Grant Writing & Funding

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. Wh...

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 person...

In this episode, Holly Rustick discusses why freelance grant writing is one of the most powerful and recession-resistant skill sets nonprofit professionals can develop. She explains how building a stable freelance grant writing business allows you to take control of your financial future instead of relying on a single employer for retirement. Holly walks through the common financial challenges non...

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 Gra...

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...

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 hiri...

Fielding Lost $100K in One Week: How This Federal Grant Writer Rebuilt Her Business for 2026 What does it look like to move from fully booked grant writer… to true CEO? In this powerful mentorship case study, Holly sits down with Fielding Jezreel , CEO of Jezreel Consulting and founder of the Federal Grants Accelerator, to unpack what changed when she decided to stop operating like a contractor an...

Securing over $23 million in grant funding in just 24 months is no small feat, and today’s guest has done exactly that. In this episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Gwen Valentino , a New Mexico-based grant strategist who specializes in navigating complex federal and state funding streams. From DOT to LWCF to Healthy Food Financing Initiative awards, Gwen shares what it really takes to manage hig...

What happens when you stop thinking like a technician and start thinking like a CEO? In this powerful case study interview, Holly sits down with mentorship student Guy A. Holley to unpack the mindset, systems, and strategic shifts that helped him break through his long-standing revenue ceiling and surpass his first $100K year by an additional $15K–$20K. Guy shares how moving from ad-hoc grant proj...

In this episode, Holly Rustick breaks down the evolving landscape of grant writing in 2026 , sharing powerful insights from January’s funding data and what it signals for the nonprofit sector and freelance grant writers. With $6 million in grants secured in January alone — 84% from family foundations — Holly unpacks what this means for funding trends, strategic positioning, and revenue growth oppo...

Nonprofits exist to do good in the world—but what happens when the people doing that work are burned out, overwhelmed, and working inside unhealthy cultures? In today’s episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Marcia Beckner, nonprofit founder and culture transformation strategist, to talk about one of the most overlooked drivers of impact: organizational culture. After founding My Lifeline Cancer Fo...

When Nonprofits Should Consider Both Grant Writing & Individual Donor Giving Campaigns In this conversation, Holly Rustick interviews Alex Cohen, CEO of ANC Consult, about her journey from law to nonprofit consulting, the challenges faced in the nonprofit sector in 2026, and the importance of adapting services to meet the evolving needs of nonprofits.  Alex discusses her expansion from grant w...

Is Grant Writing Worth It? My Honest Answer Is grant writing actually worth it? In this episode, Holly Rustick is breaking down the honest truth about what grant writing really is, who it’s for, and whether it can realistically turn into a paid skill or career. If you’re new to grant writing, thinking about freelancing, or wondering if this path makes sense for you, this episode will help you unde...

December 2025 shows what happens when grant writers stop scrambling and start operating with systems. December results: $5.01M in grant funding secured 45 grants awarded Median grant around $25K $422,000+ earned in grant writing businesses What got funded: General operating support, state and local funding, and capital/development grants: awarded to prepared organizations with clear narratives and...

Join Holly Rustick as she shares insider secrets from her decade of experience as a federal grant reviewer. Discover why even well-thought-out grant proposals can get rejected and learn strategies to ensure your proposals rise to the top. Holly discusses the importance of clarity, credibility, and alignment between your narrative and budget. Plus, find out about the resources available through the...

In this engaging interview, Holly Rustick talks with Theresa Fowler about her extensive experience in grant writing and consulting. Theresa shares her journey from working full-time in California to becoming a consultant in Texas, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and family commitments.  They discuss the benefits of the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, including templates and coaching call...

In this conversation, Dr. Melvin Musick shares his journey from a traditional consultancy to a thriving grant writing business, emphasizing the importance of discipline, relationships, and creative thinking. He discusses how joining the Academy transformed his approach to grant writing and consultancy, leading to significant financial success and personal growth. Dr. Musick highlights the value of...

Why “Stable” Jobs Don’t Feel Safe Anymore In uncertain times, many “stable” jobs don’t feel so stable anymore. In this episode, Holly Rustick, CEO of the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, unpacks the illusion of fixed income and why relying on a single employer, whether in nonprofits, government, or corporate roles, can create a false sense of security. As costs rise and economic conditions shift, s...

Grant funding doesn’t happen in a vacuum. In this episode, Holly Rustick sits down with Jeff Schreifels of Veritus Group to unpack why relationships—not just strong proposals—drive funding decisions, donor loyalty, and long-term financial resilience. A must-listen for grant writers navigating today’s shifting funding landscape. ABOUT OUR GUEST With over 30 years in the nonprofit sector, Jeff is a...

Funded: $3.4 Million in Grants + $525K+ Earned | November 2025 In this episode of Funded , we break down what actually happened in grant writing in November 2025 using real data from grant writers inside our programs. Here’s what you’ll learn: How much grant funding was secured in one month How much freelance grant writers earned in their businesses What types of grants were awarded (foundation, s...

In this episode, Holly breaks down the top 11 trends freelance grant writers must lean into in 2026. From funder relationships and AI tools to flexibility, movement-centered grant writing, trigger words, diversified funding, and stepping into thought leadership — this is your roadmap for staying ahead in the rapidly shifting grant writing world. You’ll learn: Why funder relationships matter more t...

In this episode, Holly Rustick from Grant Writing and Funding interviews Fielding Jezreel, CEO of Jezreel Consulting, about the evolving landscape of federal grants. They discuss the challenges and strategies for nonprofits in adapting to new federal grant requirements, the importance of preparation, and the role of DEI in grant writing. Fielding shares insights on how organizations can position t...

In this episode of the Grant Writing and Funding Podcast, host Holly Rustic shares an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at a recent team retreat in Madrid, Spain, that cost $20,000. Holly discusses the strategic decisions, deep work, and innovative approaches taken during the retreat, which have already shifted the trajectory of their grant writing and funding movement. Learn about the intense plan...

In this new subseries 'Funded.' Learn about the massive movement to secure $1 billion in grants and $30 million for grant writing businesses by 2030. Holly shares success stories, real data, and insights into what's working in grant writing and funding today. Discover practical tips, how to navigate economic and political shifts, and the innovative strategies of their signature programs. Plus, hea...

Welcome to the Grant Writing & Funding Podcast! In this episode, host Holly Rustick sits down with Clare Bresnahan English , Senior Director of the Workplace Innovation Now (WIN) Challenge at the Aspen Institute , to break down a massive $60 million grant opportunity for U.S. nonprofits. Tune in today to listen to this podcast. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE WIN CHALLENGE GRANT Total Grant Mo...