Explore every episode of the podcast Grant Writing & Funding
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| [Marketing Series] You can turn your current nonprofit job into a freelance client | 09 oct. 2026 | 00:30:31 | |
Freelance Grant Writer Summit | Free, 2-Day Summit October 13th–14th Learn how to find better-fit clients, confidently price your services, and build consistent freelance income through live trainings, panels, and coaching. Save your free seat: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-summit 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 | |
Freelance Grant Writer Summit | Free, 2-Day Summit October 13th–14th Learn how to find better-fit clients, confidently price your services, and build consistent freelance income through live trainings, panels, and coaching. Save your free seat: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-summit 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 | |
Freelance Grant Writer Summit | Free, 2-Day Summit October 13th–14th Learn how to find better-fit clients, confidently price your services, and build consistent freelance income through live trainings, panels, and coaching. Save your free seat: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-summit 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 sept. 2026 | 00:28:26 | |
Freelance Grant Writer Summit | Free, 2-Day Summit October 13th–14th Learn how to find better-fit clients, confidently price your services, and build consistent freelance income through live trainings, panels, and coaching. Save your free seat: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-summit 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 sept. 2026 | 00:54:17 | |
Freelance Grant Writer Summit | Free, 2-Day Summit October 13th–14th Learn how to find better-fit clients, confidently price your services, and build consistent freelance income through live trainings, panels, and coaching. Save your free seat: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-summit 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
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?
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| I Know How to Write Grants. Why Can't I Get Enough Clients? | 15 sept. 2026 | 00:23:53 | |
Freelance Grant Writer Summit | Free, 2-Day Summit October 13th–14th Learn how to find better-fit clients, confidently price your services, and build consistent freelance income through live trainings, panels, and coaching. Save your free seat: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-summit 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 sept. 2026 | 00:22:52 | |
Freelance Grant Writer Summit | Free, 2-Day Summit October 13th–14th Learn how to find better-fit clients, confidently price your services, and build consistent freelance income through live trainings, panels, and coaching. Save your free seat: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-summit 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 sept. 2026 | 00:12:57 | |
Freelance Grant Writer Summit | Free, 2-Day Summit October 13th–14th Learn how to find better-fit clients, confidently price your services, and build consistent freelance income through live trainings, panels, and coaching. Save your free seat: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-summit 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 août 2026 | 00:19:57 | |
Freelance Grant Writer Summit | Free, 2-Day Summit October 13th–14th Learn how to find better-fit clients, confidently price your services, and build consistent freelance income through live trainings, panels, and coaching. Save your free seat: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-summit 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 août 2026 | 00:23:54 | |
Freelance Grant Writer Summit | Free, 2-Day Summit October 13th–14th Learn how to find better-fit clients, confidently price your services, and build consistent freelance income through live trainings, panels, and coaching. Save your free seat: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-summit 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 août 2026 | 00:16:25 | |
Freelance Grant Writer Summit | Free, 2-Day Summit October 13th–14th Learn how to find better-fit clients, confidently price your services, and build consistent freelance income through live trainings, panels, and coaching. Save your free seat: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-summit 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 août 2026 | 00:09:19 | |
Freelance Grant Writer Summit | Free, 2-Day Summit October 13th–14th Learn how to find better-fit clients, confidently price your services, and build consistent freelance income through live trainings, panels, and coaching. Save your free seat: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-summit 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 août 2026 | 00:12:10 | |
Freelance Grant Writer Summit | Free, 2-Day Summit October 13th–14th Learn how to find better-fit clients, confidently price your services, and build consistent freelance income through live trainings, panels, and coaching. Save your free seat: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-summit 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 août 2026 | 00:17:07 | |
Freelance Grant Writer Summit | Free, 2-Day Summit October 13th–14th Learn how to find better-fit clients, confidently price your services, and build consistent freelance income through live trainings, panels, and coaching. Save your free seat: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-summit 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.
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?
Thanks for listening!
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| 5 Myths That Keep Grant Professionals Stuck from Hiring a Part-Time Team | 04 août 2026 | 00:22:49 | |
Freelance Grant Writer Summit | Free, 2-Day Summit October 13th–14th Learn how to find better-fit clients, confidently price your services, and build consistent freelance income through live trainings, panels, and coaching. Save your free seat: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-summit 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 juil. 2026 | 00:10:55 | |
Freelance Grant Writer Summit | Free, 2-Day Summit October 13th–14th Learn how to find better-fit clients, confidently price your services, and build consistent freelance income through live trainings, panels, and coaching. Save your free seat: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-summit 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 juil. 2026 | 00:16:58 | |
Freelance Grant Writer Summit | Free, 2-Day Summit October 13th–14th Learn how to find better-fit clients, confidently price your services, and build consistent freelance income through live trainings, panels, and coaching. Save your free seat: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-summit 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 juil. 2026 | 00:24:41 | |
Freelance Grant Writer Summit | Free, 2-Day Summit October 13th–14th Learn how to find better-fit clients, confidently price your services, and build consistent freelance income through live trainings, panels, and coaching. Save your free seat: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-summit 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 juil. 2026 | 00:31:24 | |
Freelance Grant Writer Summit | Free, 2-Day Summit October 13th–14th Learn how to find better-fit clients, confidently price your services, and build consistent freelance income through live trainings, panels, and coaching. Save your free seat: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-summit 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 juin 2026 | 00:39:40 | |
Freelance Grant Writer Summit | Free, 2-Day Summit October 13th–14th Learn how to find better-fit clients, confidently price your services, and build consistent freelance income through live trainings, panels, and coaching. Save your free seat: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-summit 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 juin 2026 | 00:20:45 | |
Freelance Grant Writer Summit | Free, 2-Day Summit October 13th–14th Learn how to find better-fit clients, confidently price your services, and build consistent freelance income through live trainings, panels, and coaching. Save your free seat: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-summit
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 juin 2026 | 00:36:51 | |
Freelance Grant Writer Summit | Free, 2-Day Summit October 13th–14th Learn how to find better-fit clients, confidently price your services, and build consistent freelance income through live trainings, panels, and coaching. Save your free seat: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-summit 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 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 & Gr... | |||
| The 5 Reasons You Haven't Started a Grant Writing Business Yet (And Why None of Them Are Real) | 18 juin 2026 | 00:19:16 | |
Freelance Grant Writer Summit | Free, 2-Day Summit October 13th–14th Learn how to find better-fit clients, confidently price your services, and build consistent freelance income through live trainings, panels, and coaching. Save your free seat: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-summit 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 juin 2026 | 00:29:33 | |
Freelance Grant Writer Summit | Free, 2-Day Summit October 13th–14th Learn how to find better-fit clients, confidently price your services, and build consistent freelance income through live trainings, panels, and coaching. Save your free seat: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-summit 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 juin 2026 | 00:26:57 | |
Freelance Grant Writer Summit | Free, 2-Day Summit October 13th–14th Learn how to find better-fit clients, confidently price your services, and build consistent freelance income through live trainings, panels, and coaching. Save your free seat: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-summit 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/
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... | |||
| [Case Study] She Left Her $70K Job and Was Writing Grants for Free: Now She's Getting Paid | 08 juin 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 juin 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 juin 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 juin 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 juin 2026 | 00:26:51 | |
Freelance Grant Writer Summit | Free, 2-Day Summit October 13th–14th Learn how to find better-fit clients, confidently price your services, and build consistent freelance income through live trainings, panels, and coaching. Save your free seat: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-summit 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 mai 2026 | 00:15:35 | |
Freelance Grant Writer Summit | Free, 2-Day Summit October 13th–14th Learn how to find better-fit clients, confidently price your services, and build consistent freelance income through live trainings, panels, and coaching. Save your free seat: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-summit 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 mai 2026 | 00:27:11 | |
Freelance Grant Writer Summit | Free, 2-Day Summit October 13th–14th Learn how to find better-fit clients, confidently price your services, and build consistent freelance income through live trainings, panels, and coaching. Save your free seat: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-summit 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 mai 2026 | 00:26:54 | |
Freelance Grant Writer Summit | Free, 2-Day Summit October 13th–14th Learn how to find better-fit clients, confidently price your services, and build consistent freelance income through live trainings, panels, and coaching. Save your free seat: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-summit 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 mai 2026 | 00:26:53 | |
Freelance Grant Writer Summit | Free, 2-Day Summit October 13th–14th Learn how to find better-fit clients, confidently price your services, and build consistent freelance income through live trainings, panels, and coaching. Save your free seat: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-summit 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 avr. 2026 | 00:26:46 | |
Freelance Grant Writer Summit | Free, 2-Day Summit October 13th–14th Learn how to find better-fit clients, confidently price your services, and build consistent freelance income through live trainings, panels, and coaching. Save your free seat: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-summit 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 avr. 2026 | 00:29:38 | |
Freelance Grant Writer Summit | Free, 2-Day Summit October 13th–14th Learn how to find better-fit clients, confidently price your services, and build consistent freelance income through live trainings, panels, and coaching. Save your free seat: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-summit 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 avr. 2026 | 00:36:26 | |
Freelance Grant Writer Summit | Free, 2-Day Summit October 13th–14th Learn how to find better-fit clients, confidently price your services, and build consistent freelance income through live trainings, panels, and coaching. Save your free seat: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-summit 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,
| |||
| [Funded Series] Inside a $1.9M Month | 07 avr. 2026 | 00:15:56 | |
Freelance Grant Writer Summit | Free, 2-Day Summit October 13th–14th Learn how to find better-fit clients, confidently price your services, and build consistent freelance income through live trainings, panels, and coaching. Save your free seat: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-summit 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. | |||
| What Separates a $50K Grant Writer From a $150K Grant Business Owner | 31 mars 2026 | 00:14:29 | |
Freelance Grant Writer Summit | Free, 2-Day Summit October 13th–14th Learn how to find better-fit clients, confidently price your services, and build consistent freelance income through live trainings, panels, and coaching. Save your free seat: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-summit In this episode of the Grant Writing & Funding Podcast, Holly Rustick breaks down a key shift that separates grant writers earning around $50K per year from those building six-figure grant businesses.
The real difference lies in how their work is structured as a business.
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. | |||
| How Emma Went from Overwhelmed to Organized—and Finally Scaled Her Grant Writing Business | 27 mars 2026 | 00:24:26 | |
Freelance Grant Writer Summit | Free, 2-Day Summit October 13th–14th Learn how to find better-fit clients, confidently price your services, and build consistent freelance income through live trainings, panels, and coaching. Save your free seat: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-summit In this bonus episode of the Grant Writing & Funding podcast, Holly Rustick sits down with Emma Krass, Owner and Lead Grant Writer of Grants & Growth, to talk about what it really takes to move from freelancer to CEO. Emma shares her journey from working at a grant writing firm to building her own business—and the challenges she faced along the way. From underpricing services and taking on the wrong clients to feeling disorganized and overwhelmed, Emma opens up about what wasn’t working and how she turned it around.
ABOUT OUR GUEST After graduating with her Master's in Social Work, Emma began working as a freelance grant writer to leverage her writing and research skills, and knowledge of human rights frameworks to support non-profits activated around social justice through the arts and community organizing. In 2023, she founded grants & growth in order to dedicate more time to each individual client and focus intentionally on each non-profit's journey towards growth and stability. Emma has helped non-profits in the arts and culture and social change realm grow their budgets and find more time to focus on their communities' needs! Since 2021, Emma has raised over $5 million for non-profits with budgets under $750,000. Outside of grants & growth, Emma enjoys playing with her three cats, watching the NBA and WNBA, making films, and organizing against the war machine and for tenants rights in her community.
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. 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. | |||
| How Alex Built a Scalable Grant Writing Business and Took 2 Weeks Off Without Losing Income | 27 mars 2026 | 00:14:56 | |
Freelance Grant Writer Summit | Free, 2-Day Summit October 13th–14th Learn how to find better-fit clients, confidently price your services, and build consistent freelance income through live trainings, panels, and coaching. Save your free seat: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-summit What does it really take to move from freelancer to CEO—and finally take time off without your business falling apart? In this special mentorship spotlight episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Alexandra Cohen, founder of ANC Consult, to share her journey of building, refining, and scaling her grant writing business. Alexandra first joined one of Holly’s earliest programs back in 2022, then rejoined years later to grow and scale her business in a more sustainable way. Since then, she’s streamlined her services, shifted fully into nonprofit work, increased retainer clients, and—perhaps most importantly—built systems that allow her to step away from her business without everything stopping. If you're ready to grow beyond freelancing, create consistent income, and build a business that supports your life (not the other way around), this episode is for you. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
ABOUT OUR GUEST Alexandra helps nonprofits strengthen their fundraising, diversify revenue, and build the operational infrastructure needed for sustainable growth. She works with Executive Directors, development teams, and boards to clarify strategy, streamline systems, and create practical plans that translate ambitious goals into actionable, fundable plans. Known for blending data with storytelling, Alexandra supports nonprofits in developing competitive grant proposals and donor communications that clearly articulate need, impact, and outcomes. Her work helps organizations translate programs, evaluation data, and financial priorities into compelling narratives that resonate with institutional funders and individual donors alike -strengthening funding relationships and supporting long-term revenue growth. Before launching ANC Consult, Alexandra spent 15 years as a litigation attorney, developing skills in strategy, communication, and creative problem-solving that now inform her work with mission-driven organizations. She holds degrees from Johns Hopkins University (B.A.), Hofstra University School of Law (J.D.), and the Middlebury Institute of International Studies (MBA/MA in Social Enterprise & Finance and International Policy & Development).
Website: https://anc-consult.com 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. 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. | |||
| How to Scale Your Grant Writing Business Without Burning Out | 24 mars 2026 | 00:11:09 | |
Freelance Grant Writer Summit | Free, 2-Day Summit October 13th–14th Learn how to find better-fit clients, confidently price your services, and build consistent freelance income through live trainings, panels, and coaching. Save your free seat: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-summit Many successful grant writers eventually reach a moment where their business hits a ceiling, not because there isn’t demand, but because their business relies entirely on their personal capacity.
Holly shares how grant writers can scale beyond the freelancer model by implementing systems, hiring support, and developing diversified income streams that reduce pressure while increasing revenue potential. If your grant writing business has momentum but you're starting to feel stretched thin, this episode will help you understand the next stage of growth—and how to move toward it strategically. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE • Why many successful grant writers eventually hit a capacity ceiling KEY TOPICS DISCUSSED • The freelancer capacity trap 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: 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? 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: 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and | |||
| Scaling Smarter: How D Increased Income, Took Vacations, and Reclaimed Their Time | 20 mars 2026 | 00:19:29 | |
Freelance Grant Writer Summit | Free, 2-Day Summit October 13th–14th Learn how to find better-fit clients, confidently price your services, and build consistent freelance income through live trainings, panels, and coaching. Save your free seat: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-summit D Abshire of Aim for Funding shares how joining the Grant Professional Mentorship helped them move from burnout and 60–80 hour workweeks to a more sustainable, profitable grant writing business. In this conversation, D opens up about doubling her income with fewer clients, taking her first real vacation in years, and building the systems and boundaries that gave her both business growth and personal freedom. They also talks about the power of coaching, community, and having a proven framework to follow—especially when you know something needs to change but you are not sure how to change it. D’s story is a powerful reminder that success does not have to happen overnight to be life-changing.
D Abshire (they/them) is a lifelong learner, community volunteer, nonprofit board member, and Development professional who fell into writing grants during the COVID-19 global pandemic and then fell in love with the process and observable positive impact grant funding had upon community-based organizations. D has developed expertise in facilitating and implementing strategic steps to get small- to medium-sized nonprofits funded with their first community and foundational grants and has helped to grow all client bottom lines by three hundred to five hundred percent over the past three years. By utilizing skills developed through a career in technical corporate training and team building, D crafts a blend of Development approaches with organizational leadership to establish diverse revenue streams, enabling nonprofits to focus on what they do best. These organizations have gone from merely surviving to thriving, all utilizing a blend of funding types that fit their needs and the unique expression of their Missions. 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. 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. | |||
| How Marshan Built a Six-Figure Grant Writing Business Without Working All the Time | 20 mars 2026 | 00:27:55 | |
Freelance Grant Writer Summit | Free, 2-Day Summit October 13th–14th Learn how to find better-fit clients, confidently price your services, and build consistent freelance income through live trainings, panels, and coaching. Save your free seat: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-summit Marshan Marick shares how niching into public health grants, building stronger systems, and shifting her mindset helped her grow a sustainable six-figure grant writing business. In this episode, she talks about moving from doing everything manually to creating repeatable processes, defining growth on her own terms, and building a business that supports both her income goals and her family life.
ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Marshan Marick, is the founder of Health Integrated Solutions, a small business helping nonprofits reach their mission through strategic grant strategies and nonprofit consulting. She has been a grant writer for over 15 years, and has enjoyed supporting the work of a wide array of nonprofit organizations. Marshan specializes in health focused initiatives, and has been successful in helping organizations fund their programs and support their mission through government and philanthropic grants. Marshan is passionate about helping organizations make a difference in their communities, and works to equip organizations with the skills and tools needed to become successful and sustainable. Marshan also has extensive experience in nonprofit leadership, training, strategic planning, and community engagement. Marshan received her DrPH in Health Administration and Policy, with an emphasis in Public Health Leadership from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, and also teaches as an adjunct professor at Oklahoma State University. Her focus on public health has resulted in a successful career in academia, research, evaluation, and community engagement.
Website: www.hisconsulting.org 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. 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. | |||
| From Overwhelmed to Confident: How Christine Built a Scalable Grant Writing Business inside The Grant Professional Mentorship | 20 mars 2026 | 00:17:38 | |
Freelance Grant Writer Summit | Free, 2-Day Summit October 13th–14th Learn how to find better-fit clients, confidently price your services, and build consistent freelance income through live trainings, panels, and coaching. Save your free seat: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-summit What happens when you stop letting your business “just happen” to you—and start building it with intention? In this episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Christine Sakwitz, owner and primary consultant of Kingdom Come Consulting, to share her journey from feeling scattered and reactive in her grant writing business to building clarity, confidence, and consistent revenue. Christine opens up about how coaching, community, and systems inside the Grant Professional Mentorship transformed the way she shows up as a business owner. From landing $15K in a single month to confidently pricing her services and loving discovery calls, this conversation is packed with real talk and actionable insights for grant writers ready to level up. If you’ve ever felt stuck, undercharging, or unsure how to grow your business—this episode will show you what’s possible. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
ABOUT OUR GUEST
CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST Website: https://kingdomcomeconsulting.com 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. 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. | |||
| How Freelance Grant Writers Can Build Retirement Wealth (Even Starting From Zero) | 17 mars 2026 | 00:21:40 | |
Freelance Grant Writer Summit | Free, 2-Day Summit October 13th–14th Learn how to find better-fit clients, confidently price your services, and build consistent freelance income through live trainings, panels, and coaching. Save your free seat: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-summit In this episode, Holly Rustick discusses why freelance grant writing is one of the most powerful and recession-resistant skill sets nonprofit professionals can develop. She explains how building a stable freelance grant writing business allows you to take control of your financial future instead of relying on a single employer for retirement.
If you’ve ever wondered how freelance grant writing can lead to financial freedom and long-term security, this episode will show you how to start building toward that future today. 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, and 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
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.” 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,
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| The Systems That Helped Amy Krigsman Double Her Grant Writing Business | 15 mars 2026 | 00:17:07 | |
Freelance Grant Writer Summit | Free, 2-Day Summit October 13th–14th Learn how to find better-fit clients, confidently price your services, and build consistent freelance income through live trainings, panels, and coaching. Save your free seat: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-summit Amy Krigsman shares how she doubled her revenue in 2025, reached her first six-figure year, and began scaling ARK Nonprofit Consulting with the support of the Grant Professional Mentorship. In this case study episode, she talks candidly about moving through the messy middle of business growth, reinvesting in targeted support, building a trusted team, and creating more space in her business by hiring subcontractors and a business development manager. Amy also reflects on why she wishes she had joined mentorship sooner and how one-on-one coaching, peer support, and better business systems helped her grow with more confidence and less stress.
Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/ 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 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already. | |||
| How Nekaysha Built a Grant Membership for Small Businesses Inside the Mentorship | 15 mars 2026 | 00:24:30 | |
Freelance Grant Writer Summit | Free, 2-Day Summit October 13th–14th Learn how to find better-fit clients, confidently price your services, and build consistent freelance income through live trainings, panels, and coaching. Save your free seat: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-summit In this episode, Holly Rustick talks with Nekaycha Cavil, Founder and Lead Consultant of Connected Haven, about how she refined her consulting business and created a scalable offer inside the Grant Professional Mentorship. Nekaycha shares how she moved from being a broad generalist to gaining clarity in her services and positioning. With the mentorship support, she transformed a growing database of grant opportunities into a structured membership designed to help small businesses access funding opportunities and understand how grants actually work. She also discusses the mindset shifts required to move from survival mode to building a thriving consulting business, why execution matters more than perfection, and how investing in mentorship can accelerate growth and confidence. Nekaycha also shares her perspective on the importance of inclusive business communities where entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds feel supported, understood, and empowered to grow. If you’re a grant professional or consultant looking to scale your services, refine your positioning, or create new revenue streams beyond traditional grant writing, this episode offers practical insights and inspiration. ABOUT OUR GUEST Nekaycha Cavil is the Founder and Lead Consultant of Connected Haven, a circular systems consulting firm focused on governance, policy, funding strategy, and racial equity. Her work supports entrepreneurs, organizations, and communities by helping them navigate complex systems related to funding, economic development, and policy. Through her consulting and educational resources, Nekaycha helps small businesses understand grant opportunities, funding structures, and strategic positioning so they can access capital without relying solely on loans. CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST LinkedIn: Nekaycha Cavil
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? 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.
We are on our way already. | |||
| How Sara Fixed Her Pricing After 20 Years in Grant Writing | 15 mars 2026 | 00:15:08 | |
Freelance Grant Writer Summit | Free, 2-Day Summit October 13th–14th Learn how to find better-fit clients, confidently price your services, and build consistent freelance income through live trainings, panels, and coaching. Save your free seat: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-summit Sara Cohen shares what it looks like to level up a grant writing business after 10 years of experience. In this conversation, she opens up about leaving nonprofit dysfunction behind, building a business through word of mouth, and reaching a point where she knew it was time to refine her systems, pricing, and boundaries. Sara talks candidly about a major mindset shift she experienced inside the Grant Professional Mentorship: moving away from hourly-based retainers and toward a more sustainable consultant model built on deliverables and clear boundaries. She also shares how tools like SOPs and the Master Grant Application are helping her create more structure, streamline her workflow, and prepare for future growth. If you’re an experienced grant professional who knows how to do the work but wants to run a stronger, more scalable business, this episode is full of insight and encouragement. ABOUT OUR GUEST 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. CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST 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! “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. | |||
| Fielding Lost $100K in One Week: How This Federal Grant Writer Rebuilt Her Business for 2026 | 10 mars 2026 | 00:21:11 | |
Freelance Grant Writer Summit | Free, 2-Day Summit October 13th–14th Learn how to find better-fit clients, confidently price your services, and build consistent freelance income through live trainings, panels, and coaching. Save your free seat: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-summit Fielding Lost $100K in One Week: How This Federal Grant Writer Rebuilt Her Business for 2026 In this powerful mentorship case study, Holly sits down with Fielding Jezreel, CEO of Jezreel Consulting and founder of the Federal Grants Accelerator, to unpack what changed when she decided to stop operating like a contractor and start thinking like a business owner. After nearly a decade in business, and seven years before joining the Grant Professional Mentorship, Fielding had already navigated the messy middle. She was referral-based, fully booked, and successful on paper. But she knew something needed to shift. From doubling her revenue in year one… Fielding shares how pricing strategy, systems, accountability, and a growth-minded community helped her not just survive disruption — but build something even stronger.
After years of operating without even a website, Fielding launched an in-person federal grants training that later evolved into the Federal Grants Accelerator — an online curriculum and community designed to help grant professionals confidently navigate federal funding. She is known for her thought leadership in the federal grants space, her candid conversations about money and business ownership, and her active presence on LinkedIn where she engages in meaningful discussions about the nonprofit and funding landscape.
LinkedIn: Connect with Fielding Jezreel https://www.linkedin.com/in/fieldingjezreel/ Federal Grants Accelerator: https://www.federalgrantsaccelerator.com In This Episode, We Discuss:
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. 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 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already. | |||