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

The Future of Philanthropy: 2025 Trends and Insights

Explore how cause-driven giving, advocacy, and innovation are reshaping nonprofits in 2025 and beyond. Tune in to listen to Micheal Thatcher from Charity Navigator. In this conversation, Holly Rustick speaks with Michael Thatcher, CEO of Charity Navigator, about the evolving landscape of nonprofit evaluation and philanthropy. They discuss the launch of new funds, trends in giving, and the importance of advocacy in the nonprofit sector. Michael shares insights on how giving patterns are changing,...

Jul 08, 202538 minEp. 409

Bridging Divides: Connecting for Impact in Today's Fundraising Landscape

Navigating political divides in fundraising—learn how connection, storytelling, and strategy can drive nonprofit success. In this conversation, Holly Rustick and Kamy Akhavan discuss the intersection of politics and fundraising, emphasizing the importance of human connection in nonprofit work. They explore how social division impacts community engagement and fundraising efforts, while also highlighting opportunities that arise from chaos. The discussion underscores the need for emotional storyte...

Jul 01, 202525 minEp. 408

Find out What Freelance Grant Writers Charged for their Services in 2024

Go behind the scenes with Global Development Solutions and their 2024 Freelance Grant Writer Pricing Survey! Rachel Waterman and her team have done a 3rd annual Pricing Report! We love everything about this! Find out what freelance grant writers are pricing their grant writing surveys. About Rachel Waterman, GPC, CFRE Rachel Waterman is a thinker, published author, award winning researcher, professional artist and mother of two with over 25 years of community development and grant writing experi...

Jun 24, 202553 minEp. 407

Gabrielle Quit Her Job When Pregnant & Built a $12K Per Month Grant Writing Business

In this conversation, Holly Rustick interviews Gabrielle Perry, a successful grant writer who shares her journey of transitioning from a 9-5 job to running her own grant writing business. Gabrielle discusses the challenges she faced, the importance of community and mentorship, and how she has achieved significant financial success through value-based pricing and building a strong brand. She emphasizes the personal transformation she has experienced, gaining confidence and freedom in her professi...

Jun 20, 202524 min

Transformations from the Academy: From Stay-at-Home Mom to Making More Than Her Husband and Relocating to Spain

This episode is from the Freelance Grant Writer Academy “Cultivating Community: Peer Spotlights and Networking” with our very own co-coaches - Gwen Valentino and D Abshire! They share about how they got into grant writing, what their biggest challenges have been, what has been useful in changing their lives in the Academy, and what they see students doing inside the Academy that get the most results! Takeaways - they both now have FREEDOM and Choices! Gwen shares how she has 13X the amount of re...

Jun 17, 202553 minEp. 406

5 Reasons to Join the Academy in This Round

Here are 5 reasons you should join the Freelance Grant Writer Academy in this Round (i.e. before the doors close on June 22nd). #1) Live Discovery Sales Call Day Lab: Learn, Practice, Convert Happening on Tuesday, June 24th at 2:30 pm - 5pm EST (replay available) We will have a LIVE SALES CALL DAY for Academy students. This will be part of our annual live trainings! #1 - I’ll do a Sales Call training (my 5-Step Proven Process to have high-converting calls) #2 - We have mock sales calls (to show ...

Jun 12, 202516 min

Will Create a Done-For-You Grant Writing Business Plan AND Find 25 Nonprofit Leads

BONUSES END JUNE 13th, 2025***Not sure where to start with a freelance grant writing business? It sounds amazing, but you just don’t know where to start. Should you start with getting grant writing skills? Should you start with a website? Should you start reaching out to nonprofits? Do you need to start learning (or honing) grant skills first? This can feel overwhelming. And overwhelm can lead to taking NO action. That’s why when you join the Freelance Grant Writer Academy by Friday, June 13th a...

Jun 12, 202510 min

Replay: Work From Home. Replace Your Paycheck, on Part-Time Hours, as a Grant & Funding Strategist in 2025

The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is the #1 Grant Writing and Nonprofit Business Acumen Program in the Industry …and the doors are finally open! Each part of the Academy is a simple process, even if you work a full-time job. You get 12 months to do the curriculum, community, and coaching to learn grant writing and business acumen. Plus, there are 2 amazing bonuses available when you join the Freelance Grant Writer Academy by Friday, June 13th at 11:59 pm EST: BONUS #1 ***NEW BONUS: Done-4-You F...

Jun 12, 20251 hr 49 min

How to Start a Freelance Grant Writing Business: Tips & Logistics

Learn how to kickstart your freelance grant writing business, whether as a full-time income source or a part-time side hustle. We'll cover essential administrative logistics like incorporating your business, choosing a business name, and the benefits of going freelance. Discover the flexibility and earning potential of grant writing, ideal for various life situations. Get tips on setting your services and pricing, and stay tuned for more insights on going full-time or part-time in the next video...

Jun 10, 202514 minEp. 405

HOW EOWYN WENT FROM WORKING IN HIGHER ED TO GETTING HER FIRST GRANT WRITING CLIENT (AND OPERA NONPROFIT)

Holly Rustick interviews Éowyn Melaragno, who shares her journey from a career in higher education to becoming a successful grant writer. Éowyn discusses her motivations for transitioning into grant writing, the valuable support she received from the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, and the importance of community in building confidence and skills. She reflects on her first client experience, the challenges of navigating client relationships, and the mindset shifts that have helped her thrive in ...

Jun 09, 202546 min

Do You Need a Grant Writing Certification? Here’s the Truth

In this episode, Holly Rustic, founder and CEO of the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, shares essential tips for starting a freelance grant writing business. Learn where to find clients, the key skills needed, and why you don't need certifications or extensive experience to get started. Holly also discusses the value of practical experience, business acumen, and how to grow your confidence and skills in grant writing. Tune in for expert insights and actionable advice to build a successful freelan...

Jun 03, 202512 minEp. 404

From State Senator to Grant Writer: Tina Maharath's Journey

In this episode, Holly Rustick interviews Tina Maharath, a former state senator turned grant writer, who shares her journey from volunteering in grant writing to establishing her own business, Lobby Edge. Tina discusses her experiences in the Academy, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the importance of networking and marketing in the nonprofit sector. She emphasizes the need for nonprofits to understand the opportunities available through state contracts and the value of hiring lobbyists for fun...

Jun 03, 202534 min

Spilling the Tea on all Things AI and Grant Writing with Phil Deng

Grant pros, we’re spilling the tea! Holly Rustick and Philip Deng (Grantable CEO) dive into the wild world of AI + grant writing—from cheap-clothes tech to deep strategy. If you’re using (or side-eyeing) AI for grant writing, this one’s a must-listen. THIS episode! Grant writers, grab your headphones—because we’re spilling the tea on all things AI! Holly Rustick sits down with Philip Deng, CEO of Grantable, to talk about how AI is shaking up grant writing. From the risks of ‘fast fashion’ tech t...

May 27, 20251 hr 8 minEp. 403

Unlocking Museum and Nonprofit Grant Opportunities with Shiloh Holley

In this conversation, Holly Rustick interviews Shiloh Holley, founder of Aderworks Consulting, who shares her journey into grant writing and consulting for nonprofits, particularly museums. Shiloh discusses her transition from executive director to consultant, the development of grant writing products, and the challenges faced by museums in securing funding. She emphasizes the importance of diversifying funding sources and using data to inform fundraising strategies. The conversation highlights ...

May 20, 202532 minEp. 402

How Grant Writers Priced Their Services in the Past (Replay)

We’re gearing up for something BIG—the 2024 Grant Professional Survey Results—and this episode is the perfect lead-in. In this special replay, Rachel Waterman joins us to break down where freelance grant writers stood with their pricing in 2023. We revisit key insights from last year’s survey, including how much grant consultants were charging, how they felt about their pricing, and where gaps still existed across the industry. Because here’s the thing—pricing isn’t just about numbers. It’s abou...

May 13, 202529 minEp. 401

Celebrating 400 Episodes: Top Grant Writing Tips and Encouragement from 35 Industry Leaders AND a Free Master Grant Template

We have exciting news to share: The Grant Writing & Funding Podcast just hit its 400th episode! 🎉We couldn’t have reached this amazing milestone without YOU—your support, your curiosity, and your drive to make a difference in the nonprofit world. To celebrate, Holly Rustick, our founder and host, is giving you something extra special: an exclusive, FREE 5-part private podcast series, “Inside the Master Grant Template: Private Strategies from Our Signature Framework”, hosted by Holly Rustick...

May 09, 202545 minEp. 400

Ep: 399: State of Grants 2025: A Conversation with Mike Chamberlain of GPA - Part 2

Executive Director of the Grant Professionals Association (GPA), Mike Chamberlain and Holly Rustick of Grant Writing & Funding to discuss the role of GPA in supporting grant professionals through advocacy, community building, and professionalism. Holly and Mike delve into the importance of job classification for grant professionals, the annual salary and benefits survey, and the future of grant writing in 2025 amidst changing federal policies and economic conditions. They also discuss the in...

Apr 29, 202531 minEp. 399

State of Grants 2025: A Conversation with Mike Chamberlain of GPA - Part 1

This is Part 1 of a 2-Part Interview with Executive Director of the Grant Professionals Association (GPA), Mike Chamberlain and Holly Rustick of Grant Writing & Funding to discuss the role of GPA in supporting grant professionals through advocacy, community building, and professionalism. Holly and Mike delve into the importance of job classification for grant professionals, the annual salary and benefits survey, and the future of grant writing in 2025 amidst changing federal policies and eco...

Apr 23, 202532 minEp. 398

Ep: 397 How AI Is Changing Grant Writing and What You Need to Know

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the grant writing world, but maybe not how you imagine. Sure you could go ChatGPT, put in a Request for Proposal and ask it to produce a grant proposal. But that grant would not get funded. Why? Before AI can produce a quality grant proposal, you need to provide it with your own original content. Today’s AI models need that original content to use, edit, and respond to. In other words, AI grant writing still requires work! In other words, the nonprofit se...

Apr 15, 202513 minEp. 434

Ep: 396 Grant Writing Myths: What No One Will Tell You About this Career

Surprisingly, there are a lot of myths out there about grant writing. From the myth of working on commission to nonprofits not having money to hire grant writers, these myths might hold you back from even starting a career in grant writing. Why are there so many grant writing myths out there? Because a lot of folks aren’t familiar with grant writing or nonprofit organizations in general. Even many folks who start nonprofit organizations aren’t familiar with how they operate, they just have a pas...

Apr 07, 202522 minEp. 433

Going from Scarcity Mindset to Courage with a 4-Day Workweek as a Grant Consultant

In this week’s episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Laura Hull, Grant Consultant and founder of Premio Services, LLC. Laura shares her journey into grant writing and how she navigated key transitions in her career—including negotiating for health insurance, building support through hiring, and managing a growing grant writing business as a single mom. This conversation offers an honest look at what it takes to grow a sustainable grant writing business while balancing life, leadership, and impac...

Apr 03, 202538 minEp. 395

Bonus Ep: The First Hire You Shouldn't Make as a Grant Professional

Many grant professionals who are booking out clients and feeling overwhelmed think they need to hire a full-time, credentialed grant writer ASAP. They assume an experienced hire will require less training and be easier to manage. But here’s the truth: hiring a fully credentialed grant writer is NOT the first team member you should bring on. In this episode, we break down why this is a costly mistake and what you should do instead. You’ll learn: ✅ Why hiring a credentialed grant writer is your mo...

Apr 02, 20259 minEp. 431

Bonus Ep. How to Recession-Proof Your Grant Writing Business - Why Waiting Won’t Work

The world feels uncertain, but your grant writing business doesn’t have to be. In this episode, we talk about why waiting for the "right time" can cost you opportunities—and how leaning into change can set you up for success. I’ll also share exciting updates about our Grant Professional Mentorship, including new Innovation Calls designed to help you pivot, expand, and double your revenue in 2024. 👉 Doors to the Mentorship close this Friday, and we may not re-open in 2025! If you’re serious abou...

Apr 01, 202512 minEp. 430

Bonus Ep: How to Hire a Grant Writer in Your Grant Writing Business & Stop Doing all the Client Work

If you're a freelance grant writer or running a service-based business, there comes a point where you hit a financial and time ceiling. To scale beyond $50,000 to $100,000 per year, outsourcing is crucial. In this episode, we explore when and how to hire grant writers to help you grow your business without burnout. Doors to the Grant Professional Mentorship close on Friday, April 4th at 11:59 pm EST. The Grant Professional Mentorship is a 12-Month Group Coaching Mastermind for Grant Professional...

Mar 31, 202525 minEp. 429

Bonus Ep: Replay "Double Your Grant Writing Revenue, Writing Fewer Grants, During Any Administration"

Join Holly and hundreds of folks who signed up for this Webinar, "Double your Grant Writing Business Revenue, by Writing Fewer Grants, During any Administration". The doors are now open to the Grant Professional Mentorship! The Grant Professional Mentorship is a 12-Month Group Coaching Mastermind for Grant Professionals to Double Your Business Revenue with a Team, Systems, and Scalable Offers - without Burning Out. We have limited seats available. Seats are first-come, first-served. Once our sea...

Mar 26, 20251 hr 49 minEp. 428

Growing a Grant Writing Business from $5k to $200k in 2 years with Isatou

In this conversation, Isatou Bittaye-Jobe shares her journey from being an in-house grant writer to becoming a freelance grant writer specializing in grassroots social justice organizations. She discusses the challenges and opportunities in the funding landscape, particularly the shift from federal to foundation grants. Isatou emphasizes the importance of mentorship and community support in her business growth, highlighting how delegation and team building have allowed her to achieve a better wo...

Mar 19, 202539 minEp. 427

Bonus Ep: From Higher Education Grant Writer Job to Retirement Business

Go behind-the-scenes of the Grant Professional Mentorship with Dr. Cheri Westmoreland of Spirit Excel. Doors to the Grant Professional Mentorship Close on Friday, April 4th, 2025 at 11:59 pm EST. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-professional-mentorship In this episode, Holly Rustick interviews Dr. Cheri Westmoreland, CEO of Spirit Excel, who shares her extensive experience in grant writing and management. Dr. Westmoreland discusses her journey from federal grants to foundation grants, th...

Mar 18, 202527 minEp. 426

3 Items to Restructure Your Grant Writing Business in 2025

You may need to restructure your grant writing business in 2025. Meaning three main things need to be re-evaluated: Offers Systems Team There has been a lot going on with grants in the last month, and there will be changes in 2025. Does that mean all grant funding is gone, or will your clients dry up? No. But you may need to get back to the heart of your business. Pivoting is a word you may bring back into your vocabulary this year. Knowing what service offers to keep, what to double down on, an...

Mar 12, 202511 minEp. 425
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