Grant Writing & Funding

Thinking about starting your own consulting business—but not sure where to begin?In this episode, Andy Robinson brings over 27 years of experience running a successful consultancy to break down what it really takes to build and sustain a consulting practice.We dive into the different business models consultants can follow and how to choose the right one for your goals. Andy shares practical strategies for networking effectively with nonprofits, how to land your first clients, and what to expect when transitioning from a traditional day job into consulting.We also discuss the realities behind the scenes—like how much of your time will actually be spent on non-billable work, the importance of planning for additional tax responsibilities, and how to set yourself up for long-term success.If you’re considering consulting or want to grow your current practice, this episode offers real-world insights to help you move forward with confidence.ABOUT OUR GUESTAndy Robinson is a nationally recognized consultant, trainer, and author with over 27 years of experience working with nonprofits, businesses, and government agencies. He specializes in fundraising, board development, and nonprofit leadership, helping organizations strengthen their impact and sustainability.Andy is the author of several books on nonprofit management and consulting, and is known for his practical, straightforward approach to helping consultants and organizations succeed.OTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.https://grantwritingandfunding.com/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.

Are you thinking about starting your own nonprofit consultancy—or wondering how to grow the one you already have?In this episode, Sean Kosofsky, also known as the NonProfit Fixer, brings nearly three decades of experience in the nonprofit sector to share what it really takes to build a successful consulting business. We dive into why nonprofits need consultants and the value they bring to organizations looking to grow, stabilize, or scale. Sean also breaks down how nonprofit consultancies are structured and why it’s critical not to offer every service you’re asked for—instead, focusing on what you do best.We explore how to know when you’re ready to launch your own consultancy, the essential systems you need to have in place from the beginning, and how consultancies evolve and grow over time.If you’re looking to build a focused, effective, and sustainable consulting business, this episode is packed with practical advice from someone who has done it successfully for decades.ABOUT OUR GUESTSean Kosofsky, known as the NonProfit Fixer, has nearly 30 years of experience working in the nonprofit sector, including serving as executive director for five organizations. His expertise spans fundraising, communications, advocacy, management, and organizational development.Sean has raised millions of dollars for causes, campaigns, and organizations, and his work has been featured in media outlets around the world. He is a sought-after consultant, speaker, and trainer who helps nonprofits and consultants build stronger, more effective organizations.OTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.https://grantwritingandfunding.com/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, Christian Edwards explains the ways to create a passive income using evergreen courses, the central role marketing plays in creating a passive income, and the techniques introverts can use to learn to love selling.Christina Edwards is the Founder of Splendid Consulting and a marketing expert and experienced coach.Christiana joins us to discuss how evergreen courses can be used to create passive income, the importance of marketing when creating passive income streams, and the different ways to sell an online course.She also talks about how people can teach themselves to enjoy marketing, the marketing tricks introverts can use, and how you can market an online course without using social media.What you’ll learn in this episode:How to build a love for marketing and selling.How to create passive income with evergreen courses.The skills you need to effectively run online marketing and fundraising campaigns.The difference between an online business and an in-person agency.How introverts can learn to love selling.Different ways to sell an online course.The benefits of selling a course before you build it.How to market a course without using social media.Different ways to use data to improve your online course.About Christina EdwardsChristina Edwards is the Founder of Splendid Consulting and a marketing expert and coach who helps ambitious social impact businesses and nonprofits increase revenue, supporters, and engagement.She’s ever-passionate about equipping organizations to step into their expertise, be bold, and find their unique voice and audience online. Her packed-out workshops and courses spark enthusiasm, social action, and powerful results.Amplify Social Impact, her signature online course teaches organizations how to make marketing movements that matter online. For more information, visit: Splendid ConsultingConnect with Christina: LinkedInSplendid ConsultingQuotables:“When building an online business you need to figure out how to love selling.” “The best thing about running an online business is that you get to decide the platforms you use, so if you don’t want to be on YouTube Live, you can devote your lead gen in different ways.”“It is so important that you are regularly getting in front of people, it’s not a hobby, it’s a business, so you need to be regularly selling it and you can do it if you’re an introvert you don’t have to be the loudest person in the room.”Resources mentioned in this episode:Grant Easy Management SoftwareSplendid Consulting WebsiteNonprofit Consulting Conference OnlinePurpose and Profit ClubEp. 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 ———————————————————————————

Geri Leon Guerrero joins us to share why having a strong online presence is essential for nonprofits, and why a website is more than just a digital placeholder. With nearly two decades of experience in sales, marketing, and digital strategy, she breaks down the key functions of a nonprofit website, the importance of collecting and leveraging supporter data, and how to effectively brand your organization online. We also explore why social media alone isn’t enough, how to create a more impactful and conversion-driven donate button, and practical ways nonprofits can strengthen their visibility and engagement in today’s digital landscape.ABOUT OUR GUESTGeri Leon Guerrero is the President and General Manager of Adztech & Public Relations, Inc. and Adztech Wholesale, with over 18 years of experience leading innovative sales and marketing strategies in online and social media management. She oversees company operations while directing the concept, development, and execution of media campaigns, public relations, and outreach programs tailored to client needs.Geri has extensive experience in procurement, grants, accounts, and client services, and has led numerous local community outreach projects across Guam. She is an active board member of several civic organizations, including the Guam Contractors Association, Special Olympics Guam, Lupus Awareness Group of Guam, and the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce. Her company is HUBZone certified and the only business in its industry on the island designated as an Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB).CONNECT WITH OUR GUESTLinkedInAdztechOTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://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, Tammy Tilzey joins us to share her insights from nearly a decade in the philanthropy sector. As the Nonprofit Relationship Manager at Foundant Technologies and a board member of the Grant Professionals Certification Institute, Tammy brings a unique perspective on bridging the gap between grant-making foundations and grant writers.We discuss how foundations can make applications more accessible, the evolving landscape of grant-making, and why creating clear systems—separate from individuals—is essential for nonprofit success. Tammy also shares how streamlined grant writing processes can save time, increase efficiency, and ultimately boost a nonprofit’s credibility.ABOUT OUR GUESTTammy Tilzey has nearly a decade of experience in the philanthropy sector and currently serves as the Nonprofit Relationship Manager at Foundant Technologies. She also sits on the board of the Grant Professionals Certification Institute, supporting the advancement and professionalism of grant writers.OTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/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.

Philip Deng has over a decade of experience in grant writing and is the creator of Grantable, an AI-powered world-class grant writing assistant. Philip joins us to discuss how AI will affect future grant funding, the ways AI can help grant writers submit more grants, and how AI will affect grant writing jobs. He also explains the ways AI is already integrated into our lives, how technology can be used to improve grant writing processes, and how we can further streamline the grant writing process. About Philip 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 GrantableResources mentioned in this episode:GrantableFreelance Grant Writer AcademyGrant Easy Management SoftwareThe Nonprofit Consulting ConferenceHow Nonprofits Can Use YouTube to Increase DonationsHow Nonprofits Can Use Technology to Increase Donor RetentionUsing Chat GPT and AI for Grant WritingOTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-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 ———————————————————————————

On this episode of Grant Writing & Funding, our guest Meredith Noble from Learn Grant Writing shares an inspiring journey from corporate grant writing to launching a startup idea. We learn about the challenges she faced when realizing the idea wasn’t solving a real problem that people were willing to pay for. Meredith emphasizes the importance of grounding ideas in addressing real problems, and she shares the lifestyle freedom she gained from entrepreneurship despite the financial difficulties. To supplement her income, Meredith started grant writing consulting and took on various projects, including returning to her family’s cattle ranch during Calving season. She stresses the significance of surrounding oneself with successful people and shares a personal experience of seeking coaching and mentorship from a successful female entrepreneur. The episode dives into the topic of pricing in freelance grant writing business and the importance of mindset in overcoming resistances and blocks. Meredith also explores the three types of work days: management days, mission days, and money days, and the need for self-care to maintain mental clarity and creativity. We also learn about the value of attending conferences, creating spaciousness in our lives for creativity to flow, and the important role of understanding and valuing the services we offer to clients. Meredith debunks misconceptions about nonprofits, discusses the impact of grants on nonprofit missions, and shares her organic networking framework to build relationships and opportunities. Throughout the episode, Meredith highlights the power of simplicity, focusing on principles rather than chasing trends. She also shares her experience of building a supportive community within her company and the positive impact it has on grant writers. We also have a discussion on the scarcity mindset ingrained in the nonprofit industry and the shift towards cultivating a positive and expansive mindset. Join us on this episode of Grant Writing & Funding as we explore the world of grant writing, entrepreneurship, and the drive for change in the nonprofit sector.What you’ll learn in this episode:Lifestyle freedom gained from entrepreneurshipSupplementing income through grant writing consultingDifferent types of work days: management days, mission days, and money daysThe value of attending conferences for fresh perspectivesThe value of understanding the worth one brings to clientsMisconceptions about nonprofit budget constraints and financial needsThe value of grants in allowing nonprofits to focus on mission instead of fundraisingThe organic networking framework for building relationships with organizationsFunding strategy as a way to build trust and rapport with organizationsKeeping things simple and focusing on principles rather than chasing trendsCelebrating wins as a cultural practice within the companyBuilding a supportive community of grant writersCriticizing the practice of hourly rates in the industryCultivating a positive and expansive mindset in the nonprofit sectorShifting away from a scarcity mindset in nonprofitsAbout Meredith NobleMeredith Noble helps the entrecurious build lifestyle freedom by taking imperfect action. She is the co-founder of Learn Grant Writing, an online membership for those building their careers in grant writing. Her book, How to Write a Grant: Become a Grant Writing Unicorn, is a bestseller for nonprofit fundraising and grants. Her expertise has been featured in NASDAQ, Forbes, Fast Company, Authority Magazine, and other top publications. She has secured over $42 million in grant funding, and her students have secured over $550 million – a number that grows daily. If Meredith’s not biking or skiing in Alaska, she can be found curled around a steaming cup of green-tea and a good book. Quotables: “Surrounding yourself with successful people can have a profound impact on your own success.” “Grounding your ideas in a problem that people are willing to pay for is key to creating meaningful solutions.”“Creating spaciousness in our lives allows for creativity to flow.”“Your network determines your net worth.”“The shift away from a scarcity mindset in the nonprofit sector is a big deal, but it is still an uphill battle.”Connect with Meredith:Learn Grant Writing WebsiteLearn Grant Writing YouTubeLinkedInInstagramResources mentioned in this episode:The Nonprofit Consulting ConferenceFreelance Grant Writing 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 T

Mandy Pearce explains the strategies for building strategic partnerships, how to know who will be a good partner for your business, and when to turn down a potential partnership.Over a decade ago Mandy Pearce founded Funding for Good to equip organizations with all the skills and tools they need to become successful and sustainable.Mandy joins us to discuss how most partnerships are formed, the vetting process involved in potential partnerships, and how to know who will be a good partner for your business.She also explains the metrics you need to know before agreeing to a partnership, the type of business partnerships that you should avoid, and the downsides of affiliate marketing.What you’ll learn in this episode:The difference between partnerships and sponsorships.How most partnerships are formed.When to turn down a strategic partnership.The vetting process involved in potential partnerships.How to know who will be a good partner for you.What partnerships are used for.The metrics you need to know before starting a partnership.The downsides of affiliate marketing.Strategies for building strategic partnerships.About Mandy PearceIn 2009 Mandy Pearce, founded her flagship company, Funding for Good, to equip organizations with all of the skills and tools needed to become successful and sustainable. She continues to enjoy evolving this company to meet the changing demands of the nonprofit world.For over two decades, Mandy and her team of experts have shared their proficiency in fundraising through executive coaching, strategic and development planning, seminars and specialized consulting programs. Mandy’s dynamic teaching style has brought thousands of people to her presentations at conventions, training workshops and online platforms.Mandy established Funding for Good, Inc. upon the core values of honesty, efficiency, direct communication and bringing sustainable dollars to local communities.Quotables:“Some people are in your life for a moment and some people are there for a lifetime and partnerships are the same way. Some will constantly be there and you’ll need them in your business and others will be great for the moment and then you’ll move on”“I hate when nonprofits ask someone who has a company to do something for free because they’re going to get exposure, exposure doesn’t pay the bills. If you want me to speak for you it’s going to cost you money, and it should because of the area of expertise I’ve grown.”“You can’t compete with a personal reference, so asking who can benefit your business, what are your goals, who do I know that could help you, and who do you know? That personal reference is huge, you can’t compete with that approach of how can we help each other.”Connect with Mandy:LinkedInFunding for Good WebsiteResources mentioned in this episode:Nonprofit Consulting Conference Online Grant Easy Management SoftwareHow to Identify What Rates to Charge as a Grant WriterHow to Know When to Grow Your Nonprofit Consultancy with Mandy PearceEp. 19: Strategic Partnerships for Your NonprofitFreelance 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.———————————————————————————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 ———————————————————————————

Marie Palacios, Lead Consultant for Funding for Good, joins us to share how having clear, structured processes can transform your grant writing success and overall consulting business. She breaks down how to better understand and implement effective workflows, streamline your grant writing systems, and improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. We also explore the benefits of building your own business, the importance of identifying your “why,” and how to grow a sustainable consulting practice to six figures.ABOUT OUR GUESTMarie Palacios is the Lead Consultant for Funding for Good, an expert facilitator, and is certified by The Institute of Cultural Affairs in the USA in evidence-based facilitation practices. She specializes in helping nonprofits and consultants develop clear processes, strengthen grant writing strategies, and build capacity for long-term success. Marie is passionate about guiding professionals to create impactful, sustainable businesses while aligning their work with purpose.OTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/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.

Deborah Reed, founder of All Funded, explains what she learned from the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, the benefits of having a community of grant writers, and how she increased her grant writing rates.Deborah Reed is a full-time consultant and grant writer who completely changed the way she was running her business after joining the Grant Writing Academy.Deborah joins us to discuss what she learned from the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, the ways it changed her grant writing business to be more sustainable, and the lessons it taught her about how to charge grant writing clients.She also explains what you need to build a grant writing consultancy, why consultants get treated better than employees, and the ways to position yourself as a thought leader.What you’ll learn in this episode:How to find a community of grant writersThe value of defining your ideal non-profit clientThe benefits of having a niche for your grant writing servicesWhat you need to build a grant writing businessHow to charge for your grant writing serviceDefining what success means for youWhy consultants get paid better than employeesHow to become a thought leader in your spaceWays to find clients for your grant writing businessWhat Deborah learned from the Freelance Grant Writer AcademyAbout Deborah ReedDeborah Reed, founder of All Funded Consulting, is a highly experienced professional with a strong background in grant writing and management. With over fifteen years of expertise, Deborah has worked with esteemed arts organizations and has extensive experience in the nonprofit sector including leadership roles within multiple performing arts organizations.Throughout her career, Deborah has actively contributed to the arts community, has served on the board of Buzzworks Theater Company for eight years, and played a vital role as a voter for the Ovation Awards for nine years.Deborah is also a member of the Grant Professionals Association, showcasing her dedication to professional excellence in the field, and holds a Masters Degree in Arts Management from Claremont Graduate University.Quotables:“I think there’s a language that different sectors have, scientists understand scientists, and artists understand artists, and those are the people on the other side who are receiving the grant too, so it’s really helpful if you can speak the same language as your grant panel.”“The beauty of being a full time consultant is I can start as early as I want, I can work as late as I want, I can take a break in the middle, I try not to work on the weekends but if I need to or want to I can.”“I’ve had some jobs that I really liked but as a consultant they treat you better and they pay you better so it’s nicer on this side.”Connect with Deborah:LinkedInWebsiteFor HireEmailResources mentioned in this episode:Grant Easy Management SoftwareFreelance Grant Writer AcademyAll Funded ResourcesOTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-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 ———————————————————————————

Jill Turner explains how to make writing grants a full-time job, the benefits of having systems in your grant writing, and how to properly price your grant writing services.Jill Turner was based in northern Idaho and got into grant writing after being asked to help some friends while in grad school.After writing grants as a side hustle, Jill turned it into a full-time business in less than a year, tripling her income and working with clients nationally and internationally.Jill joins us to discuss how she turned writing grants into a full-time job, the importance of having systems in your grant writing, and how to properly price your grant writing services.She also explains how The Grant Writing Academy helped her scale her business, the ways to manage your time to maintain a work-life balance, and how charging more for your services can actually help you win more clients.What you’ll learn in this episode:How to move from writing grants as a side hustle to a full-time job.The importance of having systems in your grant writing.The benefits of writing grants in a systematic way.How to start a freelance grant writing business.How to price your grant writing services.The importance of understanding the market and adjusting prices accordingly for different states and international clients. Why charging too little for your services can make you less competitive.How to schedule your time to maintain a work-life balance.What you need to scale your grant writing business.About Jill Turner:Jill Turner is CEO of Tri-Cord Visionaries and is a highly skilled professional specializing in non-profit funding consultation, strategic planning facilitation, and funding expertise. With a focus on donor optimization, grants research, and grant writing, Jill has a proven track record of success in securing vital resources for organizations.Jill Turner is a passionate professional who excels in non-profit funding consultation, strategic planning facilitation, and grant acquisition. With her expertise and commitment to collaboration, she empowers organizations to make a lasting impact on the world.Quotables:“Grant writing is no longer a side hustle it has more than tripled my bottom line, this is my job now and I love coming to work every day, and I get to hear about people, what they’re passionate about, and the difference they’re making in the world, and I get to do my research and my writing, and I get to partner them.”“Work didn’t have to dominate everything because I had a scheduled system in place and those systems enable me to do what I do now because they were established and I’ve written the framework, I may update them but I’m not reinventing the wheel anymore I have templates for everything.”“Know your systems, know how to write your smart objectives, follow through with it. The other stuff is like frosting, it might be pretty but it’s not absolutely necessary.”Connect with Jill:LinkedInResources mentioned in this episode:Freelance Grant Writer AcademyABOUT 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 g

As a panel we discuss the benefits of using Grant Easy Management Software, how it makes working with non-profits more efficient, and the different ways it helps you analyze data faster. As you write more grants the amount of time you spend tracking grants and analyzing data increases to a point where it can seem impossible to scale any further.Grant Easy Management Software can help optimize grant writing and make working with non-profits more efficient and productive. We’re joined by a team of grant writing experts to discuss their experience using grant management software and the ways it’s saved them time and improved their businesses.Get to hear how this Grant Management Software helps these 3 grant writing experts as they have very different business models!We also explain why we all moved to using Grant Easy Management Software, the different features it has, and why grant specific software is better than Google Drive.What you’ll learn in this episode:Different ways to track grants.How software can help you scale your grant writing business.How Grant Easy Management Software optimizes the grant writing process.How to reduce the number of meetings you need with contractors.The grant writing community that Grant Easy Management Software provides.How Grant Easy Management Software makes working with non-profits easier and more efficient.The benefits of having external users access your account.What makes Grant Easy Management Software better than Google Drive.The different features Grant Easy Management Software has.How to analyze your data faster.About Rachel Waterman:Rachel is the creator of Grant Easy Management Software and the CEO of Global Development Solutions. As well as creating the grant easy management software she also helps organizations use data and systems to build grant revenues.Connect with Rachel:LinkedInGrant Easy Management SoftwareAbout Jan Rodusky:Jan is the Founder of Venn There Grants Consulting, where she helps nonprofits create grant systems to increase their funding. With over 25 years of experience as a grantmaker and grant writer, Jan has raised over $18 million for organizations in the arts, healthcare, and education sectors. She is a GPA approved trainer and mentor and a certified business coach. In addition to her work at Venn There, Jan serves as the Vice Mayor for the Village of Royal Palm Beach, Florida.Connect with Jan:LinkedInAbout Jacquelyn Ahrenberg:Jacque brings 18 years of experience and training in nonprofit development and organizational management to any new engagement. Her company, Resolute Nonprofit Consulting, focuses on Corporate & Foundation Development, Development Program Audits, and Fundraising Guidance to help nonprofits diversify their funding to be resilient to change.Connect with Jacquelyn:LinkedInAbout Yvonne White-MoreyYvonne White-Morey is CEO & Principal Grant Strategist at GrantStream Consulting LLC. She specializes in stress-free grant seeking and management for nonprofits, allowing them to focus on their mission and make a difference. When not working, Yvonne enjoys the Midwestern seasons with her rescue dog Rico and feline companion Selina Kyle.Connect with Yvonne:LinkedInQuotables:“Get a system in place because you can’t scale without a system. If you’re happy with where you are that’s fine but if you want to go anywhere else you’ve got to have a system.”“GEMS solves the problem of your Google Drive filling up with hundreds of old files that you end up having to pay to store because you don’t have time to go through.”“You can see according to how many proposals you’re writing how many are getting awarded, for which clients, and where you’re seeing more awards coming in and areas of possible growth. That can take a lot of time to find out if you’re doing that on your own, GEMS does it in the click of one button.”Resources mentioned in this episode:Grant Easy Management SoftwareFree Masterclass: 3 Proven Steps to Start a Freelance Grant Writing Business Freelance Grant Writer Academy WaitlistPricing Survey Revealed for Grant WritersGrant Management Made EasyOTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-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 have

This episode, Holly explains the problems with paying grant writers commission, the reasons why nonprofits miss out on funding, and how nonprofits should pay freelance grant writers.Nonprofits often think that paying freelance grant writers on a commission basis is a win-win, but this could not be further from the truth.Not only is paying grant writers a commission unethical and against industry best practices, but there are also some pretty serious legality issues.This episode, Holly explains the problems with paying grant writers a commission, the legality of paying grant writers on a commission only basis, and how most nonprofits pay freelance grant writers.Holly also talks about why nonprofits miss out on grants they’ve applied to, how to repurpose a grant for other uses, and the different reasons nonprofits have a website.What you’ll learn in this episode:How freelance grant writers make money.How nonprofits pay grant writers.Why you shouldn’t pay grant writers commission.The reasons nonprofits don’t get grants they’ve applied to.Why paying commission for grant writers is against best practice.How to repurpose a grant and other things a grant application can be used for.The legality of paying grant writer’s commission.Why nonprofits need to have a website.How to learn the skills you need to become a grant writer.Quotables:“Even if you don’t get awarded a grant when you submit it, you may get feedback and be able to change a few things, tweak a few things, submit to the next funding cycle, and get it awarded.”“You have to start a relationship so even that first no can be a very positive thing because at least you’re starting a relationship and getting your foot in the door now so in the next couple of cycles you might get funded but if you don’t even start or are too scared to get a no then that might not happen.”“Grant writers can never guarantee funding so how they get paid is the same as any other service provider. For a certain scope of work for a certain amount of time, you pay them a certain amount.”ABOUT HOLLY 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 Masterclass: 3 Proven Steps to Start a Freelance Grant Writing BusinessFreelance Grant Writer Academy WaitlistGrant Writing and FundingFreelance Grant Writing During Inflation & Recession4 Reasons Why a Grant Writer Cannot Get Paid on CommissionHow to Find Ideal Nonprofit Clients That Pay for Your Services4 Reasons Why You Should Get Paid As A Grant Writer and 3 Ways A Nonprofit Can Pay YouOTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-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 episode, Holly Rustick breaks down why becoming a freelance grant writer—even during a recession—is not only viable, but a strategic opportunity. She explains the key benefits of freelancing, including the ability to adjust your rates, services, and client base in response to economic changes, unlike traditional employees with fixed salaries. Holly dives into how freelance grant writers actually make money, how many clients are typically needed to sustain a business, and how competitive the market truly is. She also highlights why the nonprofit sector often continues to grow during economic downturns, the significant amount of funding allocated through grants each year, and how many federal grants are released annually. Additionally, Holly shares why nonprofits benefit from hiring freelancers over full-time staff and how much freelance grant writers can realistically charge. If you’ve been considering stepping into freelance grant writing, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to see why now may be the perfect time to start.ABOUT HOLLY 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.

This episode, Holly explains how to write a budget for a grant, the math grant writers need to understand, and the different categories to include in a budget.The budget can seem like the scariest part of writing a grant for people who get into writing grants. Why? Because the typical grant writer considers themselves more of a writer than a mathematician. But as a grant writer, you will master both writing and math.Don’t worry, you don’t need to be CPA or have taken calculus!Fortunately, a grant budget is very logical and if you follow the right framework it’s actually quite straightforward.This episode, Holly explains how to write a grant’s budget, the math you need to include in the budget section of a grant, and the best time to write a grant’s budget.Holly also talks about the different categories to include in a budget, how to write a budget as a narrative, and common mistakes people make in the budget section.What you’ll learn in this episode:Why people become grant writersThe math grant writers need to doHow to write a grant’s budgetWhen you should write the budgetHow to efficiently write a grant’s narrativeThe different categories to include in a budgetThe benefits of hiring contractors over employeesHow to make your budget balances narrativeQuotables:“Grant Writers need to be able to write well and carry out accurate mathematics. You need to know how to do a budget, but the budget is very logical and can include both words and numbers.”“Use a US Federal Budget for all of your grants. Use this as your basis, then if you get Federal grants in the future it’ll be easier for your accountant because all of your categories are unified.““What funding sources want to know is can you implement programs and can you manage money. To implement programs you need to be able to properly manage money.”Resources mentioned in this episode:FREE Grant Writing ClassGrant Writing and FundingEp. 54: The Secret Formula to Unlock Funding for Your Nonprofit!Episode 266: Scoring Points in Your Grant Proposal’s Research Section – With Holly RustickEpisode 268: Writing Goals for Your Grant Proposal – With Holly RustickEp. 7: 8 Budget Tips for Award Winning GrantsABOUT 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.

Steve Bollard joins us to break down how grant funding is shifting in 2023 as the sector moves beyond Covid and into a rapidly evolving AI-driven landscape. He shares how the traditional grant application process is being restructured, the increasing barriers and gatekeepers to government funding, and the lasting changes brought on by the pandemic. We also explore how major philanthropic shifts—like MacKenzie Scott’s approach—are influencing the nonprofit sector, alongside growing concerns around monopolization. Steve highlights practical ways nonprofits can access funding today and unpacks how tools like ChatGPT are already transforming grant writing, strategy, and the overall funding outlook for 2023.OTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/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, Holly explains how to write a goal in a grant, what to include in a grant’s objective, and how to put a task in a grant.The goal of a grant is one of the most important sections of a grant application and is usually where you’ll get the most points.But what should you include in the goal section of a grant? How should you structure it? And how ambitious should you be?This episode, Holly explains why this section is so important, how to write a goal in a grant, and everything you need to include in this part of your grants application.Holly also talks about how to write a grant’s objective, the best way to include a timeline in a grant, and how to put a task in a grant.What you’ll learn in this episode:How to write a goal in a grant.What to include in a grant’s goal.How to write a grant’s objective.What to include in a grant’s objective.How to include a timeline in a grant.How to put a task in a grant.Why you need a work plan for grant funding.What to include in a work plan.Quotables:“The goal of a grant needs to include your main outcome while staying grounded on the budget of the grant and the time it will take to deliver. Your budget and time constraints are central to how ambitious your goal can be.” “An objective has to be SMART, specific, measurable, achievable, relevant or realistic, and time-bound. This is important because when you’re writing an objective it has to be clear on each of these points.”“Use time-bound terms rather than specific dates. If you use specific dates rather than ‘by the end of year one’ you may have to rework your entire time schedule if your grant is delayed in its approval.”ABOUT HOLLY 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 Grant Writing ClassGrant Writing and FundingEpisode 266: Scoring Points in Your Grant Proposal’s Research Section – With Holly RustickEp. 6: Write Goals, Objectives, and Outcomes for Your Grant ProposalHow to Write Grants Using Concise, Clear, and Meaningful Words7 Steps to Write a Grant ProposalGrant 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 ———————————————————————————

Navigating funding for educational programs can feel overwhelming, especially when it’s unclear where to find the right opportunities or how to apply successfully. In this episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Chiara to break down how nonprofits and schools can access Department of Education grants and tap into the wide range of funding still available. They discuss how to identify the right grant opportunities, which Department of Education funds are currently open for applications, and how to strategically position your organization for success.Chiara also shares insights on the impact grants can have on educational institutions, the importance of strong evaluation metrics, and why a well-developed evaluation section is critical to a winning proposal. Whether you're new to education grants or looking to strengthen your applications, this episode provides clear, actionable guidance to help you move forward with confidence.ABOUT OUR GUESTChiara is a grant funding expert specializing in Department of Education grants and funding strategies for schools and nonprofit organizations. With extensive experience in identifying funding opportunities and developing competitive grant proposals, she helps organizations secure the resources they need to expand educational programs and increase their impact. Chiara is passionate about demystifying the grant process and equipping leaders with the tools and knowledge to successfully navigate education funding.OTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/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 breaks down one of the most critical components of a winning grant proposal—the research section. She explains how this section is evaluated by funders, what specific elements you need to include, and the type of data required to make your proposal competitive. While it can be tempting to rely on emotional storytelling, Holly emphasizes that the research section must be grounded in strong, data-driven evidence to earn points. She shares how to structure your research section effectively, the kind of language to use, and how to clearly demonstrate the need for your project. Holly also dives into strategies for maximizing your score, including the importance of credible data sources, proper referencing styles, and aligning your research with funder expectations. Whether you're new to grant writing or looking to strengthen your proposals, this episode will help you create a compelling, high-impact research section that stands out.ABOUT HOLLY 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.

Feeling overwhelmed by grant proposals?You’re not alone.Many people struggle with where to start, what to include, and how to make sure they don’t miss critical details when writing a grant.In this episode, Holly breaks down how to simplify the process by using grant templates effectively.We dive into how to find and use templates to structure your proposal, how to follow grant instructions correctly, and how to ensure you’re aligning your content with what funders are actually looking for. But writing the grant is only one side of the equation—you also need to understand how it’s reviewed.Holly explains the subjective nature of grant reviewing, what happens during the review process, and how different sections of your proposal are scored. This insight is key to strengthening your applications and increasing your chances of success.If you’ve ever felt stuck staring at a blank page or unsure if you’re “doing it right,” this episode will give you clarity, structure, and confidence.ABOUT HOLLY 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.

Starting a nonprofit consultancy is one thing—knowing when and how to grow it is another. Once you’ve established your business and are serving nonprofit clients through services like grant writing, grant management, marketing, strategic planning, fundraising, and more, the next step is figuring out how to scale.But growth comes with big questions: When is the right time to hire or outsource? Should you have a financial cushion in place? How do you evaluate return on investment when expanding your team or systems? To help answer these questions, Mandy Pearce from Funding for Good joins me on the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to share her expertise on growing and scaling a successful nonprofit consultancy.ABOUT OUR GUESTMandy Pearce is the founder of Funding for Good, where she helps nonprofit professionals and consultants grow sustainable, impactful businesses. With extensive experience in fundraising and nonprofit strategy, she supports organizations and consultants in scaling their services and increasing their impact.OTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/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.

Don’t just assume that gender inequity doesn’t exist in your nonprofit organization.Even though women represent 75 percent of people working in nonprofit organizations in the United States, we know that there are leadership positions and pay gaps rampant in nonprofit organizations.However, it’s not all doom and gloom either. There are ways to create gender equity for your nonprofit organization.Here are 15-steps for your nonprofit to create a culture of gender equity. Nonprofit Checklist Step #1: Conduct a Recruitment Self-Audit for Nonprofit Gender Equity in Your NonprofitIt is important to understand what your recruitment process is when seeking candidates for positions at your nonprofit organization.When writing position descriptions do you seek employee input and develop consensus for position descriptions? This can be essential to having an internal spotlight on getting someone to fill real gaps.An important note is to NOT put everything and anything into a job description. I have seen this too often be a ‘wish list’ rather than an actual job description. If you fill your job descriptions with too many wishes, chances are you will not get very many qualified candidates.And chances are you will get more men applying than women, even if the men aren’t as qualified. Women don’t apply for jobs like men: Studies show that men often apply for jobs when they only meet 60% of qualifications, but women only apply if they meet 100% of them.One other important consideration is, “Are you requiring previous salaries?” This can automatically give men a higher wage, as historically and currently, there is an average pay gap between men and women. By asking for previous salaries, you are essentially continuing the gender and marginalized pay gap pattern. For the full free Nonprofit Checklist for Gender Equity, click here.Nonprofit Checklist Step #2: Evaluate Your Compensation System for Internal Equity in Your NonprofitEvaluating your internal compensation system is just as important as hiring new folks. Questions for your Nonprofit to Consider:Do you have a method to determine salaries and benefits?Do you have a consistent job evaluation system? Can workers negotiate their pay? (women vs. men) This may be flawed as historically women do not negotiate as often as men, even if they are more qualified for promotions compared to men.How long do men, women and minorities stay within job grades or scores before moving up? For the full free Nonprofit Checklist for Gender Equity, click here.Nonprofit Checklist Step #3: Evaluate Your Compensation System for Industry Competitiveness in Your NonprofitIt’s vital to evaluate your nonprofit’s compensation system compared to industry standards. Questions for your Nonprofit to Consider:Does your nonprofit have a method to determine the market rate for any given job?Can you be confident that men are not being compensated at or above market rates while women and minority workers are compensated at or below market rates?Do you consider whether the market has undercompensated certain occupations or professions before adjustments?For the full free Nonprofit Checklist for Gender Equity, click here.Nonprofit Checklist Step #4: Assess How Raises are Awarded in Your NonprofitLet’s get into pay raises at your nonprofit. Questions for your Nonprofit to Consider:Do men, women and minorities receive consistent raises based on similar performance standards?Are all workers with outstanding evaluations awarded the same percentage increases? If not, what are the reasons for the difference?Are men, women and minorities with similar levels of performance awarded bonuses on a consistent basis? Do they receive bonuses of similar monetary values?For the full free Nonprofit Checklist for Gender Equity, click here. Nonprofit Checklist Step #5: Evaluate Employee Training, Development and Promotion Opportunities in Your NonprofitThe thing is, you may discover that your nonprofit does in fact have gender pay gaps, but you aren’t sure how it got that way. One specific trajectory is for certain employees to be given (or seek) certain training or development opportunities, and then these slots are filled up before other employees are approached. That can lead directly (and very validly) to a promotion. But here’s the thing. Men, on average, are more vocal to ask about employee training and opportunities. Women, on average, have more unpaid requirements such as picking up the kids after school, so may not have the extra time to stay at work late for additional employee training.To change the culture of your nonprofit it is important to think outside the box for ways to seek more women and diverse inclusion for employee training opportunities. Classes taken online is one example of how you can narrow the gap.Questions for your Nonprofit to Consider:How are workers selected for participation in training opportunities or special projects that lead to advancement?Are there differences by race or gender? If so, what c

Women represent 75 percent of people working in nonprofit organizations in the United States. One might think because they make up such a high percentage of staffing that they would have equal leadership positions and pay compared to their male counterparts. However, research shows that just because women represent a high percentage of positions in the nonprofit sector that there is no equity.Unfortunately, there are a large number of systemic issues tied to this, and we go deeper into this in our full webinar, “Celebrating Women in Nonprofits”.ABOUT HOLLY 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 Links Associate with this Episode:Celebrate Women’s History Month & International Grant Professional Day by watching this FREE webinar: Celebrating Women in Nonprofits How Nonprofit Leaders can Identify Inequity and Create a Path Towards EquityWhy are Female Freelance Grant Writers Working for Free?Why Female Grant Writers Struggle with Pricing & RatesGrant Writer Pricing Survey: Why Grant Professionals Don’t Feel ValuedGrant Professional 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.

Freelance grant writing is a female-led industry, with 82 percent of grant professionals surveyed are female. In our definition here, a grant professional is a grant writer that owns their own business. As far as grant writers who work within a nonprofit organization, this percentage is at 67 percent, which is also quite high. Initially what the Global Development Solutions 2022 Pricing Survey found is that female grant professionals are charging more per hour than men. -------------------------------------------------- ✨💌 Get FREE Grant Writing Resources when You Join the Grant Writing Hub Haven: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/get-started/ 👉💰🖥️ Grant Writing Master Course: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-writing-master-course/ 🖥️🔥 👉 Want to get paid to write grants? https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-course/ 🤗☕👉 Want to increase funding strategies for your https://grantwritingandfunding.com/nonprofit-strategic-planning/ ——————————————————————————— To learn more about this episode AND get the full links for each of these, click here: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/261 Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener? This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review! If you have any questions, feel free to email [email protected] Thanks for listening! Holly Rustick Expert Grant Writer & Bestselling Author ✨💌 Visit https://grantwritingandfunding.com for the Hub Haven Grant Writing Resources

Every nonprofit leader knows that learning never stops—but with so many books out there, which ones are actually worth your time? Staying ahead of trends, leadership strategies, and innovative thinking can feel overwhelming without a trusted guide.That’s exactly what Nonprofit Jenni brings to this conversation. As the founder of the Overhead Book Club, she curates cutting-edge books specifically for nonprofit leaders. Jenni spends countless hours researching and vetting books to ensure they deliver real value—and in this episode, she shares some of her top recommendations and insights.Tune in to discover powerful reads that can elevate your leadership, strengthen your organization, and spark new ideas for impact.ABOUT OUR GUESTNonprofit Jenni is the founder of the Overhead Book Club, where she curates books for nonprofit leaders. She dedicates extensive time to researching and selecting high-quality, impactful books to help nonprofit professionals grow as leaders and innovators.OTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/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.

Storytelling is one of the most powerful tools your nonprofit has—but are you using it effectively?In this episode, we dive into how strategic storytelling and press conferences can elevate your nonprofit’s visibility, credibility, and impact.Nikki R. Jones joins us to share how nonprofits can craft compelling narratives that resonate with their audience, attract media attention, and communicate their mission with clarity and purpose.We explore how to prepare for and execute successful press conferences, how to position your organization in the media, and why storytelling is essential for building trust and engagement with your community. If you’re ready to amplify your message and make your nonprofit stand out, this episode is packed with insights you can start using right away.ABOUT OUR GUESTNikki R. Jones is a communications strategist, speechwriter, copywriter, and trainer with over 16 years of experience across the small business, government, and nonprofit sectors. She specializes in helping organizations craft powerful messaging, develop compelling stories, and communicate effectively with their audiences.Through her work, Nikki supports leaders and organizations in building visibility, strengthening their voice, and creating meaningful connections through strategic communication.OTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/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.

Sean Kosofsky, the Nonprofit Fixer, comes on the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to discuss how nonprofit organizations can transition into a 4-day workweek. This can help with retaining skilled staff and recruiting new staff (without increasing your budget!). -------------------------------------------------- ✨💌 Get FREE Grant Writing Resources when You Join the Grant Writing Hub Haven: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/get-started/ 👉💰🖥️ Grant Writing Master Course: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-writing-master-course/ 🖥️🔥 👉 Want to get paid to write grants? https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-course/ 🤗☕👉 Want to increase funding strategies for your https://grantwritingandfunding.com/nonprofit-strategic-planning/ ——————————————————————————— To learn more about this episode AND get the full links for each of these, click here: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/258 Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener? This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review! If you have any questions, feel free to email [email protected] Thanks for listening! Holly Rustick Expert Grant Writer & Bestselling Author ✨💌 Visit https://grantwritingandfunding.com for the Hub Haven Grant Writing Resources

In this special premiere presentation of Grant Professional Pricing Survey results, Rachel Waterman of Global Development Solutions and Grant Easy Management Systems, delivers the results of an intensive 2022 pricing survey among grant writing professionals. The results identified in "Survey Revealed: What & How Grant Professionals are Pricing Their Services"are very eye-opening!About Rachel 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 CEO and Founder of GDS Grants. She is responsible for client strategy, new program & budget development, data tracking systems, outcome measures and data analysis. Rachel also oversees the GDS Professional Development Program and personally coaches GDS interns, fellows and mentees.Links mentioned:GEMS 10% Off Coupon “Use GWFHOLLY” Full Pricing ReportGrants Easy Management SystemGlobal Development SystemsRachel Waterman on LinkedInEp. 165: Grant 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.grantwritingandfunding.com/gems ———————————————————————————

Ihor Bauman from Workee comes on the Grant Writing & Funding podcast this week to give you tips to write effective blogs that drive people and donors to your nonprofit or consultancy website. -------------------------------------------------- ✨💌 Get FREE Grant Writing Resources when You Join the Grant Writing Hub Haven: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/get-started/ 👉💰🖥️ Grant Writing Master Course: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-writing-master-course/ 🖥️🔥 👉 Want to get paid to write grants? https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-course/ 🤗☕👉 Want to increase funding strategies for your https://grantwritingandfunding.com/nonprofit-strategic-planning/ ------------------------------------------------------ To learn more about this episode AND get the full links for each of these, click here: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/256 Thanks for listening! Holly Rustick Expert Grant Writer & Bestselling Author https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/ Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener? This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review! If you have any questions, feel free to email [email protected] I’d love to connect with you! ✨💌 Visit https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ for the Hub Haven Grant Writing Resources

In this episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Dr. Rob Harter from the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast and CCPC to discuss how nonprofits can increase their funding and grow sustainably. With over 26 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, Dr. Harter shares practical strategies and insights drawn from decades in the field. Together, they explore three key tips to help organizations expand their funding streams, along with important nonprofit trends to watch. This conversation provides valuable guidance on how to strengthen your funding approach, adapt to changes in the sector, and position your nonprofit for long-term success.ABOUT OUR GUESTDr. Rob Harter is a nonprofit leader, podcast host of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, and a key figure at CCPC. With more than 26 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, he has led organizations through growth, innovation, and increased funding success. Dr. Harter is passionate about equipping nonprofit leaders with practical tools and strategies to build sustainable, high-impact organizations.OTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/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’re diving into how Charity Navigator helps donors make informed giving decisions and how nonprofits can better understand their ratings. I’m joined by Michael Thatcher from Charity Navigator, who breaks down how the platform works—from searching by cause areas and using filters to find aligned organizations, to discovering giving circles and engaging more strategically in philanthropy.We also explore how Charity Navigator operates as a nonprofit, where it secures its revenue, and why it remains free to use. Plus, we take a closer look at how its rating system evaluates and ranks nonprofits, providing transparency and accountability across the sector.ABOUT OUR GUESTMichael Thatcher is a leader at Charity Navigator, one of the most trusted nonprofit evaluation platforms. He is dedicated to increasing transparency and helping donors make informed decisions while supporting nonprofits in strengthening their impact.OTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/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.

Every nonprofit organization has a board of directors, but understanding their roles and responsibilities can often feel unclear. While there are widely recognized “10 Best Practices” for nonprofit boards, it raises important questions—who established these standards, and are they truly the most effective?To understand the history behind these practices, Sarah Olivieri from PivotGround joins the Grant Writing & Funding Podcast and YouTube Channel to share a different perspective. Sarah challenges the idea that board best practices are always beneficial—and explains why they might not be the best fit for your nonprofit.ABOUT OUR GUESTSarah Olivieri is the founder of PivotGround, where she helps nonprofit leaders build stronger, more effective organizations. She specializes in nonprofit strategy, board development, and leadership, bringing a fresh perspective on how boards can better support mission-driven work.OTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/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.

Pricing grant writing services is a challenge that many freelance grant writers have (and for good reasons). The thing is, a lot of freelance grant writers and nonprofit consultants go with traditional pricing vs. value-based pricing. However, as a freelance grant writer, you are a professional and you should be charging value-based pricing.ABOUT HOLLY 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.

#1: A Grant Writer’s Dream: The System to Build Relationships with Funding Sources #2: How Nonprofits & Freelance Grant Writers Can Leverage the Great Resignation#3: How to Identify What Rates to Charge as a Grant Writer #4: 4 Reasons Why a Grant Writer Cannot Get Paid on Commission #5: Tips for Grant Writers to Work Better With Nonprofits ClientsIn this power-packed solo episode, Holly Rustick dives into five essential topics every grant writer needs to master to build a sustainable, profitable, and impactful business.First, Holly shares what she calls a “grant writer’s dream”—a system for building authentic, long-term relationships with funding sources. Instead of chasing one-off grants, you’ll learn how to position yourself and your nonprofit clients for ongoing funding success.Next, Holly explores how both nonprofits and freelance grant writers can take advantage of the Great Resignation. With shifts in the workforce, there’s never been a better time to step into grant writing, increase your rates, and align your work with purpose-driven organizations.She then breaks down how to confidently identify what rates to charge as a grant writer. From understanding your value to setting boundaries, this segment will help you stop undercharging and start building a scalable business.Holly also tackles a critical industry issue: why grant writers should never be paid on commission. She outlines four clear reasons this model is problematic—and what to do instead to ensure ethical and sustainable compensation.Finally, she shares actionable tips for working better with nonprofit clients, including communication strategies, expectation setting, and how to become a trusted partner—not just a contractor.Whether you’re new to grant writing or looking to level up your business, this episode is packed with insights you can implement right away.ABOUT HOLLY 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 solo episode, Holly Rustick highlights the most listened-to episodes of 2022 on the Grant Writing & Funding Podcast and why they resonated so strongly with grant writers and nonprofit leaders. From leveraging YouTube to increase donations and understanding bias in the nonprofit sector, to mastering the ASK formula for fundraising, improving donor retention through technology, and designing grassroots education in conflict zones—this episode recaps key insights and strategies that can help you grow your impact and funding.ABOUT HOLLY 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.

Knowing how to write federal grants is a powerful skill—one that opens the door to significant funding opportunities but also requires a higher level of strategy, time, and precision compared to foundation grants. In this episode, Dr. Cheri Westmoreland, owner of Spirit Excel, joins us to share her decades of experience in federal grant writing and working with nonprofit organizations.We discuss key lessons she’s learned in the field, why having a strong nonprofit strategic plan is essential for long-term fiscal health, and how her experience as a business owner since 2012 has shaped her approach to grant writing. Dr. Cheri also shares how joining the Grant Professional Mentorship in 2022 helped her gain clarity, confidence, and stronger positioning in her business.ABOUT OUR GUESTDr. Cheri Westmoreland is the owner of Spirit Excel and brings decades of experience in federal grant writing and nonprofit consulting. Since launching her grant writing business in 2012, she has supported numerous organizations in securing funding and strengthening their strategic direction.OTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/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 week’s episode, we explore how niching down in grant writing can actually help you grow your business and attract more nonprofit clients. Instead of limiting opportunities, focusing on a specific type of grant, nonprofit, or cause can position you as an expert and make your services more in demand.I’m joined by Elaina Michaels from Refonte Ventures, who shares how she niched into agriculture-based grants by leveraging her passion for the field—and how that decision has helped expand her business. She also talks about her experience in the Grant Professional Mentorship and how it supported her growth and direction in this space.ABOUT OUR GUESTElaina Michaels is a grant professional with Refonte Ventures who specializes in agriculture-focused funding. By aligning her work with her passion, she has successfully built a niche grant writing business and continues to support nonprofits in securing funding within this sector.OTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/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.

Saying thank you sometimes feels like a warm, fuzzy thing to do around the holidays. Sometimes those holidays are just the reminders that we need (along with the Netflix Christmas specials) to say the big, "Thank You!"But what if I told you that you could increase your nonprofit organization’s revenue with existing resources just by saying thank you throughout the year?And the best part?You are grateful.You are grateful for your donors.You are grateful for your sponsors.You are grateful for your partners.You are grateful for your grant funding sources.But the problem is you might not tell them you are grateful.Research shows that showing gratitude to donors, especially on a consistent basis, keeps up the level of the donor’s happiness levels with your nonprofit. It’s also common sense. How do you feel when you are thanked properly and kept up-to-date with information that you are passionate about? Good, right? Like you want to keep staying involved.So let’s look at 20 Ways Your Nonprofit Can Show Gratitude all Year LongEasy & Effective Thank You Tips for DonorsDonor Thank You Tip #1: Automate an Onboarding Thank You Email when Your Nonprofit Gets a New DonorAs soon as your nonprofit organization gets a new donor (whether that is a one-time donor or a recurring donor), send them a Thank You email. You can easily automate this so it’s all set up for you. Donor Thank You Tip #2: Send Your Newsletter to Your Donors Be sure to send out a newsletter to your donors to keep them updated on all the good your nonprofit organization is doing throughout the year. Only asking them to give on Giving Tuesday or once per year doesn’t form the best relationship.But a newsletter is something you can send to all your donors so they are reminded of the work that their donation helps. Extra Hot Tip: Give them an ability to uplevel in the P.S. line to a higher donation amount or to become a recurring donor.Donor Thank You Tip #3: Send a Happy Birthday Card (Virtual or Print) to Your DonorsYou can definitely use software to automate this for you if you have a large number of donors. This is a great way to show your gratitude on one of their happiest days of the year!Easy & Effective Thank You Tips for SponsorsSponsor Thank You Tip #1: Create an Onboarding Thank You Gift Once the Sponsorship Contract is SignedJust like thanking your donors as soon as they give to your nonprofit organization, it is great to say thank you to your new sponsor.A sponsor is normally a company or business that wants to give to your nonprofit for a certain event, campaign, or project. They will become a sponsor by selecting a certain level of giving (think, 5K race or Gala) and then sign a contract. As soon as your nonprofit gets this sponsorship contract signed, you want to reach out and give them a small gift (or at the very least a handwritten letter).Sponsor Thank You Tip #2: Deliver an Annual Gift (or even Video) to the Sponsors Annual Board MeetingAnother way you can stand out and show your gratitude is to deliver a small gift or video to the sponsor’s annual board meeting or their anniversary. This is a great way to appreciate them on a day that is important to them.Sponsor Thank You Tip #3: Send Your Newsletter to Your SponsorsJust like your donors, your sponsors want to see the good that your nonprofit is doing in the community (and not just when you are asking them for money). They want to be reminded of why they support you and applaud your efforts.Sending a newsletter to sponsors is a great way to showcase your work and to keep you on their radar. Keeping them up-to-date is an act of gratefulness!Sponsor Thank You Tip #4: Use Your Sponsors Logo on Marketing Materials and Website to Show GratitudePutting your sponsor’s logos on all your marketing materials is a great way to show gratitude. You can put it on your Zoom backdrop, on your vehicles, and so many other creative ways.Sponsor Thank You Tip #5: Create Thank You Videos to be used on Social Media and Share Throughout the YearYour nonprofit can share short “Thank You” videos for your sponsors throughout the year and post on social media. Make sure you tag your sponsors.This is a great way to remind them you are thinking about them.Easy & Effective Thank You Tips for PartnersPartner Thank You Tip #1 & #2: Create an Onboarding Thank You Email or Gift When They Become a PartnerPartners can include other stakeholders that may not be a direct financial source. Think of other nonprofits that you ask for letters of support when writing a grant proposal. However, having these sorts of partnerships is vital to your nonprofit’s overall success and can generate revenue by partnering on events, co-writing grants, and so much more.Sometimes the partnerships aren’t created with anything formulized (like a Memorandum of Understanding), but sometimes they are. When they are more organic, and don’t have an official start date, then just remembering to send them a gift at their nonprofit’s a

Even if you’re not a Swiftie, you’ve probably heard about the Ticketmaster chaos surrounding Taylor Swift’s ticket sales. And while it might seem like just another tech meltdown, there’s actually a powerful lesson here for your nonprofit or grant writing business.Because moments like these can do one of two things:They can inspire action—or they can create fear.Too often, we focus on everything that could go wrong. We overthink, overanalyze, and ultimately hold ourselves back from launching, publishing, or moving forward.But here’s the reality:None of the things that could go right will happen if you don’t hit “publish.”In this episode, Holly breaks down how stories like the Taylor Swift + Ticketmaster situation might be subconsciously holding you back from putting your work out into the world—whether that’s a fundraising campaign, a new service, or your business itself.She also shares four of her own real-life tech snafus and how she navigated them, course-corrected, and kept moving forward.Because things will go wrong. That’s part of the process.The key is not perfection—it’s progress.If you’ve been waiting for the “perfect” time or the “perfect” setup, this episode is your reminder:Done is better than perfect.ABOUT HOLLY 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.

Giving Tuesday is one of the biggest fundraising opportunities of the year, but only if you’re prepared.In this episode, Holly breaks down six powerful resources you can start using right now to plan, launch, and maximize your Giving Tuesday campaign. Whether you're a nonprofit leader or a freelance grant writer supporting clients, these tools will help you build momentum, increase donor engagement, and drive more impactful results.You’ll learn how to streamline your campaign strategy, leverage donor psychology, and tap into ready-to-use platforms that make execution easier and more effective. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed preparing for Giving Tuesday, this episode gives you a clear, actionable starting point.ABOUT HOLLY 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 Rustick Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

If you are looking to increase your clarity in grant writing, then this podcast is for you! You may struggle with writing succinct grant applications because of a myriad of issues: Not knowing if you include ‘enough’ words to convey your messageBeing unclear if you will reach all the grant proposal criteria pointsBeing unsure if you are using the ‘right’ wordsThis week, Erin Lebacqz of High-Value Writing shares some great tips to write more concise grants and emails!What We Discuss:Word Importance for GrantsGrant Applications RubricAmbiguous Words NOT to Use in a GrantDeveloping Relationships via EmailsRespect for ReadersCalendars to Reduce Email ThreadsCold Emails to Get SponsorsEmojis in Your EmailsHigh-Value WritingAbout Erin LebacqzErin Lebacqz has been helping learners reach their own writing goals for over twenty years, in both higher education and in the realms of business, government, and non-profit work. She guides learners as they develop the confidence to share their views through clear, purposeful writing. This is Erin’s way to contribute to the growth of others and of their community. She teaches live in-person and virtual classes, as well as produces self-paced online learning videos and on-demand classes. Erin also speaks at conferences and learning sessions, and advises organizations on their language use.Her High-Value Writing program supports writing learners by empowering them to write with purpose and intention. It helps newer and more experienced writers see language through a new lens, using words as tools to purposefully convey intentional messages. We look at ways to target and clarify messages concisely, and in a way that works for a particular reader.Reach out to Erin Lebacqz:Channel: High-Value WritingBook: High-Value WritingWebsite: highvaluewriting.comRelated Links:Ep. 231: Common Grant Writing Constraints That Make You Pull Your Hair OutEp. 241: Tricks to Find State Grants & ContractsEp. 228: 46 Grant Writing Tips to Fast-Track Your Grant WritingEp. 230: How Nonprofits can Share Stories of Impact that Honor the Dignity of ClientsOTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-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 episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Christina to discuss why now is not the time for nonprofits to be shy about asking for donations—especially during critical fundraising seasons. They dive into how to overcome the fear of asking donors for money and introduce key strategies from a nonprofit “makeover” approach to help your organization stand out and stay top of mind. The conversation covers why nonprofits should increase their email outreach during end-of-year campaigns, how many emails you should actually be sending, and why duplicating content isn’t effective—along with smarter ways to repurpose social media into engaging email content. Christina also shares practical tips on re-engaging past donors and building stronger connections, giving nonprofits actionable ways to boost visibility, confidence, and fundraising results.ABOUT OUR GUESTChristina is a nonprofit fundraising expert and strategist who helps organizations increase donor engagement and revenue through effective communication and campaign strategies. She specializes in guiding nonprofits to confidently ask for support, optimize their messaging, and create impactful fundraising campaigns that drive results.OTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/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 sits down with Sean Kosofsky to share timely strategies for navigating inflation during your nonprofit’s end-of-year giving campaign while maximizing fundraising results. They cover essential foundations of end-of-year fundraising, including how to anchor your revenue goals, which funding streams to prioritize, and why it’s critical to go deeper into proven strategies during this high-impact season. Sean shares insights on how inflation may impact smaller individual donors and why now is the time to confidently ask major donors for increased support. The conversation also explores creative engagement tactics like personalized video thank-yous, optimizing your nonprofit’s technology, and repurposing strategies to stay top of mind. Looking ahead, they discuss when to begin planning for the new year and key fundraising trends to watch, giving nonprofits a clear roadmap to strengthen both current and future campaigns.ABOUT OUR GUESTSean Kosofsky is a nonprofit expert, fundraising strategist, and consultant who helps organizations increase revenue, strengthen campaigns, and build sustainable funding models. With extensive experience in advocacy, communications, and nonprofit leadership, Sean specializes in guiding organizations through effective fundraising strategies, especially during critical giving seasons.OTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.https://grantwritingandfunding.com/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.

Did you know that you can tap into your state and city government agencies for grants or contracts for your nonprofit organization?Yep, you can.First you might be interested in where your state or territory comes up with grant funding (side note: this is geared toward U.S. state and territory grants). Where do State Grant & Contract Money Come From?Federal Pass-Through MoneyA lot of state and territory grant and contract money is derived from federal monies. This is called federal pass-through funding as it is money from the federal government awarded, “and the state governments then make subawards to other organizations to carry out the public purpose of the grant program within their state’s jurisdiction. This gives the state governments more flexibility and autonomy over the use of the federal grant funds.”Basically this means…The federal government will award states different types of money,, and then the state is able to then fund nonprofits or other agencies grants from that money.Taxes and AllocationsAnd then of course there are taxes in your state, and money that’s generated in your state. Through these allocated funds (for specific purposes) your state then awards certain monies for nonprofits, organizations, businesses, individuals, and so forth.Grant or Contract?Grant fundingGrant funding is given out (usually via grant competition) and then the state will create an agreement on awarding the funds to you if you spend them how you outlined in your grant budget. They will also most likely demand a whole bunch of receipts and reports to ensure you are spending the money the way you said you would spend the money.Contract fundingNow a contract on the other side is actually legally binding. They can take you to court if you don’t spend the money the way you said you were gonna spend the money. But at the same time, there’s a little bit more flexibility in the funding.For reports to draw down contract money, you may just need to show the monthly or quarterly deliverables in the scope of work (not all the receipts for every penny). If you met under budget and you still met all of your goals, you will still be awarded the money under the contract, whereas with a grant you might only be reimbursed for what you actually spent. So there could be a little bit more flexibility and less reporting with contracts. However, you will have a legally binding contract for due diligence.If you can get a contract, go after the contract. If you can get a grant, go after the grant. If you can go after both. Go after both. Where to Find State Grants & ContractsNow, where do you find this state money? State and City Agency WebsitesYou can definitely find it by looking at your state agency and city agency websites. The issue with websites is that each state and city government agency may not use the same language on their website to announce their grant and contract opportunities.Some key words to look for include: “RFP,” “Announcement,” “News,” “Grants,” and so forth.NewspapersAnother place you can find out about state and city agency grants and contracts is in the newspaper.I know we haven’t heard about the newspaper in a long time, but believe you me, a lot of these agencies must publish their announcements and they still use the newspapers. Social MediaFollow the state and city agencies that might have grant or contract opportunities for your nonprofit! Some of these different agencies are now active on social media and will also publish their announcements there.You can also see what else is going on at these agencies and find some great statistics or reports that might resonate with your nonprofit. Reach out to a Point of Contact at State or City AgencyYou can even call a state or city agency program officer and ask if they can add you to their email list (if they have one), so you can stay up-to-date with announcements.Importance of State Grants & ContractsAnd why are these types of funding important? Well, because if your nonprofit is serving in your certain geographic area of that city agency or that state government agency, then that is a win. State and city governments primarily give out funding in their geographic area to move forward their priorities!So don’t fall into the trap of only looking for federal or foundation grants! There is a huge money pot available for you in your city and state. Try the above ways to tap into it and let me know what you find! Links:For more on how to write and find federal grants, sign up for our On-Demand Grant Writing Master CourseTo learn How to Become a Federal Grant Reviewer, click here.Find out more about where to find Federal Grants, click hereABOUT 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 coa

Federal grant funding can make a huge difference for your nonprofit organization, government agency, or business! But how to find this funding can be confusing. ------------------------------------------------------ ✨💌 Visit https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ for the Hub Haven Grant Writing 👉💰🖥️ Grant Writing Master Course: Get sample grants, logic models, videos, and more. Start to write winning grants! https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-writing-master-course/ 🖥️🔥 👉 Want to get paid to write grants? Join the Freelance Grant Writer Master Course to launch and grow a freelance grant writing business: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-course/ 🤗☕👉 Want to increase funding strategies for your Nonprofit? Join the Nonprofit Strategic Planning Master Course: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/nonprofit-strategic-planning/ —------------------------------------------------------ What we discuss in today’s episode: ✅Step #1 - Visit the Federal Grant Opportunity Website ✅ Step #2 - Find Federal Funding Opportunity Announcements ✅ Step #3 - Check Eligibility in the Federal Grant Announcement ✅ Step #4 - Visit the Federal Agency Website ✅ Step #5 - Read through Funded Grants ✅ Step #6 - Reach out to the Federal Program Officer Want more on grant writing? Check out our free training and resources to support you in your grant writing skills! To learn more about this episode, click here: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/240 Thanks for listening! Holly Rustick Expert Grant Writer & Bestselling Author https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/ Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener? This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review! If you have any questions, feel free to email [email protected] I’d love to connect with you! ✨💌 Visit https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ for the Hub Haven Grant Writing Resources

Amy Cross joins us to unpack the realities of gender equity in the nonprofit sector and challenge the assumption that a female-dominated industry automatically ensures fairness. We explore how organizations can intentionally use funding to support equity, what a Gender Fair Assessment looks like, and why data and transparency—especially around pay—are critical to progress. Amy also shares insights on workplace priorities, policies nonprofits should evaluate, the role of vendors in advancing equity, and how broader movements for economic power and gender fairness are shaping the future of the sector.ABOUT OUR GUESTAmy Cross is a leader in advancing gender equity through data-driven strategies and advocacy. She is deeply involved in the Gender Fair movement, which works to promote fairness in workplaces, organizations, and systems by evaluating policies, pay structures, and leadership practices. With a background in data journalism and social impact, Amy helps organizations better understand inequities and implement actionable solutions to create more inclusive and equitable environments.OTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/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 sits down with Kamy Akhavan, Executive Director of the USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future, to explore what today’s growing political divide means for nonprofit organizations—and how to navigate it with intention, clarity, and impact. Together, they unpack key concerns nonprofits face, including which social movements to advocate for on social media, whether taking a public stance could risk losing funders, and if staying within familiar networks limits growth and influence. The conversation dives into how nonprofits can bridge polarization by understanding internal biases shaped by external forces, recognizing the impact of disappearing shared public spaces, and learning how to engage in meaningful, respectful dialogue across differences. They also discuss how to communicate using neutral, inclusive language, lead with empathy, and listen to opposing viewpoints as a path forward. With a focus on education-based advocacy, this episode highlights how to determine when your nonprofit should speak up, how to approach social media strategically, and why it’s essential to include perspectives outside your usual circle to create lasting impact.ABOUT OUR GUESTKamy Akhavan is the Executive Director of the USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future, where he leads efforts to bridge partisan divides and promote civil discourse through education, dialogue, and leadership development. With a background in media, technology, and public engagement, Kamy has worked across sectors to advance initiatives that bring people together across differences. His work focuses on equipping leaders and organizations with the tools to navigate complex political landscapes and foster constructive conversations that drive meaningful change.CONNECT WITH OUR GUESTCenter for the Political Future: https://dornsife.usc.edu/center-for-political-future/OTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/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.

Your nonprofit may be considering hiring a grant writer... BUT the bigger questions is: "Should you hire a freelance grant writer or a staff grant writer?” Check out all the reasons your nonprofit may want to join in the Freelance Revolution to save money, management woes, and resources when hiring a freelance grant writer. Check out the glorious pros and the meh cons.ABOUT HOLLY 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.

#1: Get your Business Formerly Set UpShould you open an LLC or Sole Proprietorship? The answer to this question really depends on your state and what your goals are. Other items you will want to do are consider getting your business bank account set up and identifying the name of your business.There’s nothing sweeter than getting your first check written out to your business :). Plus, when you go to your accountant you can run your report from your business account and not your personal bank account. OMG, this saves SO much headache at the end of the year and keeps things clean.We go over how to do all these steps in week one of the 8-Week Freelance Grant Writer Academy! Plus, you will:Understand the differences between starting a Sole Proprietorship or LLCCreate a customized success pathwayCreate values for easy decision-making in your businessGet your bank account set up#2: Identify Your Ideal Client & ServiceNow that you have your business set up, you need to know who you are going to serve. If you don’t know who you will serve then it’s going to be tough to market and get clients. A big mistake I see most freelance grant writers make is to try and serve all nonprofits.Unless you will serve all nonprofits with a specific service (such as doing Nonprofit Wellness Audits) then this could be a big no-no.You can decide what type of nonprofit you want to serve based on the subject matter of a nonprofit (i.e. conservation, education, etc.), size (i.e. pup nonprofits), or geographic location.For your services, you can decide if you want to specialize in a certain service or be a generalist. If you specialize you might only do grant research, write certain federal grants, etc. If you are more of a generalist, you might write grants, help nonprofits get set up, conduct nonprofit strategic planning, etc.By being clear about who you serve and what you do, you will be able to create better services and market those services efficiently.We go over how to do all these steps in week two of the 8-Week Freelance Grant Writer Academy! Plus, you’ll:Map out your ideal client avatarDevelop a nonprofit lead list Identify Your Nonprofit NicheFigure out if you are a Generalist or Specialist#3: Create Branding for Your Freelance Grant Writing BusinessYour branding is how your business will resonate with nonprofit organizations. That does not mean you should randomly pick out colors and go for it! If you do that, you will be re-branding before you hit publish on your website.But to really feel like you are confidently representing yourself and connecting with those ideal clients, it takes a little bit of time.But this time saves you so much more time in the future. Be sure to create mission and vision statements for your business and run a SWOT analysis. This will help you define what that branding image looks like and that you actually love it!We go over how to do all these steps in week three of the 8-Week Freelance Grant Writer Academy! Plus you will:Get a Crash Course in Website IdeasGet Branding Templates Create a mission and vision statement Conduct a SWOT analysis #4: Create a Working ScheduleI know you opened your freelance grant writing business so you could work whenever you want and not report to “The Man”. Guess what? You are now the “The Woman” or “The Man.”Having a schedule doesn’t mean it has to look the same as an 8-to-5 job. But most freelance grant writers actually start working way more than 40 hours a week and work creeps into weekends and vacations.We need to nip that in the bum. Pronto. However you want to set up your schedule, you still need a schedule! This is one of the hardest steps I have seen freelance grant writers get used to. Let’s face it. Regular jobs don’t really depend on output as much as they do on you showing up and taking up space.But your business requires output. So you need to make sure you schedule out your week in advance!We go over how to do all these steps in week four of the 8-Week Freelance Grant Writer Academy! Plus, you get:Holly’s Ideal Work Week ScheduleTips on when to hire (and who) to help out with your workA Client Time Tracker so you get paid for all your time!#5: Develop a Pricing ModelOkay, it’s time to talk about money. You need to get paid as a freelance grant writer! But will you charge hourly, retainer, or by the service?How much will you charge? How often will you raise your prices?These are all things to consider when developing your pricing model.Don’t stress too much about this. You can always change it whenever you want to!But do figure out how you will charge your customers.I go over how to do all these steps in week five of the 8-Week Freelance Grant Writer Academy! Plus, you:Get a Template on Having Conversations Around Pricing and PackagingLearn the art of developing proposalsGet Sample Retainers Receive a Post Discovery Call Template Get a Checklist and Script of questions to ask in a Discovery Call#6: Communicate EffectivelyNow that you have your name se

There’s a lot changing in the nonprofit sector as we navigate 2022—and in many ways, it’s a doozy (in a good way!).In this episode, Shannon McCracken, leader of The Nonprofit Alliance, joins us to break down the latest trends shaping nonprofits today—from policies and training to fundraising and job opportunities. We explore how organizations like The Nonprofit Alliance are working to strengthen the sector, the impact of past tax laws and recent IRS changes on charitable giving, and why data privacy is becoming a growing concern that could affect donor trust.We also dive into evolving job trends in the nonprofit space, how organizations are rethinking employee value and retention, and why year-end fundraising and overall giving trends are showing signs of optimism. Plus, we discuss how COVID-19 has pushed nonprofits to innovate and think differently about fundraising strategies moving forward.If you want to stay ahead of the curve and understand what’s shaping the future of nonprofits, this episode is packed with timely insights.ABOUT OUR GUESTShannon McCracken is the President and CEO of The Nonprofit Alliance (TNPA), a national organization dedicated to promoting, protecting, and strengthening the nonprofit sector. Since its launch in 2018, TNPA has worked to provide advocacy, education, and resources to support nonprofit organizations across the United States.With a strong background in nonprofit leadership and public policy, Shannon is passionate about advancing ethical fundraising practices, supporting nonprofit professionals, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the sector.RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/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.