Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Grant Writing & Funding
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How 4 Freelance Grant Writers Got their First Clients | 20 Oct 2026 | 00:48:23 | |
The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is OPEN for the last time in 2026! You’re ready to quit your toxic job, retire with meaningful, part-time work, or work from home so you can pick up the kids. But how do you replace your paycheck? Our 12-month group coaching program helps aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home. You will build grant writing, marketing, and sales skills to find clients and create recurring income on flexible hours. Our students have earned over $12.6 million in freelance business revenue. You don’t have to figure this out alone. Join the Academy for $3,500 or 8 monthly payments of $475. Doors close October 23rd at 11:59 PM Eastern. In this podcast episode, you hear from four freelance grant writers and how they got their first grant writing clients. Some had no grant writing experience and others just had no business (marketing or sales) experience. In all cases, they got their clients and are building freelance grant writing businesses that are replacing full-time jobs. ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship. Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.
Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/
Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/ Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship
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” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.
Holly Rustick Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already. | |||
| How These 3 Freelance Grant Writers Made their First $100K | 20 Oct 2026 | 00:45:28 | |
The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is OPEN for the last time in 2026! You’re ready to quit your toxic job, retire with meaningful, part-time work, or work from home so you can pick up the kids. But how do you replace your paycheck? Our 12-month group coaching program helps aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home. You will build grant writing, marketing, and sales skills to find clients and create recurring income on flexible hours. Our students have earned over $12.6 million in freelance business revenue. You don’t have to figure this out alone. Join the Academy for $3,500 or 8 monthly payments of $475. Doors close October 23rd at 11:59 PM Eastern. In this podcast episode, you hear from three freelance grant writers and how they made their first $100K in their grant writing business. All are using retainers, and two don't even have a website. You'll get takeaways at how Dr. Melvin got a client at his dentist, how Payton empowers her family members as ambassadors, and how Staci went from burned out executive director to now hiring freelance grant writers in her ever-growing business. ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship. Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.
Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/
Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/ Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship
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” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.
Holly Rustick Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already. | |||
| [Case Study] She Went From Grant-Curious to Getting her First Grant Writing Client | 18 Oct 2026 | 00:11:40 | |
| [Case Study] She'd Already Won $1M+ in Grants. Here's What She Didn't Know About Freelancing | 18 Oct 2026 | 00:13:04 | |
| [Case Study] She added grants to her fundraising business and made $115K | 18 Oct 2026 | 00:07:45 | |
| [Case Study] He Built his Grant Writing Client Base While Raising Four Kids and Working Full-Time | 18 Oct 2026 | 00:16:46 | |
| [Marketing Series] How to get fully booked in Q4 | 17 Oct 2026 | 00:10:28 | |
The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is OPEN for the last time in 2026! You’re ready to quit your toxic job, retire with meaningful, part-time work, or work from home so you can pick up the kids. But how do you replace your paycheck? Our 12-month group coaching program helps aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home. You will build grant writing, marketing, and sales skills to find clients and create recurring income on flexible hours. Our students have earned over $12.6 million in freelance business revenue. You don’t have to figure this out alone. Join the Academy for $3,500 or 8 monthly payments of $475. Doors close October 23rd at 11:59 PM Eastern. In the final episode of the Marketing Series for Freelance Grant Writers, your host Holly Rustick talk about how to get fully booked out in Q4 with your grant writing services by following 5 simple steps. ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship. Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.
Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/
Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/ Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship
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” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.
Holly Rustick Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already. | |||
| [Marketing Series] The marketing strategy every freelance grant writer needs to implement | 17 Oct 2026 | 00:10:41 | |
The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is OPEN for the last time in 2026! You’re ready to quit your toxic job, retire with meaningful, part-time work, or work from home so you can pick up the kids. But how do you replace your paycheck? Our 12-month group coaching program helps aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home. You will build grant writing, marketing, and sales skills to find clients and create recurring income on flexible hours. Our students have earned over $12.6 million in freelance business revenue. You don’t have to figure this out alone. Join the Academy for $3,500 or 8 monthly payments of $475. Doors close October 23rd at 11:59 PM Eastern. In this Marketing Series for Freelance Grant Writers episode, Holly talks about your Marketing Plan to get nonprofit clients. ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship. Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.
Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/
Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/ Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship
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” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.
Holly Rustick Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already. | |||
| [Marketing Series] How to generate leads as a freelance grant writer | 17 Oct 2026 | 00:11:19 | |
The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is OPEN for the last time in 2026! You’re ready to quit your toxic job, retire with meaningful, part-time work, or work from home so you can pick up the kids. But how do you replace your paycheck? Our 12-month group coaching program helps aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home. You will build grant writing, marketing, and sales skills to find clients and create recurring income on flexible hours. Our students have earned over $12.6 million in freelance business revenue. You don’t have to figure this out alone. Join the Academy for $3,500 or 8 monthly payments of $475. Doors close October 23rd at 11:59 PM Eastern. In this Marketing Series for Grant Writers, Holly Rustick talks about simple (and proven) ways to get leads for your freelance grant writing business. ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship. Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.
Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/
Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/ Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship
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” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.
Holly Rustick Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already. | |||
| [Marketing Series] How to price your freelance grant writing services so nonprofits say yes more | 17 Oct 2026 | 00:08:20 | |
The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is OPEN for the last time in 2026! You’re ready to quit your toxic job, retire with meaningful, part-time work, or work from home so you can pick up the kids. But how do you replace your paycheck? Our 12-month group coaching program helps aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home. You will build grant writing, marketing, and sales skills to find clients and create recurring income on flexible hours. Our students have earned over $12.6 million in freelance business revenue. You don’t have to figure this out alone. Join the Academy for $3,500 or 8 monthly payments of $475. Doors close October 23rd at 11:59 PM Eastern. Pricing your freelance grant writing services starts with understanding who you are serving and what they need. In this episode Holly Rustick shares with you the first (and most important step) in pricing your grant writing services so organizations say yes and hire you. ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship. Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.
Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/
Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/ Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship
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” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.
Holly Rustick Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already. | |||
| [Marketing Series] How to truly stand out as a freelance grant writer so you can get more clients, easier | 17 Oct 2026 | 00:11:12 | |
The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is OPEN for the last time in 2026! You’re ready to quit your toxic job, retire with meaningful, part-time work, or work from home so you can pick up the kids. But how do you replace your paycheck? Our 12-month group coaching program helps aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home. You will build grant writing, marketing, and sales skills to find clients and create recurring income on flexible hours. Our students have earned over $12.6 million in freelance business revenue. You don’t have to figure this out alone. Join the Academy for $3,500 or 8 monthly payments of $475. Doors close October 23rd at 11:59 PM Eastern. It's time to stand out as a grant writer. How? Niching down. Now, you can still be a generalist grant writer, but you will want to niche down on something. This helps you become more relevant to your customer (nonprofit, government, for-profit, school, etc) when you are speaking in their language, AND it helps you know who to market to. ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship. Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.
Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/
Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/ Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship
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” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.
Holly Rustick Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already. | |||
| [Marketing Series] How to create an irresistible offer right now for a nonprofit | 17 Oct 2026 | 00:23:28 | |
The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is OPEN for the last time in 2026! You’re ready to quit your toxic job, retire with meaningful, part-time work, or work from home so you can pick up the kids. But how do you replace your paycheck? Our 12-month group coaching program helps aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home. You will build grant writing, marketing, and sales skills to find clients and create recurring income on flexible hours. Our students have earned over $12.6 million in freelance business revenue. You don’t have to figure this out alone. Join the Academy for $3,500 or 8 monthly payments of $475. Doors close October 23rd at 11:59 PM Eastern. In this Marketing Series for Grant Writers, Holly Rustick talks about how to create an irresistible offer for nonprofits in quarter four; i.e. a Grants Prospect Calendar for 2027. Learn how to sell a grants calendar, how to do grant prospecting, and how much to sell it. ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship. Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.
Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/
Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/ Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship
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” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.
Holly Rustick Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already. | |||
| [Marketing Series] You can turn your current nonprofit job into a freelance client | 09 Oct 2026 | 00:30:31 | |
The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is OPEN for the last time in 2026! You’re ready to quit your toxic job, retire with meaningful, part-time work, or work from home so you can pick up the kids. But how do you replace your paycheck? Our 12-month group coaching program helps aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home. You will build grant writing, marketing, and sales skills to find clients and create recurring income on flexible hours. Our students have earned over $12.6 million in freelance business revenue. You don’t have to figure this out alone. Join the Academy for $3,500 or 8 monthly payments of $475. Doors close October 23rd at 11:59 PM Eastern. Burned out in your job and want to open a freelance grant writing business, but just don't have the energy? First, you need to get regulated in your current job. Holly Rustick gives you 7 steps to show you how to treat your current job as a client (and not your boss) so you can get regulation and boundaries to give space and rest to open a side business. You can't open a side business when you are under severe burnout. This is how you get regulation in your current job and then transition them into your anchor client. ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship. Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.
Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/
Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/ Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship
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” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.
Holly Rustick Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already. | |||
| [Marketing Series] Nonprofits don’t want employees right now, they want freelance grant writers | 07 Oct 2026 | 00:29:47 | |
The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is OPEN for the last time in 2026! You’re ready to quit your toxic job, retire with meaningful, part-time work, or work from home so you can pick up the kids. But how do you replace your paycheck? Our 12-month group coaching program helps aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home. You will build grant writing, marketing, and sales skills to find clients and create recurring income on flexible hours. Our students have earned over $12.6 million in freelance business revenue. You don’t have to figure this out alone. Join the Academy for $3,500 or 8 monthly payments of $475. Doors close October 23rd at 11:59 PM Eastern. Nonprofits are scrutinizing their hiring budgets more than ever, and that could create a major opportunity for freelance grant writers. In this episode 2 of the Marketing Series for Freelance Grant Writers, Holly Rustick breaks down the pros and cons of nonprofits hiring a freelance grant writer versus bringing a grant writer onto staff. With the continued growth of the freelance economy, changes in nonprofit funding, federal grant freezes and budget cuts, and organizations needing to diversify their grant funding, outsourcing grant writing can be an attractive option. Holly explores why freelance grant writers can offer nonprofits specialized expertise, defined deliverables, flexibility, and potentially significant cost savings without the long-term expenses associated with an employee. She also examines the potential downsides of outsourcing, including internal capacity, donor relationship management, and maintaining intellectual data. For freelance grant writers, understanding these advantages and concerns can help you better market your services, communicate your value, and position yourself as a strategic partner to nonprofit organizations. ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship. Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.
Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/
Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/ Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship
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” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.
Holly Rustick Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already. | |||
| [Marketing Series] How to Make Your Freelance Grant Writing Income as Consistent as a Salary | 06 Oct 2026 | 00:32:39 | |
The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is OPEN for the last time in 2026! You’re ready to quit your toxic job, retire with meaningful, part-time work, or work from home so you can pick up the kids. But how do you replace your paycheck? Our 12-month group coaching program helps aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home. You will build grant writing, marketing, and sales skills to find clients and create recurring income on flexible hours. Our students have earned over $12.6 million in freelance business revenue. You don’t have to figure this out alone. Join the Academy for $3,500 or 8 monthly payments of $475. Doors close October 23rd at 11:59 PM Eastern. You want more freedom in your schedule. You want to make more money than you’re making in your nonprofit, teaching, or government job. But there’s one thing that keeps pulling you back to the traditional 9 to 5: consistency. In this episode 2 of the Marketing Series for Freelance Grant Writers Holly will pull back the curtain on retainers. That paycheck arrives every two weeks. You may have health insurance, a 401(k), federal holidays, and paid time off. Leaving all of that to start a freelance grant writing business can feel risky. But what if your freelance grant writing income could become just as consistent, or even more consistent, than your salary? In this episode, Holly explains the pricing model that has helped freelance grant writers build predictable monthly revenue: retainers. Instead of getting paid inconsistently by the hour or project, retainers allow you to establish a clear scope of work with your nonprofit clients while receiving consistent payments over an agreed period of time. Holly breaks down what retainers are, why she prefers them over hourly pricing, and how different combinations of clients and monthly retainer rates can create a sustainable freelance grant writing income. She also explains why becoming faster and better at grant writing can actually hurt your income when you charge hourly; and why long-term retainers can create stronger client relationships and more predictable revenue.
ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship. Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-rustick-0765b817/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollyrustick YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrantWritingandFunding RESOURCES: Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/ Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST 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!
Holly Rustick Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already. | |||
| [FUNDED SERIES] What's Working in Freelance Grant Writing Right Now | 29 Sep 2026 | 00:28:26 | |
The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is OPEN for the last time in 2026! You’re ready to quit your toxic job, retire with meaningful, part-time work, or work from home so you can pick up the kids. But how do you replace your paycheck? Our 12-month group coaching program helps aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home. You will build grant writing, marketing, and sales skills to find clients and create recurring income on flexible hours. Our students have earned over $12.6 million in freelance business revenue. You don’t have to figure this out alone. Join the Academy for $3,500 or 8 monthly payments of $475. Doors close October 23rd at 11:59 PM Eastern. What are nonprofits actually paying freelance grant writers for, and what can those services teach you about building more consistent income for your grant business? In this episode of our monthly Funded Series, Holly Rustick breaks down August, 2026 results from students inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and Grant Professional Mentorship. Students reported approximately $40.9 million in grant awards across 36 wins, along with more than $350,000 in client sales. But the biggest takeaway isn’t simply the dollar amount. It’s what nonprofits are buying. From monthly retainers and grant research to grant readiness, proposal reviews, strategic planning, prospect research, and even CRM migration, these results show that nonprofits are paying for grant expertise that extends well beyond writing individual applications. Holly explores five key patterns emerging from the August data, including the role of recurring retainers, how smaller offers can open the door to larger engagements, why pricing confidence matters, and how strong client relationships can create additional revenue opportunities. You’ll also learn how to approach your next Discovery Call differently by diagnosing the organization’s entire funding process instead of simply asking what grants they need written. If you’re ready to move from freelancing as a grant writer to building a sustainable freelance grant writing business, this episode will help you think differently about the problems you solve, the services you offer, and the value of your expertise.
Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.
Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-rustick-0765b817/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollyrustick YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrantWritingandFunding
Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/ Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship
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” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week. Thanks for listening!
Holly Rustick | |||
| How Freelance Grant Writers Are Using AI to Win Grants, Manage Clients, and Save Time in 2026 | 22 Sep 2026 | 00:54:17 | |
The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is OPEN for the last time in 2026! You’re ready to quit your toxic job, retire with meaningful, part-time work, or work from home so you can pick up the kids. But how do you replace your paycheck? Our 12-month group coaching program helps aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home. You will build grant writing, marketing, and sales skills to find clients and create recurring income on flexible hours. Our students have earned over $12.6 million in freelance business revenue. You don’t have to figure this out alone. Join the Academy for $3,500 or 8 monthly payments of $475. Doors close October 23rd at 11:59 PM Eastern. AI is changing grant writing, but experienced grant writers aren’t simply handing over an RFP and asking AI to write the grant.
If you’re wondering where AI belongs in your grant writing workflow, how other professional grant writers are using it, or whether you should be using it at all, this episode gives you an inside look at what that can actually look like.
Sara Cohen began her consulting business in September 2014 after 15 years in various fundraising positions at several nonprofits. Over her 25-year nonprofit career, she has raised over $70,000,000 for the organizations she represented. She has successfully written foundation, corporate, county, state, and federal grants in the areas of secondary education, early childhood education and early intervention, youth behavioral health, disabilities, the arts (primarily music, dance, and theater), workforce development, museums, and human services. Sara is committed to constant self-improvement and has acquired the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) and the Grant Professionals Certified (GPC) certifications. She is very open and collaborative with her clients and their staff. Additionally, her past experience in the corporate sector strengthened her analytical and problem-solving skills, which she has been able to draw on when working with clients. When Sara is not working with her inspiring clients, she can be found with her nose in a book, out running or walking, enjoying Chicago's cultural and culinary splendor, or spending time with friends, family, and her adorable mutt.
Since 2018, I’ve been turning community dreams into funded realities. As the founder of NM Grant Writers, I specialize in helping small nonprofits, cities, and community organizations bridge the gap between vision and funding. My journey began at the South Central Council of Governments, where I learned the art (and strategy) of navigating federal, state, and foundation grants, from USDA and NMFA to private foundations across the Southwest. What drives me is simple: helping good people do great work. Whether it’s revitalizing rural communities, strengthening local nonprofits, or building sustainable programs, I believe grant writing isn’t just paperwork, it’s storytelling with purpose. When you work with me, expect strategy, structure, and a genuine partner who cares about your mission as much as you do. Nic Daniel Nic Daniel, GPC is a senior-level grant strategist and founder of Key Development Group, bringing over 30 years of experience guiding nonprofit organizations throughout California and across the United States. Nic is known for expertise in major grants, organizational capacity building, capital campaigns and collaborative proposals, as well as ongoing program and operating support. They have partnered with more than 70 organizations across the country and secured over $12M in grant funding since 2020 alone. Nic’s work equips organizations to meet ambitious fundraising goals, independently managing all aspects of the grants process, from research and cultivation to submission, reporting, and renewal. Nic has worked in all nonprofit sector areas, but has special expertise in reproductive health, animal welfare, LGBTQ services, environmental justice, and workforce development. Past accomplishments include a $20M capital campaign for a national health provider, supporting six-figure grants for a search dog training facility, and guiding a nationally recognized film festival through its nonprofit transition and first round of foundation and government funding. Nic is credentialed by the Grant Professionals Association, and has served as an instructor in UCLA Extension’s Certificate in Fundraising program. They bring a collaborative, mission-centered approach to every engagement, prioritizing strategic alignment to help organizations thrive.
Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-rustick-0765b817/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollyrustick YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrantWritingandFunding
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| I Know How to Write Grants. Why Can't I Get Enough Clients? | 15 Sep 2026 | 00:23:53 | |
The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is OPEN for the last time in 2026! You’re ready to quit your toxic job, retire with meaningful, part-time work, or work from home so you can pick up the kids. But how do you replace your paycheck? Our 12-month group coaching program helps aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home. You will build grant writing, marketing, and sales skills to find clients and create recurring income on flexible hours. Our students have earned over $12.6 million in freelance business revenue. You don’t have to figure this out alone. Join the Academy for $3,500 or 8 monthly payments of $475. Doors close October 23rd at 11:59 PM Eastern. You can be an excellent grant writer and still struggle to build a consistent freelance grant writing business.
Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.
CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-rustick-0765b817/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollyrustick YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrantWritingandFunding
Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/
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” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.
Warmly, Holly Rustick
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| The GRANTS Formula: The 6-Step System Behind Every Grant I've Ever Won | 08 Sep 2026 | 00:22:52 | |
The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is OPEN for the last time in 2026! You’re ready to quit your toxic job, retire with meaningful, part-time work, or work from home so you can pick up the kids. But how do you replace your paycheck? Our 12-month group coaching program helps aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home. You will build grant writing, marketing, and sales skills to find clients and create recurring income on flexible hours. Our students have earned over $12.6 million in freelance business revenue. You don’t have to figure this out alone. Join the Academy for $3,500 or 8 monthly payments of $475. Doors close October 23rd at 11:59 PM Eastern. How do you actually write a grant proposal that wins funding?
ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.
Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-rustick-0765b817/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollyrustick YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrantWritingandFunding RESOURCES: Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/
Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?
Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will | |||
| The Funded Series: $4M in Grant + Client Wins (What Worked in July) | 01 Sep 2026 | 00:12:57 | |
The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is OPEN for the last time in 2026! You’re ready to quit your toxic job, retire with meaningful, part-time work, or work from home so you can pick up the kids. But how do you replace your paycheck? Our 12-month group coaching program helps aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home. You will build grant writing, marketing, and sales skills to find clients and create recurring income on flexible hours. Our students have earned over $12.6 million in freelance business revenue. You don’t have to figure this out alone. Join the Academy for $3,500 or 8 monthly payments of $475. Doors close October 23rd at 11:59 PM Eastern. What if the biggest opportunity in grant funding right now isn’t federal money at all?
Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-rustick-0765b817/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollyrustick YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrantWritingandFunding
Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/
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!
Holly Rustick
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| Why Your Nonprofit Sales Calls Ghost You (And the 30-Day Fix) | 25 Aug 2026 | 00:19:57 | |
The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is OPEN for the last time in 2026! You’re ready to quit your toxic job, retire with meaningful, part-time work, or work from home so you can pick up the kids. But how do you replace your paycheck? Our 12-month group coaching program helps aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home. You will build grant writing, marketing, and sales skills to find clients and create recurring income on flexible hours. Our students have earned over $12.6 million in freelance business revenue. You don’t have to figure this out alone. Join the Academy for $3,500 or 8 monthly payments of $475. Doors close October 23rd at 11:59 PM Eastern. You had a great discovery call. They were excited. You sent the proposal right away.
Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.
CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-rustick-0765b817/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollyrustick YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrantWritingandFunding
Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?
Warmly, Holly Rustick
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| Is AI Too Precious for Your Grant Writing? | 18 Aug 2026 | 00:23:54 | |
The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is OPEN for the last time in 2026! You’re ready to quit your toxic job, retire with meaningful, part-time work, or work from home so you can pick up the kids. But how do you replace your paycheck? Our 12-month group coaching program helps aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home. You will build grant writing, marketing, and sales skills to find clients and create recurring income on flexible hours. Our students have earned over $12.6 million in freelance business revenue. You don’t have to figure this out alone. Join the Academy for $3,500 or 8 monthly payments of $475. Doors close October 23rd at 11:59 PM Eastern. AI is everywhere. New tools are launching almost every week, platforms are changing how they work, and it seems like everyone has an opinion about the "right" way to use AI.
I think this version feels much more authentic to Holly's podcast style. It's educational without sounding like it was generated by AI, and it doesn't rely on buzzwords or overly polished marketing language.
Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-rustick-0765b817/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollyrustick YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrantWritingandFunding
Weekly Newsletter: "Write Grants. Get Paid" - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/
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" ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!
Thanks for listening! Warmly, Holly Rustick
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| The Real Truth About Gen X Grant Professionals Taking Care of Aging Parents, College Kids, and Their Own Retirement | 13 Aug 2026 | 00:16:25 | |
The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is OPEN for the last time in 2026! You’re ready to quit your toxic job, retire with meaningful, part-time work, or work from home so you can pick up the kids. But how do you replace your paycheck? Our 12-month group coaching program helps aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home. You will build grant writing, marketing, and sales skills to find clients and create recurring income on flexible hours. Our students have earned over $12.6 million in freelance business revenue. You don’t have to figure this out alone. Join the Academy for $3,500 or 8 monthly payments of $475. Doors close October 23rd at 11:59 PM Eastern. Gen X grant professionals are navigating a unique season of life: growing a business while supporting aging parents, helping college-age or young adult children, and trying to prepare for their own retirement; all at the same time.
Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship. Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.
Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-rustick-0765b817/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollyrustick YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrantWritingandFunding
Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/ Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship
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” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.
Holly Rustick Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already. | |||
| Why Your Revenue isn't Predictable | 13 Aug 2026 | 00:09:19 | |
The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is OPEN for the last time in 2026! You’re ready to quit your toxic job, retire with meaningful, part-time work, or work from home so you can pick up the kids. But how do you replace your paycheck? Our 12-month group coaching program helps aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home. You will build grant writing, marketing, and sales skills to find clients and create recurring income on flexible hours. Our students have earned over $12.6 million in freelance business revenue. You don’t have to figure this out alone. Join the Academy for $3,500 or 8 monthly payments of $475. Doors close October 23rd at 11:59 PM Eastern. One month, your grant writing business feels like you’ve finally figured it out. A few months later, you’re looking at your bank account wondering where the next client, and the next paycheck, is coming from.
Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship. Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.
Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-rustick-0765b817/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollyrustick YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrantWritingandFunding
Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/ Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship
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” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!
Holly Rustick Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already. | |||
| The 4 CEO Decisions That Double Revenue | 13 Aug 2026 | 00:12:10 | |
The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is OPEN for the last time in 2026! You’re ready to quit your toxic job, retire with meaningful, part-time work, or work from home so you can pick up the kids. But how do you replace your paycheck? Our 12-month group coaching program helps aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home. You will build grant writing, marketing, and sales skills to find clients and create recurring income on flexible hours. Our students have earned over $12.6 million in freelance business revenue. You don’t have to figure this out alone. Join the Academy for $3,500 or 8 monthly payments of $475. Doors close October 23rd at 11:59 PM Eastern. What’s the difference between a grant writer and the CEO of a grant writing business? It’s not experience, more clients, a bigger team, or even writing better grants. After coaching hundreds of grant professionals over the past 20 years, Holly has learned that the biggest difference is the decisions they make. In this episode, Holly breaks down four CEO decisions that can help grant professionals increase revenue, create more freedom, and build a business that doesn’t depend on working harder or filling every hour of the day. You’ll learn why pricing from fear can keep your revenue stuck, how one Mentorship member generated more than $27,000 in additional revenue by changing her pricing strategy, why systems should be built before burnout hits, and how delegation creates the capacity your business needs to grow. Holly also shares why protecting your calendar is CEO work—and how making space to think, plan, improve, and live your life can become one of your most valuable business strategies. If you’re ready to stop thinking only like a grant writer and start making decisions like the CEO of your grant writing business, this episode is for you. ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship. Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.
Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-rustick-0765b817/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollyrustick YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrantWritingandFunding
Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/ Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship
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” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.
Holly Rustick Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already. | |||
| June 2026 Funded Series: $7.5 Million in Impact, 41 Grant Wins, and Better Grant Writing Businesses | 11 Aug 2026 | 00:17:07 | |
The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is OPEN for the last time in 2026! You’re ready to quit your toxic job, retire with meaningful, part-time work, or work from home so you can pick up the kids. But how do you replace your paycheck? Our 12-month group coaching program helps aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home. You will build grant writing, marketing, and sales skills to find clients and create recurring income on flexible hours. Our students have earned over $12.6 million in freelance business revenue. You don’t have to figure this out alone. Join the Academy for $3,500 or 8 monthly payments of $475. Doors close October 23rd at 11:59 PM Eastern. Every month on the Funded Series, Holly Rustick celebrates the incredible grant wins and business milestones happening inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and Grant Professional Mentorship. This month, students reported 41 grant awards totaling $7,095,276, along with $480,340 in new client contracts—creating more than $7.5 million in combined impact in June alone. But beyond the impressive numbers, Holly shares the bigger story behind the results. From diversified funding strategies and repeatable grant systems to value-based pricing, packaged services, and long-term client relationships, June demonstrated how successful grant writers aren't just winning more grants—they're building stronger, more sustainable businesses. If you're ready to see what's possible when excellent grant strategy meets solid business practices, this episode is full of inspiration. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
IN THIS EPISODE, WE DISCUSS June's student success stories highlighted an exciting trend: consistent, repeatable success. Students secured:
On the business side, students reported:
The largest client contract reached $48,000 annually, but Holly explains that the most important takeaway wasn't the dollar amount—it was the value-driven mindset students adopted to earn those contracts.
Confidence. Students shared wins like:
The coaching experience also extended far beyond grant writing itself. Students described receiving guidance on:
Perhaps most importantly, Holly reflects on how the Academy community itself has become one of the greatest competitive advantages for members through referrals, peer coaching, Slack conversations, and shared learning experiences.
Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.
Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-rustick-0765b817/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollyrustick YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrantWritingandFunding
Weekly Newsletter: "Write Grants. Get Paid" – Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
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| 5 Myths That Keep Grant Professionals Stuck from Hiring a Part-Time Team | 04 Aug 2026 | 00:22:49 | |
The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is OPEN for the last time in 2026! You’re ready to quit your toxic job, retire with meaningful, part-time work, or work from home so you can pick up the kids. But how do you replace your paycheck? Our 12-month group coaching program helps aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home. You will build grant writing, marketing, and sales skills to find clients and create recurring income on flexible hours. Our students have earned over $12.6 million in freelance business revenue. You don’t have to figure this out alone. Join the Academy for $3,500 or 8 monthly payments of $475. Doors close October 23rd at 11:59 PM Eastern. Hiring a team should make your business easier, not more stressful. Yet for many grant professionals, mindset barriers around leadership, delegation, and responsibility make building a team feel overwhelming or even impossible. In this episode, Holly Rustick unpacks the five biggest myths she hears from grant writers who want to scale but feel stuck when it comes to hiring and retaining a part-time team. Drawing from recent coaching conversations and her own business journey, Holly shares how shifting your perspective can help you build a healthier, more sustainable business without burnout.
What You'll Learn:
ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.
Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-rustick-0765b817/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollyrustick YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrantWritingandFunding
RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST 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!
Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.
Warmly, Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already. | |||
| How to Scale Your Grant Writing Business Without Building an Agency | 28 Jul 2026 | 00:10:55 | |
The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is OPEN for the last time in 2026! You’re ready to quit your toxic job, retire with meaningful, part-time work, or work from home so you can pick up the kids. But how do you replace your paycheck? Our 12-month group coaching program helps aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home. You will build grant writing, marketing, and sales skills to find clients and create recurring income on flexible hours. Our students have earned over $12.6 million in freelance business revenue. You don’t have to figure this out alone. Join the Academy for $3,500 or 8 monthly payments of $475. Doors close October 23rd at 11:59 PM Eastern. What does it really take to move from being a freelance grant writer to building a thriving business?
If you're ready to stop doing everything yourself, embrace your role as CEO, and build a grant writing business that increases both your impact and your income, this episode will give you the roadmap to get there.
Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.
Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-rustick-0765b817/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollyrustick YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrantWritingandFunding
Weekly Newsletter: Write Grants. Get Paid – Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your favorite podcast player?
Warmly, Holly Rustick
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| Feeling Guilty About Leaving Your Nonprofit Job? | 21 Jul 2026 | 00:16:58 | |
The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is OPEN for the last time in 2026! You’re ready to quit your toxic job, retire with meaningful, part-time work, or work from home so you can pick up the kids. But how do you replace your paycheck? Our 12-month group coaching program helps aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home. You will build grant writing, marketing, and sales skills to find clients and create recurring income on flexible hours. Our students have earned over $12.6 million in freelance business revenue. You don’t have to figure this out alone. Join the Academy for $3,500 or 8 monthly payments of $475. Doors close October 23rd at 11:59 PM Eastern. Many people are drawn to nonprofit work because they want to make a difference—but what happens when that passion is used against you?
In this episode, you'll learn:
Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.
Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-rustick-0765b817/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollyrustick YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrantWritingandFunding
Weekly Newsletter: Write Grants. Get Paid – Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your favorite podcast player?
Warmly, Holly Rustick
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| The Identity Shift That Will Scale Your Grant Writing Business | 14 Jul 2026 | 00:24:41 | |
The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is OPEN for the last time in 2026! You’re ready to quit your toxic job, retire with meaningful, part-time work, or work from home so you can pick up the kids. But how do you replace your paycheck? Our 12-month group coaching program helps aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home. You will build grant writing, marketing, and sales skills to find clients and create recurring income on flexible hours. Our students have earned over $12.6 million in freelance business revenue. You don’t have to figure this out alone. Join the Academy for $3,500 or 8 monthly payments of $475. Doors close October 23rd at 11:59 PM Eastern. Are you operating as a freelance grant writer or are you truly stepping into the role of a business owner?
Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.
Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-rustick-0765b817/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollyrustick YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrantWritingandFunding
Weekly Newsletter: "Write Grants. Get Paid" - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/
Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?
Thanks for listening!
Holly Rustick
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| State of the Grant Industry: May 2026 Market Report | 07 Jul 2026 | 00:31:24 | |
The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is OPEN for the last time in 2026! You’re ready to quit your toxic job, retire with meaningful, part-time work, or work from home so you can pick up the kids. But how do you replace your paycheck? Our 12-month group coaching program helps aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home. You will build grant writing, marketing, and sales skills to find clients and create recurring income on flexible hours. Our students have earned over $12.6 million in freelance business revenue. You don’t have to figure this out alone. Join the Academy for $3,500 or 8 monthly payments of $475. Doors close October 23rd at 11:59 PM Eastern. Each month, we analyze real grant awards and client wins reported by members of the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship to uncover the trends shaping the grant funding landscape and the freelance grant writing profession.
ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.
Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-rustick-0765b817/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollyrustick YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GrantWritingandFunding RESOURCES: Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/
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” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!
Holly Rustick
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| What Can Make or Break a Nonprofit's Success Before Grant Funding | 30 Jun 2026 | 00:39:40 | |
The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is OPEN for the last time in 2026! You’re ready to quit your toxic job, retire with meaningful, part-time work, or work from home so you can pick up the kids. But how do you replace your paycheck? Our 12-month group coaching program helps aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home. You will build grant writing, marketing, and sales skills to find clients and create recurring income on flexible hours. Our students have earned over $12.6 million in freelance business revenue. You don’t have to figure this out alone. Join the Academy for $3,500 or 8 monthly payments of $475. Doors close October 23rd at 11:59 PM Eastern. 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.
Reece is a nonprofit founder turned grant strategist with over a decade of experience in program development and sustainable funding. After founding and scaling a STEM-based nonprofit through successful grant acquisition, I now provide specialized funding services to nonprofits nationwide. Having been in the founder’s seat, I bridge the gap between community need and funder expectations, replacing financial stress with reliable, systems-based growth.
Website: https://breakthroughgrants.com/
Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/
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” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!
Holly Rustick
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| The 2026 Tax Change Every Grant Writer Should Know About | 23 Jun 2026 | 00:20:45 | |
The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is OPEN for the last time in 2026! You’re ready to quit your toxic job, retire with meaningful, part-time work, or work from home so you can pick up the kids. But how do you replace your paycheck? Our 12-month group coaching program helps aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home. You will build grant writing, marketing, and sales skills to find clients and create recurring income on flexible hours. Our students have earned over $12.6 million in freelance business revenue. You don’t have to figure this out alone. Join the Academy for $3,500 or 8 monthly payments of $475. Doors close October 23rd at 11:59 PM Eastern.
Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/
IRS, One, Big, Beautiful Bill: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/one-big-beautiful-bill-provisions
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” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.
Holly Rustick
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| The Fear Never Fully Goes Away, Even After Six Figures (What 12 Years in Business Taught Me) | 19 Jun 2026 | 00:36:51 | |
The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is OPEN for the last time in 2026! You’re ready to quit your toxic job, retire with meaningful, part-time work, or work from home so you can pick up the kids. But how do you replace your paycheck? Our 12-month group coaching program helps aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home. You will build grant writing, marketing, and sales skills to find clients and create recurring income on flexible hours. Our students have earned over $12.6 million in freelance business revenue. You don’t have to figure this out alone. Join the Academy for $3,500 or 8 monthly payments of $475. Doors close October 23rd at 11:59 PM Eastern. 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 meaningful impact. Along the way, she shares the struggles most people never see: living paycheck-to-paycheck, being a single mom on WIC, battling burnout, undercharging clients, and questioning whether she was capable of building something of her own. If you've ever thought:
This episode is for you.
Whether you're brand new to grant writing or a seasoned grant professional considering freelancing, you'll walk away inspired, encouraged, and reminded that every successful business owner started exactly where you are now. This is the real story behind the business, and proof that you don't need to have it all figured out before you begin. Episode Gems 💎 Fear doesn't disappear when you become successful. Even six-figure business owners and seasoned professionals still face imposter syndrome and self-doubt. 💎 You don't need experience in everything to get started. Being an expert in one field doesn't automatically make you an expert in business, sales, or grant writing—and that's okay. 💎 Grant writing is a learnable skill. No one is born knowing how to write grants or run a business. 💎 You don't have to choose between money and mission. It's possible to create meaningful impact while building financial security. 💎 Burnout is often information. Sometimes exhaustion and frustration are signs that something in your life or career needs to change. 💎 Perfecting your writing won't build your business. Learning sales, pricing, positioning, and client acquisition often creates bigger breakthroughs than improving technical skills alone. 💎 Freelancing can offer more stability than a traditional job. Multiple clients often create less risk than depending on a single employer or funding source. 💎 Undercharging doesn't serve anyone. Confidence in your value is a critical part of building a sustainable business. 💎 You don't need a perfect website, logo, or brand to get clients. Conversations and relationships matter more than endless preparation. 💎 Your current circumstances do not determine your future. Holly's journey from financial struggle to building a business she loves proves what's possible with the right skills and support. 💎 The business side is learnable. Sales, marketing, pricing, and client acquisition can all be taught and mastered. 💎 Betting on yourself can be the most secure investment you'll ever make. In This Episode, You'll Learn ✔ How Holly accidentally discovered grant writing while working in post-tsunami Indonesia ✔ Why experience isn't the biggest barrier to starting a grant writing business ✔ The mindset shift that helped her leave burnout behind ✔ What held her back during the early years of freelancing ✔ Why so many grant writers struggle with pricing and sales ✔ The surprising truth about financial stability in nonprofit careers ✔ How learning business skills transformed her income and lifestyle ✔ Why aspiring and experienced grant writers alike struggle with imposter syndrome ✔ The importance of building a business that supports your life—not one that consumes it ✔ How you can start creating your own path toward freedom, flexibility, and impact Key Quote "None of my success happened because I became the world's best grant writer. I changed my strategies. I changed my mindset. I learned sales. I learned value-based pricing. I learned how to run a business."ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship. Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the bestselling book, The Beginner's Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women's Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ RESOURCES Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would ... | |||
| The 5 Reasons You Haven't Started a Grant Writing Business Yet (And Why None of Them Are Real) | 18 Jun 2026 | 00:19:16 | |
The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is OPEN for the last time in 2026! You’re ready to quit your toxic job, retire with meaningful, part-time work, or work from home so you can pick up the kids. But how do you replace your paycheck? Our 12-month group coaching program helps aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home. You will build grant writing, marketing, and sales skills to find clients and create recurring income on flexible hours. Our students have earned over $12.6 million in freelance business revenue. You don’t have to figure this out alone. Join the Academy for $3,500 or 8 monthly payments of $475. Doors close October 23rd at 11:59 PM Eastern. 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, Holly breaks down each objection and reframes it through the lens of systems, support, and strategy. She shares practical insights from coaching hundreds of grant writers and explains how freelance grant writing can create flexible income without requiring a massive time commitment, advanced credentials, or a large online presence. If you've been waiting for the "perfect" moment to get started, this episode may be the mindset shift you need to finally move forward. In this episode, you'll learn:
ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship. Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella.
Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/
Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
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” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.
Warmly, Holly Rustick Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already. | |||
| "Will AI Replace Grant Writers?” The 2026 AI-READY Framework (Embrace It or Reject It) | 16 Jun 2026 | 00:29:33 | |
The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is OPEN for the last time in 2026! You’re ready to quit your toxic job, retire with meaningful, part-time work, or work from home so you can pick up the kids. But how do you replace your paycheck? Our 12-month group coaching program helps aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home. You will build grant writing, marketing, and sales skills to find clients and create recurring income on flexible hours. Our students have earned over $12.6 million in freelance business revenue. You don’t have to figure this out alone. Join the Academy for $3,500 or 8 monthly payments of $475. Doors close October 23rd at 11:59 PM Eastern. 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 introduces her new AI-READY Framework: a practical five-step approach to help grant writers confidently navigate the rapidly evolving landscape. You'll learn why the biggest threat isn't AI itself, but indecision, how to establish a reliable source of truth when using AI tools, why every grant writer should have a clear AI policy, and how to communicate your unique value in a world increasingly influenced by automation. Holly also shares a self-assessment quiz to help you evaluate your current level of AI readiness and reveals exciting new AI-powered resources coming to the Freelance Grant Writer Academy. If you've been wondering whether AI will replace grant writers—or how to position yourself for success in the years ahead—this episode will give you the clarity, confidence, and strategy you need. In this episode, you'll learn:
ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship. Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ RESOURCES: Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST 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” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week. Thanks for listening! Warmly, Holly Rustick Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already. | |||
| The OMB Proposal: What Grant Writers Actually Need to Know Before July 13 | 09 Jun 2026 | 00:26:57 | |
The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is OPEN for the last time in 2026! You’re ready to quit your toxic job, retire with meaningful, part-time work, or work from home so you can pick up the kids. But how do you replace your paycheck? Our 12-month group coaching program helps aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home. You will build grant writing, marketing, and sales skills to find clients and create recurring income on flexible hours. Our students have earned over $12.6 million in freelance business revenue. You don’t have to figure this out alone. Join the Academy for $3,500 or 8 monthly payments of $475. Doors close October 23rd at 11:59 PM Eastern. 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.
Changes to how grants are reviewed and awarded, new authority to terminate active grants, and sweeping simultaneous changes across all federal agencies create significant uncertainty for organizations that have built programs and hired staff in good faith around existing federal commitments. If these disruptions occur, it is not nonprofits that bear the cost — it is the children, seniors, veterans, and families who rely on the services we provide. I urge OMB to carefully consider the real-world impact of these proposed changes on nonprofits and the communities they serve before moving forward.
Find your representative at house.gov or senate.gov by entering your zip code. Copy and adapt this template:
Warmly, [YOUR NAME AND TITLE]
Freelance Grant Writer Academy: grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy
Website: grantwritingandfunding.com Instagram: @hollyrustick LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/holly-rustick-0765b817 Podcast: Grant Writing & Funding — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and everywhere you listen RESOURCES: Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/
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| [Case Study] She Left Her $70K Job and Was Writing Grants for Free: Now She's Getting Paid | 08 Jun 2026 | 00:18:17 | |
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, to discuss her journey from employee to entrepreneur. After discovering Holly Rustick through a grant writing summit and podcast, Debra knew she had found the support and community she needed to launch her grant writing business. Just five months into the Academy, Debra shares how she transformed her client conversations, gained confidence in her pricing and services, built meaningful relationships with prospective clients, and embraced the mindset shift required to become a successful business owner.
Debra Bare-Rogers is the founder of GrantMe Consulting Services, where she helps organizations identify funding opportunities and strengthen their capacity to secure grants. With experience in grant writing, funding research, and nonprofit support, Debra is passionate about helping mission-driven organizations advance their goals through sustainable funding strategies. Since joining the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, she has successfully transitioned from employee to business owner while continuing to grow her expertise, confidence, and client relationships. CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/debrabare-rogers OTHER RESOURCES:
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” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.
Warmly, Holly Rustick Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already. | |||
| [Case Study] Karen Was a Burned-Out Nonprofit ED: Now She Has Time for Her Health, Her Mom, and Work That Inspires Her | 08 Jun 2026 | 00:11:43 | |
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 spending more than two decades serving nonprofits, and leading an organization through the challenges of COVID as Executive Director, Karen found herself exhausted, overwhelmed, and ready for a new chapter. Karen shares how she transitioned from nonprofit leadership into freelance grant writing, the role the Academy played in helping her build confidence and clarity, and how creating her own business has given her the freedom to support family, prioritize her health, and continue making an impact for causes she loves. If you’ve been wondering whether freelance grant writing could be your next step, Karen’s story offers an honest look at what’s possible when you invest in yourself and take the leap. ABOUT OUR GUEST Karen McCall is the founder of KTM McCall Grant Strategies. With more than 20 years of experience serving nonprofit organizations, Karen has worked extensively in environmental education, conservation, and nonprofit leadership. After leading a nonprofit organization through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic as Executive Director, she transitioned into freelance grant writing to create a more flexible lifestyle while continuing to support mission-driven organizations. Through her work, Karen helps nonprofits secure funding while advancing causes she is passionate about, including environmental conservation, education, health, and community programs. CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST LinkedIn: Karen McCall / KTM McCall Grant Strategies Email: ktmccallconsulting@gmail.com
Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing.
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” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.
Warmly, Holly Rustick Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already. | |||
| [Case Study] Madeline Stopped Chasing One-Off Marketing Clients and Finally Has Steady Income (Thanks to Grant Writing Retainers) | 08 Jun 2026 | 00:08:00 | |
| [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. | 08 Jun 2026 | 00:23:53 | |
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 Homan, founder of Growing the Good, who transitioned from a longtime nonprofit marketing leadership career into grant writing consulting. With only limited grant writing experience but decades of expertise in storytelling, fundraising communications, and nonprofit strategy, Cindy discovered how those skills translated into a successful grant writing business. Since joining the Academy, Cindy has built a thriving side business that generated $87,400 in revenue while she was still employed full-time—giving her the confidence to leave her nonprofit marketing director position and pursue her business full-time. In this episode, Cindy shares how the Academy's Master Grant Application approach helped her position herself as a strategic partner, how she developed confidence in pricing her services, and why community support was instrumental in accelerating her success. If you're wondering whether your nonprofit experience can translate into a profitable grant writing business, this conversation is packed with practical insights and encouragement. ABOUT OUR GUEST Cindy Homan is the founder of Growing the Good, a grant writing and nonprofit consulting business serving mission-driven organizations. After spending her entire career in nonprofit marketing, communications, fundraising, and storytelling, Cindy recognized that her experience in impact communications and strategic messaging positioned her perfectly for grant writing consulting. Drawing on decades of nonprofit leadership experience, Cindy helps organizations secure funding through compelling grant proposals and strategic funding approaches. She is passionate about simplifying nonprofit growth strategies and helping organizations tell their stories in ways that attract funding and create meaningful impact. CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST LinkedIn: Cindy Homan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindy-hohman/ OTHER RESOURCES:
RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST 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” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.
Warmly, Holly Rustick Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already. | |||
| FUNDED SERIES: The Future of Grant Writing: What We're Seeing in 2026 | 02 Jun 2026 | 00:26:51 | |
The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is OPEN for the last time in 2026! You’re ready to quit your toxic job, retire with meaningful, part-time work, or work from home so you can pick up the kids. But how do you replace your paycheck? Our 12-month group coaching program helps aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home. You will build grant writing, marketing, and sales skills to find clients and create recurring income on flexible hours. Our students have earned over $12.6 million in freelance business revenue. You don’t have to figure this out alone. Join the Academy for $3,500 or 8 monthly payments of $475. Doors close October 23rd at 11:59 PM Eastern. What does the future of grant writing look like in an increasingly uncertain funding landscape?
ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.
Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/
Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace Your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/
Holly Rustick
We are on our way already. | |||
| Today Is Yesterday: Your Freelance Grant Writing Business Is More Stable Than a J.O.B. | 26 May 2026 | 00:15:35 | |
The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is OPEN for the last time in 2026! You’re ready to quit your toxic job, retire with meaningful, part-time work, or work from home so you can pick up the kids. But how do you replace your paycheck? Our 12-month group coaching program helps aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home. You will build grant writing, marketing, and sales skills to find clients and create recurring income on flexible hours. Our students have earned over $12.6 million in freelance business revenue. You don’t have to figure this out alone. Join the Academy for $3,500 or 8 monthly payments of $475. Doors close October 23rd at 11:59 PM Eastern. 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.
ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.
Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/
Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace Your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/
Holly Rustick
We are on our way already. | |||
| What the NSF Board Firing Means for Grant Writers, Federal Funding & Freelancers | 19 May 2026 | 00:27:11 | |
The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is OPEN for the last time in 2026! You’re ready to quit your toxic job, retire with meaningful, part-time work, or work from home so you can pick up the kids. But how do you replace your paycheck? Our 12-month group coaching program helps aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home. You will build grant writing, marketing, and sales skills to find clients and create recurring income on flexible hours. Our students have earned over $12.6 million in freelance business revenue. You don’t have to figure this out alone. Join the Academy for $3,500 or 8 monthly payments of $475. Doors close October 23rd at 11:59 PM Eastern. 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 across the nonprofit and research sectors.
Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship. Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/
Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?
1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and | |||
| Why Boutique Grant Writers Are Winning Right Now (And How to Land Higher-Paying Clients Without Burnout) | 12 May 2026 | 00:26:54 | |
The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is OPEN for the last time in 2026! You’re ready to quit your toxic job, retire with meaningful, part-time work, or work from home so you can pick up the kids. But how do you replace your paycheck? Our 12-month group coaching program helps aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home. You will build grant writing, marketing, and sales skills to find clients and create recurring income on flexible hours. Our students have earned over $12.6 million in freelance business revenue. You don’t have to figure this out alone. Join the Academy for $3,500 or 8 monthly payments of $475. Doors close October 23rd at 11:59 PM Eastern. 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.
Based in Kansas City, Missouri, Dr. Eve McGee is the Owner and CEO of McGee KC Consulting, where she transforms nonprofit vision into sustainable funding. Drawing on three decades of social work practice and executive leadership experience, she guides organizations through the entire funding lifecycle from grant readiness and targeted research to persuasive writing and grant management. Specializing in state and private foundation grants for mental and behavioral health, housing instability, domestic violence, food insecurity, youth development, reentry, and financial literacy, Dr. McGee bridges the gap between community mission and funder priorities, ensuring every project is built for long-term impact. CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST Website: https://mcgeekcconsulting.com (as referenced in episode) EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS
KEY TAKEAWAYS
OTHER RESOURCES: Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST 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” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!
Thanks for listening!
We are on our way already. | |||
| Funded Series: How Our Students Broke $10 Million in Grant Writing Businesses | 05 May 2026 | 00:26:53 | |
The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is OPEN for the last time in 2026! You’re ready to quit your toxic job, retire with meaningful, part-time work, or work from home so you can pick up the kids. But how do you replace your paycheck? Our 12-month group coaching program helps aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home. You will build grant writing, marketing, and sales skills to find clients and create recurring income on flexible hours. Our students have earned over $12.6 million in freelance business revenue. You don’t have to figure this out alone. Join the Academy for $3,500 or 8 monthly payments of $475. Doors close October 23rd at 11:59 PM Eastern. 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 freelance grant writers and nonprofit leaders. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
KEY HIGHLIGHTS FROM MARCH 2026
WHERE FUNDING IS FLOWING
WHAT’S DRIVING THESE WINS
BUSINESS GROWTH FOR GRANT WRITERS
SALES & PRICING SHIFTS
REAL REVENUE NUMBERS Monthly revenues reported include:
The biggest challenges are not skill-based, but around consistency in marketing, visibility, and sales activity.
Grant writers are evolving from freelancers to consultants and agency-style business owners, with services including:
FINAL THOUGHT This $278 million milestone is more than just a number—it represents a shift in the industry. The demand for grant writers is real, the opportunity is growing, and the business model is proven.
Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers.
Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/
Freelance Grant Writer Academy: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/ Grant Professional Mentorship: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorship
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast for more weekly insights.
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| 2026 Federal Funding Changes: What Academic Researchers Must Know Now | 28 Apr 2026 | 00:26:46 | |
The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is OPEN for the last time in 2026! You’re ready to quit your toxic job, retire with meaningful, part-time work, or work from home so you can pick up the kids. But how do you replace your paycheck? Our 12-month group coaching program helps aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home. You will build grant writing, marketing, and sales skills to find clients and create recurring income on flexible hours. Our students have earned over $12.6 million in freelance business revenue. You don’t have to figure this out alone. Join the Academy for $3,500 or 8 monthly payments of $475. Doors close October 23rd at 11:59 PM Eastern. 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 budget shifts, where research funding is still strong, and how to position your proposals to stay competitive. Most importantly, she introduces a powerful framework for winning grants right now: diversification, reframing, and alignment. Whether you’re a researcher or a freelance grant writer, this episode will help you adapt your strategy, strengthen your applications, and confidently move forward in today’s funding landscape.
Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has a Global Movement to Secure $1 Billion in Grant Funding for Good and $30 Million in Grant Writing Businesses by 2030. Holly Rustick, CEO of GWF, is leading the movement; a world-renowned grant writer with 20+ years of experience, bestselling author, and business coach for new and seasoned grant writers to replace their full-time income writing grants part-time from home through her signature programs: the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and the Grant Professional Mentorship.
CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ RESOURCES Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/
RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST 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” ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week. Thanks for listening! Warmly, Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will We are on our way already. | |||
| Beyond Freelancing: The Power of Fractional Work in the Nonprofit Sector | 21 Apr 2026 | 00:29:38 | |
The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is OPEN for the last time in 2026! You’re ready to quit your toxic job, retire with meaningful, part-time work, or work from home so you can pick up the kids. But how do you replace your paycheck? Our 12-month group coaching program helps aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home. You will build grant writing, marketing, and sales skills to find clients and create recurring income on flexible hours. Our students have earned over $12.6 million in freelance business revenue. You don’t have to figure this out alone. Join the Academy for $3,500 or 8 monthly payments of $475. Doors close October 23rd at 11:59 PM Eastern. 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 access experienced leadership without hiring full-time staff—making it especially valuable for organizations that have outgrown basic operations but don’t yet have the budget or need for a full-time director. Cindy shares her journey from working in-house in nonprofit fundraising to launching her own consulting business and eventually creating the Nonprofit Fractional Network to train and support others building fractional consulting businesses. Holly and Cindy also explore how fractional models provide more stability for consultants through long-term retainers, while helping nonprofits maximize limited resources. They discuss how the grant writing industry is evolving, how consultants can expand beyond project-based work, and how positioning yourself as a strategic funding partner can increase impact and income.
In This Episode You’ll Learn: • What fractional consulting is and how it differs from freelance work ABOUT OUR GUEST Cindy Wagman helps seasoned nonprofit pros build six-figure consulting businesses—without the burnout. A former in-house leader turned business coach, she’s the founder of the Nonprofit Fractionals Network, and has guided 100+ consultants (over 85 of whom are fractionals) to grow profitable, values-driven practices. She’s the bestselling author of Raise It!, former co-host of Confessions with Jess and Cindy, and host of Fracture, a private podcast for nonprofit fractional execs ready to stop fixing broken systems and start building something better. CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST Website: https://www.nonprofitfractionals.com
Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/
RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST 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” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!
Thanks for listening! Warmly,
1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and We are on our way already. | |||
| Grant Writers Using AI Wrong? The Readiness Problem No One Talks About | 14 Apr 2026 | 00:36:26 | |
The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is OPEN for the last time in 2026! You’re ready to quit your toxic job, retire with meaningful, part-time work, or work from home so you can pick up the kids. But how do you replace your paycheck? Our 12-month group coaching program helps aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home. You will build grant writing, marketing, and sales skills to find clients and create recurring income on flexible hours. Our students have earned over $12.6 million in freelance business revenue. You don’t have to figure this out alone. Join the Academy for $3,500 or 8 monthly payments of $475. Doors close October 23rd at 11:59 PM Eastern. 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.
Steve Vick is the founder of Nonprofit Ally and Bright Nonprofit, where he helps nonprofit leaders navigate governance and organizational change in the age of AI. His work focuses on helping organizations understand the structural challenges AI exposes before they accelerate their organizations with AI.
Website: https://brightnonprofit.com/ OTHER RESOURCES: Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/
RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST 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” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!
Thanks for listening! Warmly,
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| [Funded Series] Inside a $1.9M Month | 07 Apr 2026 | 00:15:56 | |
The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is OPEN for the last time in 2026! You’re ready to quit your toxic job, retire with meaningful, part-time work, or work from home so you can pick up the kids. But how do you replace your paycheck? Our 12-month group coaching program helps aspiring and seasoned grant writers replace your full-time income, on flexible hours, writing grants from home. You will build grant writing, marketing, and sales skills to find clients and create recurring income on flexible hours. Our students have earned over $12.6 million in freelance business revenue. You don’t have to figure this out alone. Join the Academy for $3,500 or 8 monthly payments of $475. Doors close October 23rd at 11:59 PM Eastern. 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.
In this episode, Holly unpacks the exact patterns behind these wins, including:
If you’ve been working hard but not seeing consistent results, this episode will show you what might be missing—and how to fix it. ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK
Rustick is the host of the top grant writing podcast “Grant Writing & Funding” and the author of the Bestselling book, The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing. With an MA in International Political Economy, past-president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards of directors, Holly is also an unapologetic feminist. She lives on the island of Guam with her beautiful daughter, Isabella. CONNECT WITH HOLLY RUSTICK Website: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/ RESOURCES: Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox.
RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCAST Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?
Thanks for listening! Warmly, Leading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will
We are on our way already. | |||