people who help offset the costs of running your organization. In other words, they are budget-relieving resources that can significantly expand your capacity without increasing your expenses.

But here’s the key: their value shouldn’t just be appreciated—it should be documented and strategically used.

In this episode, we break down what in-kind resources really are, how to identify them within your organization, and why they play such an important role in both relationship-building and grant applications.

You’ll learn how recognizing and tracking these contributions can strengthen your funding proposals, demonstrate community support, and position your nonprofit as more sustainable and impactful.

If you’re looking to better leverage what you already have—and elevate your grant writing skills in the process—this episode is for you.


ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
 https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
 https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Niñas Sin Miedo - Dylan Mehri 49 49 Niñas Sin Miedo - Dylan Mehri full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/522095316 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-49-ninas-sin-miedo-dylan-mehri What does it mean to truly be fearless in following your passion?


In this episode, we explore that question through the inspiring work of Niñas Sin Miedo (Fearless Girls), an international nonprofit dedicated to empowering young girls. Dylan Mehri joins us to share the mission behind Niñas Sin Miedo and his experience fundraising for an organization working across borders. We dive into the unique challenges and opportunities that come with international nonprofit work, along with practical insights on how to approach fundraising in a global context.


This is a stimulating, solution-oriented conversation that highlights not only the importance of mission-driven work, but also the strategies needed to sustain it. If you’re interested in international nonprofits, fundraising, or building impact beyond borders, this episode will leave you inspired and informed.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Dylan Mehri is a nonprofit leader and advocate dedicated to advancing global impact through mission-driven work. He is involved with Niñas Sin Miedo (Fearless Girls), an international nonprofit focused on empowering young girls through education, leadership development, and community support.

With experience in fundraising and nonprofit development, Dylan is passionate about creating opportunities for underserved communities and supporting initiatives that foster confidence, resilience, and empowerment in youth around the world.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> What does it mean to truly be fearless in following your passion?


In this episode, we explore that question through the inspiring work of Niñas Sin Miedo (Fearless Girls), an international nonprofit dedicated to empowering young girls. Dylan Mehri joins us to share the mission behind Niñas Sin Miedo and his experience fundraising for an organization working across borders. We dive into the unique challenges and opportunities that come with international nonprofit work, along with practical insights on how to approach fundraising in a global context.


This is a stimulating, solution-oriented conversation that highlights not only the importance of mission-driven work, but also the strategies needed to sustain it. If you’re interested in international nonprofits, fundraising, or building impact beyond borders, this episode will leave you inspired and informed.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Dylan Mehri is a nonprofit leader and advocate dedicated to advancing global impact through mission-driven work. He is involved with Niñas Sin Miedo (Fearless Girls), an international nonprofit focused on empowering young girls through education, leadership development, and community support.

With experience in fundraising and nonprofit development, Dylan is passionate about creating opportunities for underserved communities and supporting initiatives that foster confidence, resilience, and empowerment in youth around the world.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 30 Oct 2018 07:01:39 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 3414 What does it mean to truly be fearless in following your passion?


In this episode, we explore that question through the inspiring work of Niñas Sin Miedo (Fearless Girls), an international nonprofit dedicated to empowering young girls. Dylan Mehri joins us to share the mission behind Niñas Sin Miedo and his experience fundraising for an organization working across borders. We dive into the unique challenges and opportunities that come with international nonprofit work, along with practical insights on how to approach fundraising in a global context.


This is a stimulating, solution-oriented conversation that highlights not only the importance of mission-driven work, but also the strategies needed to sustain it. If you’re interested in international nonprofits, fundraising, or building impact beyond borders, this episode will leave you inspired and informed.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Dylan Mehri is a nonprofit leader and advocate dedicated to advancing global impact through mission-driven work. He is involved with Niñas Sin Miedo (Fearless Girls), an international nonprofit focused on empowering young girls through education, leadership development, and community support.

With experience in fundraising and nonprofit development, Dylan is passionate about creating opportunities for underserved communities and supporting initiatives that foster confidence, resilience, and empowerment in youth around the world.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ep. 48: How To Make Cash For Your Nonprofit 48 48 Ep. 48: How To Make Cash For Your Nonprofit full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/519039546 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-48-how-to-make-cash-for-your-nonprofit Wed, 24 Oct 2018 01:45:17 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1375 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Scared Silly The Frightening Fundraiser Crash 47 47 Scared Silly The Frightening Fundraiser Crash full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/515446422 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-47-scared-silly-the-frightening-fundraiser-crash No matter how well you plan your fundraising event, things can still go wrong. A sudden storm, a keynote speaker canceling last minute, or even a power outage—these unexpected disruptions can quickly derail your event if you’re not prepared. That’s why having a contingency plan isn’t optional—it’s essential.

In this episode, we dive into how to proactively plan for the unexpected so your event can still succeed, no matter what happens.

We talk about how to think through potential risks, identify weak points in your event planning, and create a solid “Plan B” (and even Plan C) so you’re never caught off guard. Because the goal isn’t perfection—it’s preparedness. 

If you want to host smoother, more resilient fundraising events that can adapt to real-world challenges, this episode will give you the mindset and strategies to make it happen.


ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> No matter how well you plan your fundraising event, things can still go wrong. A sudden storm, a keynote speaker canceling last minute, or even a power outage—these unexpected disruptions can quickly derail your event if you’re not prepared. That’s why having a contingency plan isn’t optional—it’s essential.

In this episode, we dive into how to proactively plan for the unexpected so your event can still succeed, no matter what happens.

We talk about how to think through potential risks, identify weak points in your event planning, and create a solid “Plan B” (and even Plan C) so you’re never caught off guard. Because the goal isn’t perfection—it’s preparedness. 

If you want to host smoother, more resilient fundraising events that can adapt to real-world challenges, this episode will give you the mindset and strategies to make it happen.


ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 16 Oct 2018 21:58:27 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1033 No matter how well you plan your fundraising event, things can still go wrong. A sudden storm, a keynote speaker canceling last minute, or even a power outage—these unexpected disruptions can quickly derail your event if you’re not prepared. That’s why having a contingency plan isn’t optional—it’s essential.

In this episode, we dive into how to proactively plan for the unexpected so your event can still succeed, no matter what happens.

We talk about how to think through potential risks, identify weak points in your event planning, and create a solid “Plan B” (and even Plan C) so you’re never caught off guard. Because the goal isn’t perfection—it’s preparedness. 

If you want to host smoother, more resilient fundraising events that can adapt to real-world challenges, this episode will give you the mindset and strategies to make it happen.


ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ep. 46: Why Values Are Important For Your Nonprofit 46 46 Ep. 46: Why Values Are Important For Your Nonprofit full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/512535153 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-46-why-values-are-important-for-your-nonprofit Wed, 10 Oct 2018 19:50:21 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 762 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No How to Get Volunteers and Board Members to Write Grants 45 45 How to Get Volunteers and Board Members to Write Grants full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/509898288 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-45-how-to-get-volunteers-and-board-members-to-write-grants While running your nonprofit, you may find yourself in a bit of a pickle. You know you need support. You’d love to hire a consultant to write your grants, run your crowdfunding campaigns, develop donors, or lead your next big fundraiser—but the reality is, you just don’t have the budget to bring in those experts.

So what do you do?

In this episode, we explore a powerful (and often overlooked) solution: leveraging your volunteers and board members to support your grant writing efforts—without you having to personally train them.

Yes, it’s possible.

We’ll talk about how to tap into the skills already within your network, how to set up systems that support success, and how to guide your team in contributing to grant writing efforts in a way that’s strategic, effective, and sustainable.

If you’re looking for creative ways to move your funding forward without stretching your budget even thinner, this episode will open up new possibilities.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
 https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> While running your nonprofit, you may find yourself in a bit of a pickle. You know you need support. You’d love to hire a consultant to write your grants, run your crowdfunding campaigns, develop donors, or lead your next big fundraiser—but the reality is, you just don’t have the budget to bring in those experts.

So what do you do?

In this episode, we explore a powerful (and often overlooked) solution: leveraging your volunteers and board members to support your grant writing efforts—without you having to personally train them.

Yes, it’s possible.

We’ll talk about how to tap into the skills already within your network, how to set up systems that support success, and how to guide your team in contributing to grant writing efforts in a way that’s strategic, effective, and sustainable.

If you’re looking for creative ways to move your funding forward without stretching your budget even thinner, this episode will open up new possibilities.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
 https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Fri, 05 Oct 2018 07:30:02 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1605 While running your nonprofit, you may find yourself in a bit of a pickle. You know you need support. You’d love to hire a consultant to write your grants, run your crowdfunding campaigns, develop donors, or lead your next big fundraiser—but the reality is, you just don’t have the budget to bring in those experts.

So what do you do?

In this episode, we explore a powerful (and often overlooked) solution: leveraging your volunteers and board members to support your grant writing efforts—without you having to personally train them.

Yes, it’s possible.

We’ll talk about how to tap into the skills already within your network, how to set up systems that support success, and how to guide your team in contributing to grant writing efforts in a way that’s strategic, effective, and sustainable.

If you’re looking for creative ways to move your funding forward without stretching your budget even thinner, this episode will open up new possibilities.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
 https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ep. 44: Are You Frustrating Your Volunteers? Eight Ways To Recruit And Retain Volunteers 44 44 Ep. 44: Are You Frustrating Your Volunteers? Eight Ways To Recruit And Retain Volunteers full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/505398381 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-44-are-you-frustrating-your-volunteers-eight-ways-to-recruit-and-retain-volunteers Wed, 26 Sep 2018 06:48:13 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1147 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ep. 43: How To Find The Best Fit Grants 43 43 Ep. 43: How To Find The Best Fit Grants full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/501961644 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-43-how-to-find-the-best-fit-grants Wed, 19 Sep 2018 00:14:27 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1026 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ep. 42: How To Write A Winning Grant Proposal 42 42 Ep. 42: How To Write A Winning Grant Proposal full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/499754235 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-42-how-to-write-a-winning-grant-proposal Fri, 14 Sep 2018 05:41:28 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2682 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ep. 41: What Is The Value Of Volunteer Time? 41 41 Ep. 41: What Is The Value Of Volunteer Time? full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/496276485 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-41-what-is-the-value-of-volunteer-time Thu, 06 Sep 2018 18:20:35 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1300 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No How To Regain Time and Do Your Job 40 40 How To Regain Time and Do Your Job full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/492222987 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-40-how-to-regain-time-and-do-your-job In this episode, Holly Rustick dives into what to do when your workload feels overwhelming and grant writing keeps getting pushed to the bottom of your to-do list. If you’ve ever felt buried under endless tasks, overcommitted by saying “yes” too often, or struggled to find enough time in the day, this episode is for you. 

Holly shares practical strategies to manage your time more effectively, set better boundaries, prioritize high-impact work, and create space to stay focused and productive—so you can actually get your grant writing done without burnout.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, and serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> In this episode, Holly Rustick dives into what to do when your workload feels overwhelming and grant writing keeps getting pushed to the bottom of your to-do list. If you’ve ever felt buried under endless tasks, overcommitted by saying “yes” too often, or struggled to find enough time in the day, this episode is for you. 

Holly shares practical strategies to manage your time more effectively, set better boundaries, prioritize high-impact work, and create space to stay focused and productive—so you can actually get your grant writing done without burnout.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, and serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Wed, 29 Aug 2018 06:35:17 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1139 In this episode, Holly Rustick dives into what to do when your workload feels overwhelming and grant writing keeps getting pushed to the bottom of your to-do list. If you’ve ever felt buried under endless tasks, overcommitted by saying “yes” too often, or struggled to find enough time in the day, this episode is for you. 

Holly shares practical strategies to manage your time more effectively, set better boundaries, prioritize high-impact work, and create space to stay focused and productive—so you can actually get your grant writing done without burnout.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, and serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No True Or False: Your For-Profit CAN Get Grants 39 39 True Or False: Your For-Profit CAN Get Grants full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/488969802 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/true-or-false-your-for-profit-can-get-grants You are developing a really cool solution to a problem or providing a service/product that can benefit others, but the thing is you are a for-profit. You want to help others, but you also need cash to run this part of your business. You aren’t sure if you can get grants for your idea/product/service as you have been getting mixed messages from those around you.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> You are developing a really cool solution to a problem or providing a service/product that can benefit others, but the thing is you are a for-profit. You want to help others, but you also need cash to run this part of your business. You aren’t sure if you can get grants for your idea/product/service as you have been getting mixed messages from those around you.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Wed, 22 Aug 2018 05:13:39 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1128 You are developing a really cool solution to a problem or providing a service/product that can benefit others, but the thing is you are a for-profit. You want to help others, but you also need cash to run this part of your business. You aren’t sure if you can get grants for your idea/product/service as you have been getting mixed messages from those around you.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ep. 38: Overcoming Grant Writer's Block 38 38 Ep. 38: Overcoming Grant Writer's Block full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/485319228 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-38-overcoming-grant-writers-block Tue, 14 Aug 2018 04:18:01 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 901 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ep. 37: How to Become a Grant Reviewer 37 37 Ep. 37: How to Become a Grant Reviewer full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/480593001 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-37-how-to-become-a-grant-reviewer Fri, 03 Aug 2018 07:56:41 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 726 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ep. 36: Indirect Cost Rate 36 36 Ep. 36: Indirect Cost Rate full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/471015747 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-36-indirect-cost-rate Thu, 12 Jul 2018 23:15:43 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1193 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ep. 35: How to Embrace Grant Rejection 35 35 Ep. 35: How to Embrace Grant Rejection full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/468094383 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-35-how-to-embrace-grant-rejection Fri, 06 Jul 2018 08:53:13 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1250 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Leone Rohr On Mind Mapping For Grants 34 34 Leone Rohr On Mind Mapping For Grants full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/464363913 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/leone-rohr-on-mind-mapping-for-grants Have you been stuck when it comes to writing grants? Leone Williams-Rohr shares her secret weapon of Mind Mapping for your Nonprofit grant writing.

Leone is the executive director of a nonprofit, Parents Empowering Parents of Children with Disabilities (PEP) and is CEO of Crafting My Powerful Life.

Leone is the executive director of a nonprofit, Parents Empowering Parents of Children with Disabilities (PEP) and is CEO of Crafting My Powerful Life. She started PEP in 2013 after advocating for her own two children with autism (this lady has 11 kids!). As she went through to become a certified trainer, she came across a course in Mind Mapping and it became the holy grail for her. Now she uses this method of Mind Mapping to outline grants, strategies, fundraisers, and even her own life.

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Have you been stuck when it comes to writing grants? Leone Williams-Rohr shares her secret weapon of Mind Mapping for your Nonprofit grant writing.

Leone is the executive director of a nonprofit, Parents Empowering Parents of Children with Disabilities (PEP) and is CEO of Crafting My Powerful Life.

Leone is the executive director of a nonprofit, Parents Empowering Parents of Children with Disabilities (PEP) and is CEO of Crafting My Powerful Life. She started PEP in 2013 after advocating for her own two children with autism (this lady has 11 kids!). As she went through to become a certified trainer, she came across a course in Mind Mapping and it became the holy grail for her. Now she uses this method of Mind Mapping to outline grants, strategies, fundraisers, and even her own life.

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Wed, 27 Jun 2018 18:50:15 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2574 Have you been stuck when it comes to writing grants? Leone Williams-Rohr shares her secret weapon of Mind Mapping for your Nonprofit grant writing.

Leone is the executive director of a nonprofit, Parents Empowering Parents of Children with Disabilities (PEP) and is CEO of Crafting My Powerful Life.

Leone is the executive director of a nonprofit, Parents Empowering Parents of Children with Disabilities (PEP) and is CEO of Crafting My Powerful Life. She started PEP in 2013 after advocating for her own two children with autism (this lady has 11 kids!). As she went through to become a certified trainer, she came across a course in Mind Mapping and it became the holy grail for her. Now she uses this method of Mind Mapping to outline grants, strategies, fundraisers, and even her own life.

OTHER RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ep. 33: 15 Creative Ideas To Thank Your Funders 33 33 Ep. 33: 15 Creative Ideas To Thank Your Funders full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/461324061 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-33-15-creative-ideas-to-thank-your-funders Thu, 21 Jun 2018 05:34:17 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1025 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Finding Grants on GuideStar 32 32 Finding Grants on GuideStar full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/458174556 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-32-finding-grants-on-guidestar Are you struggling to secure foundation grants, facing constant rejections, or unsure where to even begin your search? In this episode, Holly Rustick breaks down how to use GuideStar.org as a powerful and accessible resource to find the best-fit foundations for your nonprofit projects. She walks you through four key elements to look for when researching funders so you can stop wasting time on poor-fit opportunities and start applying to grants that align with your mission. 

Holly emphasizes the importance of doing intentional research to stand out in your applications and explains how taking the time upfront can lead to significantly better funding outcomes. If you’re ready to move from frustration to clarity in your grant research process, this episode will show you how.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Are you struggling to secure foundation grants, facing constant rejections, or unsure where to even begin your search? In this episode, Holly Rustick breaks down how to use GuideStar.org as a powerful and accessible resource to find the best-fit foundations for your nonprofit projects. She walks you through four key elements to look for when researching funders so you can stop wasting time on poor-fit opportunities and start applying to grants that align with your mission. 

Holly emphasizes the importance of doing intentional research to stand out in your applications and explains how taking the time upfront can lead to significantly better funding outcomes. If you’re ready to move from frustration to clarity in your grant research process, this episode will show you how.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Thu, 14 Jun 2018 04:16:12 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1187 Are you struggling to secure foundation grants, facing constant rejections, or unsure where to even begin your search? In this episode, Holly Rustick breaks down how to use GuideStar.org as a powerful and accessible resource to find the best-fit foundations for your nonprofit projects. She walks you through four key elements to look for when researching funders so you can stop wasting time on poor-fit opportunities and start applying to grants that align with your mission. 

Holly emphasizes the importance of doing intentional research to stand out in your applications and explains how taking the time upfront can lead to significantly better funding outcomes. If you’re ready to move from frustration to clarity in your grant research process, this episode will show you how.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No The Four Best Places to Find Contracts for Your Nonprofit 31 31 The Four Best Places to Find Contracts for Your Nonprofit full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/455506692 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-31-the-four-best-places-to-find-contracts-for-your-nonprofit Do you know the difference between a grant and a contract?

And more importantly—are you leveraging contracts as a funding stream for your nonprofit?

In this episode, we break down the key differences between grants and contracts, and why contracts can be an incredibly powerful (and often overlooked) way to fund your organization—especially when it comes to covering operational costs.

We dive into how contracts work, why they can provide more consistent and flexible funding, and how they fit into a diversified funding strategy.

Plus, you’ll learn the four best places to find city, state, and federal contracts for your nonprofit, along with the pros and cons of each platform—so you can start identifying the right opportunities faster.

If you’re ready to expand beyond grants and explore new ways to bring funding into your nonprofit, this episode will open up a whole new world of possibilities.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Do you know the difference between a grant and a contract?

And more importantly—are you leveraging contracts as a funding stream for your nonprofit?

In this episode, we break down the key differences between grants and contracts, and why contracts can be an incredibly powerful (and often overlooked) way to fund your organization—especially when it comes to covering operational costs.

We dive into how contracts work, why they can provide more consistent and flexible funding, and how they fit into a diversified funding strategy.

Plus, you’ll learn the four best places to find city, state, and federal contracts for your nonprofit, along with the pros and cons of each platform—so you can start identifying the right opportunities faster.

If you’re ready to expand beyond grants and explore new ways to bring funding into your nonprofit, this episode will open up a whole new world of possibilities.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Fri, 08 Jun 2018 04:55:25 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1344 Do you know the difference between a grant and a contract?

And more importantly—are you leveraging contracts as a funding stream for your nonprofit?

In this episode, we break down the key differences between grants and contracts, and why contracts can be an incredibly powerful (and often overlooked) way to fund your organization—especially when it comes to covering operational costs.

We dive into how contracts work, why they can provide more consistent and flexible funding, and how they fit into a diversified funding strategy.

Plus, you’ll learn the four best places to find city, state, and federal contracts for your nonprofit, along with the pros and cons of each platform—so you can start identifying the right opportunities faster.

If you’re ready to expand beyond grants and explore new ways to bring funding into your nonprofit, this episode will open up a whole new world of possibilities.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No GDPR For Nonprofits & Grant Writers 30 30 GDPR For Nonprofits & Grant Writers full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/452219361 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-30-gdpr-for-nonprofits-grant-writers Have you been seeing a flood of emails asking you to “opt in” or confirm your subscription?


That’s not a coincidence—it’s because of GDPR.

In this episode, we break down what GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) actually is, why it doesn’t just affect organizations in the EU, and what it means for nonprofits and grant writing consultants around the world. Even if you’re not based in Europe, GDPR has global implications. If your organization collects or uses data from EU citizens, you are required to comply. That’s why this regulation has created such a massive shift in how organizations handle data privacy.


We dive into what this means in practical terms—how nonprofits and consultants need to think about data collection, email lists, and privacy policies moving forward. You’ll also get actionable tips on how to become GDPR compliant, along with access to free downloadable templates and resources to help you implement these changes with confidence.


If you’ve been confused about GDPR or unsure how it impacts your work, this episode will give you clarity—and the tools to take action.

Be sure to give it a listen!

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Have you been seeing a flood of emails asking you to “opt in” or confirm your subscription?


That’s not a coincidence—it’s because of GDPR.

In this episode, we break down what GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) actually is, why it doesn’t just affect organizations in the EU, and what it means for nonprofits and grant writing consultants around the world. Even if you’re not based in Europe, GDPR has global implications. If your organization collects or uses data from EU citizens, you are required to comply. That’s why this regulation has created such a massive shift in how organizations handle data privacy.


We dive into what this means in practical terms—how nonprofits and consultants need to think about data collection, email lists, and privacy policies moving forward. You’ll also get actionable tips on how to become GDPR compliant, along with access to free downloadable templates and resources to help you implement these changes with confidence.


If you’ve been confused about GDPR or unsure how it impacts your work, this episode will give you clarity—and the tools to take action.

Be sure to give it a listen!

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Fri, 01 Jun 2018 08:05:02 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1875 Have you been seeing a flood of emails asking you to “opt in” or confirm your subscription?


That’s not a coincidence—it’s because of GDPR.

In this episode, we break down what GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) actually is, why it doesn’t just affect organizations in the EU, and what it means for nonprofits and grant writing consultants around the world. Even if you’re not based in Europe, GDPR has global implications. If your organization collects or uses data from EU citizens, you are required to comply. That’s why this regulation has created such a massive shift in how organizations handle data privacy.


We dive into what this means in practical terms—how nonprofits and consultants need to think about data collection, email lists, and privacy policies moving forward. You’ll also get actionable tips on how to become GDPR compliant, along with access to free downloadable templates and resources to help you implement these changes with confidence.


If you’ve been confused about GDPR or unsure how it impacts your work, this episode will give you clarity—and the tools to take action.

Be sure to give it a listen!

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Review A Federal Grant Opportunity And BEST Tips On Grant Writing 29 29 Review A Federal Grant Opportunity And BEST Tips On Grant Writing full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/448456566 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-29-review-a-federal-grant-opportunity-and-best-tips-on-grant-writing Ready for a crash course in federal grants? 

If you’ve ever opened up Grants.gov and immediately felt overwhelmed—you’re not alone.

And if you’ve been searching for grant writing tips that actually help you move toward an awarded grant, this episode is exactly what you need.


In this episode, we break down how to navigate federal grant announcements in a way that’s clear and manageable. You’ll learn how to review opportunities on Grants.gov without getting lost in the details—and how to identify the key information you actually need to move forward.

We also cover essential grant writing tips to help you strengthen your proposals, align with funder priorities, and increase your chances of success.


If federal grants have felt confusing or intimidating, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to get started.


ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Ready for a crash course in federal grants? 

If you’ve ever opened up Grants.gov and immediately felt overwhelmed—you’re not alone.

And if you’ve been searching for grant writing tips that actually help you move toward an awarded grant, this episode is exactly what you need.


In this episode, we break down how to navigate federal grant announcements in a way that’s clear and manageable. You’ll learn how to review opportunities on Grants.gov without getting lost in the details—and how to identify the key information you actually need to move forward.

We also cover essential grant writing tips to help you strengthen your proposals, align with funder priorities, and increase your chances of success.


If federal grants have felt confusing or intimidating, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to get started.


ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Thu, 24 May 2018 06:05:32 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2892 Ready for a crash course in federal grants? 

If you’ve ever opened up Grants.gov and immediately felt overwhelmed—you’re not alone.

And if you’ve been searching for grant writing tips that actually help you move toward an awarded grant, this episode is exactly what you need.


In this episode, we break down how to navigate federal grant announcements in a way that’s clear and manageable. You’ll learn how to review opportunities on Grants.gov without getting lost in the details—and how to identify the key information you actually need to move forward.

We also cover essential grant writing tips to help you strengthen your proposals, align with funder priorities, and increase your chances of success.


If federal grants have felt confusing or intimidating, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to get started.


ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Grants.gov in a Nutshell: Pros and Cons 28 28 Grants.gov in a Nutshell: Pros and Cons full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/445247895 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/grants-gov-in-a-nutshell-pros-and-cons We made it. Grants.gov. For those of you who have been following this podcast series on How to Find Grants, you are probably ready to dive in and start finding grants. We ain’t quite ready, yet, though. Believe you, me, it’s all about getting SET up and understanding the layout of the grant world before you dive in and get overwhelmed.

You may have been using Grants.gov for years, but have only ever used it to search or apply for grants. Or you may be new to Grants.gov and have never visited the website. Either way, you are in for a real treat.

Next week we are going to go over what to look for specifically in the grants search on Grants.gov (oh, yeah, we will nerd out), but today I am going to explain the functions offered on the website and give you my favorite tools.

This is great information for you grant writers or for those who aspire to be grant writers. The reason I am breaking down Grants.gov is that it is a mammoth website for federal grants, and being such, it is very busy. As of May 2018, the website is in need of an update. It has that very busy mid-2000s website feel, with an overload of information outlined in different ways, which can lead to paralysis. Like, seriously. I have been going there for years but tend to stick to looking for grants and applying for grants. So I decided to dive in and find out the full capacity of the website, so all of us grant writers might actually use it.

The main menu has nine headers or tabs. These headers/tabs include:

  • Home
  • Learn Grants
  • Search Grants
  • Applicants
  • Grantors
  • System-to-System
  • Forms
  • Connect
  • Support

The drop-downs under any of these headers contain a bunch of info. So let’s break it down in layman’s terms.

Tab #1 Home

Okay, it just brings you back to the Home Page. That’s it. Easy. But what you might find useful on the Grants.gov Homepage is that they now have a free app.  This is good for any alerts on upcoming grants or those that you started to apply to.

For those of you who prefer using your smartphone rather than a desktop, this app is very useful and user-friendly. The app itemizes searches a little bit more where there is a separate tab for eligibility at the bottom of the search rather than integrating it into the page like the desktop version. Pretty cool. You can just go to your app store on your phone and search for Grants.gov, and it will pop up.

Tab #2: Learn Grants

Grants.gov has a ‘grants learning center’ on its website and includes a community blog, articles, and a Twitter account (@grantsdotgov). The community blog offers ongoing updated information about – you guessed it – grants. The article sidebar tab is where it gets a little confusing. Once you are on the community learning page, you can click on the side to access different topics, which will then bring you to a slew of articles that may include links to PDFs, hyperlinks to relevant blogs, and so forth. The topics include the following:

  • Grants 101
  • Grant Policies
  • Grant Eligibility
  • Grant Terminology
  • Grant Agencies
  • Grant Systems
  • Grant Programs
  • Grant Reporting
  • Grant Fraud
  • Grant Events

There is a slew of information available, but I wouldn’t recommend sitting down in one day and reading through it all. It’s a lot of information. But there are some great resources located here that might give you the answers you need. I like that they have a Twitter account, but since I’m not on Twitter, I can’t vouch for any of their social media posts.

Pros: A lot of grant and grant-related information; on social media

Cons: It is very busy

Tab #3 Search Grants

Most of you will be using Grants.gov to search and apply for federal grants. Honestly, the other stuff is awesome, but in reality, it’s supplemental fluff. The ‘Search’ performance is great and is akin to searching on Google. For example, if you have two or more words and want the search to show up all of those words you put them in quotations. So if you are looking for youth conservation projects, you would put “youth conservation” in quotations. This helps narrow the search.

You can also narrow the search more by selecting one or more of the following:

  • Opportunity status (i.e. is it a forecasted, posted, closed, or an archived grant). This is really good if you are familiar with certain grants and have a general idea of the time of year that they are awarded, want to check on old grants, or only want to know the grants that are currently open.
  • Funding Instrument Type: This includes the type of funding that is offered, such as Cooperative Agreement, Grants, Other, and Procurement Contract.
    • As mentioned previously, Cooperative Agreements are grants that have a higher level of interaction with the federal government that include the feds scrutinizing your budget more closely and approving your staff and oftentimes include monthly webinars, technical assistance, and other involvement. Cooperative Agreements are very popular under research categories, and are the next most prevalent after Regular Grants.
    • A Grant is a normal grant agreement, which still includes involvement with the federal government on programmatic reporting and fiscal reporting, but it is not as interactive as Cooperative Agreements. Regular Grants are by far the most popular.
    • “Other” is a mixture of other types of grants that might include contracts, earmarked grants, research grants, and other types of funding.
    • Procurement Contracts are different than grants, as they are contracts and are legally binding agreements. As this falls under ‘procurement’, these types of funding instruments are for the feds to buy services or products.
  • Eligibility: This category is very effective in narrowing down what your organization is actually eligible to apply for. For instance, if you are an IRS 501(c)3 nonprofit that is an animal shelter and provide services for stray animals, then you would click on the ‘Nonprofits having a 501(c)3 status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education’ category. If you are a city government applying for grants for urban planning, then you would click on the ‘City or Township governments’. In this way, you aren’t sifting through a huge number of grants and then finding out that you are not eligible. That’s a waste of your precious time.
  • Category: This search box is for a certain type of projects that you are looking to fund. I am not going to list all the categories as there are quite a few, but to give you an idea, these include categories such as agriculture, business and commerce, housing, and science and technology. The federal agencies will include what category their grant will be under, so this narrows down your search into ‘better fit’ grants.
  • Agency: The agency search box includes all of the 31 agencies that list grants on Grants.gov. These include agencies such as the Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Defense, and so forth.

If you know the exact grant you would like to apply to, you can also insert the Opportunity Number or the Catalog for Domestic Assistance Number.

Pros: The search page is super good. Love it.

Cons: None

Tab #4 For Applicants<...

]]> We made it. Grants.gov. For those of you who have been following this podcast series on How to Find Grants, you are probably ready to dive in and start finding grants. We ain’t quite ready, yet, though. Believe you, me, it’s all about getting SET up and understanding the layout of the grant world before you dive in and get overwhelmed.

You may have been using Grants.gov for years, but have only ever used it to search or apply for grants. Or you may be new to Grants.gov and have never visited the website. Either way, you are in for a real treat.

Next week we are going to go over what to look for specifically in the grants search on Grants.gov (oh, yeah, we will nerd out), but today I am going to explain the functions offered on the website and give you my favorite tools.

This is great information for you grant writers or for those who aspire to be grant writers. The reason I am breaking down Grants.gov is that it is a mammoth website for federal grants, and being such, it is very busy. As of May 2018, the website is in need of an update. It has that very busy mid-2000s website feel, with an overload of information outlined in different ways, which can lead to paralysis. Like, seriously. I have been going there for years but tend to stick to looking for grants and applying for grants. So I decided to dive in and find out the full capacity of the website, so all of us grant writers might actually use it.

The main menu has nine headers or tabs. These headers/tabs include:

  • Home
  • Learn Grants
  • Search Grants
  • Applicants
  • Grantors
  • System-to-System
  • Forms
  • Connect
  • Support

The drop-downs under any of these headers contain a bunch of info. So let’s break it down in layman’s terms.

Tab #1 Home

Okay, it just brings you back to the Home Page. That’s it. Easy. But what you might find useful on the Grants.gov Homepage is that they now have a free app.  This is good for any alerts on upcoming grants or those that you started to apply to.

For those of you who prefer using your smartphone rather than a desktop, this app is very useful and user-friendly. The app itemizes searches a little bit more where there is a separate tab for eligibility at the bottom of the search rather than integrating it into the page like the desktop version. Pretty cool. You can just go to your app store on your phone and search for Grants.gov, and it will pop up.

Tab #2: Learn Grants

Grants.gov has a ‘grants learning center’ on its website and includes a community blog, articles, and a Twitter account (@grantsdotgov). The community blog offers ongoing updated information about – you guessed it – grants. The article sidebar tab is where it gets a little confusing. Once you are on the community learning page, you can click on the side to access different topics, which will then bring you to a slew of articles that may include links to PDFs, hyperlinks to relevant blogs, and so forth. The topics include the following:

  • Grants 101
  • Grant Policies
  • Grant Eligibility
  • Grant Terminology
  • Grant Agencies
  • Grant Systems
  • Grant Programs
  • Grant Reporting
  • Grant Fraud
  • Grant Events

There is a slew of information available, but I wouldn’t recommend sitting down in one day and reading through it all. It’s a lot of information. But there are some great resources located here that might give you the answers you need. I like that they have a Twitter account, but since I’m not on Twitter, I can’t vouch for any of their social media posts.

Pros: A lot of grant and grant-related information; on social media

Cons: It is very busy

Tab #3 Search Grants

Most of you will be using Grants.gov to search and apply for federal grants. Honestly, the other stuff is awesome, but in reality, it’s supplemental fluff. The ‘Search’ performance is great and is akin to searching on Google. For example, if you have two or more words and want the search to show up all of those words you put them in quotations. So if you are looking for youth conservation projects, you would put “youth conservation” in quotations. This helps narrow the search.

You can also narrow the search more by selecting one or more of the following:

  • Opportunity status (i.e. is it a forecasted, posted, closed, or an archived grant). This is really good if you are familiar with certain grants and have a general idea of the time of year that they are awarded, want to check on old grants, or only want to know the grants that are currently open.
  • Funding Instrument Type: This includes the type of funding that is offered, such as Cooperative Agreement, Grants, Other, and Procurement Contract.
    • As mentioned previously, Cooperative Agreements are grants that have a higher level of interaction with the federal government that include the feds scrutinizing your budget more closely and approving your staff and oftentimes include monthly webinars, technical assistance, and other involvement. Cooperative Agreements are very popular under research categories, and are the next most prevalent after Regular Grants.
    • A Grant is a normal grant agreement, which still includes involvement with the federal government on programmatic reporting and fiscal reporting, but it is not as interactive as Cooperative Agreements. Regular Grants are by far the most popular.
    • “Other” is a mixture of other types of grants that might include contracts, earmarked grants, research grants, and other types of funding.
    • Procurement Contracts are different than grants, as they are contracts and are legally binding agreements. As this falls under ‘procurement’, these types of funding instruments are for the feds to buy services or products.
  • Eligibility: This category is very effective in narrowing down what your organization is actually eligible to apply for. For instance, if you are an IRS 501(c)3 nonprofit that is an animal shelter and provide services for stray animals, then you would click on the ‘Nonprofits having a 501(c)3 status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education’ category. If you are a city government applying for grants for urban planning, then you would click on the ‘City or Township governments’. In this way, you aren’t sifting through a huge number of grants and then finding out that you are not eligible. That’s a waste of your precious time.
  • Category: This search box is for a certain type of projects that you are looking to fund. I am not going to list all the categories as there are quite a few, but to give you an idea, these include categories such as agriculture, business and commerce, housing, and science and technology. The federal agencies will include what category their grant will be under, so this narrows down your search into ‘better fit’ grants.
  • Agency: The agency search box includes all of the 31 agencies that list grants on Grants.gov. These include agencies such as the Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Defense, and so forth.

If you know the exact grant you would like to apply to, you can also insert the Opportunity Number or the Catalog for Domestic Assistance Number.

Pros: The search page is super good. Love it.

Cons: None

Tab #4 For Applicants<...

]]> Thu, 17 May 2018 04:56:44 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1652 We made it. Grants.gov. For those of you who have been following this podcast series on How to Find Grants, you are probably ready to dive in and start finding grants. We ain’t quite ready, yet, though. Believe you, me, it’s all about getting SET up and understanding the layout of the grant world before you dive in and get overwhelmed.

You may have been using Grants.gov for years, but have only ever used it to search or apply for grants. Or you may be new to Grants.gov and have never visited the website. Either way, you are in for a real treat.

Next week we are going to go over what to look for specifically in the grants search on Grants.gov (oh, yeah, we will nerd out), but today I am going to explain the functions offered on the website and give you my favorite tools.

This is great information for you grant writers or for those who aspire to be grant writers. The reason I am breaking down Grants.gov is that it is a mammoth website for federal grants, and being such, it is very busy. As of May 2018, the website is in need of an update. It has that very busy mid-2000s website feel, with an overload of information outlined in different ways, which can lead to paralysis. Like, seriously. I have been going there for years but tend to stick to looking for grants and applying for grants. So I decided to dive in and find out the full capacity of the website, so all of us grant writers might actually use it.

The main menu has nine headers or tabs. These headers/tabs include:

  • Home
  • Learn Grants
  • Search Grants
  • Applicants
  • Grantors
  • System-to-System
  • Forms
  • Connect
  • Support

The drop-downs under any of these headers contain a bunch of info. So let’s break it down in layman’s terms.

Tab #1 Home

Okay, it just brings you back to the Home Page. That’s it. Easy. But what you might find useful on the Grants.gov Homepage is that they now have a free app.  This is good for any alerts on upcoming grants or those that you started to apply to.

For those of you who prefer using your smartphone rather than a desktop, this app is very useful and user-friendly. The app itemizes searches a little bit more where there is a separate tab for eligibility at the bottom of the search rather than integrating it into the page like the desktop version. Pretty cool. You can just go to your app store on your phone and search for Grants.gov, and it will pop up.

Tab #2: Learn Grants

Grants.gov has a ‘grants learning center’ on its website and includes a community blog, articles, and a Twitter account (@grantsdotgov). The community blog offers ongoing updated information about – you guessed it – grants. The article sidebar tab is where it gets a little confusing. Once you are on the community learning page, you can click on the side to access different topics, which will then bring you to a slew of articles that may include links to PDFs, hyperlinks to relevant blogs, and so forth. The topics include the following:

  • Grants 101
  • Grant Policies
  • Grant Eligibility
  • Grant Terminology
  • Grant Agencies
  • Grant Systems
  • Grant Programs
  • Grant Reporting
  • Grant Fraud
  • Grant Events

There is a slew of information available, but I wouldn’t recommend sitting down in one day and reading through it all. It’s a lot of information. But there are some great resources located here that might give you the answers you need. I like that they have a Twitter account, but since I’m not on Twitter, I can’t vouch for any of their social media posts.

Pros: A lot of grant and grant-related information; on social media

Cons: It is very busy

Tab #3 Search Grants

Most of you will be using Grants.gov to search and apply for federal grants. Honestly, the other stuff is awesome, but in reality, it’s supplemental fluff. The ‘Search’ performance is great and is akin to searching on Google. For example, if you have two or more words and want the search to show up all of those words you put them in quotations. So if you are looking for youth conservation projects, you would put “youth conservation” in quotations. This helps narrow the search.

You can also narrow the search more by selecting one or more of the following:

  • Opportunity status (i.e. is it a forecasted, posted, closed, or an archived grant). This is really good if you are familiar with certain grants and have a general idea of the time of year that they are awarded, want to check on old grants, or only want to know the grants that are currently open.
  • Funding Instrument Type: This includes the type of funding that is offered, such as Cooperative Agreement, Grants, Other, and Procurement Contract.
    • As mentioned previously, Cooperative Agreements are grants that have a higher level of interaction with the federal government that include the feds scrutinizing your budget more closely and approving your staff and oftentimes include monthly webinars, technical assistance, and other involvement. Cooperative Agreements are very popular under research categories, and are the next most prevalent after Regular Grants.
    • A Grant is a normal grant agreement, which still includes involvement with the federal government on programmatic reporting and fiscal reporting, but it is not as interactive as Cooperative Agreements. Regular Grants are by far the most popular.
    • “Other” is a mixture of other types of grants that might include contracts, earmarked grants, research grants, and other types of funding.
    • Procurement Contracts are different than grants, as they are contracts and are legally binding agreements. As this falls under ‘procurement’, these types of funding instruments are for the feds to buy services or products.
  • Eligibility: This category is very effective in narrowing down what your organization is actually eligible to apply for. For instance, if you are an IRS 501(c)3 nonprofit that is an animal shelter and provide services for stray animals, then you would click on the ‘Nonprofits having a 501(c)3 status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education’ category. If you are a city government applying for grants for urban planning, then you would click on the ‘City or Township governments’. In this way, you aren’t sifting through a huge number of grants and then finding out that you are not eligible. That’s a waste of your precious time.
  • Category: This search box is for a certain type of projects that you are looking to fund. I am not going to list all the categories as there are quite a few, but to give you an idea, these include categories such as agriculture, business and commerce, housing, and science and technology. The federal agencies will include what category their grant will be under, so this narrows down your search into ‘better fit’ grants.
  • Agency: The agency search box includes all of the 31 agencies that list grants on Grants.gov. These include agencies such as the Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Defense, and so forth.

If you know the exact grant you would like to apply to, you can also insert the Opportunity Number or the Catalog for Domestic Assistance Number.

Pros: The search page is super good. Love it.

Cons: None

Tab #4 For Applicants<...

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ep. 27: How To Register On Grants.Gov 27 27 Ep. 27: How To Register On Grants.Gov full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/441525492 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-27-how-to-register-on-grants-gov Wed, 09 May 2018 05:58:48 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1204 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ep. 26: Where To Find Grant Opportunities 26 26 Ep. 26: Where To Find Grant Opportunities full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/435893379 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-26-where-to-find-grant-opportunities Fri, 27 Apr 2018 04:08:45 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1437 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ep. 25: How To Find Grants: What Is a Grant? 25 25 Ep. 25: How To Find Grants: What Is a Grant? full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/429129663 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-25-how-to-find-grants-what-is-a-grant Fri, 13 Apr 2018 08:28:18 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1274 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ep. 24: Data Management Plan 24 24 Ep. 24: Data Management Plan full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/425656377 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-24-data-management-plan Fri, 06 Apr 2018 07:47:44 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1414 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ep. 23: Evaluating Projects 23 23 Ep. 23: Evaluating Projects full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/422129373 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-23-evaluating-projects Thu, 29 Mar 2018 21:45:48 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1232 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ep. 22: Developing Projects for Your Nonprofit 22 22 Ep. 22: Developing Projects for Your Nonprofit full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/411058323 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-22-developing-projects-for-your-nonprofit Fri, 09 Mar 2018 07:27:31 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1098 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Needs and Strengths Assessment 21 21 Needs and Strengths Assessment full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/407333853 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/needs-and-strengths-assessment How to Do a Boss Needs and Strengths Assessment for a Nonprofit Organization

Projects. The very word makes some nonprofits scurry around and try to develop something trivial out of thin air to look like they are doing something. Or, sadly, to develop something that they may not need just because there is grant funding out there for that type of project. The former is referred to as draining the money, and the latter is coined chasing the money. Before you even get to projects, you need to make sure your nonprofit has a strong, clear mission and vision statement, has conducted a SWOT analysis, has reviewed lessons learned, and has SMART objectives and goals. If you don’t know what I am talking about, please refer to my other podcasts!

Now you are in a great place in your strategic planning to actually identify the best projects that will support your mission and vision and meet the needs that your nonprofit addresses for your target demographic.

Woo-hoo! So, should you jump on grants.gov and see what the federal government is funding so that you can develop projects around where the money is? Honestly, don’t do that.

First, develop your projects that are centric to your mission and vision. Then go grant hunting. We will get into more grant specifics after this strategic planning segment, but don’t dismiss how important it is to first get all your ducks in a row. Otherwise, even if you do get that funding, you may not be able to sustain it or meet the objectives.

Believe me, I’ve seen those organizations that just chase the money and some of them do get the grants awarded, but that is not necessarily a good thing. I have seen organizations give money back to funding sources because they cannot meet the objectives due to the project never being aligned with their mission and vision or meeting their beneficiaries’ needs.

That’s where the good old business plan comes into play. The secret is, if you have been following this Strategic Planning series, then you have already developed a chunk of your business plan. But before you start listing your projects and dumping a bunch of money into them, let’s stop and take a breath and do a Needs & Strengths Assessment. I know, one of you just swore and the other one rolled their eyes. I know you are itching to get out there, but if you really want your project to succeed and not have to restart it twenty times, then this step is vital.

Needs and Strengths Assessment – What it is

First, you need to identify the needs and strengths that your beneficiaries or target demographic faces. Many nonprofits and organizations only utilize a Needs Assessment to understand the challenges and be aware of what projects are actually needed and leave out the strengths segment.

But savvy, productive nonprofits implement a Needs & Strengths Assessment to identify the particular barriers and strengths for their beneficiaries or target priority. The difference between the two is that the straight-up Needs Assessment is only focused on the challenges and the lack of resources. This approach does not take into account the strengths in the community and what is working.

When you know the positive aspects of what works in a community, you know what to leverage and grow. This approach is more solution-oriented and reduces risks of coming up with designs that might not work to solve problems.

For example, a Needs Assessment might just be a survey listing all the barriers that your beneficiaries face, so you are still kind of in the dark of what could work. Sure, you know what you need, but you still do not have a clear picture of what might work. A Needs & Strengths Assessment may also include questions to find out what strengths exist in the community (or for the individual or target), and possible open-ended questions for focus groups to create a platform for brainstorming solutions.

Don’t Duplicate Projects

“There are no original ideas. There are only original people.” ~ Barbara Grizzuti Harrison

Another item that might manifest through your Needs & Strengths Assessment could be that there are already other nonprofits doing projects that you think are needed. Let’s face it, just because you thought of a project doesn’t mean the same type of project isn’t already out there.

You may find out that another nonprofit is already facilitating a service/project that would meet the needs of your community, but your beneficiaries face transportation challenges to get to those services. That information would be very important, as you could then see if it would be more efficient for your organization to conduct similar services in your geographic area, or if providing transportation to existing services in other areas would be more beneficial/economical.

The Methods

A Needs & Strengths Assessment may take many different forms depending on your resources (time, money, and people). Typical methods include written or online surveys, focus groups, observations, testimonials, phone surveys, and so forth. But altogether there are similar designs as the end results of finding out the needs and strengths are the same. These characteristics include:

  • A pre-set list of questions
  • A pre-determined sample of the number and types of people to answer these questions chosen in advance
  • The results of the survey are utilized for a call-to-action of actually addressing the needs and levering the strengths
  • Can be shared on your website or with partners
  • Support grants and other funding requests

Conducting a Needs & Strengths Assessment will help your nonprofit increase credibility among partners, provide support when applying for project funding from funding sources, and enhance relationships with your beneficiaries. How often do organizations think they know what their beneficiaries need (but never ask)? And then develop a project that only fails, and the staff become discouraged and blame it on the beneficiaries. Ouch. Yes, that happens. Understanding needs and strengths are vital in formulating projects. Do not assume you know what is needed without conducting an assessment…we all know what ASSUME stands for. Rather, find out what people need and what they find useful.

But I don’t have the money

Conducting a Needs & Strengths Assessment does not need to cost a small fortune. Sure, extensive research can cost a pretty penny, but finding out basic needs and strengths does not need to entail hiring a Survey Consultant for $50,000. The Assessment can be as simple as drafting together some questions, then sitting in a group with your beneficiaries, and asking them the questions. You could even draft out the questions and send out out the survey through Survey Monkey (free for less than 10 questions) or through Google Docs (free with unlimited questions and includes super cool graphs with the results).

What Questions? Wait, isn’t that a question?

First, you will want to identify what you want to find out.

For example, if diabetes is a huge epidemic in your community, you m...

]]> How to Do a Boss Needs and Strengths Assessment for a Nonprofit Organization

Projects. The very word makes some nonprofits scurry around and try to develop something trivial out of thin air to look like they are doing something. Or, sadly, to develop something that they may not need just because there is grant funding out there for that type of project. The former is referred to as draining the money, and the latter is coined chasing the money. Before you even get to projects, you need to make sure your nonprofit has a strong, clear mission and vision statement, has conducted a SWOT analysis, has reviewed lessons learned, and has SMART objectives and goals. If you don’t know what I am talking about, please refer to my other podcasts!

Now you are in a great place in your strategic planning to actually identify the best projects that will support your mission and vision and meet the needs that your nonprofit addresses for your target demographic.

Woo-hoo! So, should you jump on grants.gov and see what the federal government is funding so that you can develop projects around where the money is? Honestly, don’t do that.

First, develop your projects that are centric to your mission and vision. Then go grant hunting. We will get into more grant specifics after this strategic planning segment, but don’t dismiss how important it is to first get all your ducks in a row. Otherwise, even if you do get that funding, you may not be able to sustain it or meet the objectives.

Believe me, I’ve seen those organizations that just chase the money and some of them do get the grants awarded, but that is not necessarily a good thing. I have seen organizations give money back to funding sources because they cannot meet the objectives due to the project never being aligned with their mission and vision or meeting their beneficiaries’ needs.

That’s where the good old business plan comes into play. The secret is, if you have been following this Strategic Planning series, then you have already developed a chunk of your business plan. But before you start listing your projects and dumping a bunch of money into them, let’s stop and take a breath and do a Needs & Strengths Assessment. I know, one of you just swore and the other one rolled their eyes. I know you are itching to get out there, but if you really want your project to succeed and not have to restart it twenty times, then this step is vital.

Needs and Strengths Assessment – What it is

First, you need to identify the needs and strengths that your beneficiaries or target demographic faces. Many nonprofits and organizations only utilize a Needs Assessment to understand the challenges and be aware of what projects are actually needed and leave out the strengths segment.

But savvy, productive nonprofits implement a Needs & Strengths Assessment to identify the particular barriers and strengths for their beneficiaries or target priority. The difference between the two is that the straight-up Needs Assessment is only focused on the challenges and the lack of resources. This approach does not take into account the strengths in the community and what is working.

When you know the positive aspects of what works in a community, you know what to leverage and grow. This approach is more solution-oriented and reduces risks of coming up with designs that might not work to solve problems.

For example, a Needs Assessment might just be a survey listing all the barriers that your beneficiaries face, so you are still kind of in the dark of what could work. Sure, you know what you need, but you still do not have a clear picture of what might work. A Needs & Strengths Assessment may also include questions to find out what strengths exist in the community (or for the individual or target), and possible open-ended questions for focus groups to create a platform for brainstorming solutions.

Don’t Duplicate Projects

“There are no original ideas. There are only original people.” ~ Barbara Grizzuti Harrison

Another item that might manifest through your Needs & Strengths Assessment could be that there are already other nonprofits doing projects that you think are needed. Let’s face it, just because you thought of a project doesn’t mean the same type of project isn’t already out there.

You may find out that another nonprofit is already facilitating a service/project that would meet the needs of your community, but your beneficiaries face transportation challenges to get to those services. That information would be very important, as you could then see if it would be more efficient for your organization to conduct similar services in your geographic area, or if providing transportation to existing services in other areas would be more beneficial/economical.

The Methods

A Needs & Strengths Assessment may take many different forms depending on your resources (time, money, and people). Typical methods include written or online surveys, focus groups, observations, testimonials, phone surveys, and so forth. But altogether there are similar designs as the end results of finding out the needs and strengths are the same. These characteristics include:

  • A pre-set list of questions
  • A pre-determined sample of the number and types of people to answer these questions chosen in advance
  • The results of the survey are utilized for a call-to-action of actually addressing the needs and levering the strengths
  • Can be shared on your website or with partners
  • Support grants and other funding requests

Conducting a Needs & Strengths Assessment will help your nonprofit increase credibility among partners, provide support when applying for project funding from funding sources, and enhance relationships with your beneficiaries. How often do organizations think they know what their beneficiaries need (but never ask)? And then develop a project that only fails, and the staff become discouraged and blame it on the beneficiaries. Ouch. Yes, that happens. Understanding needs and strengths are vital in formulating projects. Do not assume you know what is needed without conducting an assessment…we all know what ASSUME stands for. Rather, find out what people need and what they find useful.

But I don’t have the money

Conducting a Needs & Strengths Assessment does not need to cost a small fortune. Sure, extensive research can cost a pretty penny, but finding out basic needs and strengths does not need to entail hiring a Survey Consultant for $50,000. The Assessment can be as simple as drafting together some questions, then sitting in a group with your beneficiaries, and asking them the questions. You could even draft out the questions and send out out the survey through Survey Monkey (free for less than 10 questions) or through Google Docs (free with unlimited questions and includes super cool graphs with the results).

What Questions? Wait, isn’t that a question?

First, you will want to identify what you want to find out.

For example, if diabetes is a huge epidemic in your community, you m...

]]> Thu, 01 Mar 2018 19:50:13 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1597 How to Do a Boss Needs and Strengths Assessment for a Nonprofit Organization

Projects. The very word makes some nonprofits scurry around and try to develop something trivial out of thin air to look like they are doing something. Or, sadly, to develop something that they may not need just because there is grant funding out there for that type of project. The former is referred to as draining the money, and the latter is coined chasing the money. Before you even get to projects, you need to make sure your nonprofit has a strong, clear mission and vision statement, has conducted a SWOT analysis, has reviewed lessons learned, and has SMART objectives and goals. If you don’t know what I am talking about, please refer to my other podcasts!

Now you are in a great place in your strategic planning to actually identify the best projects that will support your mission and vision and meet the needs that your nonprofit addresses for your target demographic.

Woo-hoo! So, should you jump on grants.gov and see what the federal government is funding so that you can develop projects around where the money is? Honestly, don’t do that.

First, develop your projects that are centric to your mission and vision. Then go grant hunting. We will get into more grant specifics after this strategic planning segment, but don’t dismiss how important it is to first get all your ducks in a row. Otherwise, even if you do get that funding, you may not be able to sustain it or meet the objectives.

Believe me, I’ve seen those organizations that just chase the money and some of them do get the grants awarded, but that is not necessarily a good thing. I have seen organizations give money back to funding sources because they cannot meet the objectives due to the project never being aligned with their mission and vision or meeting their beneficiaries’ needs.

That’s where the good old business plan comes into play. The secret is, if you have been following this Strategic Planning series, then you have already developed a chunk of your business plan. But before you start listing your projects and dumping a bunch of money into them, let’s stop and take a breath and do a Needs & Strengths Assessment. I know, one of you just swore and the other one rolled their eyes. I know you are itching to get out there, but if you really want your project to succeed and not have to restart it twenty times, then this step is vital.

Needs and Strengths Assessment – What it is

First, you need to identify the needs and strengths that your beneficiaries or target demographic faces. Many nonprofits and organizations only utilize a Needs Assessment to understand the challenges and be aware of what projects are actually needed and leave out the strengths segment.

But savvy, productive nonprofits implement a Needs & Strengths Assessment to identify the particular barriers and strengths for their beneficiaries or target priority. The difference between the two is that the straight-up Needs Assessment is only focused on the challenges and the lack of resources. This approach does not take into account the strengths in the community and what is working.

When you know the positive aspects of what works in a community, you know what to leverage and grow. This approach is more solution-oriented and reduces risks of coming up with designs that might not work to solve problems.

For example, a Needs Assessment might just be a survey listing all the barriers that your beneficiaries face, so you are still kind of in the dark of what could work. Sure, you know what you need, but you still do not have a clear picture of what might work. A Needs & Strengths Assessment may also include questions to find out what strengths exist in the community (or for the individual or target), and possible open-ended questions for focus groups to create a platform for brainstorming solutions.

Don’t Duplicate Projects

“There are no original ideas. There are only original people.” ~ Barbara Grizzuti Harrison

Another item that might manifest through your Needs & Strengths Assessment could be that there are already other nonprofits doing projects that you think are needed. Let’s face it, just because you thought of a project doesn’t mean the same type of project isn’t already out there.

You may find out that another nonprofit is already facilitating a service/project that would meet the needs of your community, but your beneficiaries face transportation challenges to get to those services. That information would be very important, as you could then see if it would be more efficient for your organization to conduct similar services in your geographic area, or if providing transportation to existing services in other areas would be more beneficial/economical.

The Methods

A Needs & Strengths Assessment may take many different forms depending on your resources (time, money, and people). Typical methods include written or online surveys, focus groups, observations, testimonials, phone surveys, and so forth. But altogether there are similar designs as the end results of finding out the needs and strengths are the same. These characteristics include:

  • A pre-set list of questions
  • A pre-determined sample of the number and types of people to answer these questions chosen in advance
  • The results of the survey are utilized for a call-to-action of actually addressing the needs and levering the strengths
  • Can be shared on your website or with partners
  • Support grants and other funding requests

Conducting a Needs & Strengths Assessment will help your nonprofit increase credibility among partners, provide support when applying for project funding from funding sources, and enhance relationships with your beneficiaries. How often do organizations think they know what their beneficiaries need (but never ask)? And then develop a project that only fails, and the staff become discouraged and blame it on the beneficiaries. Ouch. Yes, that happens. Understanding needs and strengths are vital in formulating projects. Do not assume you know what is needed without conducting an assessment…we all know what ASSUME stands for. Rather, find out what people need and what they find useful.

But I don’t have the money

Conducting a Needs & Strengths Assessment does not need to cost a small fortune. Sure, extensive research can cost a pretty penny, but finding out basic needs and strengths does not need to entail hiring a Survey Consultant for $50,000. The Assessment can be as simple as drafting together some questions, then sitting in a group with your beneficiaries, and asking them the questions. You could even draft out the questions and send out out the survey through Survey Monkey (free for less than 10 questions) or through Google Docs (free with unlimited questions and includes super cool graphs with the results).

What Questions? Wait, isn’t that a question?

First, you will want to identify what you want to find out.

For example, if diabetes is a huge epidemic in your community, you m...

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No The Key to Success. Annual and Quarterly Planning 20 20 The Key to Success. Annual and Quarterly Planning full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/402427083 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-20-the-key-to-success-annual-and-quarterly-planning Annual planning is where it’s at. Where what is at?


That amazesauce level of productivity you see in highly successful nonprofits—the kind that makes you wonder how they do it (or maybe even makes you a little jealous). Here’s the truth: those organizations aren’t just lucky—they’re intentional. 

And the good news?

You can be that nonprofit too.

In this episode, we break down why annual planning is the foundation for sustainable success and how it helps you move from reactive scrambling to strategic action. But let’s be clear—nothing wildly successful happens overnight. Real results come from consistent, intentional steps taken over time.

We talk about how to approach annual planning in a way that’s realistic, actionable, and aligned with your mission—so you can build momentum, increase productivity, and create long-term impact. If you’re ready to stop guessing and start planning your way to success, this episode is for you.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
 https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

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This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

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Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Annual planning is where it’s at. Where what is at?


That amazesauce level of productivity you see in highly successful nonprofits—the kind that makes you wonder how they do it (or maybe even makes you a little jealous). Here’s the truth: those organizations aren’t just lucky—they’re intentional. 

And the good news?

You can be that nonprofit too.

In this episode, we break down why annual planning is the foundation for sustainable success and how it helps you move from reactive scrambling to strategic action. But let’s be clear—nothing wildly successful happens overnight. Real results come from consistent, intentional steps taken over time.

We talk about how to approach annual planning in a way that’s realistic, actionable, and aligned with your mission—so you can build momentum, increase productivity, and create long-term impact. If you’re ready to stop guessing and start planning your way to success, this episode is for you.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
 https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 20 Feb 2018 06:55:31 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 711 Annual planning is where it’s at. Where what is at?


That amazesauce level of productivity you see in highly successful nonprofits—the kind that makes you wonder how they do it (or maybe even makes you a little jealous). Here’s the truth: those organizations aren’t just lucky—they’re intentional. 

And the good news?

You can be that nonprofit too.

In this episode, we break down why annual planning is the foundation for sustainable success and how it helps you move from reactive scrambling to strategic action. But let’s be clear—nothing wildly successful happens overnight. Real results come from consistent, intentional steps taken over time.

We talk about how to approach annual planning in a way that’s realistic, actionable, and aligned with your mission—so you can build momentum, increase productivity, and create long-term impact. If you’re ready to stop guessing and start planning your way to success, this episode is for you.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
 https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Strategic Partnerships for Your Nonprofit 19 19 Strategic Partnerships for Your Nonprofit full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/400478532 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/strategic-partnerships-for-your-nonprofit Sometimes nonprofits exist inside a vacuum. This is not conducive for sustainability, let alone the chance of survival. One reason for this segregation, that I often hear, is that one thinks another nonprofit organization will ‘compete’ with them and limit their ability to obtain funding. Another reason is that many nonprofit staff and executives can never seem to get out of the office to meet with potential partners.

The thing is, partnerships are resources. Partnerships can literally make the difference between your nonprofit being able to pay the bills or have to shut down. There are different types of partnerships, but all are extremely valuable.

  • Comprehensive Service Partners
  • Corporate / Funder / Donor Partnerships
  • Beneficiary Partnerships

Comprehensive Services Partners

Engaging with a healthy number of partnerships that offer comprehensive services in relation to your nonprofit is really important as they enable you to share knowledge, training, lessons learned, and tangible resources.

For example, if you are part of a nonprofit that serves domestic violence survivors, then some partners may be the Police Department, Department of Public Health and Social Services, Women Infants and Children (WIC), the hospital, local clinics that serve women, psychiatrist offices, other nonprofit shelters, the courts, Department of Corrections, daycare centers, employment agencies, shelters, community colleges, and so forth.

Other nonprofit organizations could include victim advocate peers, substance abuse centers for women, human trafficking nonprofits, foster homes, public legal counsel, and so forth. Basically, any other entity that you could leverage for support or, on the flip-side, that you may receive referrals from. Your job is really to know all the ins and outs about ALL other organizations that could provide comprehensive services for your beneficiaries.

For instance, if a survivor of domestic violence enters your facility, but all you offer is a three-day emergency shelter, you would immediately begin to find longer-term shelter, support for the courts (if needed), childcare, or school support if the survivor arrived with children, and so forth. Just knowing a phone number or e-mail address from a website may not be enough.

It really is essential to develop relationships with these organizations so you have a system down to streamline these services. Your relationship should be to the point where you know the point of contact on a first-name basis, and understand all of their services, including eligibility. Nonprofits should be excellent at referrals to other services.  I have witnessed this first-hand, where a family came into an organization with five children, and immediately partners were called and shelter was arranged within a matter of hours. This is wonderful… but can be rare.

Make sure you are attending coalition meetings and know who the other players are in your field. This can be the difference between helping your beneficiaries or not. A way to build these relationships further is to co-apply for grants or funding for projects.

The fact that you are working with partners is a strength to funding sources and can offer a split-share of grant writing. Also, giving the ability to serve your beneficiaries in a comprehensive manner.

Corporate / Funder / Donor Relationships

Corporate / Funder / Donor Relationships are important for all nonprofit organizations because we all need funding! But how often do you only reach out to these individuals or entities when you are not asking for money?

Do you really try and develop a partnership with them?

Developing a partnership is simple in that you can send these funding sources consistent information about your organization. Rather than only hitting them up for money once or twice a year, give them free tickets to attend one of your events or invite them to attend programs and projects their funds are helping to make happen.

This way you are actually building the relationship and giving them value before you ask them for anything. This is huge because most nonprofits do NOT do this. By doing this you will inadvertently research these funding sources more strategically.

Allowing your organization to find ones that really would resonate with your cause in the best way. For example, if you are giving out free tickets to a fundraiser you are going to be pickier about who you are giving the free tickets too. You would probably spend a bit more time figuring out if they would be a good long-term relationship when you are the one offering the value.

That is a good thing. Because while you want every Tom, Dick, and Harry to give to your nonprofit, it just won’t happen. It would be better to have long-term relationships with funding sources that really get what you do, and commit to you being the main sponsor every year.

Wow, can you imagine that?

It’s almost like your nonprofit can start to have ‘retainer’ relationships with funding sources as you develop relationships so tight that they commit to giving you a portion of their funds every quarter. This can happen! But it’s not going to happen if they only know of you by your cold call solicitations every year. I cannot stress this enough. Develop a relationship and your partnership will rock.

Beneficiary Partnerships

It would be a bit strange if you weren’t developing relationships with the people you actually serve. Sure, your ‘beneficiaries’ may not be people, as I know some of you serve animals or are in the arts, or restoration of historic buildings, and so on, but you still want to build understanding and be on the cutting edge of those other ‘beneficiaries.’

For those of you who do serve people, then here are some ideas on how to develop deeper relationships and partnerships with these individuals. You could conduct an annual survey to see if you are meeting the continually changing needs that they have, focus groups, one-on-one interviews, on-line quizzes, or simply create more staff-to-beneficiary projects or activities.

For instance, maybe your staff primarily does administration when survivors come in the door. Maybe every staff could rotate in facilitating a group class in their field of expertise. Passion with and for the survivors will really grow the relationships and compassion. If beneficiaries are not people, then continue learning about the need you serve is key. Become an expert in your field and the go-to person for people to go to when they have a question about your demographic.

So now that you have better relationships with comprehensive services, funding sources, and your beneficiaries, how do you measure it? How does this really help your organization financially?

You’ve got to pay the bills and knowing someone’s first name may not make the direct difference. Indirectly, this does help with funding. Maybe you don’t really need the funding to grow a childcare portion of your nonprofit because you can develop a Memorandum o...

]]> Sometimes nonprofits exist inside a vacuum. This is not conducive for sustainability, let alone the chance of survival. One reason for this segregation, that I often hear, is that one thinks another nonprofit organization will ‘compete’ with them and limit their ability to obtain funding. Another reason is that many nonprofit staff and executives can never seem to get out of the office to meet with potential partners.

The thing is, partnerships are resources. Partnerships can literally make the difference between your nonprofit being able to pay the bills or have to shut down. There are different types of partnerships, but all are extremely valuable.

  • Comprehensive Service Partners
  • Corporate / Funder / Donor Partnerships
  • Beneficiary Partnerships

Comprehensive Services Partners

Engaging with a healthy number of partnerships that offer comprehensive services in relation to your nonprofit is really important as they enable you to share knowledge, training, lessons learned, and tangible resources.

For example, if you are part of a nonprofit that serves domestic violence survivors, then some partners may be the Police Department, Department of Public Health and Social Services, Women Infants and Children (WIC), the hospital, local clinics that serve women, psychiatrist offices, other nonprofit shelters, the courts, Department of Corrections, daycare centers, employment agencies, shelters, community colleges, and so forth.

Other nonprofit organizations could include victim advocate peers, substance abuse centers for women, human trafficking nonprofits, foster homes, public legal counsel, and so forth. Basically, any other entity that you could leverage for support or, on the flip-side, that you may receive referrals from. Your job is really to know all the ins and outs about ALL other organizations that could provide comprehensive services for your beneficiaries.

For instance, if a survivor of domestic violence enters your facility, but all you offer is a three-day emergency shelter, you would immediately begin to find longer-term shelter, support for the courts (if needed), childcare, or school support if the survivor arrived with children, and so forth. Just knowing a phone number or e-mail address from a website may not be enough.

It really is essential to develop relationships with these organizations so you have a system down to streamline these services. Your relationship should be to the point where you know the point of contact on a first-name basis, and understand all of their services, including eligibility. Nonprofits should be excellent at referrals to other services.  I have witnessed this first-hand, where a family came into an organization with five children, and immediately partners were called and shelter was arranged within a matter of hours. This is wonderful… but can be rare.

Make sure you are attending coalition meetings and know who the other players are in your field. This can be the difference between helping your beneficiaries or not. A way to build these relationships further is to co-apply for grants or funding for projects.

The fact that you are working with partners is a strength to funding sources and can offer a split-share of grant writing. Also, giving the ability to serve your beneficiaries in a comprehensive manner.

Corporate / Funder / Donor Relationships

Corporate / Funder / Donor Relationships are important for all nonprofit organizations because we all need funding! But how often do you only reach out to these individuals or entities when you are not asking for money?

Do you really try and develop a partnership with them?

Developing a partnership is simple in that you can send these funding sources consistent information about your organization. Rather than only hitting them up for money once or twice a year, give them free tickets to attend one of your events or invite them to attend programs and projects their funds are helping to make happen.

This way you are actually building the relationship and giving them value before you ask them for anything. This is huge because most nonprofits do NOT do this. By doing this you will inadvertently research these funding sources more strategically.

Allowing your organization to find ones that really would resonate with your cause in the best way. For example, if you are giving out free tickets to a fundraiser you are going to be pickier about who you are giving the free tickets too. You would probably spend a bit more time figuring out if they would be a good long-term relationship when you are the one offering the value.

That is a good thing. Because while you want every Tom, Dick, and Harry to give to your nonprofit, it just won’t happen. It would be better to have long-term relationships with funding sources that really get what you do, and commit to you being the main sponsor every year.

Wow, can you imagine that?

It’s almost like your nonprofit can start to have ‘retainer’ relationships with funding sources as you develop relationships so tight that they commit to giving you a portion of their funds every quarter. This can happen! But it’s not going to happen if they only know of you by your cold call solicitations every year. I cannot stress this enough. Develop a relationship and your partnership will rock.

Beneficiary Partnerships

It would be a bit strange if you weren’t developing relationships with the people you actually serve. Sure, your ‘beneficiaries’ may not be people, as I know some of you serve animals or are in the arts, or restoration of historic buildings, and so on, but you still want to build understanding and be on the cutting edge of those other ‘beneficiaries.’

For those of you who do serve people, then here are some ideas on how to develop deeper relationships and partnerships with these individuals. You could conduct an annual survey to see if you are meeting the continually changing needs that they have, focus groups, one-on-one interviews, on-line quizzes, or simply create more staff-to-beneficiary projects or activities.

For instance, maybe your staff primarily does administration when survivors come in the door. Maybe every staff could rotate in facilitating a group class in their field of expertise. Passion with and for the survivors will really grow the relationships and compassion. If beneficiaries are not people, then continue learning about the need you serve is key. Become an expert in your field and the go-to person for people to go to when they have a question about your demographic.

So now that you have better relationships with comprehensive services, funding sources, and your beneficiaries, how do you measure it? How does this really help your organization financially?

You’ve got to pay the bills and knowing someone’s first name may not make the direct difference. Indirectly, this does help with funding. Maybe you don’t really need the funding to grow a childcare portion of your nonprofit because you can develop a Memorandum o...

]]> Fri, 16 Feb 2018 05:35:21 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 881 Sometimes nonprofits exist inside a vacuum. This is not conducive for sustainability, let alone the chance of survival. One reason for this segregation, that I often hear, is that one thinks another nonprofit organization will ‘compete’ with them and limit their ability to obtain funding. Another reason is that many nonprofit staff and executives can never seem to get out of the office to meet with potential partners.

The thing is, partnerships are resources. Partnerships can literally make the difference between your nonprofit being able to pay the bills or have to shut down. There are different types of partnerships, but all are extremely valuable.

  • Comprehensive Service Partners
  • Corporate / Funder / Donor Partnerships
  • Beneficiary Partnerships

Comprehensive Services Partners

Engaging with a healthy number of partnerships that offer comprehensive services in relation to your nonprofit is really important as they enable you to share knowledge, training, lessons learned, and tangible resources.

For example, if you are part of a nonprofit that serves domestic violence survivors, then some partners may be the Police Department, Department of Public Health and Social Services, Women Infants and Children (WIC), the hospital, local clinics that serve women, psychiatrist offices, other nonprofit shelters, the courts, Department of Corrections, daycare centers, employment agencies, shelters, community colleges, and so forth.

Other nonprofit organizations could include victim advocate peers, substance abuse centers for women, human trafficking nonprofits, foster homes, public legal counsel, and so forth. Basically, any other entity that you could leverage for support or, on the flip-side, that you may receive referrals from. Your job is really to know all the ins and outs about ALL other organizations that could provide comprehensive services for your beneficiaries.

For instance, if a survivor of domestic violence enters your facility, but all you offer is a three-day emergency shelter, you would immediately begin to find longer-term shelter, support for the courts (if needed), childcare, or school support if the survivor arrived with children, and so forth. Just knowing a phone number or e-mail address from a website may not be enough.

It really is essential to develop relationships with these organizations so you have a system down to streamline these services. Your relationship should be to the point where you know the point of contact on a first-name basis, and understand all of their services, including eligibility. Nonprofits should be excellent at referrals to other services.  I have witnessed this first-hand, where a family came into an organization with five children, and immediately partners were called and shelter was arranged within a matter of hours. This is wonderful… but can be rare.

Make sure you are attending coalition meetings and know who the other players are in your field. This can be the difference between helping your beneficiaries or not. A way to build these relationships further is to co-apply for grants or funding for projects.

The fact that you are working with partners is a strength to funding sources and can offer a split-share of grant writing. Also, giving the ability to serve your beneficiaries in a comprehensive manner.

Corporate / Funder / Donor Relationships

Corporate / Funder / Donor Relationships are important for all nonprofit organizations because we all need funding! But how often do you only reach out to these individuals or entities when you are not asking for money?

Do you really try and develop a partnership with them?

Developing a partnership is simple in that you can send these funding sources consistent information about your organization. Rather than only hitting them up for money once or twice a year, give them free tickets to attend one of your events or invite them to attend programs and projects their funds are helping to make happen.

This way you are actually building the relationship and giving them value before you ask them for anything. This is huge because most nonprofits do NOT do this. By doing this you will inadvertently research these funding sources more strategically.

Allowing your organization to find ones that really would resonate with your cause in the best way. For example, if you are giving out free tickets to a fundraiser you are going to be pickier about who you are giving the free tickets too. You would probably spend a bit more time figuring out if they would be a good long-term relationship when you are the one offering the value.

That is a good thing. Because while you want every Tom, Dick, and Harry to give to your nonprofit, it just won’t happen. It would be better to have long-term relationships with funding sources that really get what you do, and commit to you being the main sponsor every year.

Wow, can you imagine that?

It’s almost like your nonprofit can start to have ‘retainer’ relationships with funding sources as you develop relationships so tight that they commit to giving you a portion of their funds every quarter. This can happen! But it’s not going to happen if they only know of you by your cold call solicitations every year. I cannot stress this enough. Develop a relationship and your partnership will rock.

Beneficiary Partnerships

It would be a bit strange if you weren’t developing relationships with the people you actually serve. Sure, your ‘beneficiaries’ may not be people, as I know some of you serve animals or are in the arts, or restoration of historic buildings, and so on, but you still want to build understanding and be on the cutting edge of those other ‘beneficiaries.’

For those of you who do serve people, then here are some ideas on how to develop deeper relationships and partnerships with these individuals. You could conduct an annual survey to see if you are meeting the continually changing needs that they have, focus groups, one-on-one interviews, on-line quizzes, or simply create more staff-to-beneficiary projects or activities.

For instance, maybe your staff primarily does administration when survivors come in the door. Maybe every staff could rotate in facilitating a group class in their field of expertise. Passion with and for the survivors will really grow the relationships and compassion. If beneficiaries are not people, then continue learning about the need you serve is key. Become an expert in your field and the go-to person for people to go to when they have a question about your demographic.

So now that you have better relationships with comprehensive services, funding sources, and your beneficiaries, how do you measure it? How does this really help your organization financially?

You’ve got to pay the bills and knowing someone’s first name may not make the direct difference. Indirectly, this does help with funding. Maybe you don’t really need the funding to grow a childcare portion of your nonprofit because you can develop a Memorandum o...

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ep. 18: How to Get Your Nonprofit from Surviving to Thriving 18 18 Ep. 18: How to Get Your Nonprofit from Surviving to Thriving full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/395313810 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-18-how-to-get-your-nonprofit-from-surviving-to-thriving Tue, 06 Feb 2018 08:31:32 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 901 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Crowdfunding for Your Nonprofit 17 17 Crowdfunding for Your Nonprofit full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/389354415 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-17-crowdfunding-for-your-nonprofit Are you struggling to figure out how to crowdfund for your nonprofit, especially when most advice seems geared toward products instead of causes? 

In this episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Steve Vick, Founder of Nonprofit Ally, to break down how nonprofits can run successful crowdfunding campaigns that actually generate results. Drawing from his experience as Executive Director of Noble Paws, Steve shares what works—and what doesn’t—when it comes to crowdfunding in the nonprofit space. 

They discuss how to approach crowdfunding as a viable income stream, common mistakes organizations make, and practical strategies to help you stop spinning your wheels and start raising funds with confidence. Whether you're new to crowdfunding or looking to improve your current efforts, this episode will give you the clarity and direction you need to move forward.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Steve Vick is the Founder of Nonprofit Ally and former Executive Director of Noble Paws, where he gained firsthand experience leading successful crowdfunding campaigns for nonprofit organizations. He specializes in helping nonprofits diversify their revenue streams and build sustainable funding strategies. Through his work, Steve equips organizations with practical tools and insights to effectively launch and manage crowdfunding initiatives.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Are you struggling to figure out how to crowdfund for your nonprofit, especially when most advice seems geared toward products instead of causes? 

In this episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Steve Vick, Founder of Nonprofit Ally, to break down how nonprofits can run successful crowdfunding campaigns that actually generate results. Drawing from his experience as Executive Director of Noble Paws, Steve shares what works—and what doesn’t—when it comes to crowdfunding in the nonprofit space. 

They discuss how to approach crowdfunding as a viable income stream, common mistakes organizations make, and practical strategies to help you stop spinning your wheels and start raising funds with confidence. Whether you're new to crowdfunding or looking to improve your current efforts, this episode will give you the clarity and direction you need to move forward.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Steve Vick is the Founder of Nonprofit Ally and former Executive Director of Noble Paws, where he gained firsthand experience leading successful crowdfunding campaigns for nonprofit organizations. He specializes in helping nonprofits diversify their revenue streams and build sustainable funding strategies. Through his work, Steve equips organizations with practical tools and insights to effectively launch and manage crowdfunding initiatives.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Fri, 26 Jan 2018 05:12:13 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 3014 Are you struggling to figure out how to crowdfund for your nonprofit, especially when most advice seems geared toward products instead of causes? 

In this episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Steve Vick, Founder of Nonprofit Ally, to break down how nonprofits can run successful crowdfunding campaigns that actually generate results. Drawing from his experience as Executive Director of Noble Paws, Steve shares what works—and what doesn’t—when it comes to crowdfunding in the nonprofit space. 

They discuss how to approach crowdfunding as a viable income stream, common mistakes organizations make, and practical strategies to help you stop spinning your wheels and start raising funds with confidence. Whether you're new to crowdfunding or looking to improve your current efforts, this episode will give you the clarity and direction you need to move forward.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Steve Vick is the Founder of Nonprofit Ally and former Executive Director of Noble Paws, where he gained firsthand experience leading successful crowdfunding campaigns for nonprofit organizations. He specializes in helping nonprofits diversify their revenue streams and build sustainable funding strategies. Through his work, Steve equips organizations with practical tools and insights to effectively launch and manage crowdfunding initiatives.


OTHER RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ep. 16: Reviewing Wins and Challenges 16 16 Ep. 16: Reviewing Wins and Challenges full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/384901220 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-16-reviewing-wins-and-challenges Wed, 17 Jan 2018 05:53:50 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1283 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ep. 15: Your Agenda for Strategic Planning 2018 15 15 Ep. 15: Your Agenda for Strategic Planning 2018 full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/379571381 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-15-your-agenda-for-strategic-planning-2018 Sat, 06 Jan 2018 05:57:41 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1870 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ep. 14: Creating Credibility and Culture Part IV: Lead Generator for Nonprofits 14 14 Ep. 14: Creating Credibility and Culture Part IV: Lead Generator for Nonprofits full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/369405860 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-14-creating-credibility-and-culture-part-iv-lead-generator-for-nonprofits Thu, 14 Dec 2017 07:13:29 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 799 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ep. 13: Creating Credibility & Culture: Part V Branding, Call to Action, and Website Audit 13 13 Ep. 13: Creating Credibility & Culture: Part V Branding, Call to Action, and Website Audit full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/359330858 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-13-creating-credibility-culture-part-v-branding-call-to-action-and-website-audit Wed, 22 Nov 2017 05:14:44 -0500 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1472 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Creating Credibility & Culture: Part IV Website Vs. Facebook 12 12 Creating Credibility & Culture: Part IV Website Vs. Facebook full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/345270368 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/creating-credibility-culture-part-iv-website-vs-facebook Why your nonprofit needs a website and not just a Facebook page

You can have the most awesome nonprofit or business in the world, but in this day and age, you need that awesomeness to be reflected online. And by online, I don’t just mean social media or a mediocre URL.

Do you still have a website that was created in the early millennium? You know the one that I am talking about. It is crammed with information in small font and looks more like a brochure than a website. I see this a lot, especially with nonprofits. Instead of communicating a unique mission, skill set, or storyline, beneficiaries are given a standard impersonal message.

They find themselves led through a maze of Error 401 pages and outdated events. Completely devoid of the services and projects that they offer, presented in a color scheme bound to give the browser a headache.

The Five Main Reasons your Organization Needs a Website and not just a Facebook Page:

  • Your organization will own the website, whereas social media can change or shut down at any moment.
  • A website creates credibility for your organization.
  • Your website will communicate your branding more efficiently.
  • Your donation/fundraising campaign can be hosted on your website.
  • You can collect emails through your website by offering value.

Next time we will look at different types of websites, how to communicate your brand, and what you should not do on your website.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Why your nonprofit needs a website and not just a Facebook page

You can have the most awesome nonprofit or business in the world, but in this day and age, you need that awesomeness to be reflected online. And by online, I don’t just mean social media or a mediocre URL.

Do you still have a website that was created in the early millennium? You know the one that I am talking about. It is crammed with information in small font and looks more like a brochure than a website. I see this a lot, especially with nonprofits. Instead of communicating a unique mission, skill set, or storyline, beneficiaries are given a standard impersonal message.

They find themselves led through a maze of Error 401 pages and outdated events. Completely devoid of the services and projects that they offer, presented in a color scheme bound to give the browser a headache.

The Five Main Reasons your Organization Needs a Website and not just a Facebook Page:

  • Your organization will own the website, whereas social media can change or shut down at any moment.
  • A website creates credibility for your organization.
  • Your website will communicate your branding more efficiently.
  • Your donation/fundraising campaign can be hosted on your website.
  • You can collect emails through your website by offering value.

Next time we will look at different types of websites, how to communicate your brand, and what you should not do on your website.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 03 Oct 2017 23:20:13 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 861 Why your nonprofit needs a website and not just a Facebook page

You can have the most awesome nonprofit or business in the world, but in this day and age, you need that awesomeness to be reflected online. And by online, I don’t just mean social media or a mediocre URL.

Do you still have a website that was created in the early millennium? You know the one that I am talking about. It is crammed with information in small font and looks more like a brochure than a website. I see this a lot, especially with nonprofits. Instead of communicating a unique mission, skill set, or storyline, beneficiaries are given a standard impersonal message.

They find themselves led through a maze of Error 401 pages and outdated events. Completely devoid of the services and projects that they offer, presented in a color scheme bound to give the browser a headache.

The Five Main Reasons your Organization Needs a Website and not just a Facebook Page:

  • Your organization will own the website, whereas social media can change or shut down at any moment.
  • A website creates credibility for your organization.
  • Your website will communicate your branding more efficiently.
  • Your donation/fundraising campaign can be hosted on your website.
  • You can collect emails through your website by offering value.

Next time we will look at different types of websites, how to communicate your brand, and what you should not do on your website.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ep. 11: Creating Credibility & Culture: Part III Doing the SWOT 11 11 Ep. 11: Creating Credibility & Culture: Part III Doing the SWOT full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/342484066 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-11-creating-credibility-culture-part-iii-doing-the-swot Fri, 15 Sep 2017 09:26:24 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 757 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ep. 10: Creating Credibility & Culture: Part II What is Your Why? 10 10 Ep. 10: Creating Credibility & Culture: Part II What is Your Why? full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/340093504 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-10-creating-credibility-culture-part-ii-what-is-your-why Tue, 29 Aug 2017 23:35:44 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 832 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ep. 9: Creating Credibility & Culture: Part I Mission and Vision 9 9 Ep. 9: Creating Credibility & Culture: Part I Mission and Vision full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/338247639 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-9-creating-credibility-culture-part-i-mission-and-vision Thu, 17 Aug 2017 05:22:47 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 801 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ep. 8: 7 Powerful Steps To Write A Grant Narrative 8 8 Ep. 8: 7 Powerful Steps To Write A Grant Narrative full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/335909364 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-8-7-powerful-steps-to-write-a-grant-narrative Wed, 02 Aug 2017 02:58:20 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1496 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Part Four: Budget and Budget Narrative 7 7 Part Four: Budget and Budget Narrative full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/333855091 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/part-four-budget-and-budget-narrative It’s time to talk about the money. The budget. The good news is you don’t have to be a CPA to write a budget. You do, however, need to understand budgets.

In this podcast, you will learn how to write a consistent budget and budget narrative in the format that grant reviewers appreciate. You will know which category to put each item of your budget and how to calculate costs.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> It’s time to talk about the money. The budget. The good news is you don’t have to be a CPA to write a budget. You do, however, need to understand budgets.

In this podcast, you will learn how to write a consistent budget and budget narrative in the format that grant reviewers appreciate. You will know which category to put each item of your budget and how to calculate costs.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Wed, 19 Jul 2017 07:37:00 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 2361 It’s time to talk about the money. The budget. The good news is you don’t have to be a CPA to write a budget. You do, however, need to understand budgets.

In this podcast, you will learn how to write a consistent budget and budget narrative in the format that grant reviewers appreciate. You will know which category to put each item of your budget and how to calculate costs.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Ep. 6: Part Three: Goals, Objectives, and Outcomes 6 6 Ep. 6: Part Three: Goals, Objectives, and Outcomes full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/331799527 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-6-part-three-goals-objectives-and-outcomes Thu, 06 Jul 2017 00:58:40 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1013 grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No Astonishingly Easy Tips To Present Needs & Target Population 5 5 Astonishingly Easy Tips To Present Needs & Target Population full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/329455063 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/astonishingly-easy-tips-to-present-needs-target-population Needs. We all have them, but how do you make yours stand out?

How do you get funding sources to think your needs are crucial?

How do you even identify the community you are serving?

Welcome to the second in the series of the five basic parts of writing a winning grant. This podcast will articulate your target demographic, how to clearly state (and cite) your needs, and how to write a powerful problem statement to get funded.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:


Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.  https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship 


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 

]]> Needs. We all have them, but how do you make yours stand out?

How do you get funding sources to think your needs are crucial?

How do you even identify the community you are serving?

Welcome to the second in the series of the five basic parts of writing a winning grant. This podcast will articulate your target demographic, how to clearly state (and cite) your needs, and how to write a powerful problem statement to get funded.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:


Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.  https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship 


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 

]]> Thu, 22 Jun 2017 02:39:13 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 723 Needs. We all have them, but how do you make yours stand out?

How do you get funding sources to think your needs are crucial?

How do you even identify the community you are serving?

Welcome to the second in the series of the five basic parts of writing a winning grant. This podcast will articulate your target demographic, how to clearly state (and cite) your needs, and how to write a powerful problem statement to get funded.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:


Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.  https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship 


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No 10 Must-Haves In Your Grant Background Section 4 4 10 Must-Haves In Your Grant Background Section full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/326488101 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/10-must-haves-in-your-grant-background-section Funding sources want to know about your nonprofit organization or the nonprofit you work with.

They want to know that your nonprofit organization is credible, has adequate staffing and processes to implement grants and that you are fiscally responsible.

They basically want to get a good idea about who and what you stand for so that, if awarded, you can manage the grant.

In this podcast, I outline how to organize all this information so you can best be prepared to win that grant. I will show you a way to keep track of all the following.

  • Status of your organization
  • Your vision
  • Activities your organization has completed
  • Other grants or funding your organization has received
  • Board officers and members
  • Staffing
  • Staffing structure
  • Financial oversight and management of funds
  • Job roles for projects
  • Partners

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Funding sources want to know about your nonprofit organization or the nonprofit you work with.

They want to know that your nonprofit organization is credible, has adequate staffing and processes to implement grants and that you are fiscally responsible.

They basically want to get a good idea about who and what you stand for so that, if awarded, you can manage the grant.

In this podcast, I outline how to organize all this information so you can best be prepared to win that grant. I will show you a way to keep track of all the following.

  • Status of your organization
  • Your vision
  • Activities your organization has completed
  • Other grants or funding your organization has received
  • Board officers and members
  • Staffing
  • Staffing structure
  • Financial oversight and management of funds
  • Job roles for projects
  • Partners

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Tue, 06 Jun 2017 04:29:37 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 1478 Funding sources want to know about your nonprofit organization or the nonprofit you work with.

They want to know that your nonprofit organization is credible, has adequate staffing and processes to implement grants and that you are fiscally responsible.

They basically want to get a good idea about who and what you stand for so that, if awarded, you can manage the grant.

In this podcast, I outline how to organize all this information so you can best be prepared to win that grant. I will show you a way to keep track of all the following.

  • Status of your organization
  • Your vision
  • Activities your organization has completed
  • Other grants or funding your organization has received
  • Board officers and members
  • Staffing
  • Staffing structure
  • Financial oversight and management of funds
  • Job roles for projects
  • Partners

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No How to Build the Best Grant Writing Team 3 3 How to Build the Best Grant Writing Team full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/324073732 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/how-to-build-the-best-grant-writing-team It is crucial to set up a grant team and delegate responsibilities to write successful grants and get them submitted on time.

Get your team together before you start writing the grant, and make sure you include the executive director, grant writing lead, budget lead, grant coordinator, and any specialist as part of this team. Furthermore, appoint someone (and a backup) to be in charge of submitting the grant application.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 

]]> It is crucial to set up a grant team and delegate responsibilities to write successful grants and get them submitted on time.

Get your team together before you start writing the grant, and make sure you include the executive director, grant writing lead, budget lead, grant coordinator, and any specialist as part of this team. Furthermore, appoint someone (and a backup) to be in charge of submitting the grant application.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 

]]> Tue, 23 May 2017 06:02:43 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 877 It is crucial to set up a grant team and delegate responsibilities to write successful grants and get them submitted on time.

Get your team together before you start writing the grant, and make sure you include the executive director, grant writing lead, budget lead, grant coordinator, and any specialist as part of this team. Furthermore, appoint someone (and a backup) to be in charge of submitting the grant application.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No What are the Different Types of Grants? 2 2 What are the Different Types of Grants? full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/321535490 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/what-are-the-different-types-of-grants Trying to figure out all the grant lingo - federal grants or foundation grants or proposal or application -  can be confusing.

In this podcast, Holly will break down the different types of grants in simple ways!

You will know what a discretionary grant is versus a formula and have a way to even memorize this. Want to apply to a foundation, but have no idea on which ones to apply to?

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Trying to figure out all the grant lingo - federal grants or foundation grants or proposal or application -  can be confusing.

In this podcast, Holly will break down the different types of grants in simple ways!

You will know what a discretionary grant is versus a formula and have a way to even memorize this. Want to apply to a foundation, but have no idea on which ones to apply to?

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Mon, 08 May 2017 05:40:09 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 805 Trying to figure out all the grant lingo - federal grants or foundation grants or proposal or application -  can be confusing.

In this podcast, Holly will break down the different types of grants in simple ways!

You will know what a discretionary grant is versus a formula and have a way to even memorize this. Want to apply to a foundation, but have no idea on which ones to apply to?

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK


Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030.  Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.  


Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy,  past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 


CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK 

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ 


RESOURCES:


RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?


This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!


“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!


Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.


Thanks for listening!


Warmly,

Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No The Mindset Behind Securing Grant Proposals 1 1 The Mindset Behind Securing Grant Proposals full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/316344614 https://grantwriting-podcast.com/episodes/ep-1-the-mindset-behind-securing-grant-proposals “So, when I get a grant I can just spend money on anything?” Er… no. No, you cannot.


In this episode, we break down why—and it’s one of the most important concepts to understand in grant writing.

At its core, a grant is money given by an organization—most often a government agency—for a specific purpose. And that phrase matters more than anything else.

When you apply for a grant, you are aligning your vision with the funder’s vision. You are agreeing to use that funding exactly as outlined in your proposal. If you don’t, you’re not acting in good faith—and you may be required to return the funds. To make this concept stick, we use a simple (and memorable) metaphor: the teenager and parent relationship.

Think of the funder as the parent—they want to trust you, but that trust is built by following through on what you said you would do. Your job is to show responsibility, alignment, and transparency. We also dive into what happens if you do need to make changes to your budget. Because yes—sometimes adjustments are allowed.

Many grants permit a small percentage of funds to be shifted between already approved budget categories. However, anything beyond that often requires formal approval through a budget modification request. And even when it’s allowed, communication is key. Keeping your grants officer informed helps maintain trust and ensures you stay compliant.

If you’ve ever been unsure about how strict grant spending really is—or how to handle changes—this episode will give you the clarity you need. Remember: a grant is money given for a particular purpose. Stay aligned, stay transparent, and you’ll build strong relationships with funders.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> “So, when I get a grant I can just spend money on anything?” Er… no. No, you cannot.


In this episode, we break down why—and it’s one of the most important concepts to understand in grant writing.

At its core, a grant is money given by an organization—most often a government agency—for a specific purpose. And that phrase matters more than anything else.

When you apply for a grant, you are aligning your vision with the funder’s vision. You are agreeing to use that funding exactly as outlined in your proposal. If you don’t, you’re not acting in good faith—and you may be required to return the funds. To make this concept stick, we use a simple (and memorable) metaphor: the teenager and parent relationship.

Think of the funder as the parent—they want to trust you, but that trust is built by following through on what you said you would do. Your job is to show responsibility, alignment, and transparency. We also dive into what happens if you do need to make changes to your budget. Because yes—sometimes adjustments are allowed.

Many grants permit a small percentage of funds to be shifted between already approved budget categories. However, anything beyond that often requires formal approval through a budget modification request. And even when it’s allowed, communication is key. Keeping your grants officer informed helps maintain trust and ensures you stay compliant.

If you’ve ever been unsure about how strict grant spending really is—or how to handle changes—this episode will give you the clarity you need. Remember: a grant is money given for a particular purpose. Stay aligned, stay transparent, and you’ll build strong relationships with funders.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> Thu, 06 Apr 2017 01:01:47 -0400 Holly Rustick Holly Rustick 506 “So, when I get a grant I can just spend money on anything?” Er… no. No, you cannot.


In this episode, we break down why—and it’s one of the most important concepts to understand in grant writing.

At its core, a grant is money given by an organization—most often a government agency—for a specific purpose. And that phrase matters more than anything else.

When you apply for a grant, you are aligning your vision with the funder’s vision. You are agreeing to use that funding exactly as outlined in your proposal. If you don’t, you’re not acting in good faith—and you may be required to return the funds. To make this concept stick, we use a simple (and memorable) metaphor: the teenager and parent relationship.

Think of the funder as the parent—they want to trust you, but that trust is built by following through on what you said you would do. Your job is to show responsibility, alignment, and transparency. We also dive into what happens if you do need to make changes to your budget. Because yes—sometimes adjustments are allowed.

Many grants permit a small percentage of funds to be shifted between already approved budget categories. However, anything beyond that often requires formal approval through a budget modification request. And even when it’s allowed, communication is key. Keeping your grants officer informed helps maintain trust and ensures you stay compliant.

If you’ve ever been unsure about how strict grant spending really is—or how to handle changes—this episode will give you the clarity you need. Remember: a grant is money given for a particular purpose. Stay aligned, stay transparent, and you’ll build strong relationships with funders.

ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK

Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.

Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. 

CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK

Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

RESOURCES:

Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship

RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST

Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?

This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!

“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,
Holly Rustick

Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

]]> grant writing, entrepreneurship, freelance, nonprofit, grant writer, consulting No