Grant Writing & Funding

*Sign up for the Freelance Grant Writing Master Course Waitlist and get a Bonus Downloadable today: www.grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance.* In this podcast you will learn how to get clear on who you want to serve as a freelance grant writer or nonprofit consultant, as well as what types of grants are best suited to you to write. This is super important as serving all nonprofits isn’t always the best place to start. Why not? Well, it is hard to really market specifically, cultivate clients, and get experience and expertise in a certain field. You may have heard that creating an avatar or ideal client is important in any business. That’s true – even in this business. You want to know what types of nonprofits you enjoy serving otherwise you might either take on clients that drive you crazy or have a hard time getting any clients because your message is too large. • If you just don’t even know how to market, or • wonder why your clients drive you crazy and end up being WAY too much work, or • just aren’t sure why you are not attracting leads… it could be due to not creating a niche market. This podcast will help you get clear on your messaging and show you how to gain more clients while focusing on less. In the Freelance Grant Writing Master Course, I go over this in more detail and quizzes so you can get clear on specific niches. But today’s episode will definitely help you get clear on your niche market. 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 P.S. if you love the podcast, please leave a review on iTunes! That would make me SO happy! :)

Have you ever dreamed of becoming a freelance grant writer—but don’t know where to start? Or maybe you’ve already started your business but you’ve hit a plateau. Either way, this episode is for you. Because here’s the truth: there are core fundamentals to building a successful freelance grant writing business—and if you skip them, you’re going to struggle. Not just a little… a lot.You may find yourself constantly busy but not making progress. Always doing, but never feeling focused. Stuck in what I call the “hamster wheel syndrome.” And the hardest part? You won’t even know why.In this episode, we break it down—big time. We dive into the top three foundational elements you need to build, grow, and sustain your freelance grant writing business with clarity and direction. These fundamentals will help you move from scattered effort to strategic action so you can actually see results.And stay tuned—next week, we’ll cover two more essential fundamentals to keep your business moving forward.ABOUT HOLLY 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.

Are you interested in becoming a better grant writer while gaining real, paid experience—not just volunteering? If you have a background in fields like education, homelessness, climate change, workforce development, tribal work, or more, you may be qualified to become a federal grant reviewer.In this episode, I’m joined by two of my amazing Changemaker Members, Christine Taylor and Jennifer Mitsch, who share their journeys into becoming federal grant reviewers. We dive into what the grant review process looks like, what it takes to get started, and how this experience can dramatically improve your skills as a grant writer.We also pull back the curtain on how proposals are scored, common mistakes reviewers catch, and why following scoring criteria is critical. Plus, we talk about how reviewers get paid, how freelancers can leverage this experience to land more clients, and even how you can position yourself to step into this role—yes, even if you’ve never done it before.ABOUT OUR GUESTSChristine Taylor and Jennifer Mitsch are experienced grant professionals and Changemaker Members who have successfully become federal grant reviewers. They bring firsthand insights into the review process and share practical strategies for grant writers looking to strengthen their skills and expand their opportunities.OTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/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 are a nonprofit leader, freelance grant writer, or nonprofit consultant then you know that the role and efficiency of a healthy board of directors is vital for nonprofit health!That’s why I brought Sean Kosofsky from Nonprofit Fixer on the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to share with you how to improve a nonprofit’s board of directors.If you resonate with not knowing how to ask your board to contribute financially, what their expectations are of showing up, or how they can be the most effective, then this episode is for you!Also, we talk about how freelance grant writers and nonprofit consultants can add a board of director training to their services and how this can help nonprofits get MORE funding.This is a must-listen!About Sean KosofskySean Kosofsky is the NonProfit Fixer! He has worked in nonprofits for more than 27 years, including as executive director for five organizations. He has worked in policy, communications, grassroots advocacy, direct service, development, management and served on numerous boards. He has raised millions of dollars for causes, candidates, and campaigns. His work has appeared in news stories around the world, and he has offered webinars or blog posts through AFP, Candid, Idealware, Bloomerang, Wild Apricot, and Pamela Grow’s Motivate Mondays.He has worked on a wide range of issues including LGBTQ equality, reproductive justice, voting access, bullying prevention, climate change, and more. He offers coaching, consulting, training and free tools at his website Nonprofitfixer.com.In today’s episode, we discuss the following:How to help recruit, retain, and grow a board of directorsHow a freelancer/consultant can conduct board of directors training for nonprofits as a side income or main incomeSean’s colorful story on why he became involved with nonprofitsHow you can use your passion to do good in the worldHow Sean moved to a new city and started a freelance nonprofit consultancyHow to leverage your relationships in your geographic area to get new leadsWhat freelancers need to focus on that will lead to a full-time hustle jobThe huge space available for nonprofit consultantsHow to test your services to see which ones will sell the mostThe key elements in why a board of directors is inefficient and how to fix it80% of what You do – Recruit, Retain, Remove board membersThe 3 M’s: Members, Meetings, and MoneyThe Board Agreement: How to have a board of directors actually commit to bringing in funding every single yearThe Fundamental Change to Uplevel a Nonprofit: Flipping the Mindset of Board MembersLinks Mentioned From the Episode:How to Build a Rockstar Board Master Course: Click hereFind out more about Sean, get a free consultation, or see FREE resources at: nonprofitfixer.comWant more training from Sean on nonprofit board hacks?Click here to get “Build a Rockstar Board” and build a board that raises money, does their job, and builds power!Imagine having a sophisticated board that is the envy of every other nonprofit.OTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-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.

Why is this important? Well, it’ll do the following things for you Freelance Grant Writers and Nonprofit Consultants: • Create relationships on and offline • Develop & nurture warm leads • Give you a plan of how to start the pitch discussion Okay, I am going to outline the 3 Essential Steps for Freelance Grant Writers to Pitch Services #1: Reframe Your Thinking from When Do I Ask for Money to What Problems Do I Solve? #2: Create / Share Valuable Content that Solves the Problems #3: Implement the “Give, Give, Give, Ask” Approach 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

✨✨ Visit www.grantwritingandfunding.com to your Freelance Grant Writer: 6 Weeks to Summer Success Toolkit! ✨✨ I know, I know, many of us still have our kids at home this summer as summer programs are still closed (ahem), and we may be burned out with being on our screens all the time. I get it. You need something tangible that you can do today that will move your business forward and pick up some serious momentum. The “Work Smarter, Not Harder’ adage could never be truer than right now. So first let’s cover what reading this article – and doing the free downloadable – will not do for you. You will not make a million dollars overnight or get 5,000 clients in 15 minutes. But here’s what it can do for you: ✨ Be the gamechanger that keeps you working in your business this summer ✨ Give you the confidence to take it up a notch ✨ Provide guidelines that relieve your stress and that looming monster in the back of your mind called procrastination Get the Toolkit here: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-six-weeks-to-summer-success-toolkit/ 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

✨✨ Visit www.grantwritingandfunding.com to get the proven G.R.A.N.T.S. formula to write winning grants ✨✨ If you are a freelance grant writer / nonprofit consultant: ● You might be paralyzed with going after funding because you just aren’t sure what to do. ● You might not want to pitch your services because you are nervous asking nonprofits for money right now. ● You aren’t sure what types of grants and funding are available. If you are a nonprofit leader or development coordinator: • You might have put off applying for grants because you aren’t sure what projects you want funded • You might have been focused on getting PPP and CARES Act funding and put the grants to the side. • You might just think the Feds aren’t funding regular grant programs right now. This podcast episode will address all these three items and you will learn the following: • The current grant environment • Where to find grants • Why charging clients is acceptable or if you are a nonprofit how to pay for help This will help you to be competitive in the current funding arena and gain new clients if you are a freelance grant writer or nonprofit consultant, or help you stand out in the crowd and move forward in sustainable funding if you are a nonprofit leader. 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

This week’s episode continues our Nonprofit Strategic Planning series—and it comes at the perfect time. We’re halfway through the year, which makes this the ideal moment to pause, reflect, and get clear on your strategy moving forward.If you’re looking to strengthen your leadership skills or you’re a consultant (or aspiring one) wanting to expand your services into strategic planning, this episode is for you.Joining me is Samantha Taitano, Executive Director of Mañe’lu (formerly Big Brothers Big Sisters of Guam), who shares practical and powerful insights on how to rethink fundraising and grow your nonprofit’s impact.In our conversation, Samantha dives into strategic planning tips, time management for productivity, and creative fundraising pivots that nonprofits can implement right now. We also explore how to build a strong and committed board of directors, why tracking your social media data matters more than just posting content, and how to choose the right platforms for your organization.Additionally, we discuss branding, hosting effective strategic planning retreats, navigating HR challenges while wearing multiple hats in a small nonprofit, and why now is a great time to apply for grants with potentially less competition.Samantha also shares her experience transitioning an organization from a national nonprofit model to a locally driven one—along with lessons learned along the way.If you’re ready to get focused, strategic, and creative with your nonprofit planning and fundraising, this episode is packed with actionable insights.ABOUT OUR GUESTSamantha Taitano is the Executive Director of Mañe’lu, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering and educating youth and families to create positive change in their lives. Since joining the organization in 2018, she has successfully led its transformation and rebranding from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Guam to Mañe’lu.Samantha has secured over $500,000 in grant funding, enabling the expansion of programs and services across the organization. Her background includes community development work with the Peace Corps in South Africa, where she supported rural communities, as well as experience in the private sector developing IT solutions.She is passionate about strengthening local communities, building organizational capacity, and integrating innovative strategies into nonprofit leadership. In her free time, she enjoys connecting with her island home of Guam and exploring new destinations.OTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/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 to get the proven G.R.A.N.T.S. formula to write winning grants ✨✨ Are you ready to make all your 2020 goals happen during the next six months? Or are you still trying to figure out how to survive during the pandemic? 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 and article 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 $100 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. Check out www.grantwritingandfunding.com/126. 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

✨✨ Visit www.grantwritingandfunding.com to get the proven G.R.A.N.T.S. formula to write winning grants ✨✨ Being stuck in decision paralysis is real. This might be because you have made the 'wrong' decision before or you aren't sure about the future and how it will all turn out. Honestly, either of those reasons feeds into your decision paralysis, but digging a layer deeper is more important and effective. It's knowing not just what your values are, but in what order you follow your values. For the month of June, I am giving you some amaze-balls strategic planning action steps to follow. Last week I shared the 4 Reasons to Expand (Not Grow) Your Nonprofit or Freelance Consultancy. We will continue how to not just survive the pandemic, but how to thrive utilizing basic action steps. Keep listening if you resonate with one of the following: Nonprofit Leaders and Freelance Consultants: This is for you if: ✔ You are not sure where to even start with pivoting your organization in the new normal ✔ You take on projects sometimes that you want to avoid completing and aren’t sure why ✔ You have a really hard time making decisions As we follow through on the series this month, we are doing to discuss how to know when to cut your expenses in order how to expand. For this podcast, you will learn how to do the following: 1. List all of your values for your nonprofit or business 2. Evaluate them and see if they really are the main values Brainstorm new values (check out www.grantwritingandfunding.com/125 for more ideas) Read them out loud and see if they are action words and have emotional meaning for you 3. Prioritize your values 4. Look at your products / services and see if there is something that is not congruent with your values and needs to be strategized or cut. If you enjoyed this podcast, please leave a review on iTunes! I’d love to hear your thoughts and this helps others find the podcast and get value to help their nonprofits or freelance consultancies expand. 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

✨✨ Visit www.grantwritingandfunding.com to get the proven G.R.A.N.T.S. formula to write winning grants ✨✨ Just what is the difference between growth and expansion, and why should I think about this half-way through 2020? One of the best ways I have heard the difference is: “Growth is doing the same thing bigger. Expansion is using the current platform to develop other areas of business.” However, I’d like for you to think of expanding also as a mindset and as an action. The way I am talking about expanding here is the opposite of constricting. Expanding is key. Therefore… Nonprofit Leaders: This podcast is for you if: ✔️ You are not sure where to even start with pivoting your nonprofit in the new normal ✔️ You do in-person events and fundraisers and now need a different way to get income ✔️ You are overwhelmed by putting out virtual fires every day instead of focusing on GROWTH for your nonprofit Freelance Consultants: This is for you if: ✔️ You aren’t sure if you should close the shop ✔️ You need to figure out a new way to get clients ✔️ Your expenses overwhelm your income So if you want to move forward and expand your nonprofit or your consultancy, but just aren’t sure how to do that, this podcast is for you. Press play… 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

In this special behind-the-scenes episode from the Open Kimono series, Holly Rustick is interviewed by Dr. James Pann to share her journey and insights into building a successful grant writing consultancy. This episode is perfect for aspiring and established consultants alike who want to sharpen their grant writing skills and grow their business with real-world lessons. Together, they dive into how Holly got started in grant writing, why conducting a Needs and Strengths Assessment is essential, and what led her to launch her own company. They also discuss where to find grants, how to set realistic expectations with nonprofit clients, and what to communicate when funding isn’t awarded. Holly shares lessons learned from podcasting, the importance of maintaining a positive mindset, and how to use tools like the G.R.A.N.T.S. formula to get started with writing proposals. The conversation also highlights why becoming a grant reviewer can strengthen your skills, resources for new grant writers, and how platforms like Instagram can help you build meaningful professional connections.ABOUT OUR GUESTDr. James Pann, Ph.D., is an educator, interviewer, and thought leader who brings insightful conversations to the nonprofit and professional development space. Through his work, he highlights the journeys and expertise of leaders, helping audiences gain practical strategies and inspiration for growth. His engaging interview style draws out actionable insights that support both aspiring and experienced professionals.OTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.https://grantwritingandfunding.com/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.

Jenni Hargrove joins us to share what foundations are really looking for when deciding to fund your nonprofit and how you can better position your organization for success. She breaks down key insights into funder expectations, along with practical strategies for improving your nonprofit’s visibility through Search Engine Optimization (SEO) so you can rank higher in Google search results. We also explore how to easily host online auctions as a fundraising strategy, giving nonprofits additional tools to diversify revenue and increase engagement.ABOUT OUR GUESTJenni Hargrove is a nonprofit consultant and fundraising strategist who specializes in helping organizations increase their visibility, strengthen their funding strategies, and leverage digital tools for growth. With expertise in foundation funding, SEO, and online fundraising, Jenni supports nonprofits in building sustainable revenue streams and expanding their reach in an increasingly digital world.OTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/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 to get the proven G.R.A.N.T.S. formula to write winning grants ✨✨ This week my project manager and I are taking you behind the scenes of Grant Writing & Funding to share with you how we’re pivoting in light of Covid-19. We also share our favorite systems for running online businesses. 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/company/wego-grants/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grantwritingandfunding/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/grantwritingandfunding/ Thanks for listening! Holly Rustick

As we’ve navigated through the pandemic and into a more digital world, one thing is clear—online engagement and fundraising are here to stay.And if you’re like many nonprofit leaders, you might be thinking: I need to learn everything about online marketing and invest all my resources into it.But what if it didn’t have to be that complicated?In this episode, Brady Josephson joins us to share a simpler, more effective approach to online fundraising for nonprofits. Instead of overwhelming strategies, Brady breaks things down into practical steps you can take right now to strengthen your online presence, connect with your audience, and increase donations. We talk about how to focus your efforts, avoid common pitfalls, and create meaningful engagement without burning out your team or your budget.If you’re ready to simplify your digital fundraising strategy while still seeing results, this episode is a must-listen.ABOUT OUR GUESTBrady Josephson is a nonprofit marketing and fundraising expert known for helping organizations grow their impact through simple, effective digital strategies. He has worked with leading nonprofit organizations to improve online fundraising, donor engagement, and marketing performance.Brady is passionate about cutting through the noise of complex marketing tactics and helping nonprofits focus on what truly works to build relationships and drive sustainable funding.OTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/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 a grant writer—or aspiring to become one—especially during times of uncertainty, you probably have a lot of questions. That’s exactly why we brought two powerhouse experts, Dr. Beverly Browning and Rodney Walker, together for a live, virtual Q&A session to tackle some of the most common (and real) challenges grant writers face.In this episode, we dive into lessons learned from failed grant applications, recommendations on grant writing certifications, and how to navigate the ups and downs of client workload—from having too few clients to suddenly being overwhelmed.We also explore practical advice for beginners just entering the grant world, including how to build credibility with limited experience and how to confidently demonstrate your value to potential clients or employers. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to stabilize and grow your grant writing business, this episode is packed with honest insights and expert guidance.ABOUT OUR GUESTSDr. Beverly A. Browning is a nationally recognized grant writing expert, author, and trainer with decades of experience helping nonprofits secure funding and build sustainable programs. She is the author of multiple books on grant writing, including Grant Writing for Dummies, and has trained thousands of nonprofit professionals across the United States. Dr. Browning is known for her practical, results-driven approach to grant writing and funding strategy.Rodney Walker is the President of Grant Central USA, an internationally recognized grant development training firm that helps organizations secure six- and seven-figure grants. He leads a network of licensed trainers who deliver one of today’s leading systems in grant development. Rodney is passionate about helping organizations streamline their grant processes and significantly reduce the time it takes to secure funding.OTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorshipRATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCASTFavor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.Thanks for listening!Warmly,Holly RustickLeading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

This is an extra-special episode! I hope you enjoy listening to this dynamic panel of grant writing experts, including Rodney Walker of Grant Central USA, Dr. Beverly Browning, author of Grant Writing for Dummies, and Holly Rustick.Together, they bring a broad range of experience and insights from across the grant writing field, sharing perspectives, lessons learned, and expert advice to help you strengthen your grant writing skills and approach.ABOUT OUR GUESTSRodney Walker is the founder of Grant Central USA, supporting nonprofits and organizations in securing funding and building strong grant strategies.Dr. Beverly Browning is the author of Grant Writing for Dummies and a nationally recognized expert in grant writing and nonprofit funding strategies. She has helped thousands of organizations improve their grant success rates through her trainings and resources.OTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/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.

Sarah Olivieri joins us to discuss how nonprofits can increase productivity and strengthen their operations during times of uncertainty, including the challenges brought on by Covid-19. She shares insights on whether nonprofits should pursue CARES Act funding, how to plan spending to not only survive but thrive, and ways to expand and engage your donor base. We also explore what it truly means to pivot operations, the eight key areas of nonprofit operations, strategies for building resilience, the importance of networking and relationship-building during a crisis, and why taking calculated risks can be essential for growth.ABOUT OUR GUESTSarah Olivieri is the founder of PivotGround, where she helps nonprofit leaders improve their organizations through stronger operations, strategic planning, and leadership development. With a background in nonprofit management and business strategy, Sarah specializes in helping organizations become more efficient, sustainable, and impactful. She is known for her practical frameworks that empower nonprofits to scale their work, adapt to change, and lead with clarity.OTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/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 to get the proven G.R.A.N.T.S. formula to write winning grants ✨✨ I know that nonprofits are struggling right now because of event cancellations and all of the changes that come from the circumstances of Covid-19. As we move forward in this unstable time, we can find peace and calmness in the things we can control, and much needed relief in letting go of the things we can’t control. I am here with encouragement! There’s actually a huge influx of grant funding at this point in time. The federal government in the United States as well as foundations and corporations have acknowledged the overwhelming need for organizations and small business, and they are releasing funding streams. Get a 50% discount on ALL of my online course thru April 30th! 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/company/wego-grants/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grantwritingandfunding/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/grantwritingandfunding/ Thanks for listening! Holly Rustick

✨✨ Visit www.grantwritingandfunding.com to get the proven G.R.A.N.T.S. formula to write winning grants ✨✨ Oftentimes, freelance grant writers and nonprofit consultants think they are ready to go. They have their packages, they know their mission and vision, and they have a functional website and followers on LinkedIn, but they are hearing crickets. In this podcast, I am going to give you the first step for getting more clients. It’s probably not going to be what you think. But it’s really the most important step. 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/company/wego-grants/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grantwritingandfunding/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/grantwritingandfunding/ Thanks for listening! Holly Rustick

I often get emails from people asking about grants in Europe. Although I have worked on international grants before, that is not my forte.So I was super pleased when Geir Sand Nilsen reached out to me to discuss the challenges and solutions of European grants. This goes for grants for businesses, grant writers, and nonprofits.In this podcast, Geir and I discuss:Challenges of EU grantsNavigation is a messEU is a union with many different languages and cultures so it is difficult to organize a central place for grant researchIt’s a partner’s game. You need intra-country partners for many grantsLocal help. Your country needs to have money to fund the grantsIn the end, it’s about EuropeAbout Geir Sand NilsenGeir Sand Nilsen is a Norwegian-based serial tech entrepreneur and thought leader. He has experience from a wide range of industries including app development, mobile marketing, social media, chatbots, and educational technology. For his ventures, Geir has raised both public grants and private funding from the Nordics, EU, Singapore and the US. In his newest venture, mrgrants.com, Geir will use technology to make life easier for all grant writers in the EU.Connect with Geir:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geirsandTwitter: https://twitter.com/geirsandGeir’s Top Quotes:“My nature is finding money to build the dreams. Now I just want to go back and do this a lot, and help others do the same thing.”“Building a business that scales always comes down to understanding people.”OTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCASTFavor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.Thanks for listening!Warmly,Holly RustickLeading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

In this episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Ashia Stevens to discuss how to strengthen your nonprofit from the inside out by building a committed board, increasing product-based revenue, and organizing impactful fundraisers. Ashia shares how her passion for animals led her to create a growing nonprofit and the strategies she’s used to expand its reach and sustainability. The conversation dives into practical ways to engage board members more effectively, develop income streams through product sales, and plan fundraisers that not only bring in revenue but also build community support. Whether you're looking to energize your leadership team or diversify your funding, this episode offers actionable insights to help your nonprofit thrive.ABOUT OUR GUESTAshia Stevens is the founder of a mission-driven animal nonprofit, where she has turned her passion for helping animals into a growing and impactful organization. With hands-on experience in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and community engagement, Ashia focuses on building strong boards, creating sustainable revenue streams through product sales, and organizing successful fundraising events. Her work is rooted in compassion, innovation, and a deep commitment to making a difference.OTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home.https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/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.

Do you know the difference between research and evaluation? Or how to clearly explain what a logic model is used for? These may seem like small distinctions, but they can make a major impact in grant writing.In many grant applications, the evaluation section alone can be worth up to 30 points—and with competitive grants often requiring scores of 93 or higher, getting this right is critical. In this episode, Dr. James Pann joins us to break down the differences between research and evaluation, explain the purpose of a logic model, and share insights on how to find the right expert to support your evaluation section.ABOUT OUR GUESTDr. James Pann is an expert in evaluation and research, helping organizations design strong evaluation frameworks and clearly communicate impact within grant proposals.OTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/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 to get the proven G.R.A.N.T.S. formula to write winning grants ✨✨ The nonprofits you work with (or the nonprofit you work at) need to not only look at grants, but also other funding sources. Yes, grants can be awesome, but the fiscal health of a nonprofit should not be fully reliant on grants. Get your FREE checklist at https://grantwritingandfunding.com/111 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/company/wego-grants/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grantwritingandfunding/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/grantwritingandfunding/ Thanks for listening! Holly Rustick

Vu Le of Nonprofit AF discusses grant writing challengesI met Vu Le at the Grant Writing Professionals conference in D.C. We talked after his wonderful keynote. I love his fresh outlook on the grant process and progressive nonprofits!About Vu LeVu Le (“voo lay”) is a writer, speaker, vegan, Pisces, and the former Executive Director of RVC, a nonprofit in Seattle that promotes social justice by developing leaders of color, strengthening organizations led by communities of color, and fostering collaboration between diverse communities.Vu’s passion to make the world better, combined with a low score on the Law School Admission Test, drove him into the field of nonprofit work, where he learned that we should take the work seriously, but not ourselves. There’s tons of humor in the nonprofit world, and someone needs to document it. He is going to do that, with the hope that one day, a TV producer will see how cool and interesting our field is and make a show about nonprofit work, featuring attractive actors attending strategic planning meetings and filing 990 tax forms.Known for his no-BS approach, irreverent sense of humor, and love of unicorns, Vu has been featured in dozens, if not hundreds, of his own blog posts at NonprofitAF.com, formerly nonprofitwithballs.com.Connect with Vu:Website: https://nonprofitaf.com/Nonprofit: https://rvcseattle.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nonprofitAF/Twitter: twitter.com/NonprofitAFOTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-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.

I’m going to walk you through the outline of how to write a grant in 15 minutes. For some of you, this will be a reminder. But my goal is that you walk away from this podcast having learned at least one new thing!I’ve had different grant writing courses on various platforms, I teach it in universities, and I have even written a book on grant writing, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing: Tips, Tools, & Templates to Write Winning Grants which hit #1 in 10 categories on Amazon. Thanks to all of you who are on my Advanced Reader Team!But my goal today is to give you a basic bootcamp on grants so you can either refresh your memory, or find out if you are truly interested in grant writing.So, let’s get to it! I am going to use the basis of my G.R.A.N.T.S. Formula to really showcase the grant process. I do have more podcasts that go into depth for each of these categories, but once again this week’s goal is to give you all the candy in one bite and still be able to chew it.G: Get the FOA. For any type of grant you want to make sure that you gather the Funding Opportunity Announcement or Request for Proposal or the application. Read it so you are sure that:You meet the eligibility — i.e. Maybe you have to be an IRS 501(c)3 nonprofit to be eligible, but you’re still only thinking about forming a nonprofit. In this case you aren’t eligible.You know what the funding priorities are — If the funding source is focused on giving money out for projects that preserve marine life and you have a financial literacy project, then that isn’t aligned with the priority.There is enough money to meet your project — Don’t think that $5,000 is going to fund your need for $750,000. However, it could fund a part of it.You can meet the deadline — If it’s in a week and you haven’t started you may think of preparing better for the next cycle.You understand the application process and scoring criteria — What you actually need to write and include.R: Research the Needs & Target PopulationDo the research. It is not enough that there is a ‘need’ for the project. How do you know there is a need? Include actual statistics, data, testimonials, surveys, focus group information, or other resources to actually cite the need. Once you have this data, then come up with very clear problems, such as “According to the Cool Census in 2019, 54% of the indigenous people compared to only 21% of Caucasians live below the national poverty threshold in Cool City.” This creates a stronger argument than “A lot of indigenous people are poor in Cool City.”Additionally, who are you serving? If you say, “We are going to serve people in Cool City,” that is not very clear. It is much more clear if you show your niche target population: “The Project will serve Indigenous people below the poverty level in Cool City.” A: Articulate the GoalA goal is essential in a grant. Remember this is your big audacious outcome. You are reaching to achieve this! Think of it as being the outcome after implementation and funding. What do you want to achieve?Example: “The project goal is to increase employment of Indigenous People in Cool City by 20%. N: Narrow the ObjectivesThe Objectives are how you reach your goal. Typically grant applications do not want more than three objectives per year. However, this isn’t set in stone. Objectives need to be SMART — Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timebound. So always ask yourself if your objectives meet each of these.Example: “By the end of year one, the Project will provide workforce training for 50% (1,000) Indigenous people in Cool City.”It is specific because it tells you what it will specifically do: i.e. workforce trainingIt is measurable because it identifies how many people it will serve: 1,000 Indigenous people.It is achievable because you are set up to provide workforce training and have partners with the target demographic.It is relevant because it relates back to the need (i.e. high unemployment rates) and the goal (increase in employment).It is timebound because you will serve 1,000 people by the end of year one.T: Timetable the ActivitiesOkay, let’s peel the onion back one more layer. The objectives allow you to reach your goal, but the activities allow you to reach your objectives. Under each objective you need to provide tangible activities, along with who is responsible for each activity and when they will get it down. Example: In order to meet our objective of “By the end of year one, the Project will provide workforce training for 50% (1,000) Indigenous people in Cool City,” you will want to have various activities. Activity 1) The program coordinator will sign MOUs with 10 partners in the community by the end of month two. Activity 2) The program coordinator will provide outreach and awareness of the workforce program by creating fliers, social media posts, and a website page for the project by the end of month two.You can see how activities can be happening simultaneously and get more into the nitty

Dr. Bev Browning is the person everyone knows in the grant writing world. She is the author of 43 grant-related publications, including six editions (over 1 million books sold) of Grant Writing For Dummies™. Dr. Browning shared with me that she first started writing grants back in the 1970s. She’s been doing this for half a century and tells all on how grant writing has changed and how you as a freelance consultant can keep up with all those changes and trends. About Dr. Beverly A. Browning:Dr. Beverly A. Browning has been consulting in the areas of grant writing, RFP responses, technical writing, and organizational development for over four decades. She has assisted clients and workshop participants throughout the United States in receiving awards of more than $500 million. Dr. Browning is the author of 43 grant-related publications, including six editions (over 1 million books sold) of Grant Writing For Dummies™ (Wiley.com). She is also an international trainer and keynote speaker. In 2015, she was selected by the Centers for Disease Control NICRD division to conduct a five-day Grant Writing Boot Camp in South Africa for ministers of health and other top-level health directors from 23 African countries.Dr. Browning holds graduate and post-graduate degrees in Organizational Development, Public Administration, and Business Administration. She has been a grant writing course developer and online facilitator for Cengage Learning (www.ed2go.com) for 17 years. Her online courses (taught to thousands of students annually) are Advanced Proposal Writing, Becoming a Grant Writing Consultant, and A to Z Grant Writing: Part 2 – Beyond the Basics.Dr. Browning is Founder and Director of the Grant Writing Training Foundation and CEO for Bev Browning, LLC. She was a 17-year member of the Grant Professionals Association (GPA) and has presented training workshops and keynote presentations for multiple GPA chapters U.S.-wide. In 2017, Dr. Browning joined the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and was a workshop presenter at their 2018 International conference in New Orleans. She is an approved trainer for GPA and CFRE International.Dr. Browning has been married 53 years to John and has one daughter, Lara, a licensed therapist, and a special needs granddaughter, Aaliyah.Connect with Dr. Beverly:To find out more about Dr. Bev, check out http://bevbrowning.com/Or find her on LinkedIn where she facilitates a group at https://www.linkedin.com/in/bevbrowning/OTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCASTFavor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.Thanks for listening!Warmly,Holly RustickLeading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

If you are tired of tracking grants in Excel sheets or jumping around on Google and constantly missing out on deadlines, then Instrumentl might be what you are looking for. I met Angela in November 2019 at the Grant Professionals Association annual conference. After she showed me some of what Instrumentl can do, I asked her to be on the podcast! Eek, it was like she was reading my grant writing mind of how I want grant research presented. But what really intrigued me is that Instrumentl is a women-owned business, developed by women who actually worked in the nonprofit arena and faced some of the same overwhelming issues in grant research as all of us changemakers. Then they coupled with (ahem) another woman in the tech industry to work grant research magic. Love it! Angela's Bio:Writing, winning & awarding grants for 14 yearsStarted as a grant writer/jill-of-all-trades at an environmental nonprofit after college and most recently at the Global Fund for Women in San Francisco.Lead Instrumentl building what she wishes she had when she was a fundraiser. When she’s not thinking about grants she’s either at yoga, on a hike or hanging out with her two calico rescue cats, Bella and Possum.Connect with Instrumentl:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Instrumentl/Twitter: https://twitter.com/beinstrumentlOTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-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 your mindset around money is shaping your success?In this episode, Sean Croxton—an expert in money mindset—dives deep into how our beliefs about money are formed and how they influence our decisions, behaviors, and outcomes.Having followed Sean’s work for years, Holly shares how impactful his teachings have been—not just from a motivational standpoint, but from a practical, science-backed perspective.Sean breaks down money mindset in a way that’s not “woo-woo,” but grounded in how the brain actually works. We explore how past experiences shape your current financial beliefs, how those beliefs can either limit or expand your opportunities, and what it takes to start rewiring your thinking.This conversation goes beyond surface-level advice and gets into the psychology behind behavior change—helping you understand why you think the way you do and how to shift it.If you’re ready to break through limiting beliefs and build a healthier, more empowered relationship with money, this episode is a must-listen.ABOUT OUR GUESTSean Croxton is a leading expert in personal development and money mindset, known for helping individuals transform their thinking to achieve greater success and fulfillment. He is the host of the top-ranked podcast Quote of the Day and has built a global audience through his work in health, wellness, and mindset coaching.Through his teachings, Sean combines science-backed principles with practical strategies to help people rewire limiting beliefs, improve habits, and create lasting change in both their personal and professional lives.OTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.https://grantwritingandfunding.com/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.

Get ready for 2020 with some strategic planning!

Hey Changemakers! It's our last episode of the decade so here's a mashup of our top 4 most listened to episodes including 2 great interviews! Happy New Year!

Grant Writing CertificationOne of the most common questions I hear is “Should I become a certified grant writer?” Well, the answer is different for everyone! That’s why we walk you through all the ins and outs of certification in this episode.“I may not write grant proposals or manage grant funds, but I want to make sure that grant professionals everywhere have the tools and resources so that they can make those impacts on their communities.” – Mike ChamberlainMike and I discuss:How Mike got involved with grants and became an entrepreneurGetting started as an independent contractor or freelancerDeveloping a business plan for yourselfDifferent tasks you can help a nonprofit withNetworking resources for grant writersTypes of grant writing certificationsShould you become a certified grant writer?How long it takes to become certifiedThe cost to become certifiedThe GPA community where you can find your tribeMike’s Bio:Mike Chamberlain is an association executive with over 30 years of leadership experience with for profit and not for profit organizations, including national and international associations.Mike grew up in Omaha Nebraska with his parents Al and Cindy Chamberlain and his two younger sisters. He enjoyed camping and other outdoor activities as a Boy Scout, ultimately earning the rank of Eagle Scout. Mike graduated from Creighton Prep High School and moved to Kansas City to attend Rockhurst University. At Rockhurst University, Mike earned an undergraduate degree in Marketing/Management and he met the love of his life, his wife Jackie. Mike and Jackie made their home in the Kansas City area after graduation. Jackie is a professional artist and a member of Summit Art in Lees Summit, Missouri.Mike enjoys all forms of exercise and is an age group triathlete with a dream of completing an IronMan® distance triathlon. Mike’s hobbies include woodworking, home improvement projects, being a Nebraska Football fan and reading.Mike and his wife Jackie share their home in Lees Summit with their dog Rifkin.Mike is a Certified Association Executive. He has been active in several local associations, serving on the boards of the Greater Kansas City Postal Customer Council, Kansas City Meetings Industry Council, and the Kansas City Society of Association Executives, serving as President of KCSAE in 2008-2009. He is an active member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and the American Society of Association Executives.Mike has been a speaker at the Professional Convention Management Association annual convention and at the American Society of Association Executives Annual Conference.Resources from this episode:GPA: https://www.grantprofessionals.orgGPCI: https://www.grantcredential.orgOTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCASTFavor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.Thanks for listening!Warmly,Holly RustickLeading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

If you think you don’t know enough to write a book—this episode will completely change your mind. As Honoree Corder says, “Turn the volume up on the voice of possibility.”In this inspiring conversation, we explore how writing a book can open doors you never imagined—from building authority to creating multiple income streams. Honoree shares her journey of writing (now 50+ books!) and how becoming a published author transformed her life and business. We dive into how books can lead to speaking opportunities, consulting clients, and long-term business growth.You’ll also learn about the different ways to generate income as an entrepreneur, including how writing can become a foundational asset in your business model.We cover practical tips for getting paid to speak, the pros and cons of traditional vs. self-publishing, and how to start developing your business—even if you feel like you don’t have enough experience yet. If you’ve ever thought about writing a book or expanding your impact, this episode will show you what’s possible.ABOUT OUR GUESTHonoree Corder is a bestselling author, publishing strategist, and business coach who has written more than 50 books and helped countless entrepreneurs become published authors. She specializes in helping professionals turn their ideas into books that build authority, generate income, and create new opportunities for speaking, consulting, and business growth.Honoree is passionate about empowering others to share their message, expand their influence, and create multiple streams of income through writing and entrepreneurship.OTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/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.

Boris Hertslet joins us to break down two of the most essential (and often confusing) acronyms in federal grant funding—DUNS and SAM—and how to navigate them successfully. We walk through the first steps to accessing federal grants, including obtaining your EIN, understanding what a DUNS number is and why it matters, and how to properly register with SAM. Boris also shares common pitfalls to avoid, including scams (these registrations are always free), tips for annual renewals, and how organizations like Guam PTAC can provide free support and resources to help you through the process.ABOUT OUR GUESTBoris Hertslet is a procurement specialist with Guam PTAC (Procurement Technical Assistance Center), where he helps businesses and nonprofits navigate government contracting and federal funding opportunities. With expertise in registrations like DUNS and SAM, Boris supports organizations in becoming eligible for federal funding and contracts by guiding them through compliance, setup, and ongoing requirements. He is passionate about connecting local organizations with free resources and tools to help them successfully access government opportunities.OTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/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.

Hey changemaker! I am so excited about today’s podcast! I know I say that every week, but today is the 100th episode! Can you believe it? Before we even start today I want to say a HUGE THANK YOU for listening and hanging out with me on this journey! You are simply amazing!Today I am paying homage to you and this podcast! You are going to learn about creating content, why it is super important to show your credibility as a nonprofit or consultant, how to effectively tell your story as a nonprofit or creating depth as a consultant, and create a movement for people to be part of! Of course, moreover the content will help build up donors, funders, clients, and/or customers.Today I will give examples for both nonprofits and consultants and how you can get ahead without overwhelm before 2020 even kicks off.I wanted to pay tribute to this 100th episode with an episode on sharing content and value. This is extremely important to both nonprofits and to freelancers because if we aren’t sharing we don’t build credibility, the story, or an experience or even a movement.We heard from Dan Portnoy last week of Portnoy Media Group that sharing a story is vital for a nonprofit to have an effective fundraiser strategy or to attract long-term donors. This is also important for freelancers to actually share value then also sell, sell, sell.Content. So this word is used a LOT these days. So is the word Value. But what does these words actually mean when used together?The Word Factory gives a great definition of content: “Content is the presentation of information for a purpose to an audience through a channel in a form.”This is pretty cool as it is a way that I want you to think of content. I also want you to think of content as your story, your tribe, and your experience.Let’s look at this from a nonprofit’s point of view. You have fantastic projects where you serve underserved youth in an inner city with free summer soccer camps, soccer practice during the year, and academic tutoring. But you don’t really do much with your Facebook or Instagram page. Once in a while you scramble together a newsletter to send out to your donors, but it’s sporadic at best. You submit annually to foundations for grants but one time you even missed a grant opportunity because the foundation asked for a presentation about your nonprofit and you couldn’t find any pictures or content to share with the board.Yes, you DO plenty! Yes, 100 underserved youth went through your program last year and the youth shared about it on their social media, but pieces of video and pictures and testimonials are scattered and in old computers that don’t work any longer.Now let’s look at this from a consultant’s point of view. You started up a nonprofit consultancy this year – yay You! – but you are still getting your bearings straight. You have a put together website and you post daily on LinkedIn about all the great services you have. That’s all well and good, but what are you sharing to build a community? Do you do more asking rather than giving?So content can be sharing all the cool stuff you are doing through a system, all the amazing things you are learning or wanting to learn, and/or sharing information and resources that help solve people’s problems.To kind of put this in perspective I am going to talk about this podcast. This podcast started out of a semi-dare. I actually had another podcast before this one – Creatives Exposed – where I had long, in-depth conversations with different types of creatives and shared those stories. It was pretty cool, but it didn’t relate to my business, it just related to my interests and my need to meet more creatives on Guam. So, it was awesome. But during a Master Mind meeting a friend – Michelle from Secret Owl Society who is a boss entrepreneur, said, “why don’t you start one for your business?” Having only produced about five podcasts of Creatives Exposed I rolled my eyes and said these are taking me forever to do! At the time we had a $100 monthly challenge where we had to do one thing to drive our business forward each month and if we didn’t meet the goal by the end of we owed $100. Now if you really want to move and shake, I recommend finding some amazing people and doing this! So she said, “make your podcast super short with specific tips each week on grants and funding.” So I took it on as my monthly challenge. Now, more than two years later I am SO glad I did. I wasn’t so sure about it, but I wasn’t about to lose that $100!Why the podcast though? Well, I wanted a way to scale beyond Guam and to build a tribe. Now I talk to you Changemakers every single week and the coolest thing is you talk back to me by sending emails, signing up for coaching and memberships, or joining courses. It is SO cool!On my podcast I share content with you every week. In the beginning I didn’t podcast every week, but before 2019 hit I knew I had to be more consistent as I had people tuning in every week. If I was sporadic with my episodes I

Dan Portnoy joins us to share how nonprofits can increase funding through the power of storytelling—just in time for Giving Tuesday. With decades of experience working with organizations and Fortune 500 companies, Dan explains how simplifying your message can create deeper connections with donors, how to assess your nonprofit’s story both internally and externally, and how strong narratives can break down barriers between donor cultivation and acquisition to drive real results.ABOUT OUR GUESTDan Portnoy is the founder of Portnoy Media Group and the author of The Non-Profit Narrative: How Telling Stories Can Change the World. With over two decades of experience, Dan has worked with Fortune 500 companies and nonprofits to help them refine their messaging, strengthen their storytelling, and achieve measurable growth. He is a sought-after expert known for helping teams clarify their ideas, navigate the digital landscape, and build compelling narratives that connect with audiences and inspire action.CONNECT WITH OUR GUESTWebsites: Portnoy Media Group | Dan PortnoyOTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://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.

Zac Woonsam joins us to share the real, behind-the-scenes journey of building and running a nonprofit, while Holly provides powerful, practical tips to help increase funding and secure more grants. Zac opens up about the inspiration behind Youth Inspiration Nation and how he teaches and empowers middle school students through aviation, including the logistics of teaching kids how to fly. We also dive into the realities of nonprofit work, funding challenges, and the downsides of offering free services, along with strategies to grow support—from building connections and writing press releases for visibility to transitioning from foundation grants to federal funding. Plus, Holly shares actionable advice on pursuing federal grants and what to do if you can’t yet afford a grant writer.ABOUT OUR GUESTZac Woonsam is the Executive Director of Youth Inspiration Nation Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to providing motivation, inspiration, and education through aviation—teaching kids how to fly. He founded the organization in 2017, and describes the journey as both incredibly challenging and deeply rewarding. Zac is passionate about inspiring the next generation and lives by his favorite saying: “If it was easy, it wouldn’t be any fun!”CONNECT WITH OUR GUESTWebsite: https://inspirekids.us/ Instagram & Facebook: @AviationEducation4KidsOTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://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.

Matt Hugg’s passion is education, and he brings a wealth of knowledge to the nonprofit sector. In this episode, we explore how his platform, Nonprofit.Courses, provides access to over 300 free courses designed to help nonprofit professionals grow their skills and expand their impact.Matt shares how he got started with Nonprofit.Courses, his background in teaching and fundraising, and why nonprofit professionals must look beyond the “mission bubble” to build skills in areas like marketing, HR, and finance. We also dive into the fundamentals of successful fundraising, including the core elements every organization must have in place, common challenges nonprofits face, and how a simple, strategic formula can guide more effective fundraising efforts.ABOUT OUR GUESTMatt Hugg is the president and founder of Nonprofit.Courses, an on-demand, online educational platform for nonprofit leaders, staff, board members, and volunteers. He is also the author of The Guide to Nonprofit Consulting and teaches nonprofit management at universities and organizations around the world, including in the United States, Africa, Asia, and Europe.Matt has extensive experience in nonprofit fundraising and holds a BS from Juniata College and an MA in Philanthropy and Development from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota.CONNECT WITH OUR GUESTEmail: [email protected] & Social: Nonprofit.CoursesBooks: Available on AmazonOTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://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 looking for fresh, creative fundraising ideas that actually work—you’re going to love this episode.Beaudy Camacho brings incredible energy and expertise as she shares how fundraising events can (and should!) be safe, fun, and profitable.In this conversation, we explore how Beaudy got started in fundraising and built her business, along with a wide variety of fundraising strategies your nonprofit can start using right away. From events and sponsorships to crowdfunding, contests, giveaways, and even loyalty programs, she breaks down different types of fundraisers and how to choose the right one for your organization.We also dive into practical tips for planning successful fundraising events, how to save time by leveraging expert strategies, and how to create memorable experiences that keep donors engaged. Plus, Beaudy shares ideas for seasonal fundraising (including what to focus on in November) and how to build a cohesive fundraising plan that supports your goals.If you’re ready to think outside the box and turn your passion into a paycheck, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable ideas.ABOUT OUR GUESTBeaudy Camacho is the founder of Fundforte, an events agency specializing in fundraising, special events, and custom parties. She has received numerous awards and recognition for her work, including the Small Business Administration’s 2018 Home-based Business Champion for the Island of Guam.Beaudy is passionate about helping organizations and individuals create impactful, memorable events while supporting meaningful causes. Through Fundforte, she also aims to give back to the community through educational resources, digital products, and programs that support underserved populations. Her future plans include offering online courses and coaching to help event planners, fundraiser coordinators, and creatives elevate their skills and impact.CONNECT WITH OUR GUESTWebsite: www.fundforte.comOTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorshipRATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCASTFavor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.Thanks for listening!Warmly,Holly RustickLeading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

In this episode, Holly Rustick dives into the importance of self-care—not as a luxury, but as a necessity for sustainable success. She shares practical strategies to help you take control of your time, reduce overwhelm, and stay productive without burning out. Holly breaks down how planning your week in advance can transform lingering, stressful to-do lists into clear, manageable action steps. She also discusses the power of saying no, setting boundaries, and protecting your time so you can focus on what truly matters. Finally, Holly emphasizes the importance of listening to your body, recognizing when you need rest, and allowing yourself to recharge so you can show up at your best. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed or stretched too thin, this episode will give you simple, actionable ways to create balance and move forward with intention.ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICKGrant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICKWebsite: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorshipRATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCASTFavor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.Thanks for listening!Warmly,Holly RustickLeading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

This is your chance to hear from someone who is 6 months into their grant writing business. Where could you be 6 months from now?Derrick and I discuss:Motto – “Resolve to have an impact on your community.”Derrick’s military experience His “why” for getting into grant writing and how he got startedBusiness started as a side hustle and is now full-time“Writing a grant is like writing a research paper and a business plan together.”How to use your experiences to develop a nicheOffering free services or volunteering to build relationshipsMoving from free services to getting paidOvercoming the difficult conversations associated with getting paidChallenges of owning a grant writing businessHiring freelancers or interns to help you with your businessBeing prepared for upcoming grantsDifferent pitches you can use to make connections and build even more relationshipsAdditional services you can offer in your businessDerrick’s Bio:Derrick Clark, M.A. Human Services Leadership, owner of DC Resolve Consulting and Proposal Writing. He is an Army Veteran who served 8 years as a combat medic with the 101st Airborne Division, current spouse of an Army Environmental Science Officer. He transitioned from active duty service nearly 5 years ago, completed undergraduate and graduate degrees to begin working with veteran service organizations ranging from homeless veteran and substance abuse case manager to managing regional veteran benefits programs.Derrick recently moved to Honolulu, HI and started a business that provides consulting and proposal/grant writing services to nonprofit organizations. Currently, he works with San Antonio veteran nonprofits writing state grants, local foundation proposals, social media marketing and creating event flyers. Also, he recently began building a relationship with the Prevent Suicide Hawaii Task Force to find out what needs they have. Connect with DerrickWebsite www.dcresolve.comEmail at [email protected] @DCResolveConsultingOTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCASTFavor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.Thanks for listening!Warmly,Holly RustickLeading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.

If you have a grant writing business, or you want to become a grant writer, then this interview is gold for you!Rodney and I discuss:Rodney’s background and how he got started with grantsFirst grant that he got fundedAt what point do grant writers get paidHow do you typically charge clients?Decide on your ideal clientHow do you provide value to clients?2 big things every business and organization has to doChallenges and solutions in his businessChanging your mindset – How failure became his best friendHow he got his very first grant writing clientBranding your business vs branding yourself (which should you do?)Is there enough room in the market for new grant writing businesses?Investing time in yourself vs investing time in your businessThe most valuable investment that you can make in yourself and your businessImproving your mindset to overcome the fear and doubtUsing a vision board to reinforce positive messagesRodney’s Top Quotes:“Be brave. Be bold. Be brilliant.”“The best way to get to success is through failure, and really, embracing failure”Rodney’s Bio:Rodney Walker is the President of Grant Central USA and is a highly sought-after, Grant Development Systems™ expert that helps thousands of organizations nationwide to get funded! With over 14,000 members in his online discussion group, he influences and inspires people to do a better job of telling their organizational stories to become more attractive to funders.He has helped his clients raise over $357 million in grants and conducts The Ultimate Grant Writing That Gets Funded training workshops nationwide to empower nonprofits, governmental agencies, and individuals on the best ways to secure grant money. They also host the Education Grants Conference that trains schools and districts on today’s best practices in winning educational grants at EducationGrantsConference.comA few of his clients have included United Way, Habitat for Humanity, The Magic Johnson Foundation, the Bush Foundation, Hawaii State Teachers Association, and numerous school districts and city governments. Other celebrity clients have included, Danny Glover and Ben Guillory.Rodney has appeared on ABC, NBC, and CBS News for his work in education and in hundreds of grant training videos and produces numerous award-winning resources at GrantCentralUSA.comHe is also the executive producer of Education Today, a channel dedicated to advancing, reporting and sharing education best practices and trends nationally to inspire school administrators, parents, and communities to excellence at K12EducationToday.comRodney has spoken and taught at several prestigious institutions including, Regis University, Oklahoma University, the University of Nevada in Las Vegas, California Polytechnic State University, Florida Atlantic University and the University of Hawaii.He earned a Master of Business Administration and has a certificate in Nonprofit Management from Duke University. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Texas in Austin and has a leadership certificate from the University of Southern California. His works with schools and communities have garnered him awards and congressional recognition.During his free-time, Rodney enjoys traveling, listening to live music, salsa dancing, and going for adventure rides with his rooftop down throughout the greater Los Angeles area where he resides in Pasadena, California.Connect with Rodney:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodneywalker180/Website: https://www.grantcentralusa.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.

**Get your Free Checklist Downloadable www.grantwritingandfunding.com/90 Are you looking for ways to increase money for your nonprofit, or nonprofits that you work with, that doesn’t include funding from grants? Diversifying streams of income for nonprofits is vital. Many clients, especially start-up nonprofits, may think that grants are the only type of funding that they can get. Today, you are going to learn many ways of creating products for your nonprofit. These ideas may help your nonprofit bring in extra revenue that is for operational funds. Why Nonprofit Products Sell You might say, “Ugh. Not another t-shirt for sale! We are competing with millions of others. Why would anyone buy our product?” The truth is that consumers are spending their money more and more these days, on items that make a difference. Consumers are realizing the power and voice in how they spend their dollars. We’ve seen a huge shift in the #shoppingforgood movement where consumers are comparing brands and shopping for items that are actually impacting the world in good ways. We see the reflection of how consumers are shopping with this conscious shopping in mind, especially among millennials. A really cool online platform is called The Good Shop, where you can shop online for thousands of brands and then choose where you want a portion of the profits to go. These nonprofit causes are vetted and show transparency. It is pretty cool! What Products Sell: Ideas for Goods/Products Backpacks / fanny packs Business Card Holders Coffee mugs / Flasks Cookies / Baked Goods Sweatshirts and sweaters Food Truck! (What, yeah!) Hats and caps Jewelry Luggage Tags Notebooks Phone covers Purses Stuffed animals / plushies Tote bags T-shirts Wallets How Products Sell Start Small You’ll want to start small and test the market. Instead of investing thousands into a food truck or converting a kitchen into a commercial kitchen, maybe you test your cookies on a small scale first. Test out what types of cookies sell and unique recipes. Do a survey Put together some product ideas and ask your followers or community what they like and would purchase! This can easily be some mock-ups of different items and price points. If they won’t buy, make sure you ask them why not without badgering them. The feedback will help with your business design! Get Start-Up Capital There are 5 different ways to get capital to help you with developing the products: Pre-Ordering, Corporate investment, Small Business Administration, Grants, and Crowdfunding campaigns. Now is a great time to create products for your nonprofit. Consumers want to engage with your branding and to shop for good reasons. They need clothes, so why not advertise their ethics on their clothing? This will also raise the reach of your branding as often clothes with a great message or interesting logo can start conversations which lead to sharing the nonprofit’s mission. Please share your different product ideas by tagging us @grantwriting_funding on Instagram! I’m SUPER excited about next week’s post! I interviewed Mr. Rodney Walker, President of Grant Central USA. He is absolutely amazing and has helped secure well over $300 million for nonprofits. He also has a super active community on LinkedIn and is one of the most positive individuals I have ever met! Don’t forget to grab the FREE downloadable from last week’s episode! Listen to the podcast on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher or watch on YouTube! To share your thoughts: Send Holly an email at [email protected] To help out the show: Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help, and I read all of them! Subscribe on iTunes or on YouTube. Looking for more? Follow us on Instagram @grantwriting_funding

Is your nonprofit ready to earn income?“What?? But we’re a nonprofit. We can’t earn income!”Oh, yes you can! Just because you are a nonprofit organization does not mean that you cannot earn income. Nonprofit doesn’t mean ‘no’ profit. It simply means you take the profit and put it back into the organization.However, you do have to make sure that anything you do to earn income directly relates to the mission of your nonprofit. For example, if your nonprofit is an animal shelter and you start raising revenue by providing human resource services for solo entrepreneurs, it may not be a good fit. Offering pet rentals for connecting with senior citizens may be a better way of raising revenue.Of course, if you do find something that is a great income generator and isn’t related to your mission, your nonprofit may still be able to do it, but it might not be ‘tax-exempt’ income; i.e. you may have to pay taxes on it.Before we get into earned income, if you would like more information about other types of revenue for nonprofits be sure to check out episode 90! There is an amazing FREE downloadable included! www.grantwritingandfunding.com/90.As with anyone wanting to get income for offering services or products, first the nonprofit needs to develop a business plan! Eek! Even a nonprofit needs a business plan?Yes! Actually, you should’ve developed one before you became incorporated, but it might not have happened or maybe your nonprofit has changed a lot since that amazing day!So what do you need to know?Well, what your nonprofit can provide and what the market will pay for. This is the basic supply/demand model.We aren’t going to go into a crazy business plan, but I am going to give you some examples so you can get some ideas for your nonprofit! Try to keep in mind the idea of supply and demand as you read through these.I might share something that sounds amazing and you think would work for your nonprofit, but first test it on a small-scale before you invest crazy time and money into it!General ServicesAccording to MissionBox, a fee-for-service approach for nonprofits is defined as “nonprofit uses its earnings to support its mission and prioritizes benefit to the community over profits. Your organization can grow financial sustainability with a fee-for-service model.”Case Study: YMCAThey are a hybrid as they offer Membership programs (see below) for their services. These services include workout classes, community classes, a gym, etc.Examples:Classes on gardening (or other specialized skill! Painting, etc)ConsultingCounselingManagementMarketingHuman resourcesIT skillsMembershipsI see a lot of 501(c)6 nonprofits utilizing the basic membership service approach. For example, a Chamber of Commerce, Lions Club, etc. may charge individuals, nonprofits, and corporations a fee to enjoy the membership of the organization.I typically see fees for membership at a flat rate. Other times, there is a sliding fee based on how much revenue your business has, or how many individuals in your business or nonprofit will benefit from the membership. Advantages of individuals, nonprofits, and businesses signing up for memberships could be specialized training, networking, advertising, and other opportunities.Case Study: Guam Women’s Chamber of CommerceI serve on the board at the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce and our operations are mainly funded through membership dues. This provides funding for the executive director and other types of administrative costs.Examples:Other types of incentives for membership fees include the members getting:A monthly magazineWeekly newsletterDiscounts to fundraisers or affiliates organizationsMember-only eventsThink of art museums, nature societies, or other nonprofits that offer these types of memberships. Maybe you have an animal shelter and include a membership where members get monthly pictures of the animals, free admission to the annual doggy 5K race, or other exclusive or informational opportunities.Tuition FeesThis is commonly associated with universities, but you could also think of this if your nonprofit is (or can!) offer any knowledge sessions.Nonprofit colleges and schools do charge tuition fees! Just because it is a nonprofit college doesn’t mean it is dirt cheap tuition fees, either!Case Study: Many USA UniversitiesExamples:University of Southern CaliforniaGeorgetown UniversityBoston UniversityUniversity of BostonTo name a few. Check out more!Speaking Engagements / AppearancesYour executive director, people who serve on your board of directors, or even some of your volunteers probably have amazing stories!Of course, all won’t necessarily be offered a financial contribution to be speakers, but some might be. Building up to speak at national or international conferences can include a nice side income. But even speaking at local trade associations or chambers can produce some money.Case Study: Bethany HamiltonBethany is a surfer from Hawaii who lost her arm during a shark attack while surfing. I

**Get your Free Checklist Downloadable https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/90 Do you feel like earning revenue for your nonprofit or the nonprofit you work with is REALLY difficult? Do you feel like there is NO money left? Are you tired of only going after grants for revenue or approaching the same darn corporate sponsors as every other nonprofit? These may be signs that your nonprofit, or the one you are working with, may not be healthy when it comes to funding. But the fact is that most nonprofit executive directors, and many boards of directors, don’t have MBAs or know how to operate a business. Different Types of Revenue Streams for Nonprofits 1. Fees for Services or Goods (Products) 2.Grants 3. Fundraising 4. Corporate Solicitations 5. Individual Charitable Contributions 6. Crowdfunding Campaigns 7. Emerging Social Capital 8. Influencers Listen to the podcast on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher or watch on YouTube! To share your thoughts: Send Holly an email at [email protected] To help out the show: Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help, and I read all of them! Subscribe on iTunes or on YouTube. Looking for more? Follow us on Instagram @grantwriting_funding

Alexis Cook, Co-Founder and Co-President of Unlocked, joins us to share the inspiring story behind her ethical jewelry brand that empowers women transitioning out of homelessness. She walks us through how Unlocked was built from the ground up while she was still a student at Vanderbilt, how market research shaped their business model, and how they partner with nonprofits to create meaningful employment opportunities. We also explore why they chose a for-profit structure, how they’ve scaled and gained national recognition, their approach to product design and pricing for inclusivity, and how nonprofits and for-profits can collaborate to create lasting social impact.ABOUT OUR GUESTAlexis Cook is the Co-Founder and Co-President of Unlocked, an ethical jewelry brand based in Nashville, Tennessee, that employs and empowers women transitioning out of homelessness. She was an Ingram Scholar at Vanderbilt University, where she studied Human and Organizational Development and Economics. Alexis co-founded Unlocked during her undergraduate years and transitioned into running the company full-time after graduating in 2018. Since then, Unlocked has grown rapidly and has been featured in publications such as the Social Enterprise Alliance and News Channel 5.OTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/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 final step in the G.R.A.N.T.S. Formula is "S," Strategic budget. I am going to show you how to create a strategic budget that you can use for every single grant that you write. By the end of the episode, you will have the tools to create an amazing budget. Having a simple and unified budget format could save you hundreds of hours of frustration. Want a free downloadable CHEAT SHEET and mini, video-series (five day mini video course!)? Visit www.grantwritingandfunding.com and get it NOW. You'll get Holly's proven, step-by-step system that has helped her secured millions of dollars for nonprofits over the last 15 years, as well as eliminate wasted hours as a consultant. Create extraordinary grants while minimizing your time writing grants! Listen to the podcast on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher or watch on YouTube! To share your thoughts: Send Holly an email at [email protected] To help out the show: Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help, and I read all of them! Subscribe on iTunes or on YouTube. Looking for more? Follow us on Instagram @grantwriting_funding

The fifth step in the G.R.A.N.T.S. Formula is "T," Timetable your Activities. Activities describe what you are going to do, but a timetable will show a clear delineation of each activity, who is responsible for ensuring that it happens when it will happen, and how each activity will be measured. The actual table also helps to break up all the WORDS in your application. You must include the following in your table: Description of the activity, Lead person who will be responsible for the activity, Start date of the activity, End date of the activity, and Measurement of success. Want a free downloadable CHEAT SHEET and mini, video-series (five day mini video course!)? Visit www.grantwritingandfunding.com and get it NOW. You'll get Holly's proven, step-by-step system that has helped her secured millions of dollars for nonprofits over the last 15 years, as well as eliminate wasted hours as a consultant. Create extraordinary grants while minimizing your time writing grants! Listen to the podcast on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher or watch on YouTube! To share your thoughts: Send Holly an email at [email protected] To help out the show: Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help, and I read all of them! Subscribe on iTunes or on YouTube. Looking for more? Follow us on Instagram @grantwriting_funding

The fourth step for setting up a winning grant structure is "N," Narrowing Your Objectives. In just 5 easy steps, we can take your objective from a wish to a plan! Want a free downloadable CHEAT SHEET and mini, video-series (five day mini video course!)? Visit www.grantwritingandfunding.com and get it NOW. You'll get Holly's proven, step-by-step system that has helped her secured millions of dollars for nonprofits over the last 15 years, as well as eliminate wasted hours as a consultant. Create extraordinary grants while minimizing your time writing grants! Listen to the podcast on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher or watch on YouTube! To share your thoughts: Send Holly an email at [email protected] To help out the show: Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help, and I read all of them! Subscribe on iTunes or on YouTube. Looking for more? Follow us on Instagram @grantwriting_funding

The third step for setting up a winning grant structure is "A," Articulate Goals. I'll show you step by step how to write a goal that aligns with the priorities of the funding source. Want a free downloadable CHEAT SHEET and mini, video-series (five day mini video course!)? Visit www.grantwritingandfunding.com and get it NOW. You'll get Holly's proven, step-by-step system that has helped her secured millions of dollars for nonprofits over the last 15 years, as well as eliminate wasted hours as a consultant. Create extraordinary grants while minimizing your time writing grants! Listen to the podcast on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher or watch on YouTube! To share your thoughts: Send Holly an email at [email protected] To help out the show: Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help, and I read all of them! Subscribe on iTunes or on YouTube. Looking for more? Follow us on Instagram @grantwriting_funding