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

Toolkit for Nonprofits to Get Social Media Influencers and Ambassadors

Finding social media ambassadors and influencers for your nonprofit might feel like an unattainable goal. I mean, who really knows Kim Kardashian or Beyonce? But influencers and ambassadors do not have to equal super elite celebrities . In fact, influencers could include a work-from-home mom that has a YouTube channel about baking for toddlers or a really good friend that is a part of a networking group. Reaching out to the right type of people who have the audience that makes sense for your non...

Apr 12, 202238 minEp. 214

How Nonprofits Can Use Technology to Increase Donor Retention

Stu joins us to share how nonprofits can use technology and data to significantly increase donor retention and long-term giving. With over 30 years of experience, he breaks down how organizations can better leverage the data they already have, implement simple but effective strategies to improve donor stewardship, and use tools like surveys and timely follow-ups—such as the critical 45-day touchpoint—to keep supporters engaged. We also explore the growing impact of technology in the nonprofit se...

Apr 05, 202248 minEp. 213

Why Grants are Start-Up Funding and How Services Can Sustain Programs

In this episode, we dive into how to build sustainable funding for LGBTQ+ nonprofits—and the real challenges and opportunities that come with it. Jack shares his journey of finding support through LGBTQ+ organizations and how that experience ultimately led him to found TurnOut, a platform designed to connect volunteers with grassroots LGBTQ+ nonprofits. We explore what it takes to fund and grow mission-driven organizations in this space, including the role of grants as startup or expansion fundi...

Mar 29, 202254 minEp. 212

A Grant Writer’s Dream: The System To Build Relationships With Funding Sources

Rachel Waterman joins us to share how grant writers and nonprofits can build stronger, more strategic relationships with funding sources to create sustainable funding pipelines. With over 25 years of experience, she breaks down why securing grants still costs nonprofits money, how to ensure funding supports core operational needs, and the often-confusing distinctions between program and operating expenses. We also explore how to build long-term relationships with both nonprofit clients and funde...

Mar 22, 202256 minEp. 211

Revealed! Sneak Peek of the 6-Week Grant Writing Training

If you’ve ever stared at a blank page wondering where to even begin with a grant… you’re not alone. Grant writing can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, we break down a simple, step-by-step framework to help you move from confusion to clarity when writing grants. You’ll learn how to stop starting from scratch every time and instead use proven strategies to guide your process. We cover practical research tips so you know exactly where to find the right grants, how to wr...

Mar 16, 202217 minEp. 210

7 Grant Writing Tips to Increase Grant Funding

If you are looking to increase your grant writing skills to the next level, you are going to love these tips! First off, do you already know how to write grants ? If not, that’s okay! You might also want to refer to our article on the steps on drafting an effective grant application . In this article and podcast, I am going to go over some sidebar tips on grant writing that will increase your competitiveness for getting grant funding. I’ve used these tips throughout my 16+ years of grant writing...

Mar 09, 202223 minEp. 209

Ep. 208: 5 Steps to Draft an Effective Grant Writing Template

✨💌 Visit www.grantwritingandfunding.com for the Hub Haven Grant Writing Resources 💌✨ 👉💰🖥️ Grant Writing Master Course: Get sample grants, logic models, videos, and more. Start to write winning grants! https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-writing-master-course/ 🖥️🔥 👉 Want to get paid to write grants? Join the Freelance Grant Writer Master Course to launch and grow a freelance grant writing business: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-course/ 🤗☕👉 Want to increa...

Mar 03, 202229 minEp. 208

How Nonprofits Can Use YouTube to increase Donations

YouTube isn’t just for entertainment—it’s a powerful platform for fundraising. But how can nonprofits actually leverage it? In this episode, Sydney Stelmaszek shares her firsthand experience using YouTube to raise funds for SynGAP1 research, a rare disease that personally impacts her family. As a student of the grant writing master course, Sydney brings both heart and strategy as she explains how she and her husband tapped into his YouTube channel to support their nonprofit mission. We explore h...

Feb 22, 202249 minEp. 207

Financial Management, Cashflow Planning, and QuickBooks for Nonprofits

Ansley Fender joins us to break down the essentials of nonprofit financial management, answering common questions around budgeting, cashflow planning, audits, and financial software like QuickBooks. She shares practical strategies to help nonprofits avoid financial red flags, including how to properly structure financial oversight with key roles like an internal reviewer, treasurer, and auditor. We also explore how financial systems connect across grant management, fundraising, operations, and p...

Feb 17, 202244 minEp. 206

The 3-Step ASK Formula to Get Donors to Give to Your Nonprofit

Asking donors to give money to your nonprofit can feel uncomfortable—even stressful. Many nonprofit leaders, board members, and volunteers aren’t sure how to approach the conversation, what to ask for, or even who they should be asking. But here’s the truth: nonprofits need to ask for donations. The key is knowing how to do it effectively. In this episode, Dr. Omotola Akinsola of The Funding Magnet shares her powerful ASK Formula—a simple, actionable approach to help you confidently engage donor...

Feb 09, 202242 minEp. 205

Ep. 204: Designing Grassroots Education in Conflict Zones

To Move Mountains is an U.S. IRS tax-exempt nonprofit organization developed to facilitate education development in the conflict area of Nuba in Sudan. I had the pleasure of speaking to the founder of To Move Mountains, Ryan Boyette in this episode. He shares with you how this nonprofit has been able leverage resources and international funding. But first, they started (and remain) at the community level. They asked the pivotal question to the community, "What do you want?" A resounding voice wa...

Feb 02, 202253 minEp. 204

How Nonprofits and Freelance Grant Writers Can Leverage The Great Resignation

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted every part of our lives—from mental and physical health to how we work and lead.Nonprofits and freelance grant writers are no exception. As we continue navigating the post-2020 landscape, the workforce has shifted dramatically—giving rise to what’s known as the Great Resignation. And while this shift has created challenges, it has also opened up new opportunities. In this episode, we explore how both nonprofit leaders and freelance grant writers can strategical...

Jan 27, 202233 minEp. 203

Ep. 202: 4 Reasons Why a Grant Writer Cannot Get Paid on Commission

Grant writers cannot get paid to write grants on commission. This is one of the most popular urban myths of the grant writing world. It might sound like a win-win situation, but it's not. ✨💌 Visit www.grantwritingandfunding.com for the Hub Haven Grant Writing Resources 💌✨ 🖥️ Free Training on January 24th 2022: "How to Identify 50 Nonprofit Clients in Less Than an Hour" https://grantwritingandfunding.com/get-clients ✨ 5-Day Challenge: Confidently Pitch Your Grant Writing Services to Nonprofit ...

Jan 20, 202215 minEp. 202

Why the Nonprofit World Has a Bias Against Women and How to Break the Bias

In this episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Mazarine Treyz to have an honest and necessary conversation about gender bias in the nonprofit sector. With nearly 66% of grant writers in the United States identifying as women, the prevalence of discrimination, underpayment, and inequity is both widespread and unacceptable. Together, they unpack how sexism shows up in the nonprofit world, including how white supremacy culture can influence freelance grant writing spaces and workplace dynamics. They...

Jan 12, 202255 minEp. 201

How to Identify What Rates to Charge as a Grant Writer

Grant writers ask me this question a lot, “Holly, how much should I charge to write grants?” While executive directors at nonprofit organizations ask me, “How much should I expect to pay to hire a freelance grant writer?” My answer… Well, there certainly is no magic number. But there are systems to identify what rates YOU can charge as a grant writer . Because the most important constant variable in this situation is… You. Whether that is you as a freelance grant writer or you as an executive di...

Dec 21, 202152 minEp. 200

How Your Nonprofit Can Boost Donor Retention Via Video

Does your nonprofit struggle to retain donors while constantly searching for new ones? You’re not alone. This challenge is known as donor churn—and most nonprofits lose around 55% of their donors every year. Even more surprising? It can cost 50–100% more to acquire new donors than the value of their initial donation. So how do you break the cycle? In this episode, we explore a powerful and personal approach to donor engagement using video—with Matt Barnett, co-founder of Bonjoro. Bonjoro is a pl...

Dec 15, 202157 minEp. 199

Ep. 198: 7 Tips to Write a Grant Proposal

✨💌 Visit www.grantwritingandfunding.com for the Hub Haven Grant Writing Resources 💌✨ 👉💰🖥️ Grant Writing Master Course: Get sample grants, logic models, videos, and more. Start to write winning grants! https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-writing-master-course/ 👉 🖥️🔥 Want to get paid to write grants? Join the Freelance Grant Writer Master Course to launch and grow a freelance grant writing business: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-course/ 👉💡 🖥️ Want to inc...

Dec 08, 202117 minEp. 198

Why Every Nonprofit Should Be On Instagram - and how to use it effectively

Is your nonprofit on Instagram—but not seeing real results? In this episode, Christina Edwards, founder of Splendid Consulting, shares how nonprofits can strategically use Instagram to grow their audience and convert followers into real supporters and donors. We dive into simple, actionable steps to help you avoid the social media rabbit hole and focus on what actually matters—conversion. Christina breaks down how to move followers to take meaningful action, how to use tools like Canva to create...

Nov 30, 202147 minEp. 197

The Grant Writing & Funding Hub Haven

The Grant Writing & Funding Hub Haven is your go-to space for support, strategy, and success in your grant writing journey. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, isolated, or unsure about your next steps in securing funding, this episode is for you. In this solo episode, Holly Rustick dives into what the Hub Haven is, why it was created, and how it serves as a powerful resource for both new and experienced grant writers. From ongoing training and expert guidance to a supportive community of like-...

Nov 23, 202118 minEp. 196

Ep. 195: Top Tips to Raise Funds for Your Nonprofit on GivingTuesday

✨💌 Visit www.grantwritingandfunding.com for the Hub Haven Grant Writing Resources 💌✨ It's almost that time of the year! GivingTuesday is right around the corner and you might be getting ready to raise funds for your nonprofit! Therefore, it is only fitting that we have Nonprofit Jenni on the show to share some awesome tips about GivingTuesday strategies. Jenni has worked with nonprofits for years on GivingTuesday fundraising campaigns and shares some case studies on what works! Plus, she's got...

Nov 16, 202146 minEp. 195

Ep. 194: Instrumentl Grant Research Platform: How to Analyze 990s

Are you looking for a place to find Foundation Grants? Look no further, Instrumentl is your place! ✨ [Start your 14-day trial here: https://www.instrumentl.com/holly] and use ‘HOLLY50′ to save $50 off your first month. 🍾 Want other FREE Grant Writing & Funding Tools? https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com 🖥️ Want the Grant Writing Master Course? Get tons of templates and tools to write winning grants: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-writing-master-course/ We have Gauri Manglik bac...

Nov 09, 202136 minEp. 194

How to Harness Your Nonprofit Board Structure to Raise Money

Sean Kosofsky from Nonprofit Fixer joins us to share how nonprofits can successfully launch or revive a development (fundraising) committee to increase revenue without overburdening their board of directors. He breaks down what a development committee is, why it shouldn’t consist solely of board members, and the essential actions it must take to be effective. We also explore how to recruit and engage volunteers, assign and complete tasks efficiently, avoid social loafing, run productive meetings...

Oct 25, 202132 minEp. 193

Ep. 192: Sneak Peek Behind the Freelance Grant Writer Master Course

If you’re tired of being on the fence and you want to start a real business and get nonprofit clients, I can help. Or, if you’re already an accomplished grant writer and want to grow your business, you’ll see how the Freelance Grant Writer Master Course can get you there easier and faster. Let's outline how to start a real business and get nonprofit clients. I’m going to show you how to get there with a lot more ease. And it’s all because of the system I’ve developed behind the Freelance Grant W...

Oct 20, 202136 minEp. 192

4 Proven Tips to Price Your Grant Writing Services

Understanding how to price grant writing services is one of the biggest headaches that freelance grant writers have. I know this because: Pricing services was what I struggled with the most, and It is the biggest question / coaching sessions that I get asked about by people transitioning into freelance grant writing. If you’ve ever been confused about how all the pieces of freelance grant writing fit together, and more importantly, what goes into creating massive success with freelance grant wri...

Oct 15, 202128 minEp. 191

How To Find Nonprofit Clients For Your Grant Writing Business

Once someone either thinks about starting a freelance grant writing business or has already taken the leap, a huge question (rightfully so) comes up: How do I get nonprofit clients for my grant writing business? Well, yeah, you need to get nonprofit clients (or even for-profit clients in some cases) for it to be an actual income-generating business. But just creating a website or a business card alone will not get you there. Now in this article, I’m going to teach you how to get and keep nonprof...

Oct 11, 202133 minEp. 190

The First Step to Become a Freelance Grant Writer

The First Step to Become a Freelance Grant Writer Why are some freelance grant writers able to create a thriving business while others are just dreaming about being a professional grant writer? Why do some grant writers grow their practice and seem to get all the clients while others just dream about it and get stuck in their J-O-B? And why are some people clear about how to start and grow their grant writing business while others are floundering? Can I be a Grant Writer even with No Experience?...

Oct 05, 202126 minEp. 189

Why Grant Writers Need To Stop Consulting For Free

Oh yes, I just typed the F-word. Yep, the one that makes most grant writers shiver in their sleep. No, I am not cussing. But maybe this word should be a bona fide swear word. Free. I know it haunts you. It’s interesting that as a grant writer your skills can have one of the biggest impacts on increasing funding for nonprofit organizations , however you will still be serenaded by nearly every nonprofit (not to mention individuals looking for that magic grant to fund a college degree) to write gra...

Sep 30, 202130 minEp. 188

Why Female Grant Writers Struggle with Pricing & Rates

Now that is a fully loaded statement. But worth the heavily weighed explanation. I have been going back and forth with other grant writers on this question of “Do grant writers get paid less because most are female?” and even down to “Are grant writer rates high enough?” Moreover, nearly every single female grant writer I know struggles with how to do her pricing and come up with rates that feel good. In this article, I am going to break down some of the gender-specific on the grant writing indu...

Sep 23, 202126 minEp. 187

Leveraging The Power Of Celebrity to Fundraise for Your Nonprofit

Let’s be real—we cover a lot in today’s episode, but we definitely dig into the nitty-gritty of how to leverage the power of celebrity to fundraise for your nonprofit. And yes… we’ve all seen it before. The starry eyes. The excitement. The moment a nonprofit drops a celebrity name and everything feels bigger, brighter, and full of possibility. Why? Because celebrities can bring massive visibility. They can leverage their audience to get more eyes—and support—on your nonprofit’s mission. But here...

Sep 07, 20211 hr 39 minEp. 186

Online Marketing For Nonprofits in the New Normal

In 2020, nonprofit organizations experienced a major shift toward online and digital fundraising. What began as a rapid push to “get online” during the early days of COVID-19 has now evolved into a bigger question: are nonprofits truly optimizing their digital marketing strategies to advance their missions? In this replay episode, Brady Josephson from the NextAfter Institute joins us to break down online marketing for nonprofits—from increasing digital trends and using authentic, focused messagi...

Aug 31, 202153 minEp. 185
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