Grant Writing & Funding
Holly Rustick, a grant writing expert and bestselling author, coaches changemakers to replace their full-time income by writing grants part-time from home. The podcast covers mastering grant writing, finding your cause-area niche, and navigating value-based pricing and nonprofit sales. It aims to help listeners create financial stability and flexibility while supporting causes they are passionate about.
Episodes
What Can Make or Break a Nonprofit's Success Before Grant Funding
In this episode, Holly talks with Reece Bester, Founder and CEO of Breakthrough Grants, about what nonprofits need to have in place before pursuing grant funding. Reece shares how data, diversified revenue, fiscal responsibility, testimonials, strong program design, and relationship-building all play a role in becoming truly grant-ready.They also discuss why nonprofits are businesses, how
The 2026 Tax Change Every Grant Writer Should Know About
The 2026 tax change quietly handed nonprofits a fundraising gift, and most of them have no idea. In this episode, Holly breaks it down in plain English: what changed, who it actually helps, who it does not, and exactly how you can turn it into real value for your clients and new business for you. No tax degree required.In this episode:The new rule that lets everyday donors get a tax break
The Fear Never Fully Goes Away, Even After Six Figures (What 12 Years in Business Taught Me)
What if the thing standing between you and a thriving freelance grant writing business isn't lack of experience, but fear?In this deeply personal bonus episode, Holly Rustick pulls back the curtain on her 21-year journey from teaching overseas and volunteering in post-tsunami Indonesia to building a successful freelance grant writing business that provides both financial freedom and meani
The 5 Reasons You Haven't Started a Grant Writing Business Yet (And Why None of Them Are Real)
If you've been telling yourself that now isn't the right time to start a freelance grant writing business, this episode is for you. Holly Rustick tackles the five most common reasons aspiring grant writers stay stuck, and reveals why none of them are actually keeping you from success.From not having enough time, money, experience, or connections to fears about AI replacing grant writers,
"Will AI Replace Grant Writers?” The 2026 AI-READY Framework (Embrace It or Reject It)
Is AI coming for grant writers, or is it creating more opportunity than ever before? Should you embrace it or reject it?In this episode, Holly Rustick cuts through the fear, hype, and uncertainty surrounding artificial intelligence and the future of grant writing. Drawing on more than 20 years of grant writing experience and over a decade of coaching freelance grant writers, Holly introdu
The OMB Proposal: What Grant Writers Actually Need to Know Before July 13
The headlines about federal grants this week are a lot — and most of them are missing the most important detail: the OMB proposal is not a law. It is not final. It is a proposal, and you have until July 13, 2026 to weigh in on it.In this episode, Holly breaks down what the White House Office of Management and Budget actually published on May 29th, what it would change about how federal gr
[Case Study] She Left Her $70K Job and Was Writing Grants for Free: Now She's Getting Paid
This is a bonus podcast with a special co-host from the Freelance Grant Writer Academy program!What if the biggest shift in your grant writing business isn’t learning how to write grants, but learning how to think like a business owner?In this inspiring Freelance Grant Writer Academy case study, guest host D Abshire sits down with Debra Bare-Rogers, founder of GrantMe Consulting Services,
[Case Study] Karen Was a Burned-Out Nonprofit ED: Now She Has Time for Her Health, Her Mom, and Work That Inspires Her
This is a bonus podcast with a special co-host from the Freelance Grant Writer Academy program!What happens when nonprofit leadership burnout becomes the catalyst for building a more flexible, purpose-driven career?In this inspiring case study, guest host D Abshire sits down with Karen McCall, founder of KTM McCall Grant Strategies and a member of the Freelance Grant Writer Academy. After
[Case Study] Madeline Stopped Chasing One-Off Marketing Clients and Finally Has Steady Income (Thanks to Grant Writing Retainers)
[Case Study] Cindy Was a Nonprofit Marketing Director with Little Grant Experience: She Started a Grant Writing Business on the Side, Made $87,400, and Quit Her Job.
This is a bonus podcast with a special co-host from the Freelance Grant Writer Academy program!What if you could leverage the skills you've built in nonprofit marketing and fundraising to create a thriving grant writing business—and replace your full-time salary faster than you imagined?In this inspiring Freelance Grant Writer Academy case study, guest host D Abshire sits down with Cindy
FUNDED SERIES: The Future of Grant Writing: What We're Seeing in 2026
What does the future of grant writing look like in an increasingly uncertain funding landscape?In this episode of FUNDED, Holly Rustick analyzes the latest funding trends from April 2026 and reveals what they mean for grant writers, nonprofits, and funding professionals moving forward. From federal funding disruptions and increased competition for foundation grants to major state funding
Today Is Yesterday: Your Freelance Grant Writing Business Is More Stable Than a J.O.B.
In this powerful solo episode, Holly Rustick shares an unplanned but deeply important message for aspiring and established grant writers alike: this is the era of the freelance grant writer.Fresh off a coaching call and curriculum update inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and Grant Professional Mentorship, Holly dives into what really happened for freelance grant writers in 2025 —
What the NSF Board Firing Means for Grant Writers, Federal Funding & Freelancers
In this episode of the Grant Writing & Funding Podcast, Holly Rustick breaks down the shocking dismissal of all 22 members of the National Science Board and what it signals for the future of federal funding, philanthropy, and grant strategy. Holly shares why this moment matters far beyond NSF grants and how shifting agency priorities are creating both uncertainty and opportunity acros
Why Boutique Grant Writers Are Winning Right Now (And How to Land Higher-Paying Clients Without Burnout)
Discover how a boutique consulting firm can outperform large agencies by leaning into relationships, strategy, and high-touch service. In this episode, Dr. Eve McGee shares how she’s secured major wins, built long-term client partnerships, and why grant readiness (not just grant writing) is the real key to funding success.ABOUT OUR GUESTBased in Kansas City, Missouri, Dr. Eve McGee is the
Funded Series: How Our Students Broke $10 Million in Grant Writing Businesses
This month marked a major milestone inside the grant writing community: over $10 million generated in student grant writing businesses and a collective $278 million in grant funding secured. In this episode, we break down exactly what happened in March 2026 in the grant writing industry, what’s working right now in the grant funding landscape, and what these results signal for both freela
2026 Federal Funding Changes: What Academic Researchers Must Know Now
In this episode, Holly Rustick shares a real-time update from Guam following a recent super typhoon, and then dives into what every grant writer needs to understand about 2026 federal funding.If you’ve been hearing that “there’s no more grant money” or that federal funding has been slashed, this episode breaks down what’s actually happening versus what made headlines. Holly unpacks key bu
Beyond Freelancing: The Power of Fractional Work in the Nonprofit Sector
In this episode of the Grant Writing & Funding podcast, Holly Rustick interviews Cindy Wagman, founder of the Nonprofit Fractional Network, about the growing role of fractional consulting in the nonprofit sector.Cindy explains how fractional work differs from traditional freelance work by combining strategy, planning, and implementation into one role. This model allows nonprofits to a
Grant Writers Using AI Wrong? The Readiness Problem No One Talks About
Steve Vick returns to the podcast to unpack what nonprofit leaders and grant professionals need to understand about AI adoption right now. As the founder of Bright Nonprofit and longtime host of the Nonprofit Ally podcast, Steve brings both nonprofit and tech expertise to the conversation and explains why AI is not just a tool issue: it is a governance issue.In this episode, Holly and Ste
[Funded Series] Inside a $1.9M Month
In this February 2026 Funded Series episode, we break down what actually changed in just 30 days inside a growing ecosystem of freelance grant writers and why it matters.This month alone:Over $1.5 million in grant funding was securedNearly $464,000 in client deals were closedIn this episode, Holly unpacks the exact patterns behind these wins, including:The shift from learning → leveraging
What Separates a $50K Grant Writer From a $150K Grant Business Owner
In this episode of the Grant Writing & Funding Podcast, Holly Rustick breaks down a key shift that separates grant writers earning around $50K per year from those building six-figure grant businesses.Interestingly, the difference isn’t talent, experience, or even how hard someone works. Many grant writers have similar technical skills:strong proposal writing, program design knowledge,
How Emma Went from Overwhelmed to Organized—and Finally Scaled Her Grant Writing Business
In this bonus episode of the Grant Writing & Funding podcast, Holly Rustick sits down with Emma Krass, Owner and Lead Grant Writer of Grants & Growth, to talk about what it really takes to move from freelancer to CEO.Emma shares her journey from working at a grant writing firm to building her own business—and the challenges she faced along the way. From underpricing services and t
How Alex Built a Scalable Grant Writing Business and Took 2 Weeks Off Without Losing Income
What does it really take to move from freelancer to CEO—and finally take time off without your business falling apart?In this special mentorship spotlight episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Alexandra Cohen, founder of ANC Consult, to share her journey of building, refining, and scaling her grant writing business.Alexandra first joined one of Holly’s earliest programs back in 2022, then
How to Scale Your Grant Writing Business Without Burning Out
Many successful grant writers eventually reach a moment where their business hits a ceiling, not because there isn’t demand, but because their business relies entirely on their personal capacity.In this episode, Holly Rustick discusses the transition from operating solely as a freelancer to stepping into the role of CEO of your grant writing business. She explores why burnout often appear
Scaling Smarter: How D Increased Income, Took Vacations, and Reclaimed Their Time
D Abshire of Aim for Funding shares how joining the Grant Professional Mentorship helped them move from burnout and 60–80 hour workweeks to a more sustainable, profitable grant writing business. In this conversation, D opens up about doubling her income with fewer clients, taking her first real vacation in years, and building the systems and boundaries that gave her both business growth a
How Marshan Built a Six-Figure Grant Writing Business Without Working All the Time
Marshan Marick shares how niching into public health grants, building stronger systems, and shifting her mindset helped her grow a sustainable six-figure grant writing business. In this episode, she talks about moving from doing everything manually to creating repeatable processes, defining growth on her own terms, and building a business that supports both her income goals and her family
From Overwhelmed to Confident: How Christine Built a Scalable Grant Writing Business inside The Grant Professional Mentorship
What happens when you stop letting your business “just happen” to you—and start building it with intention? In this episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Christine Sakwitz, owner and primary consultant of Kingdom Come Consulting, to share her journey from feeling scattered and reactive in her grant writing business to building clarity, confidence, and consistent revenue.Christine opens up
How Freelance Grant Writers Can Build Retirement Wealth (Even Starting From Zero)
In this episode, Holly Rustick discusses why freelance grant writing is one of the most powerful and recession-resistant skill sets nonprofit professionals can develop. She explains how building a stable freelance grant writing business allows you to take control of your financial future instead of relying on a single employer for retirement.Holly walks through the common financial challe
The Systems That Helped Amy Krigsman Double Her Grant Writing Business
Amy Krigsman shares how she doubled her revenue in 2025, reached her first six-figure year, and began scaling ARK Nonprofit Consulting with the support of the Grant Professional Mentorship. In this case study episode, she talks candidly about moving through the messy middle of business growth, reinvesting in targeted support, building a trusted team, and creating more space in her busines
How Nekaysha Built a Grant Membership for Small Businesses Inside the Mentorship
In this episode, Holly Rustick talks with Nekaycha Cavil, Founder and Lead Consultant of Connected Haven, about how she refined her consulting business and created a scalable offer inside the Grant Professional Mentorship.Nekaycha shares how she moved from being a broad generalist to gaining clarity in her services and positioning. With the mentorship support, she transformed a growing da
How Sara Fixed Her Pricing After 20 Years in Grant Writing
Sara Cohen shares what it looks like to level up a grant writing business after 10 years of experience. In this conversation, she opens up about leaving nonprofit dysfunction behind, building a business through word of mouth, and reaching a point where she knew it was time to refine her systems, pricing, and boundaries.Sara talks candidly about a major mindset shift she experienced inside
From Grant Writer to CEO: How Guy Broke $100K and Scaled Beyond 1:1 Client Work
What happens when you stop thinking like a technician and start thinking like a CEO?In this powerful case study interview, Holly sits down with mentorship student Guy A. Holley to unpack the mindset, systems, and strategic shifts that helped him break through his long-standing revenue ceiling and surpass his first $100K year by an additional $15K–$20K.Guy shares how moving from ad-hoc gra
How Gwen Built a $200K Grant Writing Business and Now Out-Earns Her Husband
Securing over $23 million in grant funding in just 24 months is no small feat, and today’s guest has done exactly that.In this episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Gwen Valentino, a New Mexico-based grant strategist who specializes in navigating complex federal and state funding streams. From DOT to LWCF to Healthy Food Financing Initiative awards, Gwen shares what it really takes to man
Fielding Lost $100K in One Week: How This Federal Grant Writer Rebuilt Her Business for 2026
Fielding Lost $100K in One Week: How This Federal Grant Writer Rebuilt Her Business for 2026What does it look like to move from fully booked grant writer… to true CEO?In this powerful mentorship case study, Holly sits down with Fielding Jezreel, CEO of Jezreel Consulting and founder of the Federal Grants Accelerator, to unpack what changed when she decided to stop operating like a contrac
[Funded Series] 37 Grants. $6 Million. One Month. Here’s What’s Working
In this episode, Holly Rustick breaks down the evolving landscape of grant writing in 2026, sharing powerful insights from January’s funding data and what it signals for the nonprofit sector and freelance grant writers.With $6 million in grants secured in January alone — 84% from family foundations — Holly unpacks what this means for funding trends, strategic positioning, and revenue grow
How Nonprofit Leaders Can Prevent Burnout and Build a Thriving Organizational Culture with Marcia Beckner
Nonprofits exist to do good in the world—but what happens when the people doing that work are burned out, overwhelmed, and working inside unhealthy cultures?In today’s episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Marcia Beckner, nonprofit founder and culture transformation strategist, to talk about one of the most overlooked drivers of impact: organizational culture.After founding My Lifeline Ca
When Nonprofits Should Consider Both Grant Writing & Individual Donor Giving Campaigns
When Nonprofits Should Consider Both Grant Writing & Individual Donor Giving CampaignsIn this conversation, Holly Rustick interviews Alex Cohen, CEO of ANC Consult, about her journey from law to nonprofit consulting, the challenges faced in the nonprofit sector in 2026, and the importance of adapting services to meet the evolving needs of nonprofits. Alex discusses her expansion from
Is Grant Writing Worth It? My Honest Answer
Is Grant Writing Worth It? My Honest AnswerIs grant writing actually worth it? In this episode, Holly Rustick is breaking down the honest truth about what grant writing really is, who it’s for, and whether it can realistically turn into a paid skill or career. If you’re new to grant writing, thinking about freelancing, or wondering if this path makes sense for you, this episode will help
[Funded Series] Is Grant Funding Drying Up? December 2025 Grant Market Report
December 2025 shows what happens when grant writers stop scrambling and start operating with systems.December results:$5.01M in grant funding secured45 grants awardedMedian grant around $25K$422,000+ earned in grant writing businessesWhat got funded:General operating support, state and local funding, and capital/development grants: awarded to prepared organizations with clear narratives a
What Grant Reviewers Won’t Tell You — But Score You On
Join Holly Rustick as she shares insider secrets from her decade of experience as a federal grant reviewer. Discover why even well-thought-out grant proposals can get rejected and learn strategies to ensure your proposals rise to the top. Holly discusses the importance of clarity, credibility, and alignment between your narrative and budget. Plus, find out about the resources available th
Case Study: How Theresa Moved States Without Losing Clients (and Grew Her Grant Firefighter Business)
In this engaging interview, Holly Rustick talks with Theresa Fowler about her extensive experience in grant writing and consulting. Theresa shares her journey from working full-time in California to becoming a consultant in Texas, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and family commitments. They discuss the benefits of the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, including templates and coach
Case Study: How Dr. Melvin has made more than $80K by going to the Doctor, Dentist, and Parties
In this conversation, Dr. Melvin Musick shares his journey from a traditional consultancy to a thriving grant writing business, emphasizing the importance of discipline, relationships, and creative thinking. He discusses how joining the Academy transformed his approach to grant writing and consultancy, leading to significant financial success and personal growth. Dr. Musick highlights the
Why “Stable” Jobs Don’t Feel Safe Anymore
Why “Stable” Jobs Don’t Feel Safe AnymoreIn uncertain times, many “stable” jobs don’t feel so stable anymore.In this episode, Holly Rustick, CEO of the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, unpacks the illusion of fixed income and why relying on a single employer, whether in nonprofits, government, or corporate roles, can create a false sense of security. As costs rise and economic conditions s
What Grant Writers Need To Know About Major Gifts And Donor Relationships
Grant funding doesn’t happen in a vacuum. In this episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Jeff Schreifels of Veritus Group to unpack why relationships—not just strong proposals—drive funding decisions, donor loyalty, and long-term financial resilience. A must-listen for grant writers navigating today’s shifting funding landscape.ABOUT OUR GUESTWith over 30 years in the nonprofit sector, Jef
November 2025 Report: $3.4M In Grants + $526K Earned
Funded: $3.4 Million in Grants + $525K+ Earned | November 2025In this episode of Funded, we break down what actually happened in grant writing in November 2025 using real data from grant writers inside our programs.Here’s what you’ll learn:How much grant funding was secured in one monthHow much freelance grant writers earned in their businessesWhat types of grants were awarded (foundation
11 Trends Every Freelance Grant Writer Needs To Know In 2026
In this episode, Holly breaks down the top 11 trends freelance grant writers must lean into in 2026. From funder relationships and AI tools to flexibility, movement-centered grant writing, trigger words, diversified funding, and stepping into thought leadership — this is your roadmap for staying ahead in the rapidly shifting grant writing world.You’ll learn:Why funder relationships matter
“Is It Even Worth Applying?”… and Other Big Federal Grant Questions Answered
In this episode, Holly Rustick from Grant Writing and Funding interviews Fielding Jezreel, CEO of Jezreel Consulting, about the evolving landscape of federal grants. They discuss the challenges and strategies for nonprofits in adapting to new federal grant requirements, the importance of preparation, and the role of DEI in grant writing. Fielding shares insights on how organizations can p
Inside Our $20K Madrid Retreat: The Strategy That Will Fuel A $1B Movement
In this episode of the Grant Writing and Funding Podcast, host Holly Rustic shares an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at a recent team retreat in Madrid, Spain, that cost $20,000. Holly discusses the strategic decisions, deep work, and innovative approaches taken during the retreat, which have already shifted the trajectory of their grant writing and funding movement. Learn about the int
[Funded Series] What’s Actually Getting Funded? Real Grant Data from Hundreds of Students
In this new subseries 'Funded.' Learn about the massive movement to secure $1 billion in grants and $30 million for grant writing businesses by 2030. Holly shares success stories, real data, and insights into what's working in grant writing and funding today. Discover practical tips, how to navigate economic and political shifts, and the innovative strategies of their signature programs.
Funded by Melinda French Gates: Inside the $60M Innovation Grant Challenge
Welcome to the Grant Writing & Funding Podcast! In this episode, host Holly Rustick sits down with Clare Bresnahan English, Senior Director of the Workplace Innovation Now (WIN) Challenge at the Aspen Institute, to break down a massive $60 million grant opportunity for U.S. nonprofits.Tune in today to listen to this podcast.WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE WIN CHALLENGE GRANTTotal Gran
How to Stop Caving When Clients Ask for "Just One More Thing"
Join host Holly Rustick on the Grant Writing and Funding Podcast as she delves into the essential topic of setting boundaries as a freelance grant writer. Learn how to professionally handle client requests that fall outside the scope of work while maintaining good relationships and avoiding burnout. Holly shares practical advice, including key phrases and strategies, to ensure that freela
Reclaiming Your Worth — What Money Mindset Has to Do with Grant Writing
Welcome to the Grant Writing & Funding Podcast. In this episode, Holly Rustick explores the importance of money mindset in the nonprofit and freelance grant writing sectors. She shares her personal experiences growing up in poverty and how it influenced her career and pricing strategiesYOU'LL LEARN -How to reframe your worth as a grant writer -The difference between charging for time
The Hidden Path to Invite-Only Grants: Relationship Strategies from a Nonprofit's $1M+ Funding Model
Want to land invite-only grants and corporate sponsorships? Hear how Surge for Water built trust-based relationships that unlocked over $1M in funding. Founder Shilpa Alva shares actionable strategies for grant writers and nonprofit leaders to move from cold outreach to long-term funder partnerships, boost corporate support, and secure sustainable funding for water access, menstrual healt
Is Marketing and Branding Important for Your Nonprofit?
In this episode, Holly Rustick interviews Marivi V. Bryant, founder of Home Agency, discussing the critical role of marketing and storytelling for nonprofits. They explore how effective branding and a polished online presence can enhance a nonprofit's credibility and attract funding. Marivi emphasizes the importance of utilizing social media, creating engaging content, and leveraging avai
From Nonprofit Service to Securing $1M+ in Grants: Veronica’s Journey to Advocacy and Freedom
Veronica Kulon, CEO of VK Empowerment Solutions, shares her journey from starting a business to becoming an advocate for her clients after joining the Freelance Grant Writer Academy. She had been full-time with her business (and working part-time at a job) but she still wasn’t tapping into her financial goals. It wasn’t until she joined the Academy, and got some mindset coaching, that she
Student Panel "First $100K in the Academy" and Open House "Is the Academy For Me?" Bonus Pop-Up Podcast
This is a POP-UP Bonus Podcast, meaning it WILL disappear soon! It's a replay from our Student Panel, "First $100K in the Academy" and Open House "Is the Academy for Me?"
How a Social Worker made $149,000 in her Freelance Grant Writing Business in 90 days
Dr. Eve McGee shares her inspiring journey from the social work sector to more than doubling her revenue and impact as a freelance grant writer. She went from a draining job to starting her own grant writing business. The first year in her own business, with no support was isolating and hard, though. So she joined the Freelance Grant Writer Academy.Within 9 months, she went from earning
Academy FAQ Series #4: Can I Join the Academy if I Have NO Grant Writing Experience?
You may be wanting to join the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, but have no grant writing experience. That is FINE. Changemakers who have never seen a grant before all the way to seasoned 20+year grant writers get value inside the Academy. You learn grant writing and business acumen in our #1 in the Industry program. The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is a 12-Month Group Coaching, Curricul
Academy FAQ Series #6: How Do I Pay Off the Academy or Get an ROI?
You may be wanting to join the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, but are wondering HOW to pay for it. Find out with these 8 ways. The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is a 12-Month Group Coaching, Curriculum, and Community program to help aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home.Doors close to the Academy on Friday, Oct. 2
Academy FAQ Series #7: Should I Join the Academy if I already Have a Freelance Grant Writing Business?
You may be interested in joining the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, but aren't sure if it's for you since you already have a freelance grant writing business. If you don't have recurring income, filled out your client pipeline, or are still confused about your offers, marketing, or sales... then yes. The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is a 12-Month Group Coaching, Curriculum, and Communi
Academy FAQ Series #3: How Much Time Does it Take in the Academy to Learn Grant Writing and Get Clients?
You may be wondering how long it takes to learn grant writing and to get a paying client in the Freelance Grant Writer Academy. You can do it within 90 days. The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is a 12-Month Group Coaching, Curriculum, and Community program to help aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home.Doors close to
Academy FAQ Series #5: Should I Join the Academy if I don't have a Network?
You may be wondering if you can get grant writing clients if you don't have a network, email list, or social media following. YES. Our Academy students get clients without websites, email lists, or on social media. The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is a 12-Month Group Coaching, Curriculum, and Community program to help aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, o
Academy FAQ Series #2: Is Now a Good Time to Become a Grant Writer?
You may be curious if 2025 is a good time to be a grant writer. YES! Nonprofits need you NOW more than ever and are streamlining their budgets to hire freelance grant writers vs. staff grant writers. The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is a 12-Month Group Coaching, Curriculum, and Community program to help aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hour
Academy FAQ Series #1: Is Grant Writing a Shiny Object
You may be wondering if grant writing is a shiny object this year. I'm here to say NO. Grant writing is needed. The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is also NOT a shiny object as it's a 12-Month Group Coaching, Curriculum, and Community program to help aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home.Doors close to the Academy on
From Freelance Grant Writing on her own to joining the Academy and Earning $40,200 in 30 Days
From FT Job to Laid Off to $7K in Grant Writing in 3 Months
If you got caught in getting laid off in Academics, Health, or Research in 2025 have you considered being a freelance grant writer? This is what Caitlin did and it paid off.In this episode, Holly Rustick chats with Caitlin Doran, a student in the Academy and the brains behind Katydid Communications. Caitlin opens up about her leap from getting laid off from a large academic medical center
Government Shutdown 2025: How is it Impacting Grant Funding?
Welcome to this episode of Grant Writing & Funding with your host Holly Rustick and special guest Rachel Werner, CEO of RBW Strategy Consulting and principal of My Fed Trainer. In this insightful conversation, Holly and Rachel break down the complexities around the 2025 government shutdown and its direct impact on federal grants, nonprofits, and grant writers.#grantwriting #grantwrite
Get Clients as a Grant Writer 5-Part Series: #5 Stop Basing Your Success on Grants Won
A lot of grant writers feel like they are in an impossible situation when asked about their ‘grant writing success rate’. As if the only measurement of your success as a grant writer is based on the grants you have won.Some places on the internet state that there are ‘good’ percentage win rates for grant writers. Honestly, ‘grant writer success rates’ are crap. If you are working with sta
Get Clients as a Grant Writer 5-Part Series: #4 Stop Overpricing in 2025
A concept that I have been talking about this year is doing the MVP. Now you may have heard the term MVP before, with the acronym standing for Minimum Viable Product. But my MVP concept stands for Minimum VALUE Product.You want to deliver something more than just a ‘viable’ product, hence the word ‘VALUE’.What I have seen after working with more than 300 freelance grant writers in 2025 (a
Get Clients as a Grant Writer 5-Part Series: #3 Stop Overworking
You may be thinking about learning how to write grants and you think it will take too much time OR you may be a freelance grant writer and be stuck in client work.What I have seen after working with more than 500 freelance grant writers in the last two years (and literally thousands over the last 10 years), is that many of you are overworking yourselves.Why are you doing this? Well, let m
Get Clients as a Grant Writer 5-Part Series: #2 Stop Calling Yourself a Grant Writer
You don’t just write grants. You are a grant strategist. You just aren’t positioning yourself as one.We are seeing that Academy students who are leaning into positioning themselves as a Grant Strategist vs. Grant Writer are doing BETTER this year in booking out their businesses.What a Grant Strategist Does in 2025-2026Stays on top of changes in grants (at least in your cause area: i.e., D
Get Clients as a Grant Writer 5-Part Series: #1 Stop Writing Grants
Changemakers in the Academy have made $3,470,242 (and growing every day) in their grant writing businesses so far in 2025. 🔥They’ve also secured more than $48 million in funding for their clients. 🤑How are they doing it?They are utilizing our Grant and Funding frameworks built on 20+ years of experience.One mantra that I have always had is, “Don’t be 100% reliant on grant funding.”I might
Earn an Extra $10K in 90 Days Writing Grants from Home
Join Holly to hear how you can earn an extra $10,000 in 90 days writing grants from home. She will give you case studies on what freelance grant writer students (inside the Academy and Mentorship) are doing to secure grants and clients in 2025, why nonprofits have money in 2025 to hire you as a freelance grant writer, and 3 steps to make extra money writing grants (even if you are new to
How Dr. Annise Mabry Secured $2.7M in Grants
Today on Grant Writing & Funding, Holly Rustick sits down with Dr. Annise Mabry bestselling author, and multi-stream revenue builder. We dive into how she’s secured $2.7M+ in grants while in the Academy, landed multi-million-dollar rural infrastructure wins, balanced a nonprofit with a grant services business, priced her services with confidence. Tune in today to listen to this podcas
Should Freelance Grant Writers Submit Grants on Behalf of Your Clients?
In this episode, Holly Rustick dives into a nuanced topic that many freelance grant writers grapple with: Should you, as a freelancer, submit grants directly on behalf of your clients, or should your clients always be the ones submitting? Holly unpacks the different approaches, shares best practices, and explores the implications for liability, client capacity-building, and business strat
Reframing Grant Rejection
In this heartfelt episode, Holly dives deep into the topic every grant writer faces but rarely wants to talk about—grant rejections. She reminds us that denials are a natural (and frequent!) part of the grant writing world, often for reasons outside your control, like shifting funder priorities or geographic focus. Holly shares her own experiences, how even seasoned grant writers get reje
Mastering Grant Prospecting: Free & Paid Tools for Success
We dive into the essentials of grant prospecting, covering both free and paid tools. Learn how to find funders, understand RFPs, and utilize top software like Grants.gov, Instrumental, and Foundation Directory Online to secure grants for your organization. Whether you're a seasoned grant writer or a newbie nonprofit, discover insights and strategies to enhance your grant-seeking process.T
What Saves Grant Writers Hours Every Week (it's not AI)
Freelance grant writing comes with freedom—and a lot of moving parts. If you’re juggling multiple clients, deadlines, and reporting requirements, you need more than a spreadsheet. You need a system that saves time without adding complexity.Join us for this live panel replay where fellow freelance grant professionals share how they use Grant Management Made Easy to stay organized, meet dea
What Is Grant Writing?
Ever wondered what grant writing actually is and how you can start even without a degree, certification, or years of experience?In this video, Holly Rustick, CEO of Freelance Grant Writer Academy and Grant Professional Mentorship, breaks down grant writing in its simplest form: connecting mission and money.Tune in today to listen to this podcast.To learn more about the podcast episodes go
90 Days Off Per Year and $17K More Money: The Math of Freelance Grant Writing
Discover how you can earn significantly more and work less as a freelance grant writer compared to a full-time nonprofit job. Join Holly Rustic, owner of the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, as she breaks down the math, showing you how freelancing can result in higher earnings and more free time. Learn about potential incomes, expenses, and the benefits of freelancing, including greater fl
How to Get Corporate Sponsors for your Nonprofit
In this episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Cynthia Currence, author of Beyond Checks and Halos, to explore how nonprofits can build impactful, long-term partnerships with corporations to increase funding, expand reach, and boost community impact. Cynthia shares real-world strategies for creating win-win collaborations between nonprofits and for-profits, moving beyond transactional spon
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The Swerve Podcast: Obscure Topics | Conspiracy Theories
The Bread and Banter Podcast
The Conspiracy Podcast
Cult of Conspiracy
Dispatches from Reality
The Conspiracy Files
TechnoSnobCast
