Grant Writing & Funding

Brian Meagher joins us to share his insights from over a decade of experience in fundraising, during which he has helped raise millions of dollars for small nonprofits. He breaks down what clients really expect from grant writers, how to find and retain clients for your grant writing business, and how to build strong, lasting relationships in the sector.  We also explore strategies for writing suc...

Kim Collier has secured over $35 million in government and foundation funding for nonprofits over the past 20 years—and in this episode, she brings both experience and real talk to the conversation. We dive into what it actually looks like to build a sustainable and profitable grant writing career, starting with a topic many grant writers know all too well: being underpaid. Kim shares the real imp...

This episode, Rachel Waterman explains the results of the grant writer’s pricing survey report, how the report has changed from last year, and the biggest trends currently affecting grant writers. Rachel is the CEO and Founder of GDS Grants and has over 25 years of community development and grant writing experience. In this episode, Rachel explains how grant writers price their services, the diffe...

Rhea Wong joins us to share how nonprofit leaders can build strong individual major gift programs to increase fundraising success. She breaks down why donor retention rates are often so low, the core principles behind creating a meaningful donor experience, and how consultants can strategically choose the right projects.  We also explore practical strategies for staying calm and focused, what it t...

Marie Palacios is the Lead Consultant for Funding for Good, an expert facilitator, and is certified by The Institute of Cultural Affairs in the USA in evidence-based facilitation practices. In this episode, Marie explains what to include in a grant proposal’s strategic planning document, who should be involved with the strategic planning process, and how to fund the strategic planning process. She...

Stephanie Skryzowski joins us to break down how nonprofits can better understand, manage, and communicate their financials to drive stronger funding outcomes. As a nonprofit CFO, she shares what data organizations should be tracking, how to effectively manage and interpret budgets, and how to navigate the complexities of grant budgets. We also explore how grant writers can choose the right clients...

Gina Knox is a financial and wealth coach for entrepreneurs with variable income who teaches them how to build their business savings. In this episode, Gina explains the issues with a budgeting based approach, the different banking strategies that can increase your capital, and how much you should pay yourself from your grant writing business. She also talks about how to approach debt in your busi...

This episode, Philip Deng explains how to use AI to streamline the grant writing process, what to do if you get a bad output from an AI model, and how to improve the responses you get from AI models. Philip Deng is the Co-founder and CEO of Grantable, a world-class grant writing assistant powered by AI. In this episode, Philip explains the difference between using ChatGPT and Grantable, how to kee...

Have you ever thought about transitioning from working inside a nonprofit to becoming a freelance grant writer? Or wondered what it really looks like to build a flexible, work-from-home business—especially as a parent? In this episode, Holly Rustick dives into the realities of freelance grant writing and the opportunities it creates for both freedom and financial growth. We explore the differences...

Payton Murphy is a grants professional with experience in grant writing, research, management, and budget development. Payton explains how to articulate the value of your grant writing services, the benefits of looking at your job as if they are a client, and the sales strategies grant writers can use with nonprofits. She also talks about the business fundamentals behind grant writing, how to set...

This episode, Grace Pankin explains her experience in the grant writing academy, how she created a part-time income while raising young children, and the challenges involved with starting a new grant writing business. Grace Pankin has been writing grants for Southern Nevada nonprofits for over 5 years, and within the last three of those years, she’s helped to raise over 5 million dollars. Grace ex...

In this episode, Holly breaks down the essential skills grant writers need to transition into successful business owners. She shares how to strategically design your service offerings, why nonprofits invest in having their team members join The Freelance Grant Writer Academy, and what business acumen skills are critical for long-term success. Holly also dives into the value of using a master grant...

Kari is a Philadelphia-based grant writer specializing in small and start-up nonprofits, who has worked in the non-profit field for over a decade. Kari explains the business side of being a grant writing consultant, how to be properly valued as a grant writer, and how to effectively price your grant writing services. They also talk about the different deliverables grant writers should offer, the b...

In this solo episode, Holly Rustick breaks down the importance of clearly defining your grant writing services and pricing so you can confidently position yourself in the market. She shares how to follow an ethical sales system, set the right expectations when working with nonprofits, and effectively present a business plan that aligns with their funding goals.  Holly also explains why freelance g...

What if the missing piece in your grant writing business isn’t your skill—but your systems? In this episode, Academy student Mapi Garcia shares how she transformed her freelance grant writing business after two and a half years of inconsistent clients and revenue. After joining the Freelance Grant Writer Academy, everything shifted. Within just four months, Mapi generated $62,775 in her business a...

This episode, Isatou Bittaye-Jobe is a Grant Consultant specializing in gender justice, youth development, and human rights. Isatou explains why having a specific niche is so important, how to increase the conversion rate of your sales calls, and what you need to transition from employee to business owner. She also talks about how The Freelance Grant Writer Academy can support grant writers, the b...

This episode, Olive Idehen explains the mindset you need as a business owner, how to identify your ideal clients, and the different strategies she’s used to grow her business. Olive Idehen is the founder and owner of Callive, LLC an independent organizational development consulting firm for small and medium sized social change and nonprofit organizations. Olive explains how to decide which nonprof...

This episode, Gwen Valentino explains how the freelance grant writing academy has helped her business, the value she gets from unlimited grant reviews, and why having a community of grant writers is so impactful. Gwen Valentino is a grant administrator at NM Grant Writers, where she empowers local governments and nonprofit organizations by unlocking the full potential of grant funding. Gwen explai...

If you’ve ever wondered how long it takes to get a return on your investment in your grant writing business—this episode is for you. In this episode, we take a closer look at what it really means to invest in your growth as a freelance grant writer, especially inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy. We talk about realistic timelines for seeing a return on your investment and how that’s directly...

Doors to the Freelance Grant Writer Academy are Now Open Until Sunday, May 12th at 11:59 pm EST. The Freelance Grant Writer Academy is a 12-Month group coaching program for new and experienced grant writers to get everything you need to replace your full-time income by working flexible hours while writing high-quality grants quickly. Our students have earned more than $60Million+ in grant funding,...

This episode, Holly Rustick explains how the freelance grant writer academy can help your nonprofit, why they’ll pay for you to go to the academy, and the amount they’ll save in grant reviews. Holly Rustick is a world-renowned grant writing expert and Amazon bestselling author who has been coaching grant writers on how to run successful 5-6 figure businesses since 2017. Holly explains the differen...

Have you ever wondered what it really looks like to be a freelance grant writer—full-time versus part-time? In this episode, we break down the key differences between the two and how each path can offer flexibility, freedom, and income potential depending on your goals.  Grant writing is one of those unique skillsets that allows you to design your schedule and create a business that fits your life...

In this episode, Holly Rustick breaks down the mindset shift needed to successfully transition into freelance grant writing. She shares why you should view your 9–5 job as your first “anchor client” and how to strategically reposition yourself from employee to contractor without burning bridges. Holly also walks through practical ways to strengthen your relationship with your nonprofit, reposition...

Do you really need a grant writing certification to be successful? It’s one of the most common questions aspiring and even experienced grant writers ask—and the answer might surprise you. In this episode, Holly breaks down what a grant writing certification is, when it can be helpful, and why it’s not always necessary to build a successful career. We explore the benefits of certifications, includi...

This episode, Holly Rustick explains how freelance grant writers can get nonprofit clients, improve their grant writing skills, and get feedback on the grants they’ve written. Holly Rustick is a world-renowned grant writing expert and Amazon bestselling author who has been coaching grant writers on how to run successful 5-6 figure businesses since 2017.  Holly talks about the ways to write a grant...