Grant Writing & Funding - podcast cover

Grant Writing & Funding

Quit your toxic nonprofit job and replace your full-time income while writing grants part-time, from home! Join our students in the Freelance Grant Writer Academy to create Financial Stability and Flexibility through writing grants for causes you are passionate about: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy World-renowned grant writing expert and Amazon bestselling author Holly Rustick provides coaching that helps new and experienced grant writers replace their full-time income while writing grants part-time from home (or anywhere they want to live or travel in the world). She coaches changemakers to master grant writing and start to grow 6-figure+ grant writing businesses on part-time hours via her signature group program, “Freelance Grant Writer Academy." As an unapologetic feminist, Holly’s work in coaching female grant writers to master grant writing, find their cause-area niche, and navigate value-based pricing and nonprofit sales is breaking glass ceilings for women all over the world. Every week, she coaches thousands of people through the top-ranking podcast, Grant Writing & Funding, books on grant writing, and inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy. Holly has 20 years of experience in grant writing, and began her freelance grant writing journey back in 2005. While teaching in Kuwait and Indonesia, and then earning a Master’s Degree in International Political Economy in Belgium, Holly saw the light of setting up a virtual-based business in grant writing back in the mid-2000s. Having secured more than $45 million of dollars for nonprofit organizations, and then setting up a multi 6-figure freelance business, Holly has a mission to help female grant writers break out of toxic nonprofit J-O-B-S and create high-level income while freelance grant writing. Inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, students have secured more than $225+ million in grant funding and $4+ million in revenue in their grant writing businesses within two years. To amplify this work, she is past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce and was appointed to the Guam Business Advisory Task Force as an advisor to the first female governor of Guam. Holly lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. If you are interested in replacing your full-time income while writing grants part-time from home (or from anywhere in the world!) join the Freelance Grant Writer Academy! www.grantwritingandfunding.com.
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Episodes

Doubling Clients and Cutting Hours: $500K Grant Writing Journey inside the Academy

This episode, Dr. Lauren Hopkins explains how to package grant writing services, show organizations your value, and increase your impact. Dr. Lauren Hopkins is a social worker, program evaluator, grant writer, training developer, and facilitator. Dr. Hopkins joins us to discuss the different ways to structure grant writing services, why grant writers should use value based pricing, and how grant writers can show organizations their value. She also talks about the business side of being a grant p...

Jan 02, 202452 minEp. 304

Freelance Grant Writing is More Financially Stable Than a Nonprofit Job

Are nonprofit jobs really as stable as they seem? In this episode, Holly breaks down a perspective that might surprise you—why freelance grant writing can actually offer more financial stability than traditional nonprofit roles. We dive into how nonprofit salaries are often impacted by funding fluctuations and how inflation continues to affect wages across the sector. In contrast, freelance grant writing can provide more control over your income, allowing you to diversify clients and increase yo...

Dec 26, 202329 minEp. 303

Replace Your Full-Time Income with Freelance Grant Writing

This episode, Holly Rustick explains how to earn more as a freelance grant writer, how long it takes to learn how to write a grant template, and how to get feedback on your grants. Holly Rustick is a world-renowned grant writing expert and Amazon bestselling author who has been coaching grant writers how to run successful 5-6 figure businesses since 2017. Holly explains how you can replace your full time income with a part time role writing grants, the ways a programme can help with your grant w...

Dec 19, 202332 minEp. 302

Quit Your Toxic Nonprofit Job: The Power of Freelance Grant Writing for Financial Freedom

In this solo episode, Holly Rustick shares her expertise on navigating the realities of working in the nonprofit sector and building a sustainable, profitable career in grant writing. She dives into why some nonprofit roles can become toxic, the structural challenges within nonprofit organizations, and why grant writers are often underpaid. Holly also breaks down how federal funding flows to nonprofits, the limitations placed on 501(c)(3) organizations, and how you can leverage freelance grant w...

Dec 12, 202323 minEp. 301

Claim Your Free Book from Grant Writing & Funding and Boost Your Grant Writing Career

We made it—300 episodes! To celebrate this milestone, we’re giving you free access to our bestselling ebook, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing —because this podcast has always been about equipping you with the tools to succeed. In this special episode, Holly reflects on why she started the Grant Writing & Funding podcast and how it has grown into a global movement supporting grant writers and nonprofits alike. We dive into the power of podcasting—not just as a platform, but as a way to b...

Dec 05, 202329 minEp. 300

Unleashing Generosity: Exploring the Power of Donor Giving for Your Nonprofit

In this episode, Emily Kelly, Bloomerang’s National Accounts Manager, joins us to share how nonprofits can strengthen donor relationships and improve retention through effective use of donor management software. We discuss how organizations can stay connected with donors, avoid losing critical donor data, and adapt to changes in donor sponsorship—especially in light of inflation and shifting giving trends. ABOUT OUR GUEST Emily Kelly is Bloomerang’s National Accounts Manager, where she cultivate...

Nov 28, 202348 minEp. 299

The Real ROI of Grant Writing with Teresa Huff

This episode, Teresa Huff is the host of the Grant Writing Simplified Podcast and the go-to expert in grant writer coaching and nonprofit grant strategy. Teresa joins us to discuss the different ways to assess the ROI of grant writing, how nonprofits can optimize the process of their grant applications, and win more grants. She also talks about how nonprofits can increase their relevance, the type of research you need to do before creating a nonprofit, and how nonprofits can leverage tools like ...

Nov 21, 202336 minEp. 298

New Grant Funding Opportunities for Small and Emerging Nonprofits with DeaRonda Harrison

This episode, DeaRonda Harrison explains how nonprofits can get funding, build relationships, and grow their business. DeaRonda Harrison is a grant writing specialist who works with nonprofits to help them win grants. DeaRonda joins us to discuss the funding options for small nonprofits, how nonprofits can build relationships with funding boards, and get past grant funding gatekeepers. She also talks about the business aspect of nonprofits, how to put together a grant plan, and what to do if you...

Nov 14, 202334 minEp. 297

How Nonprofits can implement cyber security protocols to protect grant and donor funding

Elvis joins us to discuss the data security and privacy risks for nonprofits, the effect cybersecurity breaches can have on funding, and how nonprofits can reduce data breaches. He also shares why nonprofits are often targeted by hackers, the SOPs organizations should implement to minimize risk, and what really happens when a nonprofit gets hacked. ABOUT OUR GUEST Elvis Moreland is an award-winning senior executive and subject matter expert in cyber risk management. He is recognized as a Compute...

Nov 07, 202338 minEp. 296

Stop Doing the Hamster Wheel Campaigns and Focus on Evergreen Donor Email Strategies

Are you relying too heavily on social media to connect with your audience? In this episode, Kirsten Roland, Founder of Million Dollar CEO and expert marketing coach, shares why email marketing is one of the most powerful—and often underutilized—tools for nonprofits. We dive into why email marketing can be more effective than social media when it comes to building real relationships and driving action from donors and supporters. Kirsten explains how nonprofits can use email to create deeper conne...

Oct 31, 202347 minEp. 295

The 3 Elements of Nonprofit's CEO: Fundraising, Board, and Marketing

This episode, Sabrina Walker-Hernandez explains the ways to create a good board, how you should interact with your board members, and the different ways to get board members engaged with funding. Sabrina Walker-Hernandez is the CEO of Supporting World Hope and has over 25 years of experience in nonprofit management, fundraising, and leadership. Sabrina joins us to discuss board development, the different aspects of fundraising, and how nonprofits should market themselves. She also talks about th...

Oct 24, 202339 minEp. 294

How Habits Impact an Executive Director's Fundraising and Philanthropy with Gregory Nielson

Gregory joins us to share his expertise on nonprofit leadership and governance, breaking down the essential habits every board member should develop to effectively support an organization’s mission. He discusses how to communicate clearly with board members, properly onboard new members, and create a strong foundation for engagement and accountability. We also explore practical ways to teach board members what good governance looks like, how bringing in consultants can help reinforce key message...

Oct 17, 202339 minEp. 293

How to maximize your nonprofit's end of year donors with Jess Campbell

Jess Campbell is an email list expert and seasoned nonprofit fundraiser who has raised over $17 million throughout her career—and in this episode, she shares exactly how you can strengthen your digital fundraising strategy. We dive into how to run effective end-of-year campaigns that not only bring in donations but also create long-term donor relationships. Jess breaks down how to turn one-time end-of-year donors into consistent monthly supporters, why donor retention should be a top priority, a...

Oct 10, 202340 minEp. 292

Ep. 291: 4 Steps Executive Directors of Nonprofits Can Lead with Confidence with Dr. Patton McDowell

Dr. Patton McDowell is a nonprofit consultant, leadership expert, and mastermind coach. Dr. Patton joins us to discuss the different ways executive directors can advance their leadership skills, effectively network, and build solid relationships. He also talks about how to consistently grow, engage with board members, and stay strategic throughout the year. Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts “Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please ...

Oct 03, 202339 minEp. 291

Ep. 290: The Peaceful SCALE System: Transforming Your Grant Writing Business for Peace & Profit

Welcome back to another episode of Grant Writing & Funding, the podcast designed especially for all you changemakers out there, looking to grow funding and capacity for your causes and communities. In this episode, we'll be discussing strategies that will not only help you grow your grant writing business but also free up time for yourself and stimulate creativity. One of the key points we'll be exploring is how to take a much-needed vacation while still earning income for your business. Yes...

Sep 26, 202330 minEp. 290

Navigating Grant Rejections: Yvonne's Insights on Turning Setbacks into Opportunities

Welcome to another episode of “Grant Writing & Funding” with your host, Holly Rustick. In this week’s episode, we have a special guest joining us: Yvonne White-Morey, a successful grant writer with a thriving freelance grant writing business. During our conversation, we will delve into the impact the mentorship program has had on Yvonne’s business, as well as the valuable tips and insights she has to offer for grant writers looking to start or grow their own freelance grant writing businesse...

Sep 19, 202348 minEp. 289

How Christine Became a Federal Grant Peer Reviewer, Increased her Grant Awards and Business

What does it really take to grow as a grant writer? In this episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Christine Taylor to discuss her experience inside the Grant Professional Mentorship and the key lessons that have helped her strengthen her grant writing skills and business. We dive into the importance of embracing feedback as a tool for growth, and how the grant review process can sharpen your proposals and elevate your work. Christine also shares why stepping outside your comfort zone is essentia...

Sep 12, 202335 minEp. 288

Alejandra’s Journey to Becoming a Niche Expert in Environmental Grant Writing

Welcome to another episode of “Grant Writing & Funding”! In this week’s episode, we have a very special guest joining us: Alejandra Salazar, a seasoned grant writer and business owner. Alejandra has been in the grant writing space for over 20 years, working closely with founders on various projects. Today, she shares with us her valuable insights and experiences in managing multiple projects and teams within a non-profit organization. Alejandra emphasizes the importance of being strategic an...

Sep 05, 202345 minEp. 287

Creating a Value-Driven Grant Writing Business Doubled Clients, Peace, and Revenue

Kim Collier joins us to explore how aligning your values with your grant writing business can lead to greater clarity, stronger client relationships, and increased revenue. She shares how learning to say no to the wrong opportunities can actually attract ideal clients and create more peace in your work. We also dive into her journey in the nonprofit sector, the importance of building relationships with government officials, setting meaningful objectives, and how mentorship can support long-term ...

Aug 29, 202356 minEp. 286

Ep. 285: Why You Should Charge Grant Research as a Stand-Alone Service

Welcome to another episode of Grant Writing & Funding with your host, Holly Rustick. In this episode we delve into the art and science of finding the right grants for your nonprofit or nonprofit clients. Holly shares valuable insights on the importance of separating grant research from grant writing, and the significance of building relationships with potential funders. She highlights the need to review and respond to grant instructions diligently, while considering practicalities like eligi...

Aug 22, 202327 minEp. 285

Growing your nonprofit consultancy practice with Andy Robinson

Thinking about starting your own consulting business—but not sure where to begin? In this episode, Andy Robinson brings over 27 years of experience running a successful consultancy to break down what it really takes to build and sustain a consulting practice. We dive into the different business models consultants can follow and how to choose the right one for your goals. Andy shares practical strategies for networking effectively with nonprofits, how to land your first clients, and what to expec...

Aug 15, 202349 minEp. 284

Building and Growing a Nonprofit Consultancy with Sean Kosofsky

Are you thinking about starting your own nonprofit consultancy—or wondering how to grow the one you already have? In this episode, Sean Kosofsky, also known as the NonProfit Fixer, brings nearly three decades of experience in the nonprofit sector to share what it really takes to build a successful consulting business. We dive into why nonprofits need consultants and the value they bring to organizations looking to grow, stabilize, or scale. Sean also breaks down how nonprofit consultancies are s...

Aug 08, 202340 minEp. 283

How to Love Marketing with Splendid Consulting’s Christina Edwards

This episode, Christian Edwards explains the ways to create a passive income using evergreen courses, the central role marketing plays in creating a passive income, and the techniques introverts can use to learn to love selling. Christina Edwards is the Founder of Splendid Consulting and a marketing expert and experienced coach. Christiana joins us to discuss how evergreen courses can be used to create passive income, the importance of marketing when creating passive income streams, and the diff...

Aug 01, 202336 minEp. 282

The Power of a Nonprofit's Website with Adztech’s Geri Leon Guerrero

Geri Leon Guerrero joins us to share why having a strong online presence is essential for nonprofits, and why a website is more than just a digital placeholder. With nearly two decades of experience in sales, marketing, and digital strategy, she breaks down the key functions of a nonprofit website, the importance of collecting and leveraging supporter data, and how to effectively brand your organization online. We also explore why social media alone isn’t enough, how to create a more impactful a...

Jul 25, 202343 minEp. 281

Improving the communication between grant funders and nonprofits

In this episode, Tammy Tilzey joins us to share her insights from nearly a decade in the philanthropy sector. As the Nonprofit Relationship Manager at Foundant Technologies and a board member of the Grant Professionals Certification Institute, Tammy brings a unique perspective on bridging the gap between grant-making foundations and grant writers. We discuss how foundations can make applications more accessible, the evolving landscape of grant-making, and why creating clear systems—separate from...

Jul 18, 202346 minEp. 280

Using Chat GPT and AI for Grant Writing with Grantable’s Philip Deng

Philip Deng has over a decade of experience in grant writing and is the creator of Grantable, an AI-powered world-class grant writing assistant. Philip joins us to discuss how AI will affect future grant funding, the ways AI can help grant writers submit more grants, and how AI will affect grant writing jobs. He also explains the ways AI is already integrated into our lives, how technology can be used to improve grant writing processes, and how we can further streamline the grant writing process...

Jul 11, 20231 hr 3 minEp. 279

Grant Writing Consulting: A Path to Financial Stability and Growth with Meredith Noble

On this episode of Grant Writing & Funding, our guest Meredith Noble from Learn Grant Writing shares an inspiring journey from corporate grant writing to launching a startup idea. We learn about the challenges she faced when realizing the idea wasn’t solving a real problem that people were willing to pay for. Meredith emphasizes the importance of grounding ideas in addressing real problems, and she shares the lifestyle freedom she gained from entrepreneurship despite the financial difficulti...

Jul 04, 202349 minEp. 278

Lessons Learned in Partnerships with Funding for Good’s Mandy Pearce

Mandy Pearce explains the strategies for building strategic partnerships, how to know who will be a good partner for your business, and when to turn down a potential partnership. Over a decade ago Mandy Pearce founded Funding for Good to equip organizations with all the skills and tools they need to become successful and sustainable. Mandy joins us to discuss how most partnerships are formed, the vetting process involved in potential partnerships, and how to know who will be a good partner for y...

Jun 27, 202348 minEp. 277

Increasing Prices With Streamlined Processes with Funding for Good’s Marie Palacios

Marie Palacios, Lead Consultant for Funding for Good, joins us to share how having clear, structured processes can transform your grant writing success and overall consulting business. She breaks down how to better understand and implement effective workflows, streamline your grant writing systems, and improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. We also explore the benefits of building your own business, the importance of identifying your “why,” and how to grow a sustainable consulting pract...

Jun 20, 202339 minEp. 276

Finding a Community of Grant Writers with All Funded Consulting’s Deborah Reed

Deborah Reed, founder of All Funded, explains what she learned from the Freelance Grant Writer Academy , the benefits of having a community of grant writers, and how she increased her grant writing rates. Deborah Reed is a full-time consultant and grant writer who completely changed the way she was running her business after joining the Grant Writing Academy. Deborah joins us to discuss what she learned from the Freelance Grant Writer Academy , the ways it changed her grant writing business to b...

Jun 13, 202344 minEp. 275
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