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

Should Freelance Grant Writers Submit Grants on Behalf of Your Clients?

In this episode, Holly Rustick dives into a nuanced topic that many freelance grant writers grapple with: Should you, as a freelancer, submit grants directly on behalf of your clients, or should your clients always be the ones submitting? Holly unpacks the different approaches, shares best practices, and explores the implications for liability, client capacity-building, and business strategy. Tune in today to listen to this podcast. To learn more about the podcast episodes go to https://grantwri...

Sep 30, 202526 minEp. 421

Reframing Grant Rejection

In this heartfelt episode, Holly dives deep into the topic every grant writer faces but rarely wants to talk about—grant rejections. She reminds us that denials are a natural (and frequent!) part of the grant writing world, often for reasons outside your control, like shifting funder priorities or geographic focus. Holly shares her own experiences, how even seasoned grant writers get rejected, and why your worth is not tied to every grant outcome. You’ll also get practical tips on navigating tho...

Sep 23, 202524 minEp. 420

Mastering Grant Prospecting: Free & Paid Tools for Success

We dive into the essentials of grant prospecting, covering both free and paid tools. Learn how to find funders, understand RFPs, and utilize top software like Grants.gov, Instrumental, and Foundation Directory Online to secure grants for your organization. Whether you're a seasoned grant writer or a newbie nonprofit, discover insights and strategies to enhance your grant-seeking process. Tune in today to listen to this podcast. To learn more about the podcast episodes go to https://grantwritinga...

Sep 16, 20259 minEp. 419

What Saves Grant Writers Hours Every Week (it's not AI)

Freelance grant writing comes with freedom—and a lot of moving parts. If you’re juggling multiple clients, deadlines, and reporting requirements, you need more than a spreadsheet. You need a system that saves time without adding complexity. Join us for this live panel replay where fellow freelance grant professionals share how they use Grant Management Made Easy to stay organized, meet deadlines, and keep clients happy—without burning out. You’ll hear directly from 4 amazing grant professionals ...

Sep 09, 20251 hr 28 minEp. 418

What Is Grant Writing?

Ever wondered what grant writing actually is and how you can start even without a degree, certification, or years of experience? In this video, Holly Rustick, CEO of Freelance Grant Writer Academy and Grant Professional Mentorship , breaks down grant writing in its simplest form: connecting mission and money . Tune in today to listen to this podcast. To learn more about the podcast episodes go to https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-writing-podcast/ "Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podca...

Sep 02, 202514 minEp. 417

90 Days Off Per Year and $17K More Money: The Math of Freelance Grant Writing

Discover how you can earn significantly more and work less as a freelance grant writer compared to a full-time nonprofit job. Join Holly Rustic, owner of the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, as she breaks down the math, showing you how freelancing can result in higher earnings and more free time. Learn about potential incomes, expenses, and the benefits of freelancing, including greater flexibility and vacations. Explore additional resources to improve your grant writing skills, set up your busin...

Aug 26, 20259 minEp. 416

How to Get Corporate Sponsors for your Nonprofit

In this episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Cynthia Currence, author of Beyond Checks and Halos , to explore how nonprofits can build impactful, long-term partnerships with corporations to increase funding, expand reach, and boost community impact. Cynthia shares real-world strategies for creating win-win collaborations between nonprofits and for-profits, moving beyond transactional sponsorships to meaningful, mission-aligned relationships. Together, they discuss how nonprofits can position th...

Aug 19, 202525 minEp. 415

Grants Beyond Borders: How Sophie Grew Her Grant Writing Team from Her Home in South Africa

In this conversation, Holly Rustick interviews Sophie Olivier, the CEO and founder of Flourish Fundraising , who shares her journey in grant writing and fundraising from South Africa. Sophie discusses the unique challenges and opportunities in the South African nonprofit sector, the importance of understanding different grant types, and the value of templates and adaptability in grant writing. She emphasizes the significance of grant readiness, building client relationships, and the impact of gl...

Aug 15, 202531 min

Mindset & Strategy Behind Growing Your Grant Writing Business in 2025

The word for grant writers to embrace in 2025 is current. This can be used in many ways, but one is that of following a current in a river. There might be rocks in the way, and sometimes it feels like a strong current, but remembering there is flow and change is vital. And currents aren't a bad thing, either! We need them so the waters aren't stagnant. Tune in today to be inspired by everything grant consulting in today's new world of grant writing.

Aug 14, 202521 min

Ginny Secured $3.5 Million in Grants 18 Months When She Left Her Fundraising Job

In this inspiring conversation, Holly Rustick sits down with Dr. Ginny Blankenship, founder of Lightmaker Grants and Strategy , to explore her unexpected path into grant writing and how she built a thriving business from the ground up. Ginny opens up about the challenges and opportunities in today’s grant landscape, the power of community and mentorship, and the lessons she’s learned about growing strategically while staying true to her mission. Whether you’re just starting your grant writing jo...

Aug 13, 202535 min

Kia Created Systems to Hire a VA and start a Blog in her Grant Writing Business

In this inspiring episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Kia Chatmon , founder of Heart for the Community Consulting , to explore her journey from working in the nonprofit sector to building a thriving grant writing and consulting business. Kia opens up about the diverse cause areas she serves—ranging from health and education to youth development—and shares the exact systems she’s put in place to streamline operations, improve client onboarding, and free up her time. From the power of networking...

Aug 13, 202533 min

Grant Writing is Not Dead in 2025

Is grant writing still a viable business in 2025? YES—and here’s the proof. In this episode of the Grant Writing & Funding podcast, Holly Rustick breaks down what’s happening in the U.S. federal grant landscape in 2025 and how freelance grant writers are still building thriving, high-income businesses even during times of funding uncertainty. Tune in today to listen to this podcast. To learn more about the podcast episodes go to https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-writing-podcast/ ABOUT...

Aug 12, 202512 minEp. 414

Lydia moved to Germany—and raised $2.5M for Environmental Justice in 2025 for For-Profits

In this bonus episode, Holly Rustick interviews Lydia Vollmann, founder of Grant Our Community, discussing her transition from federal grants to for-profit opportunities, the integration of AI into her work, and the decision to move to Germany. Lydia shares insights on environmental justice, the importance of mentorship, and her recent move to Germany, highlighting the flexibility and independence her career has afforded her. The conversation emphasizes the value of networking and collaboration ...

Aug 08, 202530 minEp. 1

Courtney Left Her Job, Hired Her Husband & Mom, and Now Helps Arts Orgs Fund Big Dreams

In this conversation, Holly Rustick interviews Courtney Oliphant, CEO and founder of Coastal Nonprofit Consulting. Courtney shares her journey from working at a performing arts small nonprofit to starting her own consulting business. She discusses how she added services (and hired her husband full-time and her mom) to help performing arts nonprofits and organizations impacted by 2025 grant changes, the importance of being inside the Grant Professional Mentorship when hiring help, and how her bus...

Aug 05, 202527 min

I've Spent $97,403 On Freelancers For My Grant Writing Business : Here's What I learned

In this episode, we delve into the crucial lessons learned from spending over $97,403 on hiring freelancers and agencies for a grant writing business. Discover the importance of developing the right hiring mindset, knowing which roles to hire for and when, setting clear job descriptions, and using test projects to find the best candidates. Join us for actionable tips and insights to enhance your hiring process and drive your business forward. ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK Grant Writing & Funding (GWF)...

Aug 05, 202518 minEp. 413

Proven Steps to Book Out Your Freelance Grant Writing Business

In this episode of the Grant Writing and Funding podcast, host Holly Rustic shares proven strategies to help freelance grant writers find and secure clients. Holly discusses the importance of short-term, medium-term, and long-term lead generation methods, including leveraging personal and professional networks, social media, and hosting training events. She also provides insights into the benefits of creating a newsletter, investing in ads, and using SEO to scale up your grant writing business. ...

Jul 29, 202529 minEp. 412

Mastering Grant Writing Pricing Models

Holly shares her expertise in grant writing and nonprofit sales strategies to help freelance grant writers create stable incomes and flexible schedules. Holly discusses the challenges of pricing grant writing services accurately and introduces the three primary pricing models: hourly, retainer, and packaging. She emphasizes the importance of value-based pricing and offers steps to determine fair pricing. Tune in today to listen to this podcast. To learn more about the podcast episodes go to http...

Jul 22, 202516 minEp. 411

Grant Writing Pricing Models Explained: Hourly, Package & Retainer

In this episode Holly delves into the various pricing models for freelance grant writers, emphasizing the importance of tracking time to accurately estimate pricing. She discusses the drawbacks of charging on commission and explains why it is against best practices. Holly presents three core pricing models: hourly, package, and retainer, outlining the pros and cons of each. She shares tips on setting up effective retainer agreements for consistent cash flow and highlights the importance of valui...

Jul 15, 202519 minEp. 410

The Future of Philanthropy: 2025 Trends and Insights

Explore how cause-driven giving, advocacy, and innovation are reshaping nonprofits in 2025 and beyond. Tune in to listen to Micheal Thatcher from Charity Navigator. In this conversation, Holly Rustick speaks with Michael Thatcher, CEO of Charity Navigator, about the evolving landscape of nonprofit evaluation and philanthropy. They discuss the launch of new funds, trends in giving, and the importance of advocacy in the nonprofit sector. Michael shares insights on how giving patterns are changing,...

Jul 08, 202538 minEp. 409

Bridging Divides: Connecting for Impact in Today's Fundraising Landscape

Navigating political divides in fundraising—learn how connection, storytelling, and strategy can drive nonprofit success. In this conversation, Holly Rustick and Kamy Akhavan discuss the intersection of politics and fundraising, emphasizing the importance of human connection in nonprofit work. They explore how social division impacts community engagement and fundraising efforts, while also highlighting opportunities that arise from chaos. The discussion underscores the need for emotional storyte...

Jul 01, 202525 minEp. 408

Find out What Freelance Grant Writers Charged for their Services in 2024

Go behind the scenes with Global Development Solutions and their 2024 Freelance Grant Writer Pricing Survey! Rachel Waterman and her team have done a 3rd annual Pricing Report! We love everything about this! Find out what freelance grant writers are pricing their grant writing surveys. About Rachel Waterman, GPC, CFRE Rachel Waterman is a thinker, published author, award winning researcher, professional artist and mother of two with over 25 years of community development and grant writing experi...

Jun 24, 202553 minEp. 407

Gabrielle Quit Her Job When Pregnant & Built a $12K Per Month Grant Writing Business

In this conversation, Holly Rustick interviews Gabrielle Perry, a successful grant writer who shares her journey of transitioning from a 9-5 job to running her own grant writing business. Gabrielle discusses the challenges she faced, the importance of community and mentorship, and how she has achieved significant financial success through value-based pricing and building a strong brand. She emphasizes the personal transformation she has experienced, gaining confidence and freedom in her professi...

Jun 20, 202524 min

Transformations from the Academy: From Stay-at-Home Mom to Making More Than Her Husband and Relocating to Spain

This episode is from the Freelance Grant Writer Academy “Cultivating Community: Peer Spotlights and Networking” with our very own co-coaches - Gwen Valentino and D Abshire! They share about how they got into grant writing, what their biggest challenges have been, what has been useful in changing their lives in the Academy, and what they see students doing inside the Academy that get the most results! Takeaways - they both now have FREEDOM and Choices! Gwen shares how she has 13X the amount of re...

Jun 17, 202553 minEp. 406

5 Reasons to Join the Academy in This Round

Here are 5 reasons you should join the Freelance Grant Writer Academy in this Round (i.e. before the doors close on June 22nd). #1) Live Discovery Sales Call Day Lab: Learn, Practice, Convert Happening on Tuesday, June 24th at 2:30 pm - 5pm EST (replay available) We will have a LIVE SALES CALL DAY for Academy students. This will be part of our annual live trainings! #1 - I’ll do a Sales Call training (my 5-Step Proven Process to have high-converting calls) #2 - We have mock sales calls (to show ...

Jun 12, 202516 min

Will Create a Done-For-You Grant Writing Business Plan AND Find 25 Nonprofit Leads

BONUSES END JUNE 13th, 2025***Not sure where to start with a freelance grant writing business? It sounds amazing, but you just don’t know where to start. Should you start with getting grant writing skills? Should you start with a website? Should you start reaching out to nonprofits? Do you need to start learning (or honing) grant skills first? This can feel overwhelming. And overwhelm can lead to taking NO action. That’s why when you join the Freelance Grant Writer Academy by Friday, June 13th a...

Jun 12, 202510 min

Replay: Work From Home. Replace Your Paycheck, on Part-Time Hours, as a Grant & Funding Strategist in 2025

The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is the #1 Grant Writing and Nonprofit Business Acumen Program in the Industry …and the doors are finally open! Each part of the Academy is a simple process, even if you work a full-time job. You get 12 months to do the curriculum, community, and coaching to learn grant writing and business acumen. Plus, there are 2 amazing bonuses available when you join the Freelance Grant Writer Academy by Friday, June 13th at 11:59 pm EST: BONUS #1 ***NEW BONUS: Done-4-You F...

Jun 12, 20251 hr 49 min
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