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
This episode, Sabrina Walker-Hernandez explains the ways to create a good board, how you should interact with your board members, and the different ways to get board members engaged with funding. Sabrina Walker-Hernandez is the CEO of Supporting World Hope and has over 25 years of experience in nonprofit management, fundraising, and leadership. Sabrina joins us to discuss board development, the different aspects of fundraising, and how nonprofits should market themselves. She also talks about th...
Oct 24, 2023•39 min•Ep. 294
Gregory joins us to share his expertise on nonprofit leadership and governance, breaking down the essential habits every board member should develop to effectively support an organization’s mission. He discusses how to communicate clearly with board members, properly onboard new members, and create a strong foundation for engagement and accountability. We also explore practical ways to teach board members what good governance looks like, how bringing in consultants can help reinforce key message...
Oct 17, 2023•39 min•Ep. 293
Jess Campbell is an email list expert and seasoned nonprofit fundraiser who has raised over $17 million throughout her career—and in this episode, she shares exactly how you can strengthen your digital fundraising strategy. We dive into how to run effective end-of-year campaigns that not only bring in donations but also create long-term donor relationships. Jess breaks down how to turn one-time end-of-year donors into consistent monthly supporters, why donor retention should be a top priority, a...
Oct 10, 2023•40 min•Ep. 292
Dr. Patton McDowell is a nonprofit consultant, leadership expert, and mastermind coach. Dr. Patton joins us to discuss the different ways executive directors can advance their leadership skills, effectively network, and build solid relationships. He also talks about how to consistently grow, engage with board members, and stay strategic throughout the year. Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts “Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please ...
Oct 03, 2023•39 min•Ep. 291
Welcome back to another episode of Grant Writing & Funding, the podcast designed especially for all you changemakers out there, looking to grow funding and capacity for your causes and communities. In this episode, we'll be discussing strategies that will not only help you grow your grant writing business but also free up time for yourself and stimulate creativity. One of the key points we'll be exploring is how to take a much-needed vacation while still earning income for your business. Yes...
Sep 26, 2023•30 min•Ep. 290
Welcome to another episode of “Grant Writing & Funding” with your host, Holly Rustick. In this week’s episode, we have a special guest joining us: Yvonne White-Morey, a successful grant writer with a thriving freelance grant writing business. During our conversation, we will delve into the impact the mentorship program has had on Yvonne’s business, as well as the valuable tips and insights she has to offer for grant writers looking to start or grow their own freelance grant writing businesse...
Sep 19, 2023•48 min•Ep. 289
What does it really take to grow as a grant writer? In this episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Christine Taylor to discuss her experience inside the Grant Professional Mentorship and the key lessons that have helped her strengthen her grant writing skills and business. We dive into the importance of embracing feedback as a tool for growth, and how the grant review process can sharpen your proposals and elevate your work. Christine also shares why stepping outside your comfort zone is essentia...
Sep 12, 2023•35 min•Ep. 288
Welcome to another episode of “Grant Writing & Funding”! In this week’s episode, we have a very special guest joining us: Alejandra Salazar, a seasoned grant writer and business owner. Alejandra has been in the grant writing space for over 20 years, working closely with founders on various projects. Today, she shares with us her valuable insights and experiences in managing multiple projects and teams within a non-profit organization. Alejandra emphasizes the importance of being strategic an...
Sep 05, 2023•45 min•Ep. 287
Kim Collier joins us to explore how aligning your values with your grant writing business can lead to greater clarity, stronger client relationships, and increased revenue. She shares how learning to say no to the wrong opportunities can actually attract ideal clients and create more peace in your work. We also dive into her journey in the nonprofit sector, the importance of building relationships with government officials, setting meaningful objectives, and how mentorship can support long-term ...
Aug 29, 2023•56 min•Ep. 286
Welcome to another episode of Grant Writing & Funding with your host, Holly Rustick. In this episode we delve into the art and science of finding the right grants for your nonprofit or nonprofit clients. Holly shares valuable insights on the importance of separating grant research from grant writing, and the significance of building relationships with potential funders. She highlights the need to review and respond to grant instructions diligently, while considering practicalities like eligi...
Aug 22, 2023•27 min•Ep. 285
Thinking about starting your own consulting business—but not sure where to begin? In this episode, Andy Robinson brings over 27 years of experience running a successful consultancy to break down what it really takes to build and sustain a consulting practice. We dive into the different business models consultants can follow and how to choose the right one for your goals. Andy shares practical strategies for networking effectively with nonprofits, how to land your first clients, and what to expec...
Aug 15, 2023•49 min•Ep. 284
Are you thinking about starting your own nonprofit consultancy—or wondering how to grow the one you already have? In this episode, Sean Kosofsky, also known as the NonProfit Fixer, brings nearly three decades of experience in the nonprofit sector to share what it really takes to build a successful consulting business. We dive into why nonprofits need consultants and the value they bring to organizations looking to grow, stabilize, or scale. Sean also breaks down how nonprofit consultancies are s...
Aug 08, 2023•40 min•Ep. 283
This episode, Christian Edwards explains the ways to create a passive income using evergreen courses, the central role marketing plays in creating a passive income, and the techniques introverts can use to learn to love selling. Christina Edwards is the Founder of Splendid Consulting and a marketing expert and experienced coach. Christiana joins us to discuss how evergreen courses can be used to create passive income, the importance of marketing when creating passive income streams, and the diff...
Aug 01, 2023•36 min•Ep. 282
Geri Leon Guerrero joins us to share why having a strong online presence is essential for nonprofits, and why a website is more than just a digital placeholder. With nearly two decades of experience in sales, marketing, and digital strategy, she breaks down the key functions of a nonprofit website, the importance of collecting and leveraging supporter data, and how to effectively brand your organization online. We also explore why social media alone isn’t enough, how to create a more impactful a...
Jul 25, 2023•43 min•Ep. 281
In this episode, Tammy Tilzey joins us to share her insights from nearly a decade in the philanthropy sector. As the Nonprofit Relationship Manager at Foundant Technologies and a board member of the Grant Professionals Certification Institute, Tammy brings a unique perspective on bridging the gap between grant-making foundations and grant writers. We discuss how foundations can make applications more accessible, the evolving landscape of grant-making, and why creating clear systems—separate from...
Jul 18, 2023•46 min•Ep. 280
Philip Deng has over a decade of experience in grant writing and is the creator of Grantable, an AI-powered world-class grant writing assistant. Philip joins us to discuss how AI will affect future grant funding, the ways AI can help grant writers submit more grants, and how AI will affect grant writing jobs. He also explains the ways AI is already integrated into our lives, how technology can be used to improve grant writing processes, and how we can further streamline the grant writing process...
Jul 11, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 279
On this episode of Grant Writing & Funding, our guest Meredith Noble from Learn Grant Writing shares an inspiring journey from corporate grant writing to launching a startup idea. We learn about the challenges she faced when realizing the idea wasn’t solving a real problem that people were willing to pay for. Meredith emphasizes the importance of grounding ideas in addressing real problems, and she shares the lifestyle freedom she gained from entrepreneurship despite the financial difficulti...
Jul 04, 2023•49 min•Ep. 278
Mandy Pearce explains the strategies for building strategic partnerships, how to know who will be a good partner for your business, and when to turn down a potential partnership. Over a decade ago Mandy Pearce founded Funding for Good to equip organizations with all the skills and tools they need to become successful and sustainable. Mandy joins us to discuss how most partnerships are formed, the vetting process involved in potential partnerships, and how to know who will be a good partner for y...
Jun 27, 2023•48 min•Ep. 277
Marie Palacios, Lead Consultant for Funding for Good, joins us to share how having clear, structured processes can transform your grant writing success and overall consulting business. She breaks down how to better understand and implement effective workflows, streamline your grant writing systems, and improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. We also explore the benefits of building your own business, the importance of identifying your “why,” and how to grow a sustainable consulting pract...
Jun 20, 2023•39 min•Ep. 276
Deborah Reed, founder of All Funded, explains what she learned from the Freelance Grant Writer Academy , the benefits of having a community of grant writers, and how she increased her grant writing rates. Deborah Reed is a full-time consultant and grant writer who completely changed the way she was running her business after joining the Grant Writing Academy. Deborah joins us to discuss what she learned from the Freelance Grant Writer Academy , the ways it changed her grant writing business to b...
Jun 13, 2023•44 min•Ep. 275