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

Why Grant Writers Must Track Their Time: Pricing Strategies and Smart Decisions

As a freelance grant writer, or freelancer in general, are you keeping track of your time? One of the biggest flaws I see is that freelance grant writers don’t keep track of their time. Why is tracking your time so important? Because our time is our most valuable asset. What Happens When Freelancers Don’t Track Their Time When freelance grant writers don’t track their time, they underestimate how much time the following takes: Writing grants How much time to write a foundation grant How much tim...

Mar 11, 202515 minEp. 424

Bonus Ep: Doubling Revenue with Work-Life Balance as a Consultant & a Mom

Joy Maxwell, Owner and Lead Advisor of ARK Advising, joins us to share her journey from working in the nonprofit sector to launching her own successful business. She opens up about the financial challenges, mentorship, and community support that shaped her path, as well as how shifting to a retainer-based model helped her increase revenue while creating a more sustainable work-life balance. We also explore how she navigates the intersection of nonprofit work and business strategy, manages evolvi...

Mar 10, 202550 minEp. 423

Bonus Ep: Accountability and Growth: How Fielding Doubled Her Grant Writing Revenue

Holly Rustick and Fielding Jezreel discuss the transformative experience of the Grand Professional Mentorship, focusing on Fielding's journey from a toxic job to becoming a successful grant consultant. They explore the importance of accountability, community support, and financial strategies in navigating the challenges of running a grant writing business. Fielding shares insights on developing a federal grants course and the significance of having a supportive network of peers. The discussion e...

Mar 06, 202533 minEp. 422

Why Federal Grant Writing Might Still be a Way Forward for Your Nonprofit

In this week’s Podcast we go behind-the-scenes with Fielding Jezreel of Jezreel Consulting. In this conversation, we discuss: How to know if you are ready for federal grants How to build internal readiness Why organizations should not assume that federal grants aren’t accessible Today’s climate of federal grants Tune in today to listen to this podcast. About Fielding Jezreel Fielding Jezreel specializes in helping nonprofits plan and apply for federal grants. She is a trainer, coach, and federal...

Feb 27, 202543 minEp. 421

Federal Grant Updates under the Trump Administration

What’s really happening with federal grants right now—and what does it mean for your nonprofit? In this behind-the-scenes episode, Rachel Werner of MyFedTrainer.com joins us for a “fly-on-the-wall” conversation recorded live with Academy and Mentorship students, who also had the opportunity to ask questions in real time. We break down recent changes in federal grant funding, including an overview of grant allocations over the past month and what nonprofits should be aware of in the current polit...

Feb 27, 202539 minEp. 390

Ep. 389 Banned and Trigger Words in Federal Grant Writing in the Trump Administration 2.0

We are moving through a new era in federal grant writing. For access to federal grant funds during this new Trump Administration in 2025, nonprofits need to be more aware of what types of words you are using, and are not using, in your grant applications. We have always said that grant writing is a word game, and the types of words you use play a big part in how you construct a grant. With the Trump Administration in 2025, though, we have not experienced the sheer elimination of word usage in fe...

Feb 27, 202521 minEp. 419

Grant Writing Success Rates and Wins Don't Mean You're a Good or Bad Grant Writer

You might be thinking grant writing isn’t your thing because you have a ‘low’ grant success rate or haven’t secured any or much money for organizations yet. Or maybe you, as a Freelance Grant Writer, think your business isn’t great because other Freelance Grant Writers’ posts on LinkedIn get so much more engagement. Stop comparing yourself to others. This is “comparasitis” and will make you stop learning grants or stop selling your grant writing services. In this week’s episode, Holly Rustick ex...

Feb 09, 202533 minEp. 418

Bonus Ep: Can I still be a Grant Writer and Get Clients during this Administration

With all the news this week about the federal grant freeze, many of you may be wondering: “Is grant writing even going to be needed during this Administration? Can I even get grant writing clients during this Administration?” I get it. There is a lot of commotion this week surrounding federal grants (we've been keeping track of it - follow me on LinkedIn or Instagram for more updates). But…what I also know about Administrations AND grant writing, is…yes, you can secure grants and clients during ...

Jan 31, 202514 minEp. 417

Federal Grant Updates and 6 Action Steps for Your Nonprofit Clients

In this episode, Holly Rustick addresses what to do when things feel chaotic in the grant world and your clients are looking to you for guidance. She shares practical strategies you can use right now to support nonprofits, including how to advocate for funding, evaluate budgets, and explore all possible revenue opportunities. Holly also dives into when to broaden versus double down on funding strategies, the importance of hosting strategic planning sessions, and why prioritizing self-care is ess...

Jan 31, 202517 minEp. 416

BONUS EP: New to Grant Writing, Christina Made $30,840 While Working on Her MFA

Join Holly Rustick and Christina Royster, CEO of Cape Fear Grant Solutions, as she discusses how she managed to learn how to write grants, open her business and earn $30,840 in her freelance grant writing business, and work on her novel in her MFA program – all in less than a year. Doors to the Freelance Grant Writer Academy close this Sunday, Feb. 2nd at 11:59 pm EST. Replace Your Full-Time Income, on Flexible Hours, Writing Grants from Home – just like Christina. Tune in to listen to this podc...

Jan 31, 202532 minEp. 415

Bonus Ep. Why 2025 is the Best Time to Be a Grant Consultant Even with all the Grant Changes and Open House Call

Join the Open House Call on January 30th at 11:59 pm EST. Go to www.grantwritingandfunding.com You might be wondering if 2025 is the best time to start writing grants after everything going on with federal grants in January 2025. Yes, it is. Nonprofits, gov't agencies, schools, hospitals, businesses, and more will still need you to write grants and they aren't going away. Also now these leaders need a grant consultant to focus on all the changes and come up with strategy so they can focus on lea...

Jan 30, 202516 minEp. 414

Bonus Ep. What I am Doing in 2025 to Grow my Business

Find out what I'm doing in 2025 to grow my business as it will surprise you! I am saying yes to something big! The doors to the Freelance Grant Writer Academy close on Sunday, Feb. 2nd at 11:59 pm EST. Visit https://grantwritingandfunding.com/academy to find out more!

Jan 28, 202527 minEp. 413

Why Consultants Should Stop Pricing Hourly with Alexander Lapa

In this podcast episode, Alexander Lapa discusses his experience as a consultant for more than a decade. As a Salesforce consultant, he talks about how pricing by the hourly is damaging to you as a consultant. Tune in today to listen to this podcast. About Alexander Lapa Alex Lapa is a Salesforce Solutions Architect, consultant, tech founder, and podcaster who specializes in helping nonprofit organizations simplify their Salesforce CRM so they can focus on their missions and do more of the work ...

Jan 27, 202532 minEp. 412

Bonus Ep: Why You Need to Join the Academy in 2025 and Everything Included

The Close to the Freelance Grant Writer Academy on Feb. 2nd: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/academy The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is a 12-month Group Coaching Program for aspiring and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income, on flexible hours, by writing grants from home. Find out why you should join in 2025 and Everything inside the Academy! "Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a...

Jan 22, 202519 minEp. 411

Bonus Ep. 8 Questions Answered About the Webinar "Quit Your Toxic Nonprofit Job"

Here’s all the details on our Upcoming webinar this Tuesday at 4 pm EST 🙂 "Quit Your Toxic Nonprofit Job: Replace Your 9-5 Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home" I will discuss how to replace your income with freelance grant writing. Register here: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/webinar Here are our most common questions: #1 - Will there be a Replay? There will be a limited-time Replay, but it’s best to come live to get your questions answered. #2 - Will you tell us more about the Freel...

Jan 20, 20259 minEp. 410

Bonus Ep: Why 2025 is the Year to Quit Your Job and Write Grants

2025 is a great goal year for quitting your job and to become a freelance grant writer. Why? #1 - Milestone Year #2 - It’s Timing There has never been a better time to quit your job and work from home since working virtually is now mainstream. #3 - Easier to Get Work Nonprofits, For-Profits, and all other Agencies can more easily keep you long-term as a consultant. #4 - Adjust to Change (because it’s happening whether you want to face it or not) Because there will be a lot of change in 2025. Wit...

Jan 20, 202513 minEp. 409

Bonus Ep: Why Stay at Home Moms Need to Write Grants

"Quit Your Toxic Job" Webinar on January 21st, 2024. Register, especially if you are a stay-at-home mom or want to become one. Are you a stay-at-home mom due to the rising costs of daycare, unsafe schools, inflation, and/or long transport times? Because of these reasons many moms have found that their salary isn't aligned with these costs. So they choose to stay home with the kids to save money, keep their kids safer, and not be exhausted from working 40+ hours per week and 10 hours per week in ...

Jan 20, 202515 minEp. 408

Bonus Ep: Behind-the-Scenes of the Academy with the Co-Coaches

Doors to the Academy are now Open Until Feb. 2nd, 2025. Click here to join: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/ Hear from our Academy co-coaches on how they see students getting results in the program, what their favorite features are, and why they became co-coaches! "Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener? This helps others find the p...

Jan 20, 202548 minEp. 407

From 9-5 to Subcontracting to $93,000 as a Freelance Grant Writer

What does it really look like to transition from a 9–5 job into a thriving freelance grant writing business? In this episode, Daphney Jean shares her journey from working full-time to subcontracting as a grant writer—and ultimately stepping into full-time freelance. We dive into how she navigated that transition, the lessons she learned along the way, and what it took to build a sustainable business. After two years of freelancing, Daphney joined the Freelance Grant Writer Academy—and within one...

Jan 17, 202532 minEp. 386

Grant Writing for Newbies

Are you feeling overwhelmed or thinking you need a certification or degree to become a grant writer? Maybe you believe only certain people can learn how to write grants. Here’s the reality—grant writing isn’t a mythical skill reserved for a select few. It’s a formulaic, learnable process that anyone can develop with the right guidance and practice. In this episode, Holly breaks down common misconceptions about grant writing, shares why you don’t need formal credentials to get started, and explai...

Jan 07, 202519 minEp. 383

Quitting a Corporate Job and going FT into Freelance Grant Writing

Welcome to another insightful episode of the Grant Writing & Funding Podcast! In this podcast episode, Sydney Bass talks about how she went from freelancing for years to a corporate job back to full-time freelance grant writing. She talks about what she needed to have in place (systems, processes, and mindset) to confidently go back to full-time freelancing! About Sydney Bass Sydney Bass is a nonprofit grant consultant and strategist with over 15 years of industry experience. Through her str...

Dec 19, 202439 minEp. 404

From Burned Out Development Director to Freelance Grant Writer in 2 Months

Welcome to another insightful episode of the Grant Writing & Funding Podcast! In this podcast episode, Phaedra Howe, Founder and Grant Specialist of Award Ready Consulting, discusses how she was a burned-out development director and quit her job to do freelance grant writing. She talks about joining the Freelance Grant Writer Academy after getting her first client and needing the necessary systems, support, and business plans to run her business. Tune in to listen to this podcast. Sign up fo...

Dec 19, 202436 minEp. 403

7 Takeaways from the 2024 Grants State of the Union

Here is a look back at 2024 and all that happened around grant funding. From major shifts in federal funding to the rise of AI in the grant writing world, this year brought significant changes that impact how nonprofits and grant writers operate today. In this solo episode, Holly Rustick breaks down the key trends you need to know, including updates to federal funding, OMB Super Circular changes, increases in foundation and individual giving, and the growing role of video and online applications...

Dec 16, 202428 minEp. 382

Ep. 380: How to Price Your Grant Writing Services

So let’s talk about the 6 main types of ways to price your grant writing services and which one is the best. Pricing your grant writing services can feel and be ambiguous at best. After decades of experience in freelance grant writing, find out the most sustainable way and equitable way to price your grant writing services. Tune in today to hear what Holly has to say about pricing your grant writing services. To learn more about the podcast episodes go to https://grantwritingandfunding.com/380 "...

Dec 09, 202424 minEp. 401

Stop Working as a Staff Grant Writer at Toxic Nonprofits

You might not realize it, but if you are a staff grant writer at a nonprofit you may be working in a very toxic environment. And it might not be the ‘fault’ of the nonprofit per se, but the system. This is a golden podcast episode for you today, to see how to still serve nonprofits as a grant writer, but to create a healthy working environment. Tune in today. ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million...

Dec 08, 202413 minEp. 400

Opportunities and Challenges for Grant Writers Post-Election

Sean Kosofsky, the Nonprofit Fixer, joins us to break down the opportunities and challenges grant writers and nonprofits may face heading into 2025 in a post-election landscape. Drawing on his decades of experience in politics and the nonprofit sector, Sean shares key trends to watch, how shifting policies may impact funding, and what organizations can do now to stay ahead. We also explore how grant writers can position themselves strategically, adapt to change, and continue growing their impact...

Dec 02, 202432 minEp. 379

Bonus Ep: Why I'm Doing 1:1 3 Hour Intensive Coaching and What's Inside

Book your 3-Hour 1:1 Intensive Coaching with Holly Rustick by Dec. 3rd. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/intensives Eek! This is the first time that I have done 1:1 Intensives in YEARS and I miss them 🙂. But I also understand there are a lot of you aspiring and seasoned grant writers out there right now who want to make 2025 your best year yet. And you want a coach to look over your business (or potential business) so you have guidance for the entire year. Your private 1:1 coaching intensive ...

Dec 01, 202410 minEp. 398

Federal Grants in 2025 and Beyond and How Grant Professionals Can Lead

Find out why federal priorities shift in grant-making, when they do, and how you can be prepared for 2025. Federal grant funding changes and shifts are a reflection in many things, including: Responses to Society and Cultural Norms/Changes Administration Changes & Shifts in Priorities Global Events (Covid-19 is a recent example here) The reality is that grant funding is really a reflection on all the above. As a grant writer, it is important to pay attention to what is going on so we can lea...

Nov 28, 202417 minEp. 397

Why Branding is More than Just Color or Fonts with Erin Davis

In this podcast episode, Erin Davis discusses what you need to consider when branding your freelance grant writing website and business. It’s more than just colors or fonts when understanding how to make your freelance grant writing business stand out among other grant writers. Learn how to communicate your services, experience, and passion easily with your brand. Tune in today to listen to this podcast. About Erin Davis I’m a former ‘forced’ entrepreneur who embraced remote work long before it ...

Nov 19, 202428 minEp. 396

How Nonprofits are Ranked on Gender Equality With Amy Cross

In this week’s episode of the Grant Writing & Funding Podcast, Holly Rustick sits down with Amy Willard Cross, founder of GenderFair, to discuss groundbreaking efforts to bring gender equality evaluations to nonprofits. GenderFair—known for assessing businesses, organizations, and governments for gender representation and pay equity—has expanded its work to evaluate nonprofits using IRS 990 data and other sources. Together, Holly and Amy explore how GenderFair analyzes leadership, pay dispar...

Nov 06, 202451 minEp. 377
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