Grant Writing & Funding

The 2026 Tax Change Every Grant Writer Should Know About

The 2026 tax change quietly handed nonprofits a fundraising gift, and most of them have no idea. In this episode, Holly breaks it down in plain English: what changed, who it actually helps, who it does not, and exactly how you can turn it into real value for your clients and new business for you. No tax degree required. In this episode: The new rule that lets everyday donors get a tax break for giving again (and why it's permanent this time) Who this really helps: small nonprofits and the everyd...

Bonus Ep: "Can I Even Do This? (For Beginners, Career-Changers & ESL Grant Writers)"

If you've ever wondered whether you're qualified to become a grant writer, this episode is for you. Holly Rustick answers some of the most common questions from aspiring grant writers, including whether English as a second language is a barrier, if beginners can really succeed, and whether certifications or degrees are required. Through practical insights and real student success stories, Holly shares why grant writing is more accessible than many people realize—and how support, systems, and com...

Bonus Ep: "I Want the Negatives: An Honest Look at Freelance Grant Writing"

Freelancing sounds appealing from the outside: flexible hours, meaningful work, and the freedom to build a business on your terms. But what about the challenges no one talks about? In this episode, Holly Rustick shares an honest look at the realities of freelance grant writing—from inconsistent income and difficult clients to loneliness, rejection, and the patience required to build a sustainable business. If you've ever wondered whether freelance grant writing is really worth it, this candid co...

Bonus Ep: Do Clients Really Pay Every Month? The Truth About Grant Writing Retainers

Have you ever wondered whether nonprofits really need grant writing support every month, or if clients will eventually stop paying once they have a few grant templates in hand? In this episode, Holly answers two of the most common questions aspiring freelance grant writers ask: Do clients actually have ongoing work every month? And why wouldn’t they simply reuse your previous grant applications instead of continuing to hire you? The answer comes down to understanding the difference between being...

BONUS: What Is the Summer Curriculum Sprint? Plus Answers to Your Most-Asked Questions

Have questions about the Summer Curriculum Sprint, the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, or whether now is the right time to join? In this special bonus episode, Holly answers the most common questions that came in during last week's live training. From understanding the difference between the Summer Sprint and the Academy to learning about the time commitment, payment plans, business setup requirements, and what happens after your first year, Holly breaks down everything you need to know in a cle...

The Fear Never Fully Goes Away, Even After Six Figures (What 12 Years in Business Taught Me)

What if the thing standing between you and a thriving freelance grant writing business isn't lack of experience, but fear? In this deeply personal bonus episode, Holly Rustick pulls back the curtain on her 21-year journey from teaching overseas and volunteering in post-tsunami Indonesia to building a successful freelance grant writing business that provides both financial freedom and meaningful impact. Along the way, she shares the struggles most people never see: living paycheck-to-paycheck, be...

The 5 Reasons You Haven't Started a Grant Writing Business Yet (And Why None of Them Are Real)

If you've been telling yourself that now isn't the right time to start a freelance grant writing business, this episode is for you. Holly Rustick tackles the five most common reasons aspiring grant writers stay stuck, and reveals why none of them are actually keeping you from success. From not having enough time, money, experience, or connections to fears about AI replacing grant writers, Holly breaks down each objection and reframes it through the lens of systems, support, and strategy. She sha...

"Will AI Replace Grant Writers?” The 2026 AI-READY Framework (Embrace It or Reject It)

Is AI coming for grant writers, or is it creating more opportunity than ever before? Should you embrace it or reject it? In this episode, Holly Rustick cuts through the fear, hype, and uncertainty surrounding artificial intelligence and the future of grant writing. Drawing on more than 20 years of grant writing experience and over a decade of coaching freelance grant writers, Holly introduces her new AI-READY Framework : a practical five-step approach to help grant writers confidently navigate t...

The OMB Proposal: What Grant Writers Actually Need to Know Before July 13

The headlines about federal grants this week are a lot — and most of them are missing the most important detail: the OMB proposal is not a law. It is not final. It is a proposal, and you have until July 13, 2026 to weigh in on it. In this episode, Holly breaks down what the White House Office of Management and Budget actually published on May 29th, what it would change about how federal grants are reviewed, awarded, and terminated, and, just as importantly, what it would NOT change yet. Holly al...

[Case Study] She Left Her $70K Job and Was Writing Grants for Free: Now She's Getting Paid

This is a bonus podcast with a special co-host from the Freelance Grant Writer Academy program! What if the biggest shift in your grant writing business isn’t learning how to write grants, but learning how to think like a business owner? In this inspiring Freelance Grant Writer Academy case study, guest host D Abshire sits down with Debra Bare-Rogers, founder of GrantMe Consulting Services, to discuss her journey from employee to entrepreneur. After discovering Holly Rustick through a grant writ...

[Case Study] Karen Was a Burned-Out Nonprofit ED: Now She Has Time for Her Health, Her Mom, and Work That Inspires Her

This is a bonus podcast with a special co-host from the Freelance Grant Writer Academy program! What happens when nonprofit leadership burnout becomes the catalyst for building a more flexible, purpose-driven career? In this inspiring case study, guest host D Abshire sits down with Karen McCall, founder of KTM McCall Grant Strategies and a member of the Freelance Grant Writer Academy. After spending more than two decades serving nonprofits, and leading an organization through the challenges of C...

[Case Study] Madeline Stopped Chasing One-Off Marketing Clients and Finally Has Steady Income (Thanks to Grant Writing Retainers)

[Case Study] Cindy Was a Nonprofit Marketing Director with Little Grant Experience: She Started a Grant Writing Business on the Side, Made $87,400, and Quit Her Job.

This is a bonus podcast with a special co-host from the Freelance Grant Writer Academy program! What if you could leverage the skills you've built in nonprofit marketing and fundraising to create a thriving grant writing business—and replace your full-time salary faster than you imagined? In this inspiring Freelance Grant Writer Academy case study, guest host D Abshire sits down with Cindy Homan, founder of Growing the Good, who transitioned from a longtime nonprofit marketing leadership career ...

FUNDED SERIES: The Future of Grant Writing: What We're Seeing in 2026

What does the future of grant writing look like in an increasingly uncertain funding landscape? In this episode of FUNDED, Holly Rustick analyzes the latest funding trends from April 2026 and reveals what they mean for grant writers, nonprofits, and funding professionals moving forward. From federal funding disruptions and increased competition for foundation grants to major state funding opportunities and growing demand for strategic grant writing support, Holly breaks down what is happening ac...

Today Is Yesterday: Your Freelance Grant Writing Business Is More Stable Than a J.O.B.

In this powerful solo episode, Holly Rustick shares an unplanned but deeply important message for aspiring and established grant writers alike: this is the era of the freelance grant writer. Fresh off a coaching call and curriculum update inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and Grant Professional Mentorship, Holly dives into what really happened for freelance grant writers in 2025 — and why so many who adapted during funding uncertainty didn’t just survive, they thrived. Whether you’re gra...

What the NSF Board Firing Means for Grant Writers, Federal Funding & Freelancers

In this episode of the Grant Writing & Funding Podcast, Holly Rustick breaks down the shocking dismissal of all 22 members of the National Science Board and what it signals for the future of federal funding, philanthropy, and grant strategy. Holly shares why this moment matters far beyond NSF grants and how shifting agency priorities are creating both uncertainty and opportunity across the nonprofit and research sectors. You’ll learn how organizations are responding to changing funding lands...

Why Boutique Grant Writers Are Winning Right Now (And How to Land Higher-Paying Clients Without Burnout)

Discover how a boutique consulting firm can outperform large agencies by leaning into relationships, strategy, and high-touch service. In this episode, Dr. Eve McGee shares how she’s secured major wins, built long-term client partnerships, and why grant readiness (not just grant writing) is the real key to funding success. ABOUT OUR GUEST Based in Kansas City, Missouri, Dr. Eve McGee is the Owner and CEO of McGee KC Consulting, where she transforms nonprofit vision into sustainable funding. Draw...

Funded Series: How Our Students Broke $10 Million in Grant Writing Businesses

This month marked a major milestone inside the grant writing community: over $10 million generated in student grant writing businesses and a collective $278 million in grant funding secured. In this episode, we break down exactly what happened in March 2026 in the grant writing industry, what’s working right now in the grant funding landscape, and what these results signal for both freelance grant writers and nonprofit leaders. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN The different levels of grant funding being secure...

2026 Federal Funding Changes: What Academic Researchers Must Know Now

In this episode, Holly Rustick shares a real-time update from Guam following a recent super typhoon, and then dives into what every grant writer needs to understand about 2026 federal funding. If you’ve been hearing that “there’s no more grant money” or that federal funding has been slashed, this episode breaks down what’s actually happening versus what made headlines. Holly unpacks key budget shifts, where research funding is still strong, and how to position your proposals to stay competitive....

Beyond Freelancing: The Power of Fractional Work in the Nonprofit Sector

In this episode of the Grant Writing & Funding podcast, Holly Rustick interviews Cindy Wagman, founder of the Nonprofit Fractional Network, about the growing role of fractional consulting in the nonprofit sector. Cindy explains how fractional work differs from traditional freelance work by combining strategy, planning, and implementation into one role. This model allows nonprofits to access experienced leadership without hiring full-time staff—making it especially valuable for organizations ...

Grant Writers Using AI Wrong? The Readiness Problem No One Talks About

Steve Vick returns to the podcast to unpack what nonprofit leaders and grant professionals need to understand about AI adoption right now. As the founder of Bright Nonprofit and longtime host of the Nonprofit Ally podcast, Steve brings both nonprofit and tech expertise to the conversation and explains why AI is not just a tool issue: it is a governance issue. In this episode, Holly and Steve dig into AI readiness, source of truth, data integrity, human-in-the-loop review, and why AI often reveal...

[Funded Series] Inside a $1.9M Month

In this February 2026 Funded Series episode, we break down what actually changed in just 30 days inside a growing ecosystem of freelance grant writers and why it matters. This month alone: Over $1.5 million in grant funding was secured Nearly $464,000 in client deals were closed In this episode, Holly unpacks the exact patterns behind these wins, including: The shift from learning → leveraging Why clarity is outperforming hustle How systems and feedback loops are driving real results And what’s ...

What Separates a $50K Grant Writer From a $150K Grant Business Owner

In this episode of the Grant Writing & Funding Podcast , Holly Rustick breaks down a key shift that separates grant writers earning around $50K per year from those building six-figure grant businesses . Interestingly, the difference isn’t talent, experience, or even how hard someone works. Many grant writers have similar technical skills: strong proposal writing, program design knowledge, and a passion for supporting nonprofit missions. The real difference lies in how their work is structure...

How Emma Went from Overwhelmed to Organized—and Finally Scaled Her Grant Writing Business

In this bonus episode of the Grant Writing & Funding podcast, Holly Rustick sits down with Emma Krass, Owner and Lead Grant Writer of Grants & Growth, to talk about what it really takes to move from freelancer to CEO. Emma shares her journey from working at a grant writing firm to building her own business—and the challenges she faced along the way. From underpricing services and taking on the wrong clients to feeling disorganized and overwhelmed, Emma opens up about what wasn’t working ...

How Alex Built a Scalable Grant Writing Business and Took 2 Weeks Off Without Losing Income

What does it really take to move from freelancer to CEO—and finally take time off without your business falling apart? In this special mentorship spotlight episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Alexandra Cohen, founder of ANC Consult, to share her journey of building, refining, and scaling her grant writing business. Alexandra first joined one of Holly’s earliest programs back in 2022, then rejoined years later to grow and scale her business in a more sustainable way. Since then, she’s streamlin...

How to Scale Your Grant Writing Business Without Burning Out

Many successful grant writers eventually reach a moment where their business hits a ceiling, not because there isn’t demand, but because their business relies entirely on their personal capacity. In this episode, Holly Rustick discusses the transition from operating solely as a freelancer to stepping into the role of CEO of your grant writing business. She explores why burnout often appears when grant writers reach full client capacity and how shifting your mindset, systems, and support structur...

Scaling Smarter: How D Increased Income, Took Vacations, and Reclaimed Their Time

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

How Marshan Built a Six-Figure Grant Writing Business Without Working All the Time

Marshan Marick shares how niching into public health grants, building stronger systems, and shifting her mindset helped her grow a sustainable six-figure grant writing business. In this episode, she talks about moving from doing everything manually to creating repeatable processes, defining growth on her own terms, and building a business that supports both her income goals and her family life. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How Marshan transitioned from an experienced grant writer to a syst...

From Overwhelmed to Confident: How Christine Built a Scalable Grant Writing Business inside The Grant Professional Mentorship

What happens when you stop letting your business “just happen” to you—and start building it with intention? In this episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Christine Sakwitz, owner and primary consultant of Kingdom Come Consulting, to share her journey from feeling scattered and reactive in her grant writing business to building clarity, confidence, and consistent revenue. Christine opens up about how coaching, community, and systems inside the Grant Professional Mentorship transformed the way she...

How Freelance Grant Writers Can Build Retirement Wealth (Even Starting From Zero)

In this episode, Holly Rustick discusses why freelance grant writing is one of the most powerful and recession-resistant skill sets nonprofit professionals can develop. She explains how building a stable freelance grant writing business allows you to take control of your financial future instead of relying on a single employer for retirement. Holly walks through the common financial challenges nonprofit professionals face, how to start thinking like a CEO with your freelance income, and the reti...