Grant Writing & Funding

In this episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Mazarine Treyz to have an honest and necessary conversation about gender bias in the nonprofit sector. With nearly 66% of grant writers in the United States identifying as women, the prevalence of discrimination, underpayment, and inequity is both widespread and unacceptable. Together, they unpack how sexism shows up in the nonprofit world, including how white supremacy culture can influence freelance grant writing spaces and workplace dynamics. They also challenge traditional structures like the 40-hour workweek and explore alternative rhythms that better support sustainability and equity. Mazarine shares empowering strategies for women to negotiate, advocate for themselves, and confidently ask for what they deserve—offering both validation and actionable steps to help break systemic bias and create a more equitable sector.ABOUT OUR GUESTMazarine Treyz is an internationally recognized nonprofit consultant, author, and advocate for equity in the nonprofit sector. She specializes in fundraising, grant writing, and helping organizations build sustainable development strategies. Mazarine is also a leading voice in addressing gender bias and dismantling inequitable systems within the nonprofit world, empowering women to step into leadership, negotiate confidently, and advocate for systemic change.CONNECT WITH OUR GUESTWebsite: https://mazarinetreyz.com/OTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/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.

Grant writers ask me this question a lot, “Holly, how much should I charge to write grants?”While executive directors at nonprofit organizations ask me, “How much should I expect to pay to hire a freelance grant writer?”My answer… Well, there certainly is no magic number.But there are systems to identify what rates YOU can charge as a grant writer.Because the most important constant variable in this situation is…You.Whether that is you as a freelance grant writer or you as an executive director. What are you willing to charge or what are you willing to pay?About Mandy PearceIn 2009, visionary, Mandy Pearce, founded her flagship company, Funding for Good, to equip organizations with all of the skills and tools needed to become successful and sustainable.She continues to enjoy evolving this company to meet the changing demands of the nonprofit world. For over two decades, Mandy and her team of experts have shared their proficiency in fundraising through executive coaching, strategic and development planning, seminars and specialized consulting programs.Mandy’s dynamic teaching style has brought thousands of people to her presentations at conventions, training workshops and online platforms. Mandy established Funding for Good, Inc. upon the core values of honesty, efficiency, direct communication and bringing sustainable dollars to local communities.Mandy lives in Hickory with her husband, Ricardo, and their two furbabies, Dalli and Max. She and Ricardo also own and operate a successful landscaping and custom woodworking company, Two Green Thumbs and More (twogreenthumbsandmore.com). On her decompression days, she enjoys working in their garden, sipping sweet tea on their porch swing with a good magazine and cooking gourmet meals for their family and friends.Ways to Connect with Mandy:Website: Funding for GoodFunding for Good Training: Webinar Series LinkedIn: Connect with MandyOTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-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.

Does your nonprofit struggle to retain donors while constantly searching for new ones? You’re not alone.This challenge is known as donor churn—and most nonprofits lose around 55% of their donors every year. Even more surprising? It can cost 50–100% more to acquire new donors than the value of their initial donation. So how do you break the cycle?In this episode, we explore a powerful and personal approach to donor engagement using video—with Matt Barnett, co-founder of Bonjoro.Bonjoro is a platform designed to help organizations build real relationships at scale through simple, personalized video messages. Imagine this: a new donor gives to your nonprofit, you get a notification, record a quick thank-you video using their name, and send it off in minutes. That small effort can create a huge, lasting impact.Matt and I dive into how nonprofits can use Bonjoro to strengthen donor relationships, increase retention, and enhance fundraising campaigns. We talk about using video for monthly giving programs, why relationship-building is at the core of sustainable funding, and how Bonjoro makes this process seamless and effective.We also explore the inspiration behind Bonjoro, the company’s unique culture (including the story behind the bears!), their 1% pledge, and even tips on working with virtual teams.If you’re looking for innovative, human-centered ways to connect with your donors and grow your impact, this episode is packed with actionable ideas.ABOUT OUR GUESTMatt Barnett is the co-founder of Bonjoro, a customer (and donor) engagement platform designed to help businesses and nonprofits build meaningful relationships through personalized video messaging. With a background in entrepreneurship and a passion for human connection, Matt created Bonjoro to help organizations scale authenticity and stand out in a digital world.Through Bonjoro, Matt has helped thousands of organizations improve customer and donor retention by making communication more personal, impactful, and memorable.CONNECT WITH OUR GUESTBonjoro Website: https://www.bonjoro.com/OTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/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.

✨💌 Visit www.grantwritingandfunding.com for the Hub Haven Grant Writing Resources 💌✨ 👉💰🖥️ 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 your nonprofit’s sustainability? Join the Nonprofit Strategic Planning Master Course: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/nonprofit-strategic-planning/ Writing grant proposals can feel overwhelming, defeating, and just plain stressful. However, it doesn't need to feel that way when writing a grant proposal. When you understand the basic grant writing structure, then you start to: ✨ Put grants together more quickly ✨ Feel more confident when starting the grant writing process ✨ Start to see your grant award success rate improve Follow these simple steps to write a grant to eliminate overwhelm, defeat, and stress! ✔️ ​Step #1 Grant Proposal Process - Get the FOA/RFP ✔️ Step #2 Grant Proposal Process - Research the Needs and Design ️✔️ S️tep #3 Grant Proposal Process - Articulate the Goal ✔️ Step #4 Grant Proposal Process - Narrow the Objectives ✔️ Step #5 Grant Proposal Process - Timeline Your Activities/Tasks ✔️ Step #6 Grant Proposal Process - Strategic Budget ✔️ Step #7 Grant Proposal Process - Submit Early For the full article, visit: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/7-steps-to-write-a-grant-proposal/ Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener? ✨✨ Visit www.grantwritingandfunding.com to join the free Grant Writing & Funding Hub Haven ✨✨

Is your nonprofit on Instagram—but not seeing real results?In this episode, Christina Edwards, founder of Splendid Consulting, shares how nonprofits can strategically use Instagram to grow their audience and convert followers into real supporters and donors.We dive into simple, actionable steps to help you avoid the social media rabbit hole and focus on what actually matters—conversion. Christina breaks down how to move followers to take meaningful action, how to use tools like Canva to create quick and effective graphics, and how to develop pillar content that keeps your messaging consistent and aligned.We also explore how to manage your time so social media doesn’t take over your day, how to direct followers to your nonprofit’s website, and how to use Instagram’s built-in donate button to make giving easy and accessible.If you’re ready to use Instagram more intentionally—and actually see results—this episode will give you the strategy you need.ABOUT OUR GUESTChristina Edwards is the founder of Splendid Consulting, where she helps nonprofits grow their impact through strategic marketing and communications. She specializes in social media strategy, content creation, and helping organizations convert online engagement into meaningful action.Christina is passionate about helping nonprofits simplify their marketing efforts, save time, and build stronger connections with their audiences.OTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.https://grantwritingandfunding.com/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.

The Grant Writing & Funding Hub Haven is your go-to space for support, strategy, and success in your grant writing journey. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, isolated, or unsure about your next steps in securing funding, this episode is for you.In this solo episode, Holly Rustick dives into what the Hub Haven is, why it was created, and how it serves as a powerful resource for both new and experienced grant writers. From ongoing training and expert guidance to a supportive community of like-minded professionals, the Hub Haven is designed to help you build confidence, increase your income, and win more grants.Tune in to learn how you can leverage this space to stay consistent, sharpen your skills, and grow a sustainable grant writing business—all while being part of a movement that’s making a real impact.ABOUT HOLLY 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.

✨💌 Visit www.grantwritingandfunding.com for the Hub Haven Grant Writing Resources 💌✨ It's almost that time of the year! GivingTuesday is right around the corner and you might be getting ready to raise funds for your nonprofit! Therefore, it is only fitting that we have Nonprofit Jenni on the show to share some awesome tips about GivingTuesday strategies. Jenni has worked with nonprofits for years on GivingTuesday fundraising campaigns and shares some case studies on what works! Plus, she's got an amazing Book Club opening up :) In this show we discuss: ✔️What is GivingTuesday ✔️How Nonprofit Organizations can utilize GivingTuesday to grow donors ✔️Realistic Revenue Goals for GivingTuesday ✔️The Steps to Roll Out a GivingTuesday Campaign ✔️Jenni's new Nonprofit Book Club "Over Head Book Club" Jenni hosts the podcast, the Nonprofit Jenni Show, which you can find for free on your favorite podcast app, and runs a virtual book club for nonprofit leaders. 🤗 Contact Jenni: https://www.nonprofitjenni.com/ 📚 Join the Over Head book club (use 10OFF Coupon for GW&F Youtubers!): https://www.nonprofitjenni.com/coursesandmore/nonprofit-book-club-box I hope you enjoy this podcast! 👉💰🖥️ 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/ 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?

Are you looking for a place to find Foundation Grants? Look no further, Instrumentl is your place! ✨ [Start your 14-day trial here: https://www.instrumentl.com/holly] and use ‘HOLLY50′ to save $50 off your first month. 🍾 Want other FREE Grant Writing & Funding Tools? https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com 🖥️ Want the Grant Writing Master Course? Get tons of templates and tools to write winning grants: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-writing-master-course/ We have Gauri Manglik back on the Grant Writing & Funding podcast and YouTube Show this week to discuss Instrumentl's updates to include how to analyze 990s for funding prospecting. Instrumentl known as the "institutional fundraising platform". It is a subscription-based software of where you can find grants and funding opportunities. Gauri is the co-founder and CEO of Instrumentl, and brings her computer science background into full view as we discuss how to use 990s for your grant research. If you have never looked at a foundation's 990s (what they need to submit to the IRS each year to include what grants they awarded, to whom, and for what), then you are missing out! 990s are key in understanding how funding sources allocate their money. Don't worry. We will break it down in this episode today! What Gauri and I Discuss on 990s prospecting: Why 990s are essential for grant research Hacks on what to look for in 990s The upcoming Advanced Prospecting Workshops The new updates in the Pro Plus Plan Why grant research can be tricky and overcoming hurdles And more! Click here to read the full article :) https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/194 ✨ [Start your 14-day trial here: https://www.instrumentl.com/holly] and use ‘HOLLY50′ to save $50 off your first month. 🍾 Want other FREE Grant Writing & Funding Tools? https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com 🖥️ Want the Grant Writing Master Course? Get tons of templates and tools to write winning grants: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-writing-master-course/

Sean Kosofsky from Nonprofit Fixer joins us to share how nonprofits can successfully launch or revive a development (fundraising) committee to increase revenue without overburdening their board of directors. He breaks down what a development committee is, why it shouldn’t consist solely of board members, and the essential actions it must take to be effective. We also explore how to recruit and engage volunteers, assign and complete tasks efficiently, avoid social loafing, run productive meetings, and even make the process enjoyable—so your committee stays active, accountable, and results-driven.ABOUT OUR GUESTSean Kosofsky is the founder of Nonprofit Fixer, where he helps nonprofits grow their impact through smarter fundraising, advocacy, and strategic planning. With decades of experience in the nonprofit sector, Sean has raised millions of dollars, trained thousands of leaders, and worked with organizations across the country to strengthen their development strategies.Known for his practical, no-nonsense approach, Sean specializes in helping nonprofits fix what’s not working—whether it’s fundraising, board engagement, or organizational structure—so they can build sustainable and successful missions.OTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/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.

If you’re tired of being on the fence and you want to start a real business and get nonprofit clients, I can help. Or, if you’re already an accomplished grant writer and want to grow your business, you’ll see how the Freelance Grant Writer Master Course can get you there easier and faster. Let's outline how to start a real business and get nonprofit clients. I’m going to show you how to get there with a lot more ease. And it’s all because of the system I’ve developed behind the Freelance Grant Writer Master Course. For more information, visit: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/192-sneak-peek-of-the-freelance-grant-writer-master-course/ 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?

Understanding how to price grant writing services is one of the biggest headaches that freelance grant writers have. I know this because: Pricing services was what I struggled with the most, and It is the biggest question / coaching sessions that I get asked about by people transitioning into freelance grant writing. If you’ve ever been confused about how all the pieces of freelance grant writing fit together, and more importantly, what goes into creating massive success with freelance grant writing, this article is for you. Maybe you’re a newbie grant writer, and you aren’t sure how to price services, or you’re already an accomplished grant writer that isn’t experiencing the kind of growth you're after.ABOUT HOLLY 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.

Once someone either thinks about starting a freelance grant writing business or has already taken the leap, a huge question (rightfully so) comes up: How do I get nonprofit clients for my grant writing business? Well, yeah, you need to get nonprofit clients (or even for-profit clients in some cases) for it to be an actual income-generating business. But just creating a website or a business card alone will not get you there. Now in this article, I’m going to teach you how to get and keep nonprofit clients. And more importantly, this will help you increase revenue for your grant writing business. So, if you’re a newbie grant writer, but you aren’t sure how you can get and keep nonprofit clients, or you’re already an accomplished grant writer looking to get your ducks in a row, you’ll discover how Freelance Grant Writers like you and me can get and keep nonprofit clients - and why it’s critical you focus on this right now. In last week’s article and podcast, we talked about the First Step to Becoming a Freelance Grant Writer (also be sure to download your follow along guide for episode 189 and 190). I shared how this is going to immediately help you get off the floundering fence. So, if you haven’t read that article or listened to the podcast, go back and watch it now - and then come back to this one. In this article, I’m going to build on what we discussed by sharing the #1 thing you must master if you want to get and keep nonprofit clients. Think of this as your “first step” towards making this happen. This is an entirely new way of thinking about freelance grant writing, so you’ll want to pay close attention. I’m also going to share how to identify your nonprofit client. When you know how to do this, you’ll know exactly what to aim for and how to market. The goal is to break you free of wasting time and money on the wrong types of ads or continually getting 'no’s'. This way, you’ll never have to worry about how to get and keep nonprofit clients which means you’ll increase revenue for your biz. ABOUT HOLLY 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.

The First Step to Become a Freelance Grant WriterWhy are some freelance grant writers able to create a thriving business while others are just dreaming about being a professional grant writer?Why do some grant writers grow their practice and seem to get all the clients while others just dream about it and get stuck in their J-O-B?And why are some people clear about how to start and grow their grant writing business while others are floundering?Can I be a Grant Writer even with No Experience?This article is going to immediately help you get off the floundering fence when thinking about becoming a freelance grant writer and not knowing which step to take. Once you get this down, you’ll start experiencing more clarity, more confidence and more grant writing jobs.If you’re a newbie grant writer who needs more grant writing experience, or you’re already an accomplished grant writer that isn’t leveraging your skills by getting and growing your nonprofit client base, stay with me because you’re going to discover why grant writers like you and me can grow a freelance grant writing business and why it’s critical you get your system handled right now.Are you Ready to Become a Successful Grant Writer?WARNING!Before we dig in, I’ve got to warn you about something critically important. And not paying attention to this virtually guarantees your dream to become a professional grant writing will only be a dream… or take 3Xs longer to develop and feel like a burden.Right now, you might think you need tons of clients to make any money and you might have imposter syndrome.But what if it didn’t have to be that way? What if instead you had system where you had the perfect clients and were confident in your grant writing skills?I get this may be different from what you’ve heard before about freelance grant writing. But this fundamental shift is one reason why this blueprint works so well.In fact, you might’ve already tried to get off the floundering fence – and it didn’t work out the way you’d hoped.I’m sure you’ll agree, trying to start a real business and get nonprofit clients isn’t always as simple as some people make it seem. It comes with its challenges.Maybe you have written proposals, secured clients, or even won grants, but you still wonder, “Can I really start a real business and get nonprofit clients?”If this sounds familiar, I get it.So many of us grant writers have tried the exact same things. We’ve heard that little voice of doubt in our head, wondering if it’s possible. And I’m here to show you it IS.Let’s demystify the process of get off the floundering fence which will save you a lot of time, money, and frustration. In this first article in the foundations of freelance grant writing series, I’m going to share a blueprint that I’ve developed after years of trial and error.It’s called…Foundations of a Freelance Grant Writing BusinessIf your dream to become a grant writing is still only a dream… then this will serve as a tremendous resource to eliminate that frustration and help you get off the floundering fence.Maybe you’re a newbie grant writer, or maybe you’re already an accomplished grant writer.Either way, you’re in the right place because after this article you’ll know how to find grant writing jobs and write better grants.I developed this framework for you because I saw so many Aspiring Grant Writers become completely sidetracked while trying to get the grant writing experience you need.For example, I saw Aspiring Grant Writers who were newbie grant writers trying to get the grant writing experience they needed before they knew how to write grants or had found out what types of services they love to do.I’ve also seen accomplished grant writers not leveraging their skills by getting and growing their nonprofit client base because they don’t have the right freelance grant writing system in place.I could go on, but I know us Aspiring Grant Writers need clarity – because in full transparency, that was my story too.Before I outline Foundations of Freelance Grant Writing and the specifics for each step, you might be wondering how I got into all of this and figured it out. Let me tell you so you can understand where it’s coming from.It started when I knew I had to create my grant writing business with nonprofit clients in order to get off the floundering fence.But I wasn’t sure I could because I don’t know how to get nonprofit clients.And to be honest, I doubted I could do it because I wasn’t even sure what to charge for grant writing.And on top of that, I figured nonprofits didn’t even have a budget to hire a grant writer.If any of this sounds familiar, let me tell you – I know exactly what it’s like!I felt frustrated and overwhelmed, and even questioned myself whether I COULD do it. But I was tired of spinning my wheels and knew that getting off the floundering fence was key to getting what I was after.So, I set out to find a way to make it happen.Once I got past my objections and began investing in myself, I star

Oh yes, I just typed the F-word. Yep, the one that makes most grant writers shiver in their sleep.No, I am not cussing. But maybe this word should be a bona fide swear word.Free.I know it haunts you.It’s interesting that as a grant writer your skills can have one of the biggest impacts on increasing funding for nonprofit organizations, however you will still be serenaded by nearly every nonprofit (not to mention individuals looking for that magic grant to fund a college degree) to write grants for free.This has always puzzled me. Grant writers have technical writing skills to find and secure funding and in many cases millions of dollars for nonprofits.However, many organizations seek out grant writers and some guilt them into writing for free or giving away all their knowledge at no cost. Or that nonprofit is caught up with poverty mindset that asking for free is their go-to comfort zone place (that’s an entire article in itself!).Here’s the thing. There is a time and place for the F-word. Yep.Free can be a pathway at times, but not all.So, if you are:haunted by giving away your grant writing services for free,not sure when to start charging prices for your grant writing services, orconstantly get people asking you out on a coffee or zoom date to just real quick go over some grant-related questions, then keep on reading.Chances are, if you are in any of the categories above, you are feeling undervalued.You might be wondering why you don’t get paid well when you see those hundreds, or millions of dollars in grants come in the nonprofit door.Or you might be wondering how in the world you can make it as a grant writing consultant when you feel like no nonprofit can pay you for your services.Side note: Nonprofits can, do, and should figure out ways to get money and pay for your grant writing services.If you are in a position where you get an amazing wage or charge well, then kudos for you!But I wanted to address this issue as I have seen way too many grant writing consultants play jump rope over the ever-changing line of boundaries, not sure where to land or how to stop jumping.I was once there. (Check out my story on how I transitioned into freelance grant writing).When to Write Grants for FreeOkay, okay. I hear you yelling the B-word… Not that B-word. Geesh! The ‘But’ word…“But Holly, what about…”There is a time and place when a grant writer can do free. But these are few and limited.When you are building grant writing skillsWhen you designate one or two grant writing gigs at your own discretionSo, let’s break these down a little bit more.You May Volunteer When You are Building Grant Writing SkillsIf you have no experience, then writing grants is one of the best things you can do to build your grant writing skills quickly. Of course, you can also take grant writing courses, read grant writing books, and review grants to also build your skills.But if you have never written a grant before and really want to learn, then sometimes grant writers start off as a volunteer or intern for a nonprofit.However, you must remember that your services will not always be free and you will build your grant writing experience quickly.So, if you are going to do this, then be sure you do the following!No if, ands, or buts. Do this.Have a conversation with the nonprofit leader and let them know that you will volunteer your grant writing services for either a certain number of months (i.e., three months) or up to a certain number of grants written (i.e., one foundation grant and one federal grant).Then, let them know that after that you would like to sit down again as you will then start charging for your services.If you are starting from the ground up, then this is the most important conversation you can have.Because if you do not have this conversation (where you put a limited duration of time or number of grants) then it’s going to get awkward after a while.Without this conversation it is nearly guaranteed that you will start seeing the value that you contribute to the nonprofit, and you may even experience anxiety about bringing up a conversation about getting paid.But if you have the conversation before you get started, the executive director will know in the back of her mind that there is an end date to your free services and if she loves you will already be starting to think of ways to pay you.Plus, both parties will know that the conversation is coming up. It’s not one that will keep you awake at night thinking of bringing it up.Believe me, you will feel and be so much more valued and professional.Have this conversation first.The next time you may want to consult for free…You May Write a Pro Bono Grant if You Serve on a Nonprofit BoardRemember, this is up to you.So, for example, I sit on different nonprofit board of directors, and I may write one grant per year at no cost. But let me be loud and clear.You do NOT have to do this. Your board services do not include grant writing. Just because you are a grant writer, many peop

Now that is a fully loaded statement. But worth the heavily weighed explanation.I have been going back and forth with other grant writers on this question of“Do grant writers get paid less because most are female?”and even down to“Are grant writer rates high enough?”Moreover, nearly every single female grant writer I know struggles with how to do her pricing and come up with rates that feel good.In this article, I am going to break down some of the gender-specific on the grant writing industry. Some of these may surprise you because you have been living the life, thinking you only need to Google “Grant Writer Salary” and the Internet will get some ideal number that you can just throw onto your freelance grant writing website or in that grant writer salary description.Here’s the thing. The most deafening question I get from my grant writing students is,“How much should I charge for my grant writing skills?”I am not going to give you a magic number in this article of what you should charge, but I think we first need to understand why we keep peering out into the information universe for this question instead of tuning inward.Side note: Check out related articles on how to make decisions and understand what your value is as a freelance grant writer.What I am going to share with you in this article should wake you up a bit and hopefully will ripple some change across this female-dominant landscape.“If you are self-employed…you write your own paycheck. But the amount on the paycheck is pre-ordained long before it is actually inked. It begins with your price strategy. And that is preceded by your belief system about price.” ~ Dan KennedyA conversation that recently came up with Rachel Waterman, an amazing female grant writer, was a simple conversation about the grant writing pricing world, and it ended up being a type of conversation reminiscent of, “Is it the egg before the chicken or chicken before the egg?”We were discussing that since grant writing is a heavily female-dominated industry could this be one contributing fact to why grant writer salaries are low and why freelance grant writer consultants get paid nominal wages compared to other money-related consultancies?Well, this made me want to dive into this topic further and see what is going on with the pay rates for freelance grant writers.Freelance Grant Writers Are Mostly WomenYes, indeed, Rachel and are I correct in that grant writers (and freelance grant writers) are a mostly women. According to Zippia, 65.7% of employed grant writers in the United States in 2021 are women.This is a whole lot. Now this statistic does reference employed grant writers vs. freelance grant writers, but chances are it’s about the same percent that transfer from employed grant writer into freelancing.It might even be higher as students in my Freelance Grant Writing Master Course and Grant Professional Mentorship are primarily female.I like being in an industry surrounded by women, however it also makes me a little hesitant when freelancer grant writers (or grant writers looking for a job) are seeing what other freelance grant writing consultants charge to get a baseline of what they should charge.Why does this make me nervous?Well, let’s go ahead and break down why I think looking at the marketplace might not be serving you when the field is dominated by female consultants.No disrespect. Hear me out.I will honestly point the finger at myself several years ago. Yes, that was me. I was not charging enough for my grant writing services. And if I felt that way, many other female grant writers are also suffering from systemic gender wage discrimination (described below), so are also pricing too low.The problem with this, is that if many women are pricing low to write grants, and if we look at one another to see what the standard rate should be, that rate will be low. Then we all look at it and it looks normal and becomes the sucky industry standard.And after doing some research on salary rates and female consultant pricing and a lot of personal development, I had some major epiphanies and a fantastic mindset change.There are still very REAL systemic issues with gender gap payIn the face of sexism, many women struggle to see the true value of our work and end up charging less because we don’t think we deserve more. In our guts we know we deserve it, but society has told us that we don’t deserve more than a man.Society has told us that our priorities are having babies, cooking meals, cleaning up, and taking care of others. Now, I am fine with most of those things (except cooking and cleaning. Aargh).I loved having my baby, volunteering for nonprofits, and spending time with family. There is nothing wrong with that. But it kind of leaves out all the other fun stuff I know I excel in. Like writing grants, securing millions of dollars for nonprofits, and earning an abundant income so I can enjoy life on my terms.As Rachel Rodger states in her amazing book, We Should All Be Millionair

Let’s be real—we cover a lot in today’s episode, but we definitely dig into the nitty-gritty of how to leverage the power of celebrity to fundraise for your nonprofit.And yes… we’ve all seen it before.The starry eyes. The excitement. The moment a nonprofit drops a celebrity name and everything feels bigger, brighter, and full of possibility.Why?Because celebrities can bring massive visibility. They can leverage their audience to get more eyes—and support—on your nonprofit’s mission.But here’s the real question:Should that be your main strategy?Should it be your only strategy?Like any type of funding partnership, working with celebrities is still a partnership. That means there needs to be mutual value, aligned goals, and a clear strategy for success on both sides.In this episode, Hollywood’s social impact experts Amy & Scott Malin share what it really takes to build meaningful celebrity partnerships—and how to do it right.We also dive into their newest tech-for-good venture, the Trueheart social impact search engine, and discuss how nonprofits and grant professionals alike can better understand and communicate the value of their services.If you’ve ever wondered how to strategically leverage influence for impact—this episode is for you.ABOUT OUR GUESTAmy Malin and Scott Malin are Hollywood-based social impact experts and founders dedicated to helping purpose-driven organizations amplify their missions through strategic partnerships and innovative technology. With decades of experience at the intersection of entertainment, philanthropy, and social good, they have worked with major brands, nonprofits, and global campaigns to drive meaningful impact.They are the creators of Trueheart, a social impact search engine designed to connect individuals and organizations with causes they care about, making it easier to take action and create change at scale.CONNECT WITH OUR GUESTTrueheart: https://trueheart.com/OTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/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 2020, nonprofit organizations experienced a major shift toward online and digital fundraising. What began as a rapid push to “get online” during the early days of COVID-19 has now evolved into a bigger question: are nonprofits truly optimizing their digital marketing strategies to advance their missions?In this replay episode, Brady Josephson from the NextAfter Institute joins us to break down online marketing for nonprofits—from increasing digital trends and using authentic, focused messaging to implementing data-informed fundraising strategies. We also explore counterintuitive fundraising practices, the role of data collection through donations, key differences between email marketing and social media, and the foundational elements every nonprofit needs to succeed in digital fundraising.ABOUT OUR GUESTBrady Josephson is a leader at the NextAfter Institute, where he helps nonprofit organizations grow their fundraising through research-driven digital marketing strategies. He is known for challenging conventional fundraising practices and helping organizations implement data-informed approaches to increase impact.OTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/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 isn’t the only way to make an impact. There are so many ways to support a cause you care about—whether that’s volunteering, donating, or even organizing something as simple as a local cleanup.But what happens when your passion pushes you to go deeper?In this episode, we explore how you can turn that passion into a movement—without necessarily creating a nonprofit organization. Joining me is Rebecca Soriano, who shares how her passion for mental health led her to create a powerful movement called Roar to Soar. Through her medical billing business, Rebecca has long supported mental health providers. But during the pandemic, like many of us, she experienced isolation—and turned to writing handwritten letters as a way to cope. What started as a personal practice quickly grew into something much bigger. After seeing the impact her letters had, Rebecca began offering to send them to others who felt isolated—and the response was overwhelming, with 40+ requests per day. From there, the movement expanded to include writing letters to incarcerated individuals, building meaningful human connections in unexpected ways.This episode is a beautiful reminder that movements don’t always start with big organizations—they start with heart, intention, and action.If you’ve been feeling called to create something meaningful, this conversation will inspire you to take that next step.ABOUT OUR GUESTRebecca Soriano is the founder of the Roar to Soar movement, an initiative dedicated to spreading connection, hope, and mental health support through handwritten letters. With a professional background in medical billing, she works closely with mental health providers and brings a deep understanding of the importance of emotional well-being.Through Roar to Soar, Rebecca has created a growing community centered on human connection—reaching individuals experiencing isolation, including incarcerated populations, and inspiring others to take simple yet powerful action for social good.OTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/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.

You weren’t an English major or Public Administration major? No worries. You don’t have to have been a writer all your life to transition into grant writing and to become a grant professional.In this podcast, Sheleia Phillips tells all on how she has gone from biologist to grant professional… all from the suggestion during an internship.This literally turned her life around as she realized she could apply her background in research papers and evidence-based practices to writing a grant. She then found out she loves grant writing as has pivoted her career!What We Discuss about Being a Grant Professional:Sheleia’s transition into grant writingWhy becoming a federal grant reviewer is importantWhy she offers a hybrid of services to nonprofitsNonprofit common challenges (and solutions!)How to say no to too much workHow to set up a referral networkAbout Sheleia Phillips, the Grant ProfessionalSheleia Phillips MPH, CHES is the Founder and Principal Consultant of SMP Nonprofit Consulting, a firm commitment to helping nonprofits raise money through grants and sustainable funding since 2018. A servant leader, Sheleia has dedicated herself to the growth and development of nonprofits for the past ten years. Sheleia has secured nearly $2 million in grant awards for youth development, education, and health programs through her work as a Grant Writer and Fund Development Consultant.Sheleia holds a Master of Public Health with an emphasis on Maternal and Child Health from Saint Louis University and a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences with a minor in Chemistry from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. She is equipped with advanced training in public health, program development, and public policy.Her expertise spans collaborating and leading a variety of maternal and child health, mental health, recidivism prevention, and education projects. Sheleia is also a grant reviewer for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.A Bank of America Emerging Leaders alum, Sheleia believes that nonprofits are essential to creating the change we all want to see. She has a deep passion for people and helping community organizations succeed with excellence and integrity. Sheleia motivates others with her can-do attitude, enthusiasm, and positive personalityRelated Links:Ep. #70: Why Blueprints Organize Your Nonprofit Strategies with Sarah Olivieri. Click hereEp. #117: Learn How To Pivot Your Nonprofit’s Operations with Sarah Olivieri.Ep. #164: How to Get Rid of Boring SWOT Analysis and Revive Your Strategic Planning. Click hereEp. #174: How to Conduct Meaningful Conversations for Effective Nonprofit Strategic Planning.Ep. #177: 8 Expert Tips For Raising $10,000+ in a Nonprofit Facebook Fundraiser. Click hereContact Sheleia: https://www.smpnpc.com/OTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE 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, special guest Sarah Olivieri joins us to break down her powerful Impact Method—and how it can be used by both nonprofits and freelance grant writers to create more effective, sustainable organizations.If you’ve been looking for a clear blueprint to better manage your time, increase your capacity, and grow your impact, this episode delivers exactly that.Sarah walks us through what the Impact Method is and how it helps organizations move from overwhelm to clarity by focusing on what truly matters. We also dive into what “capacity” really means for nonprofits and how to build it in a way that supports long-term success.In this conversation, you’ll learn how to create an effective operational blueprint, reclaim your time, build accountability into your systems, and delegate more effectively so you’re not doing everything on your own.If you’re ready to streamline your work, scale your impact, and lead with more intention, this episode is a must-listen.ABOUT OUR GUESTSarah Olivieri is a nonprofit strategist, consultant, and founder of PivotGround, where she helps nonprofit leaders build sustainable, high-impact organizations. She is the creator of the Impact Method, a framework designed to help nonprofits increase their capacity, improve operations, and achieve greater results without burnout.Sarah is passionate about helping leaders simplify their work, focus on what matters most, and create systems that support long-term growth and mission success.OTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/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.

It’s officially knee deep into summer. Are you enjoying the popsicles, sparklers, and giggles with the family or are you stuck in the grind? In this article (or feel free to listen to the podcast), I go behind-the-scenes to explain why and how you should take time off your grant writing business or nonprofit.Maybe July is a super busy month because you have grants due, a nonprofit fundraiser, or more.Yet. A summer sabbatical, two-week break, or maybe even a year abroad sojourn could be exactly what makes sense for you in your nonprofit or grant writing business right now. ​Even if you are busy beyond busy because let’s face it, every month becomes the busiest month ever. No light at the end of that tunnel.I’ve been hearing the term ‘sabbatical’ thrown around in entrepreneur groups. No longer is this term only whispered in the halls of academia.This actual term of sabbatical is defined according to Merriam-Webster dictionary as:nouna period of paid leave granted to a university teacher or other worker for study or travel, traditionally one year for every seven years worked.”she’s away on sabbatical“adjective1.relating to a sabbatical.”sabbatical leave”2.ARCHAICof or appropriate to the sabbath.So, yes, this is way more of an academia term yet also includes a nod to some thing sacred. Pretty cool, huh?What is also interesting as most entrepreneurs and grant writers use this term as paid time away. This might mean having saved up funds for this particular time off or maybe they are generating passive income. For nonprofit leaders, the time I am talking about taking off is also paid time away.Because, let’s face it. Taking time to recharge isn’t so relaxing when you’re not getting paid.When to Take Time Off Your Grant Writing BusinessWell, there are several different ideas of this.1) Forced to take off time from your grant writing business or nonprofitThe most common is to take off time from your grant writing business or nonprofit when you are so burned out that you literally can’t function. Usually this type of ‘time off’ includes sleeping for days of end (forget the Konmari you planned on doing with your break this year or trips to the beach) all the way to a possible hospital rest (yes, my first grant writing boss actually had a heart attack in his 30s).This is a dangerous place to be, however the good ole American work ethic and literally work people to death. Not that good after all, huh?2) Take Time Off Your Grant Writing Business After a Heavy WorkloadThe next most common practice is to schedule time off after an intense workload period. So possibly after a huge fundraiser or long grant season. You know you will need a break so you schedule time off in advance for after that intense period of working. Let’s be real, sometimes the intense periods need to be had. But by this time you are so burned out that the two days off (or week off) isn’t nearly enough.Literally, your schedule time off from your grant writing business or nonprofit could also be like #1 (sleeping for days on end or ending up in the hospital).3) Take Time Off Your Grant Writing Business Before You Get Burned OutThe least common but most effective. Schedule time off from your grant writing business or nonprofit before you get burned out. Seems pretty simple, but so many people feel guilty for doing this!Imagine this: You take off time before the crazy intense period so you can feel fresh and 100% during those times and don’t require a 7-day Netflix binge with pizza every night just to feel semi-normal. How much more productive and less intense would those periods feel?While looking at this in my own life and grant writing business, I realized that I need to be operating on #3 A LOT more. I need to schedule time off in advance from my grant writing business. I am a very classic A type personality and going, going, going is my game. But I often find myself operating in the #2 (or sometimes #1) phase and it is not a pretty place to be!What I believe I will start incorporating into my life – at the very least – is taking off three months a year minimum. Let’s face it, around the Christmas holidays and during summer I want to spend time with my daughter as she is out of school. Then I want a month to recalibrate and focus on things that light me up! I know that by doing this I will be so, so much more present and energetic for my freelance grant writing mentees and course customers.In this podcast, I go behind the scenes of how I was able to take off my ‘summer sabbatical’ and set up systems where my brand still continues but I get to take off time with my family!This system can be replicated :)Think about what phase (1, 2, or 3) you resonate with and how you can start to operate more in #3 to take time off your grant writing business.ABOUT HOLLY 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

Wait… should you stop asking your board to fundraise? It might sound a little counterintuitive—but in this episode, Sarah Olivieri breaks down a fresh perspective that might completely shift how you think about fundraising. We explore why relying on your board for fundraising may not always be the most effective strategy, and how creating a dedicated fundraising structure—like a committee—can allow your board to focus on governance and leadership instead. At the same time, we dive into why donors truly “rock” and how nonprofits can better engage them, including why many donors actually prefer giving unrestricted funds. Sarah also shares practical strategies for building a strong donor base (including how to get your first 150 donors), where to find aligned supporters, and how to simplify your approach—sometimes without needing complex tools like CRMs or heavy social media strategies. Plus, we discuss creative ways to think about messaging and donor engagement—even borrowing concepts from industries like weight loss marketing to better connect with your audience.If you’re ready to rethink your fundraising strategy and build stronger donor relationships, this episode will open your eyes to new possibilities.ABOUT OUR GUESTSarah Olivieri is a nonprofit strategist, consultant, and founder of PivotGround, where she helps nonprofit leaders build sustainable, high-impact organizations. She is the creator of the Impact Method, a framework designed to help nonprofits increase their capacity, improve operations, and achieve greater results without burnout.Sarah specializes in helping organizations simplify their strategies, strengthen donor relationships, and build systems that support long-term growth and mission success.RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/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.

For a nonprofit organization to truly thrive, it needs a healthy mix of funding—from grants and fundraisers to donors, services, and beyond. Relying on just one source, especially grants alone, can put your organization at risk. So, what does a balanced funding strategy actually look like?If your nonprofit is struggling financially, or if you find yourself relying only on grants or only on fundraising, this episode is a must-listen.Joining me again on the Grant Writing & Funding podcast is the incredible Dr. Beverly Browning—woot-woot!In this episode, we dive into how nonprofits can build a more sustainable funding model by engaging their board of directors in financial contributions, implementing simple and consistent fundraising strategies (including monthly fundraisers that aren’t overwhelming), and increasing credibility through platforms like GuideStar.org.We also explore practical ways to secure startup funding, how organizations can raise $40,000+ within a year, and why your funding strategy should never rely on just one stream. Plus, we discuss how social media plays a powerful role in amplifying your fundraising and funding opportunities.If you’re a nonprofit leader, board member, or freelance grant writer looking to expand your impact—this episode is packed with actionable insights.ABOUT OUR GUESTDr. Beverly A. Browning is a nationally recognized grant writing expert, author, and trainer with decades of experience helping nonprofits secure funding and build sustainable programs. She is the author of multiple books on grant writing, including Grant Writing for Dummies, and has trained thousands of nonprofit professionals across the United States.Dr. Browning specializes in helping nonprofits develop diversified funding strategies, combining grants, fundraising, and donor engagement to create long-term financial stability.OTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/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.

Dr. Beverly Browning joins us to discuss how nonprofit leaders can create effective strategic plans that drive growth while avoiding burnout. She breaks down why having a clear strategic plan is essential—from guiding your organization’s direction and helping boards track meaningful milestones, to setting realistic funding goals and meeting grant requirements. We also explore how strategic planning can prevent the constant cycle of scrambling from fundraiser to fundraiser, and who this work is especially valuable for, including new nonprofit founders, organizations ready to scale, and freelance grant writers looking to expand their services.ABOUT OUR GUESTDr. Beverly A. Browning is a nationally recognized grants expert, author, and consultant with decades of experience in grant writing, nonprofit development, and strategic planning. She has secured millions of dollars in grant funding and is the author of multiple books, including Grant Writing For Dummies. Dr. Browning has worked with nonprofits, government agencies, and educational institutions across the country, helping them build sustainable funding strategies and strong organizational foundations.OTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorshipRATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCASTFavor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.Thanks for listening!Warmly,Holly RustickLeading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

What if raising unrestricted funding for your nonprofit didn’t require complicated strategies, ad spend, or hours of setup? In this episode, Sean Kosofsky shares a refreshingly simple approach to fundraising that is low-effort, quick to implement, and incredibly effective.We dive into how peer-to-peer fundraising—especially through platforms like Facebook—can become a powerful, low-hanging fruit strategy for your organization. Sean explains how you can mobilize your existing network to raise funds on your behalf, turning supporters into advocates who help do the work for you.We also talk about how to quickly plan and launch a fundraiser, how to make simple and effective asks, and how to strategically use unrestricted funds once they come in.If you’ve been overthinking fundraising or feeling stuck in complicated systems, this episode will show you how to simplify your approach and start seeing results.ABOUT OUR GUESTSean Kosofsky is known as the “Nonprofit Fixer” and has more than 27 years of experience working in the nonprofit sector. He has served as an executive director for five organizations and has extensive experience in policy, communications, grassroots advocacy, fundraising, and organizational leadership.Sean has raised millions of dollars for causes, candidates, and campaigns, and his work has been featured globally. He has also contributed webinars and content for organizations such as AFP, Candid, Idealware, Bloomerang, Wild Apricot, and Pamela Grow’s Motivate Mondays. Sean is passionate about helping nonprofits simplify their strategies and achieve greater impact.RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/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 ready to check-in on your 2021 nonprofit goals? If you are either a nonprofit leader, staff, or volunteer and are trying to move the needle forward on your nonprofit OR if you are an aspiring freelance consultant and are stuck in overwhelm then this podcast is for you! Just imagine how much more accomplished you will feel having the steps to create a plan that will work. These 10 steps can be down internally in your nonprofit or business OR if you are a freelance grant writer or nonprofit consultant can be learned services you can offer! So if you want to make a huge difference in ending the cycle of stressing out about not having enough time, not securing the funding you need, and having real burnout and instead you want to feel in control of your life, have a higher quality of life, and have a plan that brings in real financial results, then this is for you. If you want to go WAY more into depth, get downloadables and checklists, and MORE, then get the Nonprofit Strategic Planning Master Course. If you get it by June 30th you get $200 off the price! As a grant writer, you know that all nonprofits are not able to go for grants all the time or that they could improve their projects. Thus, this episode will give you skills to do each of these 10 steps as a stand-alone service for nonprofits or you can do them all as an overall package. In any case, this is another way to multiply your streams of income. So, let’s get started! ✨✨ Visit www.grantwritingandfunding.com to get the proven G.R.A.N.T.S. formula to write winning grants ✨✨ Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a 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! YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWzIfwJt0az9KKwKz1Uc8vg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollyrustick LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-rustick-0765b817/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grantwritingandfunding/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/grantwritingandfunding/ Thanks for listening! Holly Rustick Expert Grant Writer & Bestselling Author https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/ ✨✨ Visit www.grantwritingandfunding.com to get the proven G.R.A.N.T.S. formula to write winning grants ✨✨

Want to know what grant funding opportunities are ahead for 2021? If you’re a nonprofit, government agency, or even a business seeking grants, this episode gives you a comprehensive look at what to expect—and how to prepare.In this episode, we break down the full grant funding forecast by looking at trends from 2019 and 2020 and how those shifts are shaping 2021.We dive into the “Grant Funding Pulse” across multiple sectors, including federal, state, and foundation funding, so you can better understand where opportunities are growing—and where they may be leveling off.With the massive surge in funding during 2020 due to COVID-19, many are wondering what comes next. Will funding continue at the same pace, plateau, or decline? The answer might surprise you.If you’re actively writing grants or planning your funding strategy, this episode will help you stay ahead of the curve and position your organization for success.ABOUT HOLLY 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.

Yes, meaningful conversations are a must if you want effective solutions for your nonprofit strategies.I know. It’s easier for many nonprofit leaders to just ask, “Can you just make me a fundraising content calendar within the hour?”But what if that fundraiser isn’t really what your nonprofit needs to grow?I know it can feel taxing to try and fit in a conversation about why you even want the fundraiser in the first place (because we always have one) or what the real outcome you want that fundraiser to have for your nonprofit (er, money?). But the immediate answers aren’t always the right ones.In this week’s episode, Nonprofit Strategist Julie Platts guides me through how she goes deep with nonprofit clients to ask some of these specific questions. After all, she is a nonprofit strategist for a reason.What you hear might surprise you. But chances are, it will also inspire you to slow down for a few shakes so you can speed up with efficiency with your strategies. There are a lot of ‘a-ha!’ moments in this episode. Believe me.Plus, since Julie is also a consultant, she also shares with me some consultancy wisdom. We go deep on this too! I love how she talks about how she organizes her time and selects ideal clients.Need I say more? Just listen. Believe me, you’ll thank me ;)What we discuss:How to have those meaningful conversations with nonprofit leadersWhat questions to ask nonprofits when prepping for strategic planningWhy services usually need to change during these deep divesWhy it’s okay that these services change ;)How to select ideal clients by using a ‘warm’ techniqueOther amazing stuff that you just need to tune-in and listen to!About Julie PlattsJulie Platts is an “accidental entrepreneur” serving social impact leaders across the US. As a Nonprofit Strategy Consultant, Julie uses her 15 years of nonprofit leadership and research experience to help leaders make informed, supported decisions and amplify impact. She specializes in communications, income generation, program development, and relationship building.Julie is known for creating safe spaces for teams to develop authentic and trusting relationships so they can move forward with agile and adaptive strategies. Bringing heart, humor, wisdom, and expertise to each strategy session and coaching call, Julie helps leaders walk away with clarity, confidence, and renewed invigoration for their work.Julie is on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee for The Lucy Project, a start-up nonprofit that spends its days working with some of the smartest kids in Miami who just so happen to have reading-based learning differences like dyslexia. Julie has her Master’s degree in Women, Violence, and Conflict from the University of York in the UK where she researched Amnesty International’s “Rape. Weapon of War.” campaign. She has her Bachelor’s degree from UNCC where she collaborated on research for Habitat for Humanity’s multi-family housing initiatives. Julie has her certification in Nonprofit Management from the Florida Association of Nonprofits and Nova Southeastern University.Julie lives in Delray Beach, FL, and is often found frolicking through South Florida’s wetlands and woodlands with her husband and their 3-year old and 18-month-old children.My Freelancing Journey (so far) – Julie PlattsI didn’t mean to start a freelance business. It was an accident. An accident that has turned into a beautiful adventure. It started as a thought, a fun hobby after my daughter turned one. And then it grew legs of its own. I’ve been sprinting to keep up with it ever since.By my daughter’s first birthday, I had already been away from the nonprofit sector in a leadership capacity for three years. I left to revel in new motherhood when my son was born. I have always been a compulsive volunteer, so that was still a part of my life, but I had a desire to go back to philanthropy writing. Communications, deep storytelling, and relationship-building had always been my passion.It seems like the second I breathed that intention into a conversation with friends, the ball started rolling on its own. Nonprofit leaders started reaching out to me for support. They wanted web content writing, messaging advice, campaign writing, strategy consulting, and grant writing. I had a successful track record with grant writing in the past but always wanted to learn more about it, so I took Holly Rustick’s Grant Writing Master Class and began writing funding proposals.I started out trying to help everyone for free. I was still a full-time, stay-at-home parent, so I was squeezing in content writing and consulting during my kids’ nap times. I was staying up until midnight writing grants and eating popcorn and M&Ms and peanut butter straight out of the jar. When my mom or husband had the kids, I would work in my car just to have some quiet as grant deadlines barreled towards me.I have worked long enough in the nonprofit sector to know what survival mode, stress, and overwhelm look like. And I

If you find yourself Googling when looking for grant funding or not even knowing where to start, then this podcast episode is for you!I’ve got Gauri Manglik, CEO and co-founder of Instrumentl on the show, and we go behind-the-scenes on how to use this platform.What is Instrumentl?It’s a fundraising platform tool to help you find, well, funds. Looking for grants? This is your hub.About Gauri ManglikGauri Manglik is the CEO and co-founder of Instrumentl, the institutional fundraising platform.Under her leadership, Instrumentl has grown to serve over 1,400 nonprofits, quickly becoming a favorite tool among grant seekers for bringing grant prospecting, tracking, and management to one place.Gauri has dedicated her career to building intuitive and delightful user experiences. Seeing the opportunity to force multiply the nonprofit sector’s ability to create impact through software led her to her work at Instrumentl.Before Instrumentl, Gauri was CEO and co-founder of Fondu, an online community for sharing bite-sized restaurant reviews. After Fondu was acquired by Airbnb, Gauri led their mobile and special projects teams.Gauri holds a BA in Computer Science from NYU.CEO & Co-founder, Instrumentl914-263-6868 | @gauri on TwitterWhat we Discuss in this Podcast About Instrumentl:Why Instrumentl was createdThe new tools on Instrumentl (includes 990 magic)How to use Instrumentl for grant trackingHow to use Instrumentl for grant researchWhat types of grants are available on InstrumentlSecret (not-so-secret anymore!) announcement coming up!Links Related to this Podcast:Ep. #108. Freelance Grant Writing Wisdom with Dr. Beverly A. Browning. Click here.Ep. #107. Behind the Scenes with the Co-Founder of Instrumentl (Plus, grant research tutorial!). Click here.Ep. #80: 8 Ways to Cite Research for Grants. Click here.Free & Recommended Resources. Click here.Instrumentl.com OTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE 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.

Have you ever wondered how to write the evaluation section of a grant proposal? Maybe you sat there at 2 a.m. (of course the night before a grant is due) and scratched your head as you came across this section towards the end of a grant.You think, "You want me to write how I am going to run a program and now you need to know how I will evaluate that the project is running how I said it will run?"Er, yep. Funding sources do want to know how you will evaluate what you say you are going to do. Are you proposing to house 30 sloths within 12 months?Well, you better include how you will evaluate that those 30 sloths will be housed!But seriously, you do need to identify how you will evaluate your program in grant proposals.In this week's podcast, Dr. James Pann goes over how to write the evaluation section of a grant proposal (and he gives his top tips!).What We Discuss:Evaluation methodologies (not complicated, I promise!)IRB approval and reasons you might need this for researchHow to know what the funding sources require for the Needs & Research sectionsHow to design an evaluation planWhy writing a poor evaluation section could ruin your grant awardAbout Dr. James PannJames Pann received his Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from the University of Texas at Austin. He obtained his M.S.Ed. in Mental Health Counseling and Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Miami. Dr. Pann completed his clinical internship at Nova Southeastern University Community Mental Health Center in neuropsychology, behavioral medicine, and adult and child psychotherapy. Additionally, he had a postdoctoral fellowship in pediatric behavioral medicine at the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami/ Jackson Memorial Medical Center. He also completed a Family Therapy Externship at the Center for Family Studies at the University of Miami.Dr. Pann is also an Associate Professor at the Abraham S. Fischler College of Education where he focuses on teaching program evaluation and conducting research and evaluation projects. Dr. Pann is interested in the use of program evaluation approaches to study and improve educational, health and human service programs. He is a licensed psychologist in Florida and an active member of the American Evaluation Association.Dr. Pann has been Principal Consultant of EvalNetwork, a research and evaluation consulting firm, since 2000. EvalNetwork specializes in working with education, health and human service organizations and grant making entities. The firm has worked on a wide variety of projects, from systems of care and other collaborations, to substance abuse, mental health and afterschool programs, with organizations of all sizes. EvalNetwork has worked as evaluator or research partner on local and national projects funded by foundations and government agencies.Connect with James:Twitter: https://twitter.com/jpannFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/evalnetwork/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pannjames/Website: www.evalnetwork.comRelated Links:Episode #112: Writing a Successful Evaluation Section with Dr. James Pann. Click here.Episode #82: How to Submit for IRB and Conduct a Needs & Strengths Assessment with Dr. Ellen. Click here.Episode #171: 6 Hacks to Score High on a Grant Application That Will Surprise You. Click here.Episode #141: Grant Writing Made Easy: 5 Hacks to Write a Grant Proposal. Click hereEpisode #169: What is the Difference Between an Output and an Outcome in a Grant Proposal? Click hereOTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-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 the FOA/RFP First you need to download the Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) or Request for Proposal (RFP). These are usually for federal grants, state grants and contracts, and certain foundation grants. This is basically where the funding sources publish directions and guidance about the grant program. The grant funding sources also put in technical requirements (such as font size, margin sizes, number of pages allowed, and so forth). 2. Convert the FOA/RFP from a PDF to Word Doc PDFs can be really hard to work with! Especially if you copy something from a PDF and put it into a Word document. It might copy really strange and into a weird font or it might not even let you copy it. By converting the PDF file to a Word document you can work with the FOA/RFPs so much easier and it only take a few seconds to convert! 3. Copy the Scoring Criteria Section and Paste it Into a New Word Doc Now that the FOA/RFP is in a Word document you will want to go to the Scoring Criteria in the FOA/RFP. Copy that and put in a new Word document. I know, another Word document, but you will thank me. Ta-da! Now you’re not starting with a blank page! 4. Turn the Criteria Sections into Headers (Header 1, Header 2) What do I mean by this… well, make the criteria actual headers. Make the main scoring criteria (for example, Needs Section) a Header One and then any questions under Needs Section into a Header Two. 5. Put in a table of contents at the beginning (if you have space allowed) Go to the beginning of your Word Document and go to Reference Tab in the Word document and click on Table of Contents. This is nice to include in your cover page or in the top of the first page. This is of course, if you do have room. Why is this important? It shows there is a flow to the grant. 😊 6. Respond to the Grant Scoring Criteria Now you have all the questions formatted and you no longer have a blank page. Plus you will be responding directly the Scoring Criteria. This is super important because grant reviewers are real people who have to score according to the grant scoring criteria. Thanks for listening! Holly Rustick Expert Grant Writer & Bestselling Author https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/ ✨✨ Visit www.grantwritingandfunding.com to get the proven G.R.A.N.T.S. formula to write winning grants ✨✨

Are you stuck in not knowing which type of grant writing resources to help you find, manage, and (eventually) win grants? Well, today is your lucky day!I’m giving the full review of 8 grant writing resources!As a 15+ year grant writing veteran I have seen some amazing resources come and go, and I’ve seen other ones evolve. I am highlighting 8 resources that I LOVE and some of these I use on a consistent basis!In fact, I am using one right now (after you read through my recommendations, have a guess at which one I am using at this moment!).In full transparency, I do have partnerships (and receive affiliate payments) with some of these products below and offer coupon codes for you. I do this as I love, love, love these products and they are proven to help grant writers succeed! 1) Federal Grants: Grants.GovThis is for you if you are seeking federal grants. And this one is free!This is a U.S. government e-platform and is where all federal grants are required to be published. I recommend joining the email list and checking the boxes on what types of grants you are interested in being notified of.Click here to visit Grants.gov.2) Federal Grants: Federal Agency WebsitesOkay, this one has a lot of links. What I recommend you do is visit the federal agency websites that are related to your nonprofit. Even though all federal grants are published on Grants.gov, it is still good to visit the federal agency website where the grant originates from.For example, the Department of Education will publish a grant Funding Opportunity Announcement on Grants.gov. But you can visit the Department of Education website to get more information about the grant, check former and current awardees, and sometimes even find REAL nonprofit applications that have been funded. Gold mine!Click here for a link to all the federal agency websites.3) Nonprofit & Foundation Information: Guidestar.orgGuidestar.org is a great place to find both nonprofits and foundations. (Your nonprofit might even be listed here!) Check it out to ensure that your nonprofit’s profile is updated and accurate as funding sources sometimes check out Guidestar.org when reviewing grants!You can also look at foundations and check things like 990s! This is a great way to see what foundations are actually funding for reals.Click here to visit Guidestar.org4) Foundation and Federal Grant Research: InstrumentlLooking for a grant research platform that includes foundation grants? Instrumentl is a an intuitive online software that matches your specific programs with funding opportunities.Click here to check out Instrumentl (utilize code HOLLY50 to get a 2-week free trial and save $50 off your subscription).5) Grant Management: GEMS (Grant Easy Management Software)GEMS was built by a grant writer to manage nonprofit clients, previously submitted grants, and more!Never miss a grant deadline with this program management system developed specifically for grants writers.Click here and put in to save $50!6) Project Management: AsanaTrack your fundraiser, project, and more (and share with your team!).You can also upload all files and graphics needed for projects so no more digging through emails!Check out Asana today, by clicking here.7) Graphics: CanvaI love, love, lova Canva! Do you need to create social media posts, fliers, or even webpages?Check out Canva for even the dinosaur techies! It’s so easy to use and has tons of templates!Click here!8) Time Tracking: TogglYes, time tracking is a thing.It’s actually a major item that every grant writer should use! You need to know about how long it takes you to write a foundation grant, a federal grant, a fundraising proposal and more!All you have to do is write what you are doing and it tracks your time! Plus, it gives you reports and more. This is also great for freelance grant writers who need to bill for your time. It’ll track everything and you can send your clients a jazzy report! Plus, there’s an app.Click here for Toggl!Let me know which (if any) of these grant resources you just LOVE! Also, did you guess which one I am using right now? Toggl! That’s right! I track my time for my work on podcasting and writing articles :)ABOUT HOLLY 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 b

What is the difference between an output and outcome in a grant proposal? The difference between an output and outcome in a grant proposal might not seem quite different at first. In fact, it might feel downright like the same darn thing. For many grant writers this difference between an output and outcome can feel a little abstract and confusing. You might be thinking, "What are the differences and why do grants have to be so meticulous?" Are grant funding sources just trying to trick you with these output and outcome words? Are they chuckling in the background while you scratch your head and think, “to-may-to / to-mah-to”? Nah, grant reviewers aren’t that bored, although they do have a good sense of humor. But it's good for you there is a quick way to know what this differences actually are and a way you can remember outputs and outcomes, and better yet, understand them. Once you understand what the differences (and similarities) are between grant outputs and outcomes it will make your grant writing SO much better. ✨✨ Visit www.grantwritingandfunding.com to get the proven G.R.A.N.T.S. formula to write winning grants ✨✨ Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a 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! YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWzIfwJt0az9KKwKz1Uc8vg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollyrustick LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-rustick-0765b817/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grantwritingandfunding/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/grantwritingandfunding/ Thanks for listening! Holly Rustick Expert Grant Writer & Bestselling Author https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/ ✨✨ Visit www.grantwritingandfunding.com to get the proven G.R.A.N.T.S. formula to write winning grants ✨✨

Find out where you can get SO many free nonprofit fundraising courses! Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a 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! YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWzIfwJt0az9KKwKz1Uc8vg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollyrustick LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-rustick-0765b817/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grantwritingandfunding/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/grantwritingandfunding/ Thanks for listening! Holly Rustick Expert Grant Writer & Bestselling Author https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/ ✨✨ Visit www.grantwritingandfunding.com to get the proven G.R.A.N.T.S. formula to write winning grants ✨✨

Learning how to write objectives for grant application proposals is essential to your grant writing success.This is often overlooked.Many people think an objective can just be a wish. Such as, “We hope to accomplish this program.”Let’s just start with Captain Obvious. Would you be willing to give someone money for a project if they only hoped to accomplish it?Or would you be willing to shell out dough for a project that had a goal of ‘Ending Poverty for All” but there was no plan on how to accomplish that goal?Sometimes it helps to flip the script and pretend you are the funding source, rather than the applicant.But how do you create a plan (objectives) for a grant proposal? What is the secret formula?GoalsLet’s start by writing a clear goal. We can refer to an example from the Amazon bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing: Youth Soccer Rocks nonprofit (yes, fictitious) in the city of Rocking Socks City (also fictitious) who are creating a project that will serve underserved youth in their city.Their problem statement may be:“75% of youth in the city of Rocking Socks suffer from chronic health issues compared to the national average of 12%. These staggering health issues correlate with high suicide rates, depression rates, and poor graduation rates.The goal would basically be flipping this problem statement around:“Youth Soccer Rocks will provide a free soccer program for at-risk youth and provide a healthy pathway.”So now that you have the goal, let’s take the next step. How do you achieve the goal?Well, that is done through…ObjectivesThink of a goal as an overarching aim, and objectives as the specific framework of what will be accomplished. Typically, you do not want to have any more than three objectives within a project.You will have many activities, but the number of overall objectives should be clear and concise.Objectives need to be S.M.A.R.T.; specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.An objective for Youth Soccer Rocks could be 100 disadvantaged youth in Rocking Socks will receive sports scholarships by the end of twelve months. SMART MethodLet’s break this down into each part of the acronym S.M.A.R.T., and by the end you will have one entire objective.Specific: Identify the outcomes that will be achieved:Ex. Number of youth, type of youth, what their specific outcome will be.Measurable: Use quantifiable terms to describe how the progress will be measured.Ex. Number of youth (100) and number of scholarships.Achievable: Is the objective achievable within the duration of the project, resources, budget, etcetera?Ex. This would be balanced by the needs; i.e. If there are thousands of youth who are disadvantaged in the city and no other free soccer organizations, then this could be achievable.Relevant: Does the objective relate to the problem statement and goal?Ex. Yes, this is a possible solution to the health conditions.Time-bound: Do you have a date for the objective to be completed by? Tip: Start off with the end in the beginning of the objective, such as; By the end of 12 months…Ex. They will complete this objective by the end of 12 months.Get the FREE Workbook!Click 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 coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship. Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship Related Links:Episode #6: Write Goals, Objectives, and Outcomes for Your Grant Proposal. Click here.Episode #143: 5 Most Popular Grant Writing Questions. Click here.Episode #160: 2 Questions You Should Ask Before Getting a Grant Writing Certificate. Click here.Episode #141: Grant Writing Made Easy

Are you struggling to get donations through your nonprofit’s website—even after setting everything up? You’ve added the donate button, connected your payment system, and made your site live… but still, nothing. It’s frustrating—and it might even make you wonder if people care about your mission. But here’s the truth: they probably do.In this episode, Brady Josephson from NextAfter Institute breaks down what’s really going on—and why the issue often isn’t your mission, but the experience. We dive into the concept of donor friction and how small barriers—like broken links, too many form fields, or confusing steps—can stop someone from giving altogether. Brady shares practical ways to reduce friction and improve your online donation process so more visitors actually become donors.We also explore key trends in online giving, including the significant growth in digital donations, and why nonprofits need to invest in technology and smarter digital strategies moving forward. Additionally, we discuss how to better connect with donors through more frequent email communication, why it’s important to remember that “you are not your donor,” and how combining both online and offline touchpoints—like email, social media, phone calls, and direct mail—can strengthen donor relationships and increase giving.If you want to turn your website into a more effective fundraising tool, this episode is packed with actionable insights you can start using right away.ABOUT OUR GUESTBrady Josephson is a nonprofit marketing and fundraising expert and a leading voice at NextAfter Institute, where he helps organizations grow their digital fundraising through research-backed strategies. He specializes in optimizing online donor experiences, reducing friction, and increasing conversions for nonprofit organizations.Brady is passionate about helping nonprofits better understand donor behavior and implement simple, effective changes that lead to measurable increases in giving.OTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/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.

Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night realizing you missed a grant deadline?Or maybe you submitted a grant months ago… and now you can’t find the final application anywhere?If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and this episode is for you.In this episode, Rachel Waterman, CEO and Founder of GDS Grants, shares how to simplify grant management so you can stay organized, professional, and on top of every opportunity. We dive into her journey into grant writing (including her time in the Peace Corps), how leveraging your strengths can elevate your work, and her unique systems for managing both grants and clients.Rachel also breaks down how to effectively track upcoming opportunities so you never miss a deadline, how to manage multiple nonprofit clients with ease, and how to strengthen your professionalism as a grant writer. We explore how to write clear objectives and goals, as well as the similarities between federal and foundation grant writing—so you can streamline your approach across funding sources.If you’re ready to stop feeling overwhelmed and start feeling in control of your grant pipeline, this episode will give you the systems and strategies you need.ABOUT OUR GUESTRachel Waterman has over 25 years of community development and grant writing experience and is a Grant Professional Certified (GPC), Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), and a Grant Professionals Association (GPA) Approved Trainer. She holds a Master’s degree in community and economic development with a concentration in applied social research from Illinois State University and a Bachelor’s degree in international studies from Barry University.Her career spans a wide range of roles, including Peace Corps Volunteer, nonprofit executive director, community organizer, city master planner, researcher, and Mayor of Lake Worth Beach, Florida.Rachel is the CEO and Founder of GDS Grants, where she leads client strategy, program and budget development, data tracking systems, and outcome measurement. She also oversees the GDS Professional Development Program and mentors interns, fellows, and grant professionals.OTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/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 not sure even what a SWOT Analysis is or how it relates to strategic planning?Well, I am definitely not saying get rid of the SWOT analysis altogether, but I am saying the old tired way of just shoving it in your planning and not knowing how to utilize is so over.How? Well, you do need a SWOT Analysis for your nonprofit’s strategic planning, however, it doesn’t have to be boring.It is actually one of the most FUN activities in your strategic planning.A SWOT AnalysisA SWOT stands for:StrengthsWeaknessesOpportunitiesThreats (or Challenges)And for the SWOT you analyze each of these for your nonprofit.How to Start a SWOT AnalysisMake sure you include all your board of directors and staff for your planning. You can even take a weekend or day away from the office (or on Zoom) and do the SWOT Analysis.Strengths: Start with listing out all of the strengths of your nonprofit organization. What are the things that you are good at? What strengths do your employees, board members, volunteers, and staff bring to the table?Weaknesses: List out the weaknesses your nonprofit has. Do you have a functioning website? Does your board of directors bring in annual funding? Do you receive grants?Opportunities: What are some opportunities that your nonprofit could go after? Can you partner with new stakeholders? Is there training available for your staff? Are there funding opportunities available?Threats: What are some things that could hinder or hurt your nonprofit? Are there natural disasters in your area? Are budget cuts coming up?How to Implement a SWOT Analysis into Your Strategic PlanningList out at least 5 to 10 items for each area: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. Then have your team vote on the top 3 in each section, Make these your priorities to leverage or mitigate.For example, if one of your top three strengths is that you have a highly-skilled and engaged board of directors but a weakness is that you have limited funding for your programs, then you may want to pull on your board members’ strengths to mitigate this weakness.This may seem like a no-brainer, but unless you write it down – and do it together – it isn’t clearly identified, and then there is no action or buy-in.I recommend doing a SWOT Analysis every single year and part of your strategic planning. Now that you know how to do one, remember it doesn’t have to be boring. It should be fun and engaging as your team brainstorms together.ABOUT HOLLY 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/ Links:Ep. 125: How to Make Decisions Swiftly and Lead Your Organization: Click here.Ep. 126: Strategic Planning Crash Course 10 Steps To Skyrocket Your Nonprofit or Freelance Biz: Click here.Ep. 95: 3 Steps for Ultimate Self-Care for Nonprofits: Click here.Ep. 46: Why Values Are Important For Your Nonprofit: Click here.Ep. 11: Creating Credibility & Culture: Part III Doing the SWOT: Click here.RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-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 t

In this episode, Holly Rustick sits down with federal grant research expert Jason Adkins to answer one of the most common questions: how do you actually find federal grants for your nonprofit? Jason breaks down five clear, actionable steps to uncover federal funding opportunities and shares the exact websites and strategies you need to get started. What may seem overwhelming at first quickly becomes manageable as he demystifies the process and shows how to approach federal grant research with confidence. Along the way, they discuss why having an English degree doesn’t automatically make someone a grant writer, the importance of “failing forward,” and how celebrating wins—like keeping a running list of secured grants—can keep you motivated. Jason also shares how his approach to writing federal grants mirrors foundation grants, why being a federal grant reviewer can strengthen your proposals, and the importance of writing clearly at a 9th–12th grade level. They dive into formatting tips, productivity strategies like scheduling dedicated time to find grants, and how to stay consistent without burnout. If federal grants have ever felt intimidating, this episode will give you the tools and confidence to start finding—and winning—them.ABOUT OUR GUESTJason Adkins is a federal grant research expert and experienced grant professional who specializes in helping nonprofits identify and secure federal funding opportunities. With a strong background in grant writing, reviewing, and research, Jason has developed proven systems to simplify the process of finding and applying for federal grants. He is passionate about equipping organizations and grant writers with practical tools, strategies, and confidence to navigate the federal funding landscape successfully.OTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/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.

A common question I get, as a grant professional, from nonprofit clients, is, “Can you guarantee that the grant you write for us will get awarded?”There are a number of reasons that I say no. Very simply put, here are a few of the determining factors:It depends also on the nonprofit’s capacity and experience in winning and managing grants that depend on their competitiveness with getting a grant awarded.It depends on how well the grant project aligns with the priority of the funding source.It depends on how ‘trendy’ the project is with current funding overall.It depends on how many grant applications the funding source receives.These are just a few, but there are many more reasons.Listen to this week’s podcast to hear them all and how you can respond to this question!Links:Ep. 160: 2 Questions You Should Ask Before Getting a Grant Writing Certificate: Click here.Ep. 159: 7 Myths That You Need to Know About Grants & Freelance Grant Writing: Click here.Ep. 135: 1K into 15K in 1 Month: How This Freelance Grant Writer Did It: Click here.Ep. 161: How Grant Research Can Be a Service You Offer a Nonprofit Client: Click here. ABOUT HOLLY 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.

Did you know that you can do grant research as a stand-alone service or package it into your nonprofit client offers?You might already be writing grants—but are you charging separately for researching and finding those grant opportunities?If not… this episode might just change your business model.Here’s the reality: many nonprofit clients will come to you with a list of grants and ask you to write them. But more often than not, they also expect you to find those opportunities in the first place.And here’s where things get tricky—clients don’t always realize that grant research is a separate, billable service.Why?Because grant research requires: A specialized skillset (yes, it’s absolutely an art!) Time (hello, research rabbit holes) Financial investment (most quality databases require paid access) In this episode, I break down how grant research can stand on its own as a service—or be strategically bundled into your grant writing packages.You’ll learn the how, why, and what of offering grant research so you can increase your value, set clearer expectations with clients, and boost your revenue.Be sure to give it a listen!ABOUT HOLLY 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.

✨ Join my Free 5-day FB Challenge: Confidently Pitch Your Grant Writing Services to Nonprofit Clients" Click here: http://grantwritingandfunding.com/5-day ✨ Grant Writing Certificate. To have or not to have? And then... from where? This is a question I get all the time. I get this question from freelance grant writers and aspiring freelancers, but I also get it from potential nonprofit clients. Do you have a grant writing certificate? This question, and 7 more common questions asked by nonprofit clients, I will go over in even more detail (and give you a fill-in-the-blank script) in my upcoming 5-Day FB Challenge, "Confidently Pitch Your Grant Writing Services to Nonprofit Clients" on March 8th - 12th. Sign up above. But for this week's podcast, I will uncover the answer to the elusive question, "Do you have a grant writing certificate?" Here's the thing though. Grant Certificate or not, it doesn't really showcase your grant writing abilities. To have long-standing credibility and a reputation and to implement your learned skills, you need to write grants. Real-world grants. Not just a sample in a grant workshop. You need a pen to paper (or, er, keyboard to monitor?) and get out there and write some grants. So, yes, a grant writing certificate can increase your resume and improve your skills, but grant writing certificate or not, you need to actually write grants. If you aren't sure where to start, then check out nonprofits to volunteer at! And believe me, if you start volunteering the nonprofit won't ask you for a grant writing certificate! But you may be able to ask them to pay for your grant writing certificate and then you will volunteer ;) So do you really need one? No. However, a grant writing certificate can be helpful in increasing credibility, knowledge, skills, and confidence. But you still will need to actually start writing grants. Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a 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! Thanks for listening! Holly Rustick Expert Grant Writer & Bestselling Author https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/

There’s a lot of misinformation out there about grant writing—and believing these myths can hold you back from success.In this episode, we break down seven of the most common grant writing myths and what you actually need to know.First, let’s talk about the idea that grants are easy to get. While grants are absolutely possible to win, they are competitive and require skill, strategy, and practice to write effectively. We also unpack the misconception that grants never have to be paid back. While generally true, funds must be used exactly as approved—or you risk having to return them. Always communicate with the funder before making any changes to your budget.Another big myth? That grants can be used for personal expenses. The reality is that grants are awarded for specific program purposes—not to pay off personal debt or unrelated costs. We also cover the belief that grant writing is just like writing an English paper. While writing skills help, grant writing is a technical craft with its own rules and structure.And let’s talk about money. You should not be writing grants for free if you have the skills and experience—you can and should get paid for your work. But at the same time, working on commission is not ethical and goes against industry best practices.Finally, we address whether you can get paid clients without experience. If you’re new, it’s important to first build your skills—through volunteering, training, or internships—so you can confidently deliver results and charge for your services.If you’re ready to separate fact from fiction and build a strong foundation in grant writing, this episode is a must-listen.ABOUT HOLLY 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.

✨ Click here to download the Infographic Top 10 Responsibilities of a Nonprofit Executive Director: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/158-3-tactics-you-didnt-know-to-become-a-nonprofit-executive-director-ninja/ ​ ✨ What if you had a checklist to help streamline your duties as an executive director of a nonprofit organization? Sometimes an executive director of a nonprofit organization is stereotyped as juggling a million things and getting paid peanuts. But this doesn't, nor shouldn't, need to be the case. For a nonprofit organization to thrive, the executive director should have a roadmap. Some nonprofit organizations may not even have an executive director yet, and are even drooling at this aspect of having one! But the deal is - if your nonprofit is so fortunate to have an executive director - don't burn them out! So here's the old hierarchal order of a nonprofit. There is a board of directors that provides guidance for the nonprofit organization and then the executive director implements this guidance. Of course, the board should still support the mission in governance ways, and other staff, volunteers, and consultants can help out too! The executive director is then often tasked with a lot of items, ranging from taking minutes of meetings to writing grants! This is why they get the stereotype of juggling a lot of diverse responsibilities. Well, if you know of a busy nonprofit executive director that feels like they are virtually drowning, or if you are one, then you will want to listen to this week's podcast! Sean discusses the following: How to communicate with your board of directors How to delegate How to manage time (time management hacks) What activities to focus on most of the time (high level) What you should ask for in a contract and why one is important Much more... ✨ Click here to download the Infographic Top 10 Responsibilities of a Nonprofit Executive Director: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/158-3-tactics-you-didnt-know-to-become-a-nonprofit-executive-director-ninja/✨

Ready to start growing your freelance grant writing business—but not sure where to begin? You’re not alone. Starting a freelance grant writing business or nonprofit consultancy can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to finding and securing your first clients. It can feel like you’re staring out at a massive ocean of possibilities with no clear direction.But it doesn’t have to be that way.In this episode, we walk through a clear, actionable roadmap to help you confidently connect with nonprofit leads and start securing clients—yes, even if you’re starting from zero.This step-by-step approach breaks down exactly how to identify your strengths, clarify your niche, and position your services so you can attract the right clients.We cover the five essential steps to building your client pipeline: Identifying your skillset Clarifying your passion, knowledge, and experiences Deciding which services to offer first Creating a targeted nonprofit client lead list Pitching your services with confidence By following this roadmap, you can build a list of at least 50 nonprofit leads—making it much more realistic to secure your first (or next) 10 clients.Even better? These strategies help turn cold outreach into warm opportunities, so you can spend less time guessing and more time growing your business.If you’re ready to take the guesswork out of finding clients and start building momentum, this episode is your starting point.ABOUT HOLLY 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.

Being a freelance grant writer doesn’t have to feel like a frustrating career filled with stress and uncertainty—it can be the exact opposite. In this episode, Holly Rustick sits down with freelance grant writing expert and coach Rodney Walker to talk about how to build your business with a strong foundation and grow in a methodical, sustainable way. Rodney shares his journey from struggle to success and offers an honest, behind-the-scenes look at the mistakes many new grant writers make—and how to avoid them. From developing real confidence as a business owner to understanding when closed doors are actually signs to pivot, this conversation is packed with insights. They also explore the power of affirmations, what it truly takes to move from broke to financially stable, and insider details about igrantwriters.com—including how you might already be featured there. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to strengthen your existing grant writing business, this episode will help you feel more confident, clear, and grounded in your path forward.ABOUT OUR GUESTRodney Walker is a freelance grant writing expert, coach, and founder of igrantwriters.com. He has helped aspiring and established grant writers build profitable businesses by strengthening their confidence, refining their skills, and avoiding common pitfalls in the industry. Through his work, Rodney empowers grant writers to create sustainable income streams while making a meaningful impact in the nonprofit sector.CONNECT WITH OUR GUESTWebsite: https://igrantwriters.com/OTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.https://grantwritingandfunding.com/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 podcast, I am going to bring up when your freelance company or nonprofit should stand up for movements or injustice. Here’s the deal. Sometimes I see nonprofits and freelance companies not sure if they should publicly support something. Most of the time it’s not because you don’t support something, but rather you might not be sure if your brand should make a stand. In this episode, I am going to give you indicators on how you can quickly decide if you want your nonprofit to stand on an issue and how you want to represent it. I am not going to shove down your throat what my stances are on issues, however, I will use my company’s stances as examples that I actually practice what I preach. Here’s the issue. Many times nonprofits and freelancers are just scared to publish a social media post or say they are in alignment with issues. They may fear losing donors, losing followers, or getting unsubscribes on their email list. They may not want to marginalize or polarize their audience. I am going to show you how to make decisions where those fears will not be an issue. Why is this important? Because we are moving more and more from a position where non-political players have an influence in the social, economic, and yes political movements. The invention of social media is has created a platform for sharing views and perspectives. I remember when celebrities first got on social media and suddenly there was direct access to their thoughts and beliefs. It was, and is, pretty cool. But social media is also your platform of your nonprofit’s view and ethics or your freelance grant writing businesses branding. To post nothing is to post something. ✨✨ Visit www.grantwritingandfunding.com to get the proven G.R.A.N.T.S. formula to write winning grants ✨✨ Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a 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 https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/ ✨✨ Visit www.grantwritingandfunding.com to get the proven G.R.A.N.T.S. formula to write winning grants ✨✨

In this episode, we tackle one of the most common questions: Why should I start a podcast? And once that’s answered, the next questions naturally follow—How do I start one? and Can I actually make money from a podcast?To break it all down, I’m joined by podcast expert Larry Roberts, host of Readily Random and 1 Big Win. Larry shares why podcasting is such a powerful platform for building your voice, expanding your reach, and creating new opportunities—and why he’s quickly becoming one of the most sought-after podcast consultants in the United States.We explore why podcasting is a powerful tool for nonprofit leaders and freelance grant writers to build authority, credibility, and meaningful connections. A podcast can serve as your platform and voice, helping you become a go-to expert, open doors to speaking opportunities, and share impactful stories that resonate with funders and donors.We also break down how to monetize a podcast, from promoting your own services and campaigns to understanding that revenue builds over time. You’ll learn how to strategically use your podcast to support both digital and physical offerings while growing your audience.Finally, Larry takes us behind the scenes of his journey from a 21-year career into full-time podcasting. He shares lessons on trusting your intuition, testing the market before making a leap, recognizing when it’s time for a change, and why building multiple streams of income is essential—especially during uncertain times.ABOUT OUR GUESTLarry Roberts is a podcast expert, host of Readily Random and 1 Big Win, and a highly sought-after podcast consultant. He is quickly becoming one of the top podcast consultants in the United States, helping entrepreneurs and creators successfully launch and grow their shows.OTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/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 ready to stand out in your next job interview or elevate your professional presence online?In this episode, Lynée Alves shares expert strategies on how to position yourself for success—whether you're applying for a nonprofit role, growing your freelance grant writing business, or advancing your career.We dive into how to interview with confidence and clarity, including practical tips to help you communicate your value, showcase your experience, and leave a lasting impression.Lynée also breaks down how to optimize your LinkedIn profile so it actually works for you—helping you attract opportunities, build credibility, and expand your professional network.From mindset shifts to actionable tactics, this episode is packed with insights to help you show up as your best professional self. Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, volunteer, or freelancer, these strategies will help you take your career to the next level.ABOUT OUR GUESTLynée Alves is a career and business coach who helps individuals effectively position their skills and experience to achieve their professional goals. She specializes in job search strategies, interview preparation, and mindset coaching to help her clients gain confidence and clarity in their careers.Lynée works with professionals across industries, including nonprofit leaders and entrepreneurs, to strengthen their personal brand, improve their communication skills, and create opportunities for growth and advancement.OTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/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.

Oh my goodness—this episode was so much fun to put together.I went back through some of the most-listened-to episodes of 2020 and pulled out the absolute best moments—the gold of the good. Think of this as your caramel boutique popcorn snack: bite-sized, powerful insights you can enjoy all in one place.In this special mash-up episode, we kick things off with impactful nonprofit tips before diving into pricing and packaging strategies for freelance grant writers. Along the way, you’ll hear wisdom, strategies, and perspectives that helped shape how we all pivoted—and continue to pivot—in the nonprofit and grant writing world.This episode is more than just a highlight reel—it’s a snapshot in time. A reminder of the resilience, creativity, and innovation that emerged during a pivotal year.You’ll also hear from an incredible lineup of experts featured throughout the episode, including nonprofit leaders, grant professionals, and industry influencers who share their top insights and strategies.If you’re looking for inspiration, practical tips, and a dose of motivation from voices across the field, this episode delivers.Be sure to give it a listen!ABOUT HOLLY 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.