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, 2025•26 min•Ep. 421
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, 2025•24 min•Ep. 420
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, 2025•9 min•Ep. 419
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, 2025•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 418
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, 2025•14 min•Ep. 417
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, 2025•9 min•Ep. 416
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, 2025•25 min•Ep. 415
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, 2025•31 min
Learn about my super power - turning a no into a yes: from winning grants, to securing nonprofit clients, to having changemakers join the Grant Professional Mentorship. See this in action, as not knowing how to do this is hurting your grant wins and holding you back from getting clients.
Aug 14, 2025•45 min•Ep. 1
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, 2025•21 min
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, 2025•35 min
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, 2025•33 min
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, 2025•12 min•Ep. 414
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, 2025•30 min•Ep. 1
Tune into the Replay Training: "Work Smarter, Not Harder: How to Hire Help and Streamline Your Grant Writing Business in 2025."
Aug 06, 2025•2 hr 25 min
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, 2025•27 min
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, 2025•18 min•Ep. 413
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, 2025•29 min•Ep. 412
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, 2025•16 min•Ep. 411
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, 2025•19 min•Ep. 410
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, 2025•38 min•Ep. 409
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, 2025•25 min•Ep. 408
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, 2025•53 min•Ep. 407
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, 2025•24 min
Join Payton, Dr. Lauren, and Daphney to discover how they made their first $100,000 inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy. Find out more about the Academy: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/academy
Jun 19, 2025•1 hr 16 min
Listen to how Gabrielle, Christina, and Eowyn all got their first grants or clients inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy.
Jun 19, 2025•41 min
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, 2025•53 min•Ep. 406
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, 2025•16 min
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, 2025•10 min
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, 2025•1 hr 49 min