Grant Writing & Funding

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 sector still needs grant writers. However, AI tools can make grant writing easier and more efficient. Through my Freelance Grant Writer Academy, I've trained thousands of grant writers, helping them build thriving grant writing businesses. It also gives me a unique insight into how grant writers are really using tools like AI. Let's take a look at what's working with grant writing and AI (and what isn't). Watch Video Podcast HERE: https://youtu.be/CbsNL22cM3U Related Links: -Why AI Won't Take Your Grant Writing Job: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/why-ai-wont-take-your-grant-writing-job/ -Using Chat GPT and AI for Grant Writing with Philip Deng: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/using-chat-gpt-and-ai-for-grant-writing/ Links Mentioned: Grant Professional Mentorship: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship Freelance Grant Writer Academy: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/ Tune in today to listen to this podcast. Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts “Every time I listen to Holly's show, I learn something”

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 passion for helping causes. Grant writing (to non-grant writers) also feels very mysterious and a bit untouchable. However, it's not. Grant writing as a career is simply offering a service for organizations using your skills and experience. With a successful 20-year grant writing career that is still going strong, I decided it was time to break down some of these myths! Watch Video Podcast Here: https://youtu.be/Kzbv2Zm4lZo Links Mentioned: Grant Professional Mentorship: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship Freelance Grant Writer Academy: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/ Tune in today to listen to this podcast. Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts “Every time I listen to Holly's show, I learn something”

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 most expensive hire ✅ Why you still need to train any new hire in your methods, even if they have experience ✅ The importance of creating Systems and SOPs before bringing in a team ✅ A smarter, more affordable way to get help with research and admin tasks first You deserve to feel confident and financially safe as you build your team. Inside the Grant Professional Mentorship, we teach you exactly who to hire first, how much your business can afford, and how to streamline your hiring process with our Part-Time Lean Team Method. Join the Grant Professional Mentorship!A 12-month group coaching mastermind designed to help grant professionals double their business revenue with a team, systems, and scalable offers—without burning out.

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.

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 Professionals to Double Your Business Revenue with a Team, Systems, and Scalable Offers - without Burning Out. Join now: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship What You'll Learn in This Episode: Signs it's time to start outsourcing in your grant writing business How to hire the right grant writers and avoid common hiring mistakes The difference between subcontracting and hiring contractors How to track time and set task expectations Why Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are essential for smooth onboarding How to determine what your business can afford to pay contractors Creating a clear job description and application process Why and how to use test projects before hiring Steps to successfully hire and onboard your first grant writing contracto Be sure to subscribe to our podcast!

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 seats fill up, we will not take any further calls. This is the first time in 2025 that our Grant Professional Mentorship has OPENED publicly and might be the only time this year. The Investment for the Mentorship is one payment of $6,000 (paid in full bonus includes a 1:1 Business Strategy Call with Holly) or 6 payments of $1,000. Join by April 4th, 2025 at 11:59 pm EST or book a Sales Call: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-professional-mentorship

In this week's podcast Holly Rustick brings Laura Hall, Grant Consultant of Premio Services, LLC on the Grant Writing & Funding podcast. In this conversation, we discuss: -Laura's journey into grant writing -How Laura negotiated with her job to get health insurance -Hiring and how it has helped to have support -Managing a growing grant writing business as a single mom. About Laura Hull Laura is a first generation U.S. immigrant with more than a decade of grants experience and nonprofit leadership in multicultural contexts. Laura launched PSI in 2017 to elevate the grants profession and increase social impact by providing transformational grants services to nonprofits. She delivers high quality consulting to nonprofits seeking to expand their grant portfolios by uncovering barriers and finding the right resources to meet unique needs. With creative strategy, an average 98% funding success rate, and a data-driven commitment to success, Laura offers the best in grant services to her clients and sector. Outside of grants, Laura enjoys spending quality time with her son and daughter, ages 9 and 4, reading, creative writing, and exploring Idaho's spectacular outdoors. Connect with Laura Hall: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurahullgrantconsultant/ Website: https://premioservices.com/ Links Mentioned: Grant Professional Mentorship: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship Freelance Grant Writer Academy: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/ Tune in today to listen to this podcast. Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts “Every time I listen to Holly's show, I learn something”

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 work-life balance. Holly and Isatou also touch on the mindset shifts necessary for success in the nonprofit sector. Connect with Isatou Bittaye-Jobe: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isatoubittayejobe/ Website: https://www.amikhaconsulting.com/ Links Mentioned: Free Webinar on March 25th, 2025 at 4 pm EST “Double Your Grant Writing Business, Writing Fewer Grants, During any Administration”: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship-webinar Grant Professional Mentorship: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship Freelance Grant Writer Academy: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/ Tune in today to listen to this podcast. Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts “Every time I listen to Holly's show, I learn something”

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, the importance of compliance, and how mentorship has helped her build confidence and business acumen. She emphasizes the need for nonprofits to adapt to changing funding landscapes and the value of investing in oneself through mentorship programs. The conversation highlights the challenges and successes of managing a grant writing business while working full-time, and the evolution from being a grant writer to becoming a business owner. Takeaways - Dr. Westmoreland has 30 years of grant management experience. - She initially resisted grant writing but found success through mentorship. - The transition from federal to foundation grants opened new opportunities. - Compliance is crucial in grant management, especially with federal grants. - Building confidence through mentorship has been transformative for Dr. Westmoreland. - Managing clients while working full-time requires strategic planning. - Investing in oneself is essential for growth in the nonprofit sector. - The mentorship program provides valuable resources and support. - Evolving from a grant writer to a business owner is a significant shift. - Networking and marketing are key to finding clients in grant writing. About Dr. Cheri Westmoreland Dr. Cheri Westmoreland, founder of Spirit Excel, exists to energize, empower, and elevate faith- and community-based organizations through tools to enhance professional excellence. Cheri has worked for over 30 years in higher education and in non-profit community-based agencies. She currently works at the University of Cincinnati as the Executive Director for Academic Enrichment and Outreach. Cheri has successfully received federal grants totaling over 1.2 million per grant for 3-5 years of funding. Offering services to write foundation and state agency grants, strategic planning for nonprofit and business/ministry, program development and program evaluation, grant review and grants management services. Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, from Wittenberg University, Master of Science in Higher Education Administration from Miami University, and Doctor of Education in Educational Foundations from the University Cincinnati. She is also a member of the Grant Professional Association. Dr. Westmoreland is married to Kim Westmoreland and has an adult married son and two beautiful granddaughters. Contact with Dr. Cheri Westmoreland Email: cherispiritexcel@gmail.com Website: https://spiritexcel.org 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 podcast and I read each and every review! “Every time I listen to Holly's show, I learn something”

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 time to write a federal grant How much time to write a state grant How much time to write a Letter of Inquiry Finding grant prospects Meetings with clients Emails with clients Talking to funders Working on financials Marketing Industry updates Administration And so much more… And what happens when you don't accurately count or track your time? According to our friends over at Global Development Solutions, who conduct an annual Pricing Survey among grant professionals (2023), YOU don't get paid for all your work! This is SO dangerous because if you don't get paid for your work, then you are not able to sustain a business. You need to know how much time things take you to do. Tune in today to listen to this podcast. Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts “Every time I listen to Holly's show, I learn something”

Joy Maxwell, Owner and Lead Advisor for Ark Advising, shares about her journey from working in a nonprofit to starting her own business, ARK Advising. Joy shares her experiences with mentorship, financial challenges, and the importance of community support. She discusses how she transitioned to a retainer model for her services, allowing her to achieve a better work-life balance while significantly increasing her revenue. The conversation highlights the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship, especially in the context of the nonprofit sector. In this conversation, Joy M. Maxwell discusses her journey in balancing nonprofit work with a business mindset. She shares insights on shifting relationships with nonprofits, navigating emotional connections, and embracing flexibility in business operations. Joy highlights the importance of mentorship and the tools that have helped her grow her business while achieving a better work-life balance. The discussion emphasizes the value of community support and the ongoing process of adapting to changes in the nonprofit sector. Doors to the Grant Professional Mentorship on Friday, April 4th, 2025 at 11:59 pm EST. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-professional-mentorship The Grant Professional Mentorship is a 12-Month Mastermind Coaching Program for 5 to 6-figure Grant Professionals to Double Your Revenue with Scalable Services, Systems and a Part-Time Team - without burning out. Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts “Every time I listen to Holly's show, I learn something”

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 emphasizes the need for financial planning and the value of mentorship in achieving business growth and stability. Takeaways - Fielding transitioned from a toxic job to grant consulting. - The mentorship provided accountability and support during tough times. - Community support is crucial for solopreneurs. - Financial planning is essential for business sustainability. - Fielding developed a federal grants course to help others. - The importance of restructuring pricing and contracts for efficiency. - Celebrating wins within the community boosts morale. - Navigating challenges is easier with a supportive network. - Fielding's revenue doubled after joining the mentorship. - Mentorship can help avoid common mistakes in business. Join the Free Webinar, "Double your Grant Writing Business Revenue, by Writing Fewer Grants, During any Administration” on Tuesday, March 25th at 4 pm - 5:30 pm EST Click here: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship-webinar

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 it's clear that there will be changes in 2025. Does that mean all grant funding is gone or your clients will dry up? No. But you may need to get back to the heart of your business. Pivoting is a word you may be bringing back into your vocabulary this year. Knowing what service offers to keep, what to double down on, and what to let go is all vital to growing your revenue and serving your clients. As a grant writing CEO (yes, you've graduated from the thought you are ‘only' a freelancer), you may even have a virtual assistant and/or subcontract grant writer or two on your team. You may be wondering if you need to restructure your team and offers in 2025 with everything that is happening with the new Administration. #1 - Restructure Your Grant Writing Offers If you have federal grant writing service offers (meaning you write federal grants), then you will want to work closely with your clients on how to adjust to all the changes. This might mean re-working your scope of work retainer and taking out a couple of grants and putting in Monthly Updates instead. #2 - Update Your Business Systems You need to create or update SOPs. Even if this year wasn't full of new grant things, we recommend you do this every quarter! Look over SOPs and update any. See if you can add AI to support any functions. #3 - Examine Your Team and Reset Roles You may need to role reset some team members. Your virtual assistant may need fewer hours this year or you may assign them some hours to attend webinars on federal grant updates and send you notes. Your grant writers may need to be reporting on grant updates or working on doubling foundation grant outputs. But within everything, you need to make sure this aligns with your budget. Students inside the Grant Professional Mentorship have been addressing these needs to see how to adjust in 2025. Some are hiring virtual assistants to help with more admin duties so they can be in front of a lot of issues. Others are streamlining team members and paying for scope of work instead of just hourly. When you join the Grant Professional Mentorship, we will have a LIVE 3-Hour Business Reset Call to dig into your business. Tune in today to listen to this podcast. Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts “Every time I listen to Holly's show, I learn something”

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 Connect with Fielding Jezreel: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fieldingjezreel/ Website: https://www.jezreelconsulting.com/about At the end of the day, words are important. Tune in today to listen to this podcast. Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts! “Every time I listen to Holly's show, I learn something.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! Follow now so you don't miss any bonus episodes! This Podcast Episode is Lovingly Sponsored by: Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now!

In this week's podcast we go behind-the-scenes with Rachel Werner of MyFedTrainer.com to discuss what is currently going on with federal grants during the Trump Administration, and what the forecast is. We recorded this as one of ‘fly-on-wall' podcasts where we had Academy and Mentorship students attend the live recording and got to ask questions afterwards! So FUN and needed! In this conversation, we discuss: An outlay of federal grants over the last month What nonprofits can do if they are not aligned with current Executive Orders How freelance grant writers can help nonprofits navigate these times Forecast: What the Continuing Resolution means on the Federal Budget on March 14th ate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts “Every time I listen to Holly's show, I learn something”

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 federal grant guidance before. Regular Changes in Words in Grants To put it into context, we've been writing grants for more than 20 years, and we have learned to play the wordsmith game of grant writing. What is normal in federal grant word usage changes is that words are often added to the federal grant cycles when: A new administration starts Societal movements and norms enter into the federal mainstream Priorities of the federal government are identified Even for foundation grants, we have been training grant writers to connect words with the funding source priority areas, Request for Proposals (RFPs), and website information so that grant writers mimic funding source language. Then we teach grant writers how to integrate these words into their programs in a way that aligns with what they do. This ensures that everyone is on the same page with language and what that language means AND helps with consistent language in grant applications. This approach also helps nonprofits so they aren't mission drifting or scope creeping, but are aligning with funding sources for their specific cause areas. While we still entirely support this approach, the new wrench in the bucket in February 2025 is the potential sheer number of words to NOT use for the new recommendations from certain federal agencies (as of 2/10/2025) Replace Potential Trigger Words Using ChatGPT I ran all the words listed in ChatGPT to find alternative words. While this was helpful to get ideas, it was not entirely efficient. At the end of the day, words are important. Tune in today to listen to this podcast. Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts! “Every time I listen to Holly's show, I learn something.” If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! Follow now so you don't miss any bonus episodes! This Podcast Episode is Lovingly Sponsored by: This podcast episode is lovingly sponsored by Grant Easy Management Software (GEMS). Break Up with Your Spreadsheet – Get GEMS Grant Easy Management Software and NEVER MISS A DEADLINE AGAIN! Book YOUR FREE demo now!

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 explains: Why Grant Writing Success Rates are Skewed Why Total Grant Money Secured Doesn't Prove Your Grant Writing Skills Why Freelance Grant Writers on Social Media may just have vanity metrics vs. Sales Tune in today to listen to this podcast. Links Mentioned in the Podcast: Freelance Grant Writer Academy Align & Attract by Kerry Rowet Smart Passive Income Podcast Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts “Every time I listen to Holly's show, I learn something”

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 this Administration and for the many more Administrations to come. Why am I so sure? Because I have written grants for the last 21 years and have been through: -MANY Administrations, -A worldwide Pandemic, -AI, -Inflation, -And more… all while supporting myself with my grant writing skills and business. Grant writing is a skill that's been around for a long time. And if the week has shown us anything, it is that grants are a large part of the U.S. economy that supersede any Administration. And nonprofits are the fastest growing sector in the U.S. economy. Your clients might lean into areas that aren't a priority for the current Administration. Will you maybe need to write more foundation grants or corporate solicitations? Maybe. Will you need to lean into Strategic Planning instead of writing a federal grant? Maybe. Plus, the federal government is NOT the only place where you can find grants. MANY of our Academy students only write non-government grants (Foundation and Community grants). Once again this depends on your cause area and type of organizations you work with. Right now nonprofits need your ability to pivot and write HIGH-QUALITY grants so they can focus on running their missions. Inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, we teach you how to write high-quality grants and how to sell your grant writing services during any Administration. Academy students are still securing grants AND clients - even during this week. The doors are open to the Freelance Grant Writer Academy until Sunday, Feb. 2nd. Join now to Replace Your Full-time Income, on Flexible Hours, Writing Grants from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/

You may already be a freelance grant writer (or a grant writer at a nonprofit), and this week was chaotic for you. Your clients may be asking you a lot of questions about what's going on in the world of grants. Here are some things we have been talking to with our Academy Changemaker Students this week, that may apply to your Clients: 1. Advocate for Funding 2. Evaluate Your Nonprofit's Budget 3. Put all Cash Ideas on the Table 4. Broaden or Double Down in Funding 5. Do a Strategic Planning Session 6. Practice Self-Care When you join the Freelance Grant Writer Academy by Sunday, Feb. 2nd we will help you immediately come up with a plan for your clients based on the types of organizations you work with, cause areas, and more. We will help create a personalized plan for you. Plus, we already include a Course (including workbooks) on how to lead a Strategic Planning Session so you can implement that next week. Join now so you have a go-to resource for all of 2025. You don't want to spend all your time Googling what's happening and trying to figure out how to get your clients results. We got you. When you join the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, aspiring and seasoned grant writers get everything you need - including how to get your clients results during the changes of grant priorities this year. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/academy

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. Go to https://grantwritingandfunding.com/academy to Replace Your Full-Time Income, on Flexible Hours, Writing Grants from Home - just like Christina. To learn more about Christina, visit: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Christina "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 podcast and I read each and every review! “Every time I listen to Holly's show, I learn something”

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 leading their programs. The doors to the Freelance Grant Writer Academy close on Sunday, Feb. 2nd at 11:59 pm EST. Join now so you can have access to the 12-month Group Coaching program for aspiring and seasoned grant writers to replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home. "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 podcast and I read each and every review! “Every time I listen to Holly's show, I learn something”

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!

Welcome to another insightful episode of the Grant Writing & Funding Podcast! 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. "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 podcast and I read each and every review! “Every time I listen to Holly's show, I learn something”

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 review on iTunes or your podcast listener? This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review! “Every time I listen to Holly's show, I learn something”

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. With a new federal administration, there may be changes that will affect your 9-5. There will be new changes in tech and AI. Change is happening whether you like it or not. Prepare to be self-dependent now. #5 - It's Time to Live Life for You - at Your Terms Because you've been telling yourself for years it's time to retire or to live differently. Or life is just happening. #6 - Because You Can - it's Never Been Easier Because you have access to the Freelance Grant Writer Academy it's never been easier. We've been doing the work for years to get everything (templates, training, support) set up and tested so we have results. When you attend the webinar, "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. You will walk away from the webinar knowing how you can make a grant writing business work for you. This is for you if you are an aspiring or seasoned freelance grant writer. After the webinar, we'll open the doors to my program, Freelance Grant Writer Academy, where we help you achieve Replace Your Income While Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is a 12-month group coaching program for aspiring and seasoned grants writers to replace their income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home. Join the Webinar, "Quit Your Toxic Nonprofit Job: Replace Your 9-5 Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home" on Tuesday, Jan. 21st, 2025. Register here: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/webinar Or join the Freelance Grant Writer Academy today: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/ "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 podcast and I read each and every review! “Every time I listen to Holly's show, I learn something”

"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 traffic. I am not here to shame anyone from making a choice that feels good for you and your family! Lots of moms are in this situation. But here's what happens. The mother starts depreciating her lifelong earning potential. Because she is taking off time from work she isn't contributing to her retirement, social security, etc. Because she isn't working there is a gap in her resume. Because she isn't working she isn't adding professional skills to her experience. This is unfortunate and shouldn't be the case. What if I told you moms that you can stay home with your kids, and earn more money on part-time hours? You CAN earn money, increase professional skills, stay in the 'workforce', add to your retirement, and be at home (and have time) with your kids. I know it sounds too good to be true, but listen to today's podcast episode to know why it's not! https://www.grantwritingandfunding.com/podcast "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 podcast and I read each and every review! “Every time I listen to Holly's show, I learn something”

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 podcast and I read each and every review! “Every time I listen to Holly's show, I learn something”

Here's all the details on our Upcoming webinar this Tuesday at 4 pm EST

In this podcast episode, Daphney Jean discusses how she went from a full-time 9-5 to subcontracting as a grant writer to going full-time as a freelance grant writer. After being a freelance grant writer for two years, Daphney found the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and in one year increased her revenue to $93,000. Tune in to listen to this podcast. To learn more about the podcast episodes go to https://grantwritingandfunding.com/386 Doors are NOW OPEN to the Freelance Grant Writer Academy. Find out more: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/academy "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 podcast and I read each and every review! “Every time I listen to Holly's show, I learn something”

Are you overwhelmed or thinking you need a grant writing certification or degree to write grants? Or maybe you feel like only ‘certain' people can learn how to write grants. Here's the reality. Grant writing is not a mythical job. It is a formulaic process that anyone can learn. Hear all the tips on what's included in this formula! Tune in today. To learn more about the podcast episodes go to https://grantwritingandfunding.com/383 "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 podcast and I read each and every review! “Every time I listen to Holly's show, I learn something”

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. To learn more about the podcast episodes go to https://grantwritingandfunding.com/384 Sign up for the Webinar, “Quit Your Toxic Nonprofit 9-5 Job” "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 podcast and I read each and every review! “Every time I listen to Holly's show, I learn something”

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! Two months after joining the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, Sydney now has the systems, contract samples, and coaching to go full-time in her grant writing career. Tune in to listen to this podcast. To learn more about the podcast episodes go to https://grantwritingandfunding.com/385 Sign up for the Webinar, “Quit Your Toxic Nonprofit 9-5 Job” "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 podcast and I read each and every review! “Every time I listen to Holly's show, I learn something”

Here is a look back at 2024 and all that happened around grant funding: #1 - Federal funding changes, number of grants, and amount of awards #2 - OMB Super Circular Changes #3 - Foundation and Individual Giving Up #4 - Videos and Online Applications #5 - Nonprofit Trends #6 - AI in the Grant Writing World #7 - Freelance Grant Writers We go deep into each area. Tune in today. To learn more about the podcast episodes go to https://grantwritingandfunding.com/382 "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 podcast and I read each and every review! “Every time I listen to Holly's show, I learn something”

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 "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 podcast and I read each and every review! “Every time I listen to Holly's show, I learn something”

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. To learn more about the podcast episodes go to https://grantwritingandfunding.com/381 "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 podcast and I read each and every review! “Every time I listen to Holly's show, I learn something”

Find out what type of opportunities and challenges that grant writers have as we go into 2025, post-election. Sean Kosofsky, the Nonprofit Fixer, shares his decades of experience in politics and nonprofit work as he discusses what trends that we may see in 2025 and beyond. Tune in today to listen to this podcast. To learn more about the podcast episodes go to https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-writing-podcast/ 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 podcast and I read each and every review! “Every time I listen to Holly's show, I learn something”

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

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 lead nonprofits, individuals, governments, businesses, and organizations that we work with. Tune in today to hear what Holly has to say about the upcoming federal shifts and what you can be doing, no matter what your cause area is. Tune in today to listen to this podcast. To learn more about the podcast episodes go to https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-writing-podcast/ 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 podcast and I read each and every review! “Every time I listen to Holly's show, I learn something”

Welcome to another insightful episode of the Grant Writing & Funding Podcast! This week, Holly Rustick is joined by Erin Davis, founder of Matchbox Women and a renowned brand strategist and marketing coach. Together, they break down why branding is so much more than just colors and fonts—it's about building a strong foundation that resonates with your values, mission, and unique voice in the nonprofit and freelance sectors. In this conversation, Erin and Holly discuss the transformative power of building a cohesive brand strategy to communicate effectively and attract your ideal clients. From clarifying your core values and creating a mission-driven approach to building a brand that resonates on every level, this episode is packed with actionable strategies for freelancers, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs alike. Connect with Erin Davis: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-davis-68893611/ Website: https://matchboxwomen.com/ Access Erin's free resources and learn more about her branding course and coaching services. Tune in today to listen to this podcast. To learn more about the podcast episodes go to https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-writing-podcast/ 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 podcast and I read each and every review! “Every time I listen to Holly's show, I learn something”

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 even governments for gender representation and pay equity, has now expanded to evaluate nonprofits. Discover how GenderFair analyzes leadership, pay disparity, and diversity reporting across 22,000 nonprofits using IRS 990 data and more. Holly and Amy explore why gender equality matters for all nonprofits, how donors and freelance grant writers can leverage GenderFair data, and why fair representation benefits organizations of all sizes. Plus, hear about GenderFair's innovative app for rating companies' gender equality practices and how nonprofits can use these insights to improve their own equity and transparency. Don't miss this empowering discussion on creating lasting impact through fair representation and data-driven transparency. Connect with Amy Willard-Cross: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-willard-cross-genderfair/ Website: https://www.genderfair.com/ Tune in today to listen to this podcast. To learn more about the podcast episodes go to https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-writing-podcast/ 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 podcast and I read each and every review! “Every time I listen to Holly's show, I learn something”

In this podcast episode, Rachel Werner breaks down all the OMB Super-Circular federal guidelines and what that means for grant writers. Hint-hint: The indirect de minimus is going UP! There are also some other procurement goodies and some other great tips coming down the pike. This is a MUST-LISTEN for every grant writer! Connect with Rachel Werner MyFedTrainer LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/myfedtrainer-com/ Rachel Werner LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rabwerner/ RBW Strategy Website: https://rbwstrategy.com/ MyFedTrainer Website: https://myfedtrainer.com/ Tune in today to listen to this podcast. To learn more about the podcast episodes go to https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-writing-podcast/ 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 podcast and I read each and every review! “Every time I listen to Holly's show, I learn something”

In this podcast episode, Carmen James Randolph discusses her extensive background in working at a foundation and how she reviewed grant proposals. She goes over why a grant denial isn't always a ‘no' and how you can submit the most competitive grant to a foundation. Carmen discusses the importance of developing a relationship with funding sources and how your grants can stand out. Additionally, she discusses the work she is doing as President and CEO of the Women's Foundation of the South. Tune in today to listen to this podcast. To learn more about the podcast episodes go to https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-writing-podcast/ "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 podcast and I read each and every review! “Every time I listen to Holly's show, I learn something”

Melaina Chromy goes behind the scenes about generational giving and nonprofits. Learn the difference with how millennials, baby boomers, Gen X, and Gen Z are giving to nonprofits! Also learn the importance of how this can impact grant writers. Resources Mentioned in this Episode: ✨2024 Generational Giving Report from Bloomerang and Qgiv ✨The Freelance Grant Writer Academy Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts ___________________________________________________________ "Write Grants. Get Paid" Newsletter - Get FREE Grant Writing Resources in our Newsletter Series grantwritingandfunding.com/get-started/ Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-g…er-academy/ Grant Professional Mentorship: Double Your Revenue as a Grant Professional with a Team, Systems, and Scaling Offer - without Burning Out. grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-profe…nt-writers/ ——————————————————————————— To learn more about this episode AND get the full links for each of these, click here: grantwritingandfunding.com/373 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 podcast and I read each and every review! “Every time I listen to Holly's show, I learn something”

Doors are Now Open to the Freelance Grant Writer Academy (for the final time in 2024)! Join by Oct. 27th if you are an aspiring or seasoned grant writer and want to Replace Your Full-Time Income, on Flexible Hours, Writing Grants from Home. >>Join Now: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/ In this podcast episode, Holly shows you 7 easy ways to get your Return on Investment ($2,500 back!) with just ONE sale inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy. Listen now and join by Oct. 27th. 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 podcast and I read each and every review! “Every time I listen to Holly's show, I learn something”

Doors are Now Open to the Freelance Grant Writer Academy (for the final time in 2024)! Join by Oct. 27th if you are an aspiring or seasoned grant writer and want to Replace Your Full-Time Income, on Flexible Hours, Writing Grants from Home. >>Join Now: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/ In this podcast episode, Holly shows you how to become a PAID federal grant reviewer. Holly's been a federal grant reviewer for more than a decade and have shown countless students how to do this and they LOVE it. Not only do they get paid, their grant writing skills increase exponentially AND they get clients easier than ever because they know how to score grants. And that is a HUGE selling point to nonprofits. You can get paid $1,500 - $2,250 for just ONE grant reviewer gig. Join the Freelance Grant Writer Academy to learn how to become a federal grant reviewer. 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 podcast and I read each and every review! “Every time I listen to Holly's show, I learn something”

Doors are Now Open to the Freelance Grant Writer Academy (for the final time in 2024)! Join by Oct. 27th if you are an aspiring or seasoned grant writer and want to Replace Your Full-Time Income, on Flexible Hours, Writing Grants from Home. >>Join Now: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/ In this podcast episode, Holly discusses how to get nonprofits grant ready. Inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, we have a bonus - the Nonprofit Wellness Audit which includes a complete Nonprofit Wellness Audit checklist, rating system, and FULL report. This can be a service you do as a stand-alone OR part of your packages/retainer. We show you how to utilize this as a selling point so that you can make sure that funding sources don't have red flags to the overall nonprofit. Hint - this will also increase your grant competitiveness when the nonprofit has their ducks in a row. You can charge $2,500 for just ONE Nonprofit Wellness Audit. Join the Academy today to get this report! https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/ 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 podcast and I read each and every review! “Every time I listen to Holly's show, I learn something”

Doors are Now Open to the Freelance Grant Writer Academy (for the final time in 2024)! Join by Oct. 27th if you are an aspiring or seasoned grant writer and want to Replace Your Full-Time Income, on Flexible Hours, Writing Grants from Home. >>Join Now: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/ In this podcast episode, Holly discusses how to do Strategic Planning for Nonprofits and what all is included inside the Academy (wink-wink: you get training on how to do strategic planning for nonprofits, how much to charge, and how to roll it into your services). 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 podcast and I read each and every review! “Every time I listen to Holly's show, I learn something”

*Doors Close to the Academy on Sunday, October 27th at 11:59 pm EST. Be sure to join for the Final time in 2024 so you can Replace Your Full-Time Income, on Flexible Hours, Writing Grants From Home. >> https://grantwritingandfunding.com/academy Giving discounts doesn't make you a nice person. I'm sure you already are a nice person as you want to help nonprofits with causes that you care about getting funding. It can be a win-win situation, heart strings and all. Inside the Academy, we help you design the RIGHT number of deliverables for your clients at the right price. You will figure this out going through our Change Statement Formula and get coaching and feedback on it. You can still get your heart strings pulled, be a nice person, and get paid - your full rates. When you join the ​Freelance Grant Writer Academy, you get our formula to figure out how to price your unique services. In the first 90 days, you will work through the Change Statement to come up with your service offerings for the nonprofits that pull your heart strings. You will get this figured out before the end of the year - and it will literally take you only a few hours to work through this, get feedback, and get coaching. Even if you have a full-time job, kids running around, and travel on your plate. You will walk away with having grant writing services that only deliver services based on fair pricing. 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 podcast and I read each and every review! “Every time I listen to Holly's show, I learn something”

The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is Now Open

Doors Close to the Academy on Sunday, October 27th at 11:59 pm EST. Be sure to join for the Final time in 2024 so you can Replace Your Full-Time Income, on Flexible Hours, Writing Grants From Home.https://grantwritingandfunding.com/academy Shonet joined the Academy with 11 years experience of grant writing, but less than a year operating a freelance grant writing business. In one year, Shonet made $83,145 in her grant writing business and secured $190,000 in grant awards for her clients! Listen to her story! Resources Mentioned in this Episode: ✨The Freelance Grant Writer Academy. ✨Open Coaching Call “Is the Freelance Grant Writer Academy for Me?” on Friday, October 25th at 4pm - 6pm EST - Link here Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts ___________________________________________________________ "Write Grants. Get Paid" Newsletter - Get FREE Grant Writing Resources in our Newsletter Series grantwritingandfunding.com/get-started/ Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-g…er-academy/ Grant Professional Mentorship: Double Your Revenue as a Grant Professional with a Team, Systems, and Scaling Offer - without Burning Out. grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-profe…nt-writers/ ——————————————————————————— To learn more about this episode AND get the full links for each of these, click here: grantwritingandfunding.com/Shonet 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 podcast and I read each and every review! “Every time I listen to Holly's show, I learn something”

The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is Now Open