This episode, Holly Rustick explains how freelance grant writers can get nonprofit clients, improve their grant writing skills, and get feedback on the grants they’ve written. Holly Rustick is a world-renowned grant writing expert and Amazon bestselling author who has been coaching grant writers on how to run successful 5-6 figure businesses since 2017. Holly talks about the ways to write a grant, the amount of demand there is for freelance grant writers, and the best way to structure a grant wr...
Apr 16, 2024•23 min•Ep. 324
In this bonus episode, Holly breaks down what you need to know before pricing your grant writing services so you can confidently charge what you’re worth. She walks through different pricing strategies available to freelance grant writers and explains why value-based pricing can be a game changer for increasing your income. Holly also shares how to effectively sell your grant writing services, improve your grant writing skills, and create sustainable funding plans that help nonprofits secure lon...
Apr 12, 2024•17 min•Ep. 320
This episode, Holly Rustick explains the different ways nonprofit jobs are toxic, how nonprofits guilt their staff, and why being a freelance grant writer is better than being an in-house grant writer. Holly Rustick is a world-renowned grant writing expert and Amazon bestselling author who has been coaching grant writers on how to run successful 5-6 figure businesses since 2017. Holly explains the toxic side of working with nonprofits, why people get guilted to work at nonprofits, and how you ca...
Apr 09, 2024•19 min•Ep. 322
What if you could replace your full-time income—without working full-time hours? In this bonus episode, Holly Rustick shares powerful strategies for building a profitable grant writing business that gives you both financial stability and flexibility. Drawing from her own journey, Holly breaks down what it really takes to transition from traditional employment into part-time freelance grant writing that generates full-time income. We dive into key mindset and business shifts, including how to ove...
Apr 05, 2024•22 min•Ep. 318
In this episode, Holly explains how long it takes to learn how to write grants, how to save time when writing grant applications, and the benefits of using a grant template. She also talks about what to include in a master grant application template, the commonalities between different grant applications, and how to use AI in the grant writing process. ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Gra...
Apr 02, 2024•22 min•Ep. 320
Ready to grow and scale your grant writing business—but not sure what systems or strategies you need? In this episode, Jodi Riley, Principal Consultant and Certified Grant Writer at Innovant, shares how to identify where grant writing services are most needed and how to position yourself effectively within your niche. We dive into the different ways to connect with funders and build strong relationships, as well as how to determine when—and who—to hire as you begin scaling your business. Jodi al...
Mar 26, 2024•47 min•Ep. 316
This episode, Elaina Michale is on a mission to accelerate regenerative agriculture through her grant writing and funding services. Elaina explains the benefits of having a niche for your grant writing business, how to find more grant writing clients, and the ways to improve your grant writing skills. She also talks about the usefulness of being in a grant writing community, and the different ways that a grant writing mentorship programme has helped her. About Elaina Michael Elaina has always be...
Mar 19, 2024•39 min•Ep. 318
What if you could increase your revenue—while actually charging nonprofits less ? In this episode, Brian Meagher shares how he leveraged systems and strategies from the Grant Professional Mentorship to improve efficiency across his team and scale his impact. With over a decade of experience in fundraising—including roles in major gifts, planned giving, grant writing, and team management—Brian brings a well-rounded perspective on what it takes to run effective and sustainable fundraising operatio...
Mar 12, 2024•48 min•Ep. 314
If you’ve ever wondered when it’s time to start charging for speaking engagements—or how to turn workshops into real revenue—this episode is for you. Mandy Pearce, founder of Funding for Good, joins us to break down the strategy behind paid speaking, trainings, and nonprofit consulting. We dive into when you should stop offering free presentations, the hidden costs of delivering workshops, and how to ensure you’re actually maximizing each opportunity when you host a webinar or training. Mandy al...
Mar 05, 2024•39 min•Ep. 313
This episode, Rachel Waterman explains the common pricing mistakes grant writers make, how to use data in your pricing strategy, and how to price your grant writing services. Rachel is the CEO and Founder of GDS Grants and has over 25 years of community development and grant writing experience. Rachel explains how fairly grant professionals feel about their grant writing prices, how valued they feel, and data to review your pricing strategy. She also talks about the information you need to have ...
Feb 27, 2024•51 min•Ep. 315
This episode, Stephen Halasnik explains the financing landscape for nonprofits and the different ways nonprofits can raise money. Stephen Halasnik is the Cofounder and Managing Partner of Financing Solutions and has over 25 years of business experience dealing with banks. Stephen explains the different ways new nonprofits can raise money, the downsides of nonprofits getting a line of credit, and why nonprofits should avoid using credit cards for a line of credit. He also talks about what banks l...
Feb 20, 2024•38 min•Ep. 314
What does it take to build a truly effective, high-impact nonprofit organization? In this episode, Dr. Chris Lambert, Founder and CEO of Life Remodeled and creator of the Next Level Nonprofit organizational operating system, shares the core principles nonprofits need to follow to grow and thrive. We dive into how nonprofit leaders can build strong, effective teams and why collaboration—not competition—can significantly increase impact across organizations. Dr. Lambert also explains how to clearl...
Feb 13, 2024•38 min•Ep. 310
This episode, Stephanie Sample explains how to build a business plan, what to include in your business plan, and how to avoid burnout. Stephanie Sample is the Founder of Fundraising for The Future, a 6 figure business with a calculated profit margin and clear business goals. Stephanie explains why freelance grant writers need a business plan, the most important aspects of building a business plan, and what to include in a business plan. She also talks about why freelance grant writers should hav...
Feb 06, 2024•44 min•Ep. 312
In this episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Kent Sanders, a professional ghostwriter who helps leaders grow their businesses through books and strategic content. Kent shares the surprising similarities between ghostwriters and grant writers, and how both professions rely on clear messaging, storytelling, and aligning with a client’s mission. He dives into practical strategies grant writers can use to increase productivity, including building consistent writing habits and structuring a writing ...
Jan 30, 2024•45 min•Ep. 308
This episode, Holly Rustick explains how to save time and increase the effectiveness of your grants by using a grant writing master template. 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 to create a grant writing master template, the benefits of using a grant writing template, and what a grant writing template looks like. She also talks about the ...
Jan 23, 2024•25 min•Ep. 310
What if your financial stability didn’t depend on a 9–5 job? What if your skills and systems could provide that stability instead? In this episode, we dive into the mission behind the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and how it’s working to shift the paradigm around work, income, and freedom—especially for women freelancers. The Academy isn’t just a program—it’s a movement. A movement designed to level out the freelance grant writing industry by teaching grant writers how to build sustainable, pro...
Jan 21, 2024•27 min•Ep. 309
When you join the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, aspiring and seasoned grant writers get everything you need to quit your full-time job and replace your full-time income by freelance grant writing from your home. Yes, you are investing, but it is a drop in the bucket compared to everything you get inside. The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is a 12-Month group coaching program, where you get curriculum, coaching, customized feedback and support to start a Freelance Grant Writing Business. The Ac...
Jan 20, 2024•12 min•Ep. 308
The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is the #1 Grant Writing and Nonprofit Sales Program in the Industry. When you join the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, you get everything you need to quit your full-time job and replace your full-time income by freelance grant writing from your home. The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is a 12-Month group coaching program, where you get curriculum, coaching, customized feedback and support to start a Freelance Grant Writing Business. The price to the Academy is ...
Jan 19, 2024•41 min•Ep. 307
This episode, Jen Bowen explains how to become a freelance grant writer, get grant writing clients and secure your first grants. Jen Bowen is a member of the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and successfully transitioned in her career to become a full-time freelance grant writer. Jen joins us to discuss everything she’s learned about freelance grant writing, how the academy helped her progress in her grant writing skills, and the different grant writing support systems available in the academy. Sh...
Jan 16, 2024•33 min•Ep. 306
This episode, Tiffany Thibodeau is a grant consultant, content writer and member of the freelance grant writing academy. Tiffany joins us to discuss the amount of time it takes to get grant writing clients, how to attract the right type of clients for your grant writing business, and the benefits of offering both content writing and grant writing services. She also talks about the lifestyle benefits of freelance grant writing, the mindset you need to be a successful freelancer, and what she lear...
Jan 09, 2024•48 min•Ep. 305
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, 2024•52 min•Ep. 304
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, 2023•29 min•Ep. 303
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, 2023•32 min•Ep. 302
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, 2023•23 min•Ep. 301
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, 2023•29 min•Ep. 300
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, 2023•48 min•Ep. 299
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, 2023•36 min•Ep. 298
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, 2023•34 min•Ep. 297
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, 2023•38 min•Ep. 296
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, 2023•47 min•Ep. 295
