Grant Writing & Funding

 If you are a freelance grant writer , then you probably get asked by potential clients what your grant writing success rate is; i.e.: “What is your grant writing success rate?” While I completely understand this question, it isn’t the clearest level of success for a grant writer . Sure, there is validation of having grants awarded. I definitely recommend boasting about your secured grants so pote...

"How can I get paid as a grant writer?" A question that's on everyone's mind, but how do you approach it? A nonprofit might not have the budget to pay your for your work, or maybe you think you can be paid in a commission. In this podcast, Holly discusses the best ways a nonprofit can pay you as a grant writer. To share your thoughts: Send Holly an email at holly@grantwritingandfunding.com To help...

In this episode, Holly Rustick takes you behind the scenes of a live coaching call with founding member Meg Tyquiengco of Energetic Presence, offering a real look into the kind of support available inside the Grant Writing & Funding Membership.  During this 30-minute one-on-one session, Meg brings forward key challenges many nonprofits face, including how to transition from a working board of...

Sarah Olivieri, founder of PivotGround and creator of The Impact Method, joins us to share how nonprofits can build stronger, more effective organizations through strategic frameworks and intentional planning. We dive into The Impact Method, how to develop a clear blueprint for your organization, and the key elements of a successful blueprint checklist.  Sarah also breaks down practical approaches...

What would happen if you handed a newly elected board member your nonprofit bylaws — and they instantly understood their role, responsibilities, and expectations? In this episode, Holly breaks down the essential components every nonprofit should include in its bylaws to create clarity, accountability, and strong governance. Your bylaws are more than just a legal requirement — they are the operatin...

Developing your Articles of Incorporation is a critical next step in officially establishing your nonprofit organization. Once you’ve decided to move forward with forming a nonprofit, filing your Articles of Incorporation with your state is required—and while each state has its own process, the purpose remains the same. In this episode, we walk through what Articles of Incorporation are, why they...

Have you identified your values, and developed a concise and well communicated mission and visions statement for your nonprofit or freelance grant writing company? Your mission statement is what you do today, and your vision statement is what you will be doing tomorrow. These elements are crucial, as they guide your organization to success. ABOUT HOLLY RUSTICK Grant Writing & Funding (GWF) has...

Don’t make a desperate plea just to fill seats on your board of directors. The people you bring onto your board should be intentional, aligned, and truly invested in your mission. Your board members don’t just show up to meetings—they represent your organization everywhere they go. In this episode, Holly talks about the importance of being strategic when building your board. She shares why rushing...

If you’re starting a nonprofit—or thinking about it—there’s one critical step you can’t afford to skip: obtaining your 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. In this episode, we break down why this designation is so important and how it directly impacts your ability to secure funding. Most foundations and federal grant programs require nonprofits to have 501(c)(3) status before they will even consider award...

So you have an idea for a new nonprofit, now what? In order to get your organization together it's a good idea to first conduct some market research. Find out where your new nonprofit will stand among the other organizations in your area. This will help strengthen your stakeholder relationships and discover if your nonprofit will be filling a gap in your community. ✨✨ Visit www.grantwritingandfu...

Thinking about starting a 501(c)(3) nonprofit—but not sure where to begin? In this episode, Holly Rustick interviews business lawyer Vanessa L. Williams to break down the legal essentials of forming a tax-exempt nonprofit organization. Vanessa shares common mistakes and challenges she sees nonprofits face early on, along with practical guidance on the key documents and steps required to properly e...

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) can strengthen your grant application in the eyes of a funding source. It demonstrates a strong, committed partnership to ensure the project can and will happen as it is laid out in the proposal. This commitment gives security to all the partners involved as well.  Plus, MOUs are frequently REQUIRED when submitting grant applications and can be scored! Have a te...

In this solo episode, Holly Rustick shares practical tips on how to develop a strong letter of commitment that strengthens your grant proposals and builds funder confidence. She explains how a well-crafted letter can demonstrate meaningful collaboration, highlight partner alignment, and showcase the depth of support behind your project.  Holly also walks through what funders are really looking for...

The dreaded Letter of Support. This is the one that you forgot to get and then go to upload the grant application you’ve been working on for weeks and realize you forgot to get your partners to endorse your project. Ugh. Yeah, this is one of the first things that I have my clients to gather as getting letters of support from partners can take TIME. If they are out of town or just busy (as most are...

Yes, it’s true, you need to ask some funding sources on a date before you actually go on a date. That’s what a Letter of Intent is all about. In order to get a date - you need to ASK for a date! Find out the tips on how to write a Letter of Intent! Also, check out the YouTube video and all the awesome sauce on our website for funding and grant writing! Favor, please? If you love this podcast, woul...

Hi Changemakers, A Letter of Inquiry is a gateway to funding. This Letter of Inquiry, not to be confused with Letter of Intent, can be the difference between a foundation accepting a full application from your nonprofit or shutting you down. These are 10 steps to Write a Successful Letter of Inquiry that will secure your Invitation to Apply for a Grant #1 Alignment You will normally find requests...

Hi Changemakers, In early December I finished facilitating a 10-week Strategic Planning Group. Those nonprofits are definitely set up and ahead of the curve in 2019! In any case, even if you haven’t sat down and did your planning yet, or even if you have, you are going to want to listen to this episode. This is a snapshot of one of the modules from the Strategic Planning Course. It is one that the...

This word should guide you and keep you focused so you don’t get busy chasing the shiny pennies, trapped in projects that don’t meet your mission, or say yes (or no!) to partners that aren’t aligned with your vision. 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 e...

Check out the simple 10-Step Check to Write Winning Grants. Be sure to check all the guidelines, determine eligibility, prepare, take the steps to create a strong proposal. Then be sure to review and submit. Happy 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 rea...

This secret formula can unlock millions of dollars from the ether that are awaiting to be given to your nonprofit. It can increase partnerships and relationships at an exponential level. It can increase prosperity for your staff so that they are no longer glorified volunteers. Favor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast liste...

This week’s podcast is focused on a wonderful question that we receive quite frequently. Thank you to Susan Silverman, President of the Women’s Tax Resolution Center, Inc. for asking, “My challenge is we are a very small and new nonprofit and don’t have enough of a track record for grants, etc. Do you have any thoughts on how we could get that first grant?” Tune in to learn six ways your organizat...

This week, we have so much to be thankful for! Tune in as I share 7 tips to help you increase your fundraising success around Thanksgiving. These ideas are designed to be fun, meaningful, and impactful—not only during the Thanksgiving season but for other holidays throughout the year as well. If you’re looking to deepen donor relationships, increase engagement, and bring more heart into your fundr...

As we are quickly approaching the holiday season we will be focusing on tips to help you with your organization's end of the year giving. Check out these 6 ways you can stand out on #GivingTuesday! 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! If you...

In-kind resources are one of the most overlooked—but incredibly valuable—assets your nonprofit can leverage. These are the goods, services, and people who help offset the costs of running your organization. In other words, they are budget-relieving resources that can significantly expand your capacity without increasing your expenses. But here’s the key: their value shouldn’t just be appreciated—i...

What does it mean to truly be fearless in following your passion? In this episode, we explore that question through the inspiring work of Niñas Sin Miedo (Fearless Girls), an international nonprofit dedicated to empowering young girls. Dylan Mehri joins us to share the mission behind Niñas Sin Miedo and his experience fundraising for an organization working across borders. We dive into the unique...