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 started Business 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 niche Offering free s...
Oct 22, 2019•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 94
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 grants First grant that he got funded At what point do grant writers get paid How do you typically charge clients? Decide on your ideal client How do you provide value to clients? 2 big things every business and organization has to do Challenges and solutions in his business Changing your mindset – How failure becam...
Oct 15, 2019•56 min•Ep. 93
**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...
Oct 08, 2019•27 min•Ep. 92
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 ra...
Oct 01, 2019•21 min•Ep. 91
**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 non...
Sep 24, 2019•29 min•Ep. 90
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 g...
Sep 17, 2019•51 min•Ep. 89
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'...
Sep 11, 2019•33 min•Ep. 88
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,...
Sep 04, 2019•24 min•Ep. 87
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 ...
Aug 28, 2019•19 min•Ep. 86
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...
Aug 21, 2019•16 min•Ep. 85
The second step for setting up a winning grant structure is "R," Research Needs. I'll teach you exactly how to use research to explain specifically WHY your project is needed. 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 consult...
Aug 14, 2019•23 min•Ep. 84
Introducing the G.R.A.N.T.S. Formula – Your Key to Writing Efficient Grants Are you ready to revolutionize your grant writing process? Look no further than the G.R.A.N.T.S. Formula , a proven framework designed to enhance your grant writing skills and create a competitive grant structure. Developed to address the challenges faced by grant writers, this formula will guide you from a blank page to a well-structured grant proposal in no time. Let’s dive into the details of the G.R.A.N.T.S. Formula,...
Aug 07, 2019•28 min•Ep. 83
Learn about the process of submitting an IRB application with special guest Dr. Deborah Ellen. Dr. Ellen is Assistant Professor of Education at Guam Community College and active member of the Pacific Islands Bilingual Bicultural Association and co-chair of newly formed non-profit - Talaya Micronesia. Listen to the podcast on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher or watch on YouTube! To share your thoughts: Send Holly an email at holly@grantwritingandfunding.com To help out the show: Leave an honest revie...
Jul 31, 2019•41 min•Ep. 82
What is IRB approval? Do I need one as a grant writer? Do I need one before starting my research? All these questions and more answered as Holly discusses the Institutional Review Board (IRB). Listen to the podcast on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher or watch on YouTube! To share your thoughts: Send Holly an email at holly@grantwritingandfunding.com 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....
Jul 24, 2019•24 min•Ep. 81
Learn how to track sources and file them into a stunning bibliography for your grant. We're all about citations and celebrations because it's Holly's Birthday! Head on over to www.grantwritingandfunding.com/80 for your FREE gift! Listen to the podcast on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher or watch on YouTube! To share your thoughts: Send Holly an email at holly@grantwritingandfunding.com To help out the show: Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help, and I read all of the...
Jul 16, 2019•23 min•Ep. 80
Gathering data is important when supporting grants, connecting with your beneficiaries, providing credibility for your projects, and even understanding what projects to develop. Data can be gathered in a multitude of different ways and as we discussed last week in our re-broadcast for conducting a Needs & Strengths Assessment (episode 78), I discussed methods for Needs & Strengths Assessments to utilize are online surveys, in-person surveys, and focus groups. However, there are some othe...
Jul 10, 2019•28 min•Ep. 79
Join us as Holly revisits an important topic for nonprofits: Needs and Strengths Assessment! We discuss why your organization needs this research before applying for grants, and how to survey your audience to get the data you need. Listen to the podcast on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher or watch on YouTube! To share your thoughts: Send Holly an email at holly@grantwritingandfunding.com To help out the show: Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help, and I read all of t...
Jul 03, 2019•35 min•Ep. 78
Get the free downloadable on www.grantwritingandfunding.com/77 that includes a template press release, a sample press release, and a podcast audio! As a grant freelancer or nonprofit freelancer, writing press releases can be another stream of income or expanded portfolio that you provide your clients. A great press release to write is when one of your clients wins a grants! Woo-hoo! Send that out to the local press 😊 Listen to the podcast on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher or watch on YouTube! To ...
Jun 26, 2019•18 min•Ep. 77
Lights, camera, action! Are you ready to be on camera to represent your nonprofit? Join Holly as she shares valuable tips and tricks to being comfortable on video. Check out the podcast blog post on www.grantwritingandfunding.com/76 for a free downloadable that goes with this week's upload. This downloadable will ensure that you are ALWAYS ready before going on camera, whether that's your iPhone or on TV! Listen to the podcast on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher or watch on YouTube! To share your th...
Jun 19, 2019•28 min•Ep. 76
Join Holly as she discusses public relations with Nikki R. Jones! With 12 years of communication experience, Nikki explains how nonprofits can navigate traditional and new media to create awareness for your organization. Listen to the podcast on iTunes, SoundCloud or Stitcher or watch on YouTube! To share your thoughts: Send Holly an email at holly@grantwritingandfunding.com To help out the show: Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help, and I read all of them! Subs...
Jun 12, 2019•58 min•Ep. 75
Are you a freelance grant writer or nonprofit consultant? If you are then you know that one thing you want to know is how to get nonprofit clients! Sure, in the beginning you may have gotten a lot of people asking you to write grants, but how do you know if they will be a good-fit nonprofit client? In order to secure nonprofit clients, freelance grant writers need to understand and do the following: 1) Understand the different types of nonprofits You first need to really identify what types of n...
Jun 05, 2019•29 min•Ep. 74
If you are a freelance grant writer , then you probably get asked by potential clients what your grant writing success rate is; i.e.: “What is your grant writing success rate?” While I completely understand this question, it isn’t the clearest level of success for a grant writer . Sure, there is validation of having grants awarded. I definitely recommend boasting about your secured grants so potential nonprofit clients can see what types of grants and clients you have worked with. But stating an...
May 31, 2019•23 min•Ep. 73
"How can I get paid as a grant writer?" A question that's on everyone's mind, but how do you approach it? A nonprofit might not have the budget to pay your for your work, or maybe you think you can be paid in a commission. In this podcast, Holly discusses the best ways a nonprofit can pay you as a grant writer. To share your thoughts: Send Holly an email at holly@grantwritingandfunding.com To help out the show: Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help, and I read al...
May 23, 2019•18 min•Ep. 72
In this episode, Holly Rustick takes you behind the scenes of a live coaching call with founding member Meg Tyquiengco of Energetic Presence, offering a real look into the kind of support available inside the Grant Writing & Funding Membership. During this 30-minute one-on-one session, Meg brings forward key challenges many nonprofits face, including how to transition from a working board of directors to a governing board, how to grow an organization with only a part-time executive director,...
May 16, 2019•51 min•Ep. 71
Sarah Olivieri, founder of PivotGround and creator of The Impact Method, joins us to share how nonprofits can build stronger, more effective organizations through strategic frameworks and intentional planning. We dive into The Impact Method, how to develop a clear blueprint for your organization, and the key elements of a successful blueprint checklist. Sarah also breaks down practical approaches to time management and introduces the Accountability Optimizer to help teams stay focused, aligned, ...
May 08, 2019•36 min•Ep. 70
What would happen if you handed a newly elected board member your nonprofit bylaws — and they instantly understood their role, responsibilities, and expectations? In this episode, Holly breaks down the essential components every nonprofit should include in its bylaws to create clarity, accountability, and strong governance. Your bylaws are more than just a legal requirement — they are the operating manual for your board of directors. You’ll learn the top 14 bylaw elements Holly recommends, inclu...
May 03, 2019•23 min•Ep. 69
Developing your Articles of Incorporation is a critical next step in officially establishing your nonprofit organization. Once you’ve decided to move forward with forming a nonprofit, filing your Articles of Incorporation with your state is required—and while each state has its own process, the purpose remains the same. In this episode, we walk through what Articles of Incorporation are, why they matter, and how to create them. Some states provide simple templates you can fill out, while others ...
Apr 26, 2019•35 min•Ep. 68
Have you identified your values, and developed a concise and well communicated mission and visions statement for your nonprofit or freelance grant writing company? Your mission statement is what you do today, and your vision statement is what you will be doing tomorrow. These elements are crucial, as they guide your organization to success. ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing B...
Apr 19, 2019•27 min•Ep. 67
Don’t make a desperate plea just to fill seats on your board of directors. The people you bring onto your board should be intentional, aligned, and truly invested in your mission. Your board members don’t just show up to meetings—they represent your organization everywhere they go. In this episode, Holly talks about the importance of being strategic when building your board. She shares why rushing to fill positions can hurt your nonprofit in the long run, how the right board members can elevate ...
Apr 11, 2019•23 min•Ep. 66
If you’re starting a nonprofit—or thinking about it—there’s one critical step you can’t afford to skip: obtaining your 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. In this episode, we break down why this designation is so important and how it directly impacts your ability to secure funding. Most foundations and federal grant programs require nonprofits to have 501(c)(3) status before they will even consider awarding funds. Without it, your opportunities for grant funding are extremely limited. But it’s not just...
Apr 04, 2019•25 min•Ep. 65