What if the missing piece in your grant writing business isn’t your skill—but your systems? In this episode, Academy student Mapi Garcia shares how she transformed her freelance grant writing business after two and a half years of inconsistent clients and revenue. After joining the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, everything shifted. Within just four months, Mapi generated $62,775 in her business and secured her first-ever retainer client—creating consistent, predictable income. We dive into what...
May 07, 2024•56 min•Ep. 334
This episode, Isatou Bittaye-Jobe is a Grant Consultant specializing in gender justice, youth development, and human rights. Isatou explains why having a specific niche is so important, how to increase the conversion rate of your sales calls, and what you need to transition from employee to business owner. She also talks about how The Freelance Grant Writer Academy can support grant writers, the benefits of having a community of grant writers, and the type of goals you should have when entering ...
May 05, 2024•28 min•Ep. 333
This episode, Olive Idehen explains the mindset you need as a business owner, how to identify your ideal clients, and the different strategies she’s used to grow her business. Olive Idehen is the founder and owner of Callive, LLC an independent organizational development consulting firm for small and medium sized social change and nonprofit organizations. Olive explains how to decide which nonprofits to work with, the strategic planning systems that can be created for onboarding clients, and the...
May 04, 2024•34 min•Ep. 332
This episode, Gwen Valentino explains how the freelance grant writing academy has helped her business, the value she gets from unlimited grant reviews, and why having a community of grant writers is so impactful. Gwen Valentino is a grant administrator at NM Grant Writers, where she empowers local governments and nonprofit organizations by unlocking the full potential of grant funding. Gwen explains how she’s streamlined her grant writing process through using the checklists and systems availabl...
May 03, 2024•41 min•Ep. 331
If you’ve ever wondered how long it takes to get a return on your investment in your grant writing business—this episode is for you. In this episode, we take a closer look at what it really means to invest in your growth as a freelance grant writer, especially inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy. We talk about realistic timelines for seeing a return on your investment and how that’s directly connected to the actions you take, the systems you build, and the support you have around you. You’...
May 03, 2024•35 min•Ep. 327
Doors to the Freelance Grant Writer Academy are Now Open Until Sunday, May 12th at 11:59 pm EST. The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is a 12-Month group coaching program for new and experienced grant writers to get everything you need to replace your full-time income by working flexible hours while writing high-quality grants quickly. Our students have earned more than $60Million+ in grant funding, and in less than a year, have earned $1.2MIillion+ in income into their grant writing businesses. T...
May 03, 2024•3 hr 5 min•Ep. 329
This episode, Holly Rustick explains how the freelance grant writer academy can help your nonprofit, why they’ll pay for you to go to the academy, and the amount they’ll save in grant reviews. Holly Rustick is a world-renowned grant writing expert and Amazon bestselling author who has been coaching grant writers on how to run successful 5-6 figure businesses since 2017. Holly explains the different features available in the freelance grant writer academy, what you’ll learn in the academy, and wh...
Apr 30, 2024•17 min•Ep. 328
Have you ever wondered what it really looks like to be a freelance grant writer—full-time versus part-time? In this episode, we break down the key differences between the two and how each path can offer flexibility, freedom, and income potential depending on your goals. Grant writing is one of those unique skillsets that allows you to design your schedule and create a business that fits your lifestyle. Whether you’re looking to replace your full-time income or build a side business with flexible...
Apr 26, 2024•20 min•Ep. 324
In this episode, Holly Rustick breaks down the mindset shift needed to successfully transition into freelance grant writing. She shares why you should view your 9–5 job as your first “anchor client” and how to strategically reposition yourself from employee to contractor without burning bridges. Holly also walks through practical ways to strengthen your relationship with your nonprofit, reposition your services, and transition into freelancing with minimal risk—so you can build a more flexible, ...
Apr 23, 2024•22 min•Ep. 323
Do you really need a grant writing certification to be successful? It’s one of the most common questions aspiring and even experienced grant writers ask—and the answer might surprise you. In this episode, Holly breaks down what a grant writing certification is, when it can be helpful, and why it’s not always necessary to build a successful career. We explore the benefits of certifications, including how they can boost confidence, provide structure, and enhance your credibility—but also why real-...
Apr 19, 2024•18 min•Ep. 322
This episode, Holly Rustick explains how freelance grant writers can get nonprofit clients, improve their grant writing skills, and get feedback on the grants they’ve written. Holly Rustick is a world-renowned grant writing expert and Amazon bestselling author who has been coaching grant writers on how to run successful 5-6 figure businesses since 2017. Holly talks about the ways to write a grant, the amount of demand there is for freelance grant writers, and the best way to structure a grant wr...
Apr 16, 2024•23 min•Ep. 324
In this bonus episode, Holly breaks down what you need to know before pricing your grant writing services so you can confidently charge what you’re worth. She walks through different pricing strategies available to freelance grant writers and explains why value-based pricing can be a game changer for increasing your income. Holly also shares how to effectively sell your grant writing services, improve your grant writing skills, and create sustainable funding plans that help nonprofits secure lon...
Apr 12, 2024•17 min•Ep. 320
This episode, Holly Rustick explains the different ways nonprofit jobs are toxic, how nonprofits guilt their staff, and why being a freelance grant writer is better than being an in-house grant writer. Holly Rustick is a world-renowned grant writing expert and Amazon bestselling author who has been coaching grant writers on how to run successful 5-6 figure businesses since 2017. Holly explains the toxic side of working with nonprofits, why people get guilted to work at nonprofits, and how you ca...
Apr 09, 2024•19 min•Ep. 322
What if you could replace your full-time income—without working full-time hours? In this bonus episode, Holly Rustick shares powerful strategies for building a profitable grant writing business that gives you both financial stability and flexibility. Drawing from her own journey, Holly breaks down what it really takes to transition from traditional employment into part-time freelance grant writing that generates full-time income. We dive into key mindset and business shifts, including how to ove...
Apr 05, 2024•22 min•Ep. 318
In this episode, Holly explains how long it takes to learn how to write grants, how to save time when writing grant applications, and the benefits of using a grant template. She also talks about what to include in a master grant application template, the commonalities between different grant applications, and how to use AI in the grant writing process. ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Gra...
Apr 02, 2024•22 min•Ep. 320
Ready to grow and scale your grant writing business—but not sure what systems or strategies you need? In this episode, Jodi Riley, Principal Consultant and Certified Grant Writer at Innovant, shares how to identify where grant writing services are most needed and how to position yourself effectively within your niche. We dive into the different ways to connect with funders and build strong relationships, as well as how to determine when—and who—to hire as you begin scaling your business. Jodi al...
Mar 26, 2024•47 min•Ep. 316
This episode, Elaina Michale is on a mission to accelerate regenerative agriculture through her grant writing and funding services. Elaina explains the benefits of having a niche for your grant writing business, how to find more grant writing clients, and the ways to improve your grant writing skills. She also talks about the usefulness of being in a grant writing community, and the different ways that a grant writing mentorship programme has helped her. About Elaina Michael Elaina has always be...
Mar 19, 2024•39 min•Ep. 318
What if you could increase your revenue—while actually charging nonprofits less ? In this episode, Brian Meagher shares how he leveraged systems and strategies from the Grant Professional Mentorship to improve efficiency across his team and scale his impact. With over a decade of experience in fundraising—including roles in major gifts, planned giving, grant writing, and team management—Brian brings a well-rounded perspective on what it takes to run effective and sustainable fundraising operatio...
Mar 12, 2024•48 min•Ep. 314
If you’ve ever wondered when it’s time to start charging for speaking engagements—or how to turn workshops into real revenue—this episode is for you. Mandy Pearce, founder of Funding for Good, joins us to break down the strategy behind paid speaking, trainings, and nonprofit consulting. We dive into when you should stop offering free presentations, the hidden costs of delivering workshops, and how to ensure you’re actually maximizing each opportunity when you host a webinar or training. Mandy al...
Mar 05, 2024•39 min•Ep. 313
This episode, Rachel Waterman explains the common pricing mistakes grant writers make, how to use data in your pricing strategy, and how to price your grant writing services. Rachel is the CEO and Founder of GDS Grants and has over 25 years of community development and grant writing experience. Rachel explains how fairly grant professionals feel about their grant writing prices, how valued they feel, and data to review your pricing strategy. She also talks about the information you need to have ...
Feb 27, 2024•51 min•Ep. 315
This episode, Stephen Halasnik explains the financing landscape for nonprofits and the different ways nonprofits can raise money. Stephen Halasnik is the Cofounder and Managing Partner of Financing Solutions and has over 25 years of business experience dealing with banks. Stephen explains the different ways new nonprofits can raise money, the downsides of nonprofits getting a line of credit, and why nonprofits should avoid using credit cards for a line of credit. He also talks about what banks l...
Feb 20, 2024•38 min•Ep. 314
What does it take to build a truly effective, high-impact nonprofit organization? In this episode, Dr. Chris Lambert, Founder and CEO of Life Remodeled and creator of the Next Level Nonprofit organizational operating system, shares the core principles nonprofits need to follow to grow and thrive. We dive into how nonprofit leaders can build strong, effective teams and why collaboration—not competition—can significantly increase impact across organizations. Dr. Lambert also explains how to clearl...
Feb 13, 2024•38 min•Ep. 310
This episode, Stephanie Sample explains how to build a business plan, what to include in your business plan, and how to avoid burnout. Stephanie Sample is the Founder of Fundraising for The Future, a 6 figure business with a calculated profit margin and clear business goals. Stephanie explains why freelance grant writers need a business plan, the most important aspects of building a business plan, and what to include in a business plan. She also talks about why freelance grant writers should hav...
Feb 06, 2024•44 min•Ep. 312
In this episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Kent Sanders, a professional ghostwriter who helps leaders grow their businesses through books and strategic content. Kent shares the surprising similarities between ghostwriters and grant writers, and how both professions rely on clear messaging, storytelling, and aligning with a client’s mission. He dives into practical strategies grant writers can use to increase productivity, including building consistent writing habits and structuring a writing ...
Jan 30, 2024•45 min•Ep. 308
This episode, Holly Rustick explains how to save time and increase the effectiveness of your grants by using a grant writing master template. 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 to create a grant writing master template, the benefits of using a grant writing template, and what a grant writing template looks like. She also talks about the ...
Jan 23, 2024•25 min•Ep. 310
What if your financial stability didn’t depend on a 9–5 job? What if your skills and systems could provide that stability instead? In this episode, we dive into the mission behind the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and how it’s working to shift the paradigm around work, income, and freedom—especially for women freelancers. The Academy isn’t just a program—it’s a movement. A movement designed to level out the freelance grant writing industry by teaching grant writers how to build sustainable, pro...
Jan 21, 2024•27 min•Ep. 309
When you join the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, aspiring and seasoned grant writers get everything you need to quit your full-time job and replace your full-time income by freelance grant writing from your home. Yes, you are investing, but it is a drop in the bucket compared to everything you get inside. The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is a 12-Month group coaching program, where you get curriculum, coaching, customized feedback and support to start a Freelance Grant Writing Business. The Ac...
Jan 20, 2024•12 min•Ep. 308
The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is the #1 Grant Writing and Nonprofit Sales Program in the Industry. When you join the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, you get everything you need to quit your full-time job and replace your full-time income by freelance grant writing from your home. The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is a 12-Month group coaching program, where you get curriculum, coaching, customized feedback and support to start a Freelance Grant Writing Business. The price to the Academy is ...
Jan 19, 2024•41 min•Ep. 307
This episode, Jen Bowen explains how to become a freelance grant writer, get grant writing clients and secure your first grants. Jen Bowen is a member of the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and successfully transitioned in her career to become a full-time freelance grant writer. Jen joins us to discuss everything she’s learned about freelance grant writing, how the academy helped her progress in her grant writing skills, and the different grant writing support systems available in the academy. Sh...
Jan 16, 2024•33 min•Ep. 306
This episode, Tiffany Thibodeau is a grant consultant, content writer and member of the freelance grant writing academy. Tiffany joins us to discuss the amount of time it takes to get grant writing clients, how to attract the right type of clients for your grant writing business, and the benefits of offering both content writing and grant writing services. She also talks about the lifestyle benefits of freelance grant writing, the mindset you need to be a successful freelancer, and what she lear...
Jan 09, 2024•48 min•Ep. 305
