In this episode of the Grant Writing & Funding Podcast, Holly Rustick breaks down the shocking dismissal of all 22 members of the National Science Board and what it signals for the future of federal funding, philanthropy, and grant strategy. Holly shares why this moment matters far beyond NSF grants and how shifting agency priorities are creating both uncertainty and opportunity across the nonprofit and research sectors. You’ll learn how organizations are responding to changing funding lands...
May 19, 2026•27 min•Ep. 454
Discover how a boutique consulting firm can outperform large agencies by leaning into relationships, strategy, and high-touch service. In this episode, Dr. Eve McGee shares how she’s secured major wins, built long-term client partnerships, and why grant readiness (not just grant writing) is the real key to funding success. ABOUT OUR GUEST Based in Kansas City, Missouri, Dr. Eve McGee is the Owner and CEO of McGee KC Consulting, where she transforms nonprofit vision into sustainable funding. Draw...
May 12, 2026•27 min•Ep. 453
This month marked a major milestone inside the grant writing community: over $10 million generated in student grant writing businesses and a collective $278 million in grant funding secured. In this episode, we break down exactly what happened in March 2026 in the grant writing industry, what’s working right now in the grant funding landscape, and what these results signal for both freelance grant writers and nonprofit leaders. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN The different levels of grant funding being secure...
May 05, 2026•27 min•Ep. 452
In this episode, Holly Rustick shares a real-time update from Guam following a recent super typhoon, and then dives into what every grant writer needs to understand about 2026 federal funding. If you’ve been hearing that “there’s no more grant money” or that federal funding has been slashed, this episode breaks down what’s actually happening versus what made headlines. Holly unpacks key budget shifts, where research funding is still strong, and how to position your proposals to stay competitive....
Apr 28, 2026•27 min•Ep. 451
In this episode of the Grant Writing & Funding podcast, Holly Rustick interviews Cindy Wagman, founder of the Nonprofit Fractional Network, about the growing role of fractional consulting in the nonprofit sector. Cindy explains how fractional work differs from traditional freelance work by combining strategy, planning, and implementation into one role. This model allows nonprofits to access experienced leadership without hiring full-time staff—making it especially valuable for organizations ...
Apr 21, 2026•30 min•Ep. 450
Steve Vick returns to the podcast to unpack what nonprofit leaders and grant professionals need to understand about AI adoption right now. As the founder of Bright Nonprofit and longtime host of the Nonprofit Ally podcast, Steve brings both nonprofit and tech expertise to the conversation and explains why AI is not just a tool issue: it is a governance issue. In this episode, Holly and Steve dig into AI readiness, source of truth, data integrity, human-in-the-loop review, and why AI often reveal...
Apr 14, 2026•36 min•Ep. 449
In this February 2026 Funded Series episode, we break down what actually changed in just 30 days inside a growing ecosystem of freelance grant writers and why it matters. This month alone: Over $1.5 million in grant funding was secured Nearly $464,000 in client deals were closed In this episode, Holly unpacks the exact patterns behind these wins, including: The shift from learning → leveraging Why clarity is outperforming hustle How systems and feedback loops are driving real results And what’s ...
Apr 07, 2026•16 min•Ep. 448
In this episode of the Grant Writing & Funding Podcast , Holly Rustick breaks down a key shift that separates grant writers earning around $50K per year from those building six-figure grant businesses . Interestingly, the difference isn’t talent, experience, or even how hard someone works. Many grant writers have similar technical skills: strong proposal writing, program design knowledge, and a passion for supporting nonprofit missions. The real difference lies in how their work is structure...
Mar 31, 2026•14 min•Ep. 447
In this bonus episode of the Grant Writing & Funding podcast, Holly Rustick sits down with Emma Krass, Owner and Lead Grant Writer of Grants & Growth, to talk about what it really takes to move from freelancer to CEO. Emma shares her journey from working at a grant writing firm to building her own business—and the challenges she faced along the way. From underpricing services and taking on the wrong clients to feeling disorganized and overwhelmed, Emma opens up about what wasn’t working ...
Mar 27, 2026•24 min
What does it really take to move from freelancer to CEO—and finally take time off without your business falling apart? In this special mentorship spotlight episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Alexandra Cohen, founder of ANC Consult, to share her journey of building, refining, and scaling her grant writing business. Alexandra first joined one of Holly’s earliest programs back in 2022, then rejoined years later to grow and scale her business in a more sustainable way. Since then, she’s streamlin...
Mar 27, 2026•15 min
Many successful grant writers eventually reach a moment where their business hits a ceiling, not because there isn’t demand, but because their business relies entirely on their personal capacity. In this episode, Holly Rustick discusses the transition from operating solely as a freelancer to stepping into the role of CEO of your grant writing business. She explores why burnout often appears when grant writers reach full client capacity and how shifting your mindset, systems, and support structur...
Mar 24, 2026•11 min•Ep. 446
D Abshire of Aim for Funding shares how joining the Grant Professional Mentorship helped them move from burnout and 60–80 hour workweeks to a more sustainable, profitable grant writing business. In this conversation, D opens up about doubling her income with fewer clients, taking her first real vacation in years, and building the systems and boundaries that gave her both business growth and personal freedom. They also talks about the power of coaching, community, and having a proven framework to...
Mar 20, 2026•19 min
Marshan Marick shares how niching into public health grants, building stronger systems, and shifting her mindset helped her grow a sustainable six-figure grant writing business. In this episode, she talks about moving from doing everything manually to creating repeatable processes, defining growth on her own terms, and building a business that supports both her income goals and her family life. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How Marshan transitioned from an experienced grant writer to a syst...
Mar 20, 2026•28 min
What happens when you stop letting your business “just happen” to you—and start building it with intention? In this episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Christine Sakwitz, owner and primary consultant of Kingdom Come Consulting, to share her journey from feeling scattered and reactive in her grant writing business to building clarity, confidence, and consistent revenue. Christine opens up about how coaching, community, and systems inside the Grant Professional Mentorship transformed the way she...
Mar 20, 2026•18 min
In this episode, Holly Rustick discusses why freelance grant writing is one of the most powerful and recession-resistant skill sets nonprofit professionals can develop. She explains how building a stable freelance grant writing business allows you to take control of your financial future instead of relying on a single employer for retirement. Holly walks through the common financial challenges nonprofit professionals face, how to start thinking like a CEO with your freelance income, and the reti...
Mar 17, 2026•22 min•Ep. 445
In this episode, Holly Rustick talks with Nekaycha Cavil , Founder and Lead Consultant of Connected Haven, about how she refined her consulting business and created a scalable offer inside the Grant Professional Mentorship . Nekaycha shares how she moved from being a broad generalist to gaining clarity in her services and positioning. With the mentorship support, she transformed a growing database of grant opportunities into a structured membership designed to help small businesses access fundin...
Mar 15, 2026•25 min
Sara Cohen shares what it looks like to level up a grant writing business after 10 years of experience. In this conversation, she opens up about leaving nonprofit dysfunction behind, building a business through word of mouth, and reaching a point where she knew it was time to refine her systems, pricing, and boundaries. Sara talks candidly about a major mindset shift she experienced inside the Grant Professional Mentorship: moving away from hourly-based retainers and toward a more sustainable co...
Mar 15, 2026•15 min
Amy Krigsman shares how she doubled her revenue in 2025, reached her first six-figure year, and began scaling ARK Nonprofit Consulting with the support of the Grant Professional Mentorship. In this case study episode, she talks candidly about moving through the messy middle of business growth, reinvesting in targeted support, building a trusted team, and creating more space in her business by hiring subcontractors and a business development manager. Amy also reflects on why she wishes she had jo...
Mar 15, 2026•17 min
What happens when you stop thinking like a technician and start thinking like a CEO? In this powerful case study interview, Holly sits down with mentorship student Guy A. Holley to unpack the mindset, systems, and strategic shifts that helped him break through his long-standing revenue ceiling and surpass his first $100K year by an additional $15K–$20K. Guy shares how moving from ad-hoc grant projects to scalable systems, implementing SOPs, setting firm boundaries, and aligning his business with...
Mar 10, 2026•32 min•Ep. 444
Securing over $23 million in grant funding in just 24 months is no small feat, and today’s guest has done exactly that. In this episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Gwen Valentino , a New Mexico-based grant strategist who specializes in navigating complex federal and state funding streams. From DOT to LWCF to Healthy Food Financing Initiative awards, Gwen shares what it really takes to manage high-stakes proposals, stay compliant with federal regulations, and build strong municipal partnerships...
Mar 10, 2026•19 min
Fielding Lost $100K in One Week: How This Federal Grant Writer Rebuilt Her Business for 2026 What does it look like to move from fully booked grant writer… to true CEO? In this powerful mentorship case study, Holly sits down with Fielding Jezreel , CEO of Jezreel Consulting and founder of the Federal Grants Accelerator, to unpack what changed when she decided to stop operating like a contractor and start thinking like a business owner. After nearly a decade in business, and seven years before jo...
Mar 10, 2026•21 min
In this episode, Holly Rustick breaks down the evolving landscape of grant writing in 2026 , sharing powerful insights from January’s funding data and what it signals for the nonprofit sector and freelance grant writers. With $6 million in grants secured in January alone — 84% from family foundations — Holly unpacks what this means for funding trends, strategic positioning, and revenue growth opportunities. You’ll hear why relationship building with foundations is now the differentiator , how no...
Mar 03, 2026•19 min•Ep. 443
Nonprofits exist to do good in the world—but what happens when the people doing that work are burned out, overwhelmed, and working inside unhealthy cultures? In today’s episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Marcia Beckner, nonprofit founder and culture transformation strategist, to talk about one of the most overlooked drivers of impact: organizational culture. After founding My Lifeline Cancer Foundation and serving as Executive Director for 10 years, Marcia saw firsthand how stress, staff turn...
Feb 24, 2026•34 min•Ep. 442
When Nonprofits Should Consider Both Grant Writing & Individual Donor Giving Campaigns In this conversation, Holly Rustick interviews Alex Cohen, CEO of ANC Consult, about her journey from law to nonprofit consulting, the challenges faced in the nonprofit sector in 2026, and the importance of adapting services to meet the evolving needs of nonprofits. Alex discusses her expansion from grant writing to include donor engagement, emphasizing the significance of storytelling in fundraising and t...
Feb 17, 2026•29 min•Ep. 441
Is Grant Writing Worth It? My Honest Answer Is grant writing actually worth it? In this episode, Holly Rustick is breaking down the honest truth about what grant writing really is, who it’s for, and whether it can realistically turn into a paid skill or career. If you’re new to grant writing, thinking about freelancing, or wondering if this path makes sense for you, this episode will help you understand the learning curve, the income potential, and what most people don’t realize before getting s...
Feb 10, 2026•14 min•Ep. 440
December 2025 shows what happens when grant writers stop scrambling and start operating with systems. December results: $5.01M in grant funding secured 45 grants awarded Median grant around $25K $422,000+ earned in grant writing businesses What got funded: General operating support, state and local funding, and capital/development grants: awarded to prepared organizations with clear narratives and budgets. What worked to win grants: Master Grant Applications unlimited grant reviews reusing feedb...
Feb 03, 2026•19 min•Ep. 439
Join Holly Rustick as she shares insider secrets from her decade of experience as a federal grant reviewer. Discover why even well-thought-out grant proposals can get rejected and learn strategies to ensure your proposals rise to the top. Holly discusses the importance of clarity, credibility, and alignment between your narrative and budget. Plus, find out about the resources available through the Freelance Grant Writer Academy to help you secure more grants and build a flexible income. Don't mi...
Jan 27, 2026•13 min•Ep. 438
In this engaging interview, Holly Rustick talks with Theresa Fowler about her extensive experience in grant writing and consulting. Theresa shares her journey from working full-time in California to becoming a consultant in Texas, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and family commitments. They discuss the benefits of the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, including templates and coaching calls, and Theresa's passion for helping organizations improve their grant success and systems. ABOUT OUR...
Jan 24, 2026•32 min•Ep. 1
In this conversation, Dr. Melvin Musick shares his journey from a traditional consultancy to a thriving grant writing business, emphasizing the importance of discipline, relationships, and creative thinking. He discusses how joining the Academy transformed his approach to grant writing and consultancy, leading to significant financial success and personal growth. Dr. Musick highlights the value of networking and finding clients in everyday situations, showcasing how personal interactions can lea...
Jan 24, 2026•31 min
Why “Stable” Jobs Don’t Feel Safe Anymore In uncertain times, many “stable” jobs don’t feel so stable anymore. In this episode, Holly Rustick, CEO of the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, unpacks the illusion of fixed income and why relying on a single employer, whether in nonprofits, government, or corporate roles, can create a false sense of security. As costs rise and economic conditions shift, salaries often fail to keep pace, leaving many people quietly stressed, overworked, and afraid to spe...
Jan 20, 2026•17 min•Ep. 437
