Grant Writing & Funding

The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is Now Open 🎉 The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is a 12-Month group coaching program, where aspiring and seasoned grant writers get curriculum, coaching, and a community to be financially stable on flexible hours. Doors close on Sunday, Oct. 27th at 11:59 pm EST. 👉 Join the Academy https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy In this podcast episode, Holly Rustick discusses how introverts can get grant writing clients. ______________________________________________________ Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener? This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every 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/ ———————————————————————————

The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is Now Open 🎉 The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is a 12-Month group coaching program, where aspiring and seasoned grant writers get curriculum, coaching, and a community to be financially stable on flexible hours. Doors close on Sunday, Oct. 27th at 11:59 pm EST. 👉 Join the Academy grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-g…ter-academy In this bonus podcast episode, Holly Rustick discusses how you don't need 40 hours a week to learn how to write grants and start a profitable business. ______________________________________________________ Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener? This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every 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” grantwritingandfunding.com/ Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-g…er-academy/ ———————————————————————————

The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is Now Open 🎉 The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is a 12-Month group coaching program, where aspiring and seasoned grant writers get curriculum, coaching, and a community to be financially stable on flexible hours. Doors close on Sunday, Oct. 27th at 11:59 pm EST. 👉 Join the Academy https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/ In this podcast episode, Holly Rustick discusses how to transition from a 9-5 to freelance grant writing. ______________________________________________________ Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener? This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every 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/ ———————————————————————————

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 RUSTICKGrant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, 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 RUSTICKWebsite: 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/mentorshipRATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCASTFavor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.Thanks for listening!Warmly,Holly RustickLeading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional 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 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 spaceProcure materials (paper, printers, etc.)Hire staff AND CONSULTANTSBuy computersPay for water and power and maintenancePurchase 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 RUSTICKGrant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship. Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also 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.

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 AcumenIn 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 WRITING30-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 ACUMENIn 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 & COMMUNITYThis 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 RUSTICKGrant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, be

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 SchuppertAlexandra 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:EmailLinkedInWebsiteResources Mentioned in this Episode:The Freelance Grant Writer Academy. OTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCASTFavor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.Thanks for listening!Warmly,Holly RustickLeading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional 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 NelsonStaci 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:EmailLinkedInResources Mentioned in this Episode:The Freelance Grant Writer AcademyOTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCASTFavor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.Thanks for listening!Warmly,Holly RustickLeading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional 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 GUESTAntoinette 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 GUESTEmailWebsiteLinkedInFacebookInstagramOTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorshipRATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCASTFavor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.Thanks for listening!Warmly,Holly RustickLeading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

🎉Doors to the Freelance Grant Writer Academy on Sunday, Oct. 27th at 11:59 pm EST. The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is a 12-Month group coaching program, where aspiring and seasoned grant writers get curriculum, coaching, and a community to be financially stable on flexible hours. 👉 Join the Academy https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy This is a bonus episode of the entire REPLAY of the Webinar that was held on Tuesday, Oct. 15th "Create a Profitable Grant Writing Business with Little to No Experience." To watch the entire replay visit: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/replay ——————————————————————————— Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and subscribe and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener? This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every 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 Coach & CEO for Aspiring and Seasoned Grant Writers to Replace Income, on Flexible Hours, Writing Grants from Home ✨💌 Get FREE Grant Writing Resources when You Join the Newsletter “Write Grants. Get Paid”: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/write-grants-get-paid-newsletter 🖥️🔥 👉 Freelance Grant Writer Academy: 12 Month Group Coaching Program for Aspiring & Seasoned Grant Writers to Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/ ———————————————————————————

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 SalesThe 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 EthicallyWhy 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 RUSTICKGrant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship. Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an

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 RiveraBorn 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:Email: [email protected] LinkedInWebsiteOTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCASTFavor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.Thanks for listening!Warmly,Holly RustickLeading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional 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 CertificationA 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 CertificationThe 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 RUSTICKGrant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship. Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also 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

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: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.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.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.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.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 RoweWith 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:Email: [email protected] Rowe | LinkedInQuotables: “A lot of the questions I have or the pain points I run into, someone else is already talking abou

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 RUSTICKGrant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, 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 RUSTICKWebsite: 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/mentorshipRATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCASTFavor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.Thanks for listening!Warmly,Holly RustickLeading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional 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 RUSTICKGrant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICKWebsite: 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/mentorshipRATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCASTFavor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.Thanks for listening!Warmly,Holly RustickLeading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional 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 rateThey 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 RUSTICKGrant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship. Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also 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 PODCASTFavor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.Thanks for listening!Warmly,Holly RustickLeading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional 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:TimeExpensesSimilar professional costsFeatures/Benefits of ServicesExperience/EducationTypes of GrantsYour ConfidenceInside 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 #3ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICKGrant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship. Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also 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:The Freelance Grant Writer AcademyRESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCASTFavor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.Thanks for listening!Warmly,Holly RustickLeading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional 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 RUSTICKGrant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICKWebsite: 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/mentorshipRATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCASTFavor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.Thanks for listening!Warmly,Holly RustickLeading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional 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 RUSTICKGrant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICKWebsite: 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/mentorshipRATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCASTFavor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.Thanks for listening!Warmly,Holly RustickLeading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional 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 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 LomaxBridgett 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:LinkedInOTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCASTFavor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.Thanks for listening!Warmly,Holly RustickLeading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional 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 WatermanRachel 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:LinkedInOTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCASTFavor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.Thanks for listening!Warmly,Holly RustickLeading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional 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 ScamurraGrace 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:LinkedInWebsiteEmailResources mentioned in this episode:We Should All Be MillionairesHow Tiffany is Quitting Her Full-Time Job Early with Freelance Grant Writing$43K in Grant Training in 6 WeeksPayton Transformed Her Value in Her 9-5, Made $17K in Her Business in 3 Months, and $4.4 Million in GrantsOTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCASTFavor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.Thanks for listening!Warmly,Holly RustickLeading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional 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 developmentShe 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-HernandezSabrina 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:WebsiteEmailQuotables:“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:World Hope“Write Grants. Get Paid” NewsletterNonprofit Consulting ConferenceThe 3 Elements of Nonprofit’s CEO: Fundraising, Board, and MarketingTaking Away Friction Points with Nonprofits Clients and Scaling a Grant AgencyScale Your Grant Writing Business with an Identity ShiftOTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCASTFavor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.Thanks for listening!Warmly,Holly RustickLeading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional 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 EdwardsChristina 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:WebsiteLinkedInResources mentioned in this episode:Splendid Consulting WebsitePurpose and Profit Club Podcast Purpose and Profit Club Coaching ProgramEp. 243: Get Over the Overwhelm of End of Year Giving with a Proven Email StrategyEp. 214: Toolkit for Nonprofits to Get Social Media Influencers and AmbassadorsEp. 230: How Nonprofits can Share Stories of Impact that Honor the Dignity of ClientsEp. 51: 6 Ways to Stand out On GivingTuesdayEp 195: Top Tips to Raise Funds for Your Nonprofit on GivingTuesdayOTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCASTFavor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.Thanks for listening!Warmly,Holly RustickLeading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional 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 ———————————————————————————

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 GUESTPatrick 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/mentorshipRATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCASTFavor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.Thanks for listening!Warmly,Holly RustickLeading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional 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, 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 PhillipsSheleia 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:WebsiteLinkedInInstagramQuotables:“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:The Grant Writing Coach Tells All on Going from Biologist to Grant ProfessionalWhen to Start a New Service for a Grant Writing BusinessScale Your Grant Writing Business with an Identity ShiftGrant Easy Management SoftwareOTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCASTFavor, p

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 GUESTDeaRonda 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/mentorshipRATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCASTFavor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.Thanks for listening!Warmly,Holly RustickLeading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

***Doors to the Grant Professional Mentorship are open until August 2nd, 2024 Join Now or Book a Sales Call: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-professional-mentorship The Grant Professional Mentorship is a 12-Month Group Coaching Mastermind where Grant Professionals Double Your Revenue with a Part-Time Team, Systems, and a Scaling Offer - Without Burning Out. 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. In this episode, Holly explains what’s in the grant professional mentorship curriculum, how grant writers can make more money without working more hours, and common problems grant writing businesses have. She also talks about the frameworks grant writing businesses need, what’s in the Grant Writer For Hire Directory, and how to get featured on the Grant Writing and Funding Podcast. Book Your Sales Call Today to Get a Seat Inside the Grant Professional Mentorship. Click here. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-professional-mentorship Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts ___________________________________________________________ "Write Grants. Get Paid" Newsletter - Get FREE Grant Writing Resources in our Newsletter Series https://grantwritingandfunding.com/get-started/ Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/ Grant Professional Mentorship: Double Your Revenue as a Grant Professional with a Team, Systems, and Scaling Offer - without Burning Out. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-professional-mentorship ——————————————————————————— To learn more about this episode AND get the full links for each of these, click here: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/349 Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener? This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every 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! ------------------------------------------------ "Write Grants. Get Paid" Newsletter - Get FREE Grant Writing Resources in our Newsletter Series https://grantwritingandfunding.com/get-started/ Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/ Grant Professional Mentorship: Double Your Revenue as a Grant Professional with a Team, Systems, and Scaling Offer - without Burning Out. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-professional-mentorship ———————————————————————————

***Doors to the Grant Professional Mentorship are open until August 2nd, 2024. Book now: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-professional-mentorship 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. In this episode, Holly shares the 3 strategies to overcome burnout and to hire a part-time team for your grant writing business, without slashing your owner's pay. Book Your Sales Call Today to Get a Seat Inside the Grant Professional Mentorship. Click here.https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-professional-mentorship "Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts ___________________________________________________________ "Write Grants. Get Paid" Newsletter - Get FREE Grant Writing Resources in our Newsletter Series https://grantwritingandfunding.com/get-started/ Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/ Grant Professional Mentorship: Double Your Revenue as a Grant Professional with a Team, Systems, and Scaling Offer - without Burning Out. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-professional-mentorship ——————————————————————————— To learn more about this episode AND get the full links for each of these, click here: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-professional-mentorship Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener? This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every 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! ------------------------------------------------ "Write Grants. Get Paid" Newsletter - Get FREE Grant Writing Resources in our Newsletter Series https://grantwritingandfunding.com/get-started/ Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/ Grant Professional Mentorship: Double Your Revenue as a Grant Professional with a Team, Systems, and Scaling Offer - without Burning Out. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-professional-mentorship

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 WannerNiki 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:LinkedInEmailWebsiteQuotables:“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:Grant Professional MentorshipResources mentioned in this episode:Free Webinar on July 24th at 4 pm – 5:30 pm EST “Double Your Revenue: Hire a Part-Time Team Without Slashing Your Owner’s Pay”Treat Your 9-5 as Your Anchor Client as a Freelance Grant WriterWhen to Start a New Service for a Grant Writing BusinessStop Being Guilted to Work at a NonprofitGrant Easy Management SoftwareOTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCASTFavor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.Thanks for listening!Warmly,Holly RustickLeading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional 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 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 RUSTICKGrant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICKWebsite: 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/mentorshipRATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCASTFavor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.Thanks for listening!Warmly,Holly RustickLeading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional 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 entrepreneursHow she shifted her focus from grant writing to coaching others to start grant writing businessesWhy she decided to exclusively teach people to become business owners and write better grantsHer desire to uplift women and help them increase their income through entrepreneurshipA shift from on-demand courses to live coaching to strengthen her movement and missionHolly Rustick’s emphasis on creating a brand that reflects the unique qualities and mission of a business or organizationThe mission of creating a community where grant professionals have peace, profit, and a legacy businessImportance of understanding the brand’s results, transformation, and products when working with brand professionalsHighlighting the control and freedom that entrepreneurship provides compared to traditional employmentThe advice not to rush into branding without establishing a client baseRecommending starting scrappy and low-cost before considering a rebrandQuotables:“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 RUSTICKGrant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship. Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also 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:Free webinar, “Double Your Revenue: Hire a Part-Time Team Without Slashing Your Owner’s Pay” on July 24th at 4 pm – 5:30 pm EST.Grant Professional MentorshipFreelance Grant Writer AcademyOTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCASTFavor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.Thanks for listening!Warmly,Holly RustickLeading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAK

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 RUSTICKGrant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICKWebsite: 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/mentorshipRATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCASTFavor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.Thanks for listening!Warmly,Holly RustickLeading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional 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 RUSTICKGrant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICKWebsite: 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/mentorshipRATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCASTFavor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.Thanks for listening!Warmly,Holly RustickLeading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional 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 RUSTICKGrant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICKWebsite: 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/mentorshipRATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCASTFavor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.Thanks for listening!Warmly,Holly RustickLeading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional 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 GUESTBrian 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/mentorshipRATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCASTFavor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.Thanks for listening!Warmly,Holly RustickLeading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional 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 GUESTKim 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/mentorshipRATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCASTFavor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.Thanks for listening!Warmly,Holly RustickLeading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional 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 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 WatermanRachel 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:LinkedInQuotables:“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:2022 Pricing Survey (50% Off!): GDS 2022 Pricing Survey Report2023 Full Pricing Survey (10% Off!) GEMS Freelance Grant Writer AcademyWhy you struggle with pricing as a freelance grant writer with Rachel WatermanGrant Writer Pricing Survey: Why Grant Professionals Don’t Feel ValuedGrant Management Made Easy: Never Miss a Grant or Funding DeadlineOTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCASTFavor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.Thanks for listening!Warmly,Holly RustickLeading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional 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.grantwritin

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 GUESTRhea 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 GUESTLinkedInWebsiteOTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorshipRATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCASTFavor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.Thanks for listening!Warmly,Holly RustickLeading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional 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 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. In this episode, Marie explains what to include in a grant proposal’s strategic planning document, who should be involved with the strategic planning process, and how to fund the strategic planning process. She also talks about the preparation you need before writing a grant proposal, how to provide more services and deliverables for the nonprofits you work with, and the core reasons to run a nonprofit consultancy business. Resources mentioned in this episode: ✨Nonprofit Consulting Conference 2024 ✨Grant Professionals Pricing Survey Results & Brainstorming Sessions ✨Funding For Good ✨Increasing Prices with Streamlined Processes for Freelance Grant Writers ✨Why AI Won’t Take Your Grant Writing Job ✨Growing your Nonprofit Consultancy Practice ✨Grant Easy Management Software Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts ___________________________________________________________ ✨💌 Get FREE Grant Writing Resources when You Join the Grant Writing Hub Haven: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/get-started/ 🖥️🔥 👉 Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/ ——————————————————————————— To learn more about this episode AND get the full links for each of these, click here: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/340 Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener? This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every 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!

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 GUESTStephanie 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/mentorshipRATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCASTFavor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.Thanks for listening!Warmly,Holly RustickLeading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

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 KnoxGina 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:WebsiteLinkedInInstagramResources mentioned in this episode:6 Figure Saver Group Program with Gina KnoxSave 6 Figures with Gina Knox PodcastGrowing your Nonprofit Consultancy PracticeTreat Your 9-5 as Your Anchor Client as a Freelance Grant WriterWhy you struggle with pricing as a freelance grant writer with Rachel WatermanGrant Easy Management SoftwareOTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCASTFavor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.Thanks for listening!Warmly,Holly RustickLeading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional 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 DengPhilip 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:LinkedInGrantableThe ProcessFree Trial of GrantableQuotables:“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:Freelance Grant Writer AcademyThe Nonprofit Consulting ConferenceEpisode 279: Chat GPT and AI for Grants: Revolutionizing Grant Writing with GrantableEverything Inside the FGW Academy, Who It’s For, & How to Get Your Investment Back with One SaleTransitioning to Freelance Grant Writing: Building Your Business GraduallyGrant Easy Management SoftwareOTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCASTFavor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.Thanks for listening!Warmly,Holly RustickLeading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional 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 ———————————————————————————

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 RUSTICKGrant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICKWebsite: 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/mentorshipRATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCASTFavor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.Thanks for listening!Warmly,Holly RustickLeading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional 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 MurphyPayton 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:LinkedInResources mentioned in this episode:Freelance Grant Writer AcademyEverything Inside the FGW Academy, Who It’s For, & How to Get Your Investment Back with One SaleFinding a Community of Grant WritersHow Jen Made Her Investment Back within 3 Months, booked out clients, and won her first grant Inside the AcademyOTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCASTFavor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.Thanks for listening!Warmly,Holly RustickLeading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional 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 PankinGrace 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:LinkedInWebsiteQuotables:“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:Freelance Grant Writer AcademyGrants With Grace ConsultingNonprofit Consulting ConferenceEverything Inside the FGW Academy, Who It’s For, & How to Get Your Investment Back with One SaleFinding a Community of Grant WritersHow Jen Made Her Investment Back within 3 Months, booked out clients, and won her first grant Inside the AcademyOTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCASTFavor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.Thanks for listening!Warmly,Holly RustickLeading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way a

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 RUSTICKGrant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICKWebsite: 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/mentorshipRATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCASTFavor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.Thanks for listening!Warmly,Holly RustickLeading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional 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 CollinsKari 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:LinkedInWebsiteBooking LinkResources mentioned in this episode:Freelance Grant Writer AcademyEverything Inside the FGW Academy, Who It’s For, & How to Get Your Investment Back with One SaleFinding a Community of Grant WritersHow Jen Made Her Investment Back within 3 Months, booked out clients, and won her first grant Inside the AcademyOTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCASTFavor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.Thanks for listening!Warmly,Holly RustickLeading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional 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 RUSTICKGrant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, 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 RUSTICKWebsite: 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/mentorshipRATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCASTFavor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.Thanks for listening!Warmly,Holly RustickLeading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.